Last Minute Alternative Christmas Day Ideas

Lindsey
By Lindsey Last edited 171 months ago
Last Minute Alternative Christmas Day Ideas

serpentinelido2312.jpg If you still haven't made plans for Christmas Day we've a few last minute suggestions for you.

Join the Serpentine swim: as we saw the other day, there's nowt as refreshing as a mid-winter dip. The Peter Pan Christmas Race has been held at the Serpentine Lido since 1864. You won't be allowed to swim unless you're a member but we can vouch for spectating being excellent fun and will mean a brisk walk through wonderful Hyde Park early in the morning. The race starts prompt at 9am so if you're planning to go, get up early - there isn't any public transport all day!

Cycle Southwark: Keeping in the outdoor sport vibe, Southwark Cyclists are running a slow and sociable ride round deserted Christmas London. Meet 10am at Cutty Sark Gardens or 11am at Southwark Needle. It's brilliantly laid back: it's free, no need to book, just show up. Linger for a late lunch up Edgware Road after and hang about for the evening's Critical Mass ride from 6.30pm.

Test your credulity: Ripley's Believe It Or Not is open on Christmas Day between 10am-8pm. For the skinny, read our interview with the Odditorium founder. They've also got a hot tip for Christmas dinner - believe it or not: the Turducken.

Walk in Pepys & Dickens' footsteps: London Walks are running 2 tours. "Christmas Morning, 1660 - Samuel Pepys's London" goes at 11 am followed by "The Christmas Day Charles Dickens's London" Walk at 2 pm. Meet at the big Christmas Tree in Trafalgar Square. £7/under 15s free, no need to book.

Whatever you do, Christmas Day in London is pretty special. We also recommend photographing the unpeopled city, visiting your local park for a stroll and saying hello to strangers. Enjoy.

Last Updated 24 December 2009