In this article, you'll learn the following:
And just like that…2026 is in sight! We may still be in the peak of the festivities, but now’s a good time to make plans for the new year.
For many, January is a time for rest and replenishment but it’s also a great time to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the South West’s nature hotspots, or to take a weekend trip to London to enjoy a quieter and less crowded capital.
We’ve rounded up some great ideas to keep the January blues at bay. Read on to learn more!
Don't forget to check out SWR Rewards for money-saving offers on your January days out.
Watch London’s New Years’ Day Parade
1 January
London's West End hosts one of the most colourful celebrations the capital has to offer in its New Year's Day Parade, one of the best ways to celebrate New Year's in London. Over 8,000 performers from London boroughs and countries across the globe will take to the streets and fill them with amazing sights and sounds.
You'll see classic car parades, gigantic balloons, marching bands, dragon and lion dances, and much more.
Exeter Festival of Beer
15-17 January
Exeter & East Devon CAMRA host the Exeter Festival of Beer at the Exeter Corn Exchange. Sample a wide selection of no less than 64 cask ales, plus premium bottled beers, cider and wine, along with tutored beer tasting with internationally acclaimed experts.
When you’ve finished, check out the UK’s best independent breweries and the South West’s best vineyards.
Take part in Veganuary
Discover how delicious vegan food can be by checking out our  top-pick vegan eats in the South West  and London. Also take a look at our guide to the best street food markets in London and the South West - which all have delicious vegan options - including Borough and Camden markets, Boxpark and more.
Head to London Short Film Festival
23 January - 1 February
Be moved by short stories captured on screen at London Short Film Festival (LSFF). Between 23 January - 1 February 2026 the LSFF hosts short films, live events, Q&As, workshops and multidisciplinary curation. 
It’s spread across various London venues including the Design Museum, Phoenix Cinema, and Rio Cinema.
Catch a train to London Waterloo where you’ll find connections to your destinations.
Toast to Burns Night in London
25 January
Mark the birthday of Scottish poet Robert Burns on 25 January. Head to the likes of London Ceilidh Club, where there'll be 3 hours of dancing, haggis, and piping. Or, opt for Browns in Covent Garden to enjoy Scottish delights, the Wolseley for a Scottish feast and cocktails, or dinner and a show at Boisdale Canary Wharf.
Do some wholesome activities
There’s no better time to do some wholesome activities to zen you out and lift your mood after the holiday period. Try these out…
Book some classes
Fill your calendar with some wholesome classes to boost your skills and lift your mood. Nothing screams wellness like these…
Cookery classes: Towns and cities across our region offer some great cooking classes. If you’re in the capital, London Cookery School has affordable expert-led classes in both dim sum and sushi. For more variety, you could opt for the Jamie Oliver cookery school  or  The Dusty Knuckle for baking. Outside of London some options include Flavours School of Cookery in Bournemouth, Season Cookery School in Winchester and Lemon and Soul in Southampton.
Movement classes: January’s a great time for taking care of your mind, body and soul. You could try classes like yoga and pilates to help release endorphins while building strength. There are heaps of studios across the region including  More Yoga  and  Frame studios which are spread across various London Boroughs. Outside of the city, you can try the Yoga Lounge in Bournemouth,  Pilates on the Avenue in Southampton, and New Energy Yoga in Winchester.
Find health and wellness deals on SWR Rewards.
Make the most of free London and the South West
If you’re on a budget, there are heaps of fun-filled activities you can try without breaking the bank. We’ve got a series of guides to help you fill your calendars. Our free things to do in London guide details top spots to visit like Sky Garden and Columbia Road Flower Market.
Get into nature and visit the region’s best parks and gardens including Hyde Park, New Forest National Park, and Chelsea Physic Garden. Get active for free - cycle along the South West’s most beautiful routes, and see our guide to the best outdoor activities to boost your mood for more inspiration.
Indoor action
Head to an escape room
If you’re looking for a fun indoor activity, escape rooms are great fun to enjoy with family and friends. Escape rooms typically involve solving a series of puzzles within a certain amount of time to accomplish a goal - usually to find a key to unlock the room you’re in.
There are plenty of escape rooms in London to choose from - including family-friendly ones. Check out our guide to get the details.
Go to the theatre
London’s West End is home to some of the best theatre shows in the world, and the 2026 programme is sure to inspire you. From award-winning musicals to dramatisations of literary classics and family-friendly favourites, there’s something everyone can enjoy - from Mamma Mia!, Back to the Future, Phantom of the Opera, and much more.
It’s easy to get to London’s West End theatres when travelling on our network plus we have exclusive theatre SWR Rewards offers for our customers.
Now you’ve done your festive shopping for everyone else, treat yourself and fill out your 2026 wardrobe in the January sales! Head to London’s shopping hotspots including Oxford Street, Battersea Power Station and Westfield.
If you don’t fancy facing the busyness of the city, there are an abundance of shopping centres you can visit across the South West including Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth, Westquay Shopping Centre in Southampton and much more. See our guide.
If you are starting the year off with a more sustainable aim then consider pre-loved fashion. Check out our guide to The Best Second hand markets in the South West.
Plan your travel with South Western Railway
Ready to plan your next solo trip? Find cheap train tickets to get the best price on your journey. Our advance tickets are a great option for longer breaks, while Sunday Out and Semi-Flex Return tickets are perfect for solo day trips, giving you extra flexibility.
While you’re here, sign up to our newsletter for monthly travel inspiration, exclusive offers, competitions and more.
.png?w=20&h=20&hash=3B732D2B9B03729DC7E55489BCCE3C59)
.png?w=20&h=20&hash=F30E372235F20F59CCF1EBCF7A77FAEA)
.png?w=20&h=20&hash=C3087DBE7E0B4B98535F78245786B959)
.png?w=20&h=20&hash=C3C8A0B96B7D8B62564734CE8DF0B0B8)
.png?w=20&h=20&hash=A90EF0B806BF871440AFD90390114A34)
.png?w=20&h=20&hash=6579468D79244EA2FEFA4F380673A153)
.png?w=20&h=20&hash=95C7078AC31A4E274539941C2DBF9A0A)
.png?w=20&h=20&hash=724F94F37B30688C93EE3E52826515FA)
