Have a read
Catch up on some of our 2018 highlights:
- The secret Moroccan garden, tucked away behind a London chocolate shop.
- See the tube map, created in Minecraft.
- How to go plastic-free (or at least use less of it) in London.
- Could London's public transport ever be free?
- Inside the factory that makes chocolate digestives.
Things to do
WALKS AND CYCLE RIDES: This week is practically one long weekend anyway, so grab your walking boots and head out on one of our weekend walk routes. See a part of London you haven't visited before, and best of all, it's free — unless you stop in a pub for a pint or two. If you got a new pair of wheels for Christmas — or want to get a head start on that New Year's resolution — test out some of these cycle routes through London.
DUVET DAY: Don't fancy moving at all? That's fine — just top up your cheese board and plug into our YouTube channel. We've got videos about everything from tube secrets to airports, to some of the oldest and most unique businesses in London. If you like what you see, hit subscribe so you don't miss our 2019 videos.
ADVENT WINDOWS: Last couple of days to see all 24 of Greenwich's Advent Windows. 24 shops, schools, homes and pubs around Greenwich have an advent window on display, with a 'Field of Dreams' theme running throughout — here's a map of where to find them. Greenwich town centre, free, just turn up, until 2 January
SOHO ROCK 'N' ROLL: Take a guided tour of the venues and locations linked to Soho's legendary music history, and find out how the area's clubs changed the world of rock and pop music. £9-£12, book ahead, 11am
HORNSEY TOWN HALL: It won awards when it was first built, and is now Grade II listed. Learn a bit more about Hornsey Town Hall on this tour, which covers its past, and its future as it undergoes a £30m restoration. Hornsey Town Hall, £10, book ahead, 11am
2018 WRAP UP: This family-friendly day of comedy and creative writing takes a lighthearted look back at 2018, and helps you set resolutions for the new year. Southbank Centre, free, just turn up, 12pm
MAGIC SHOW: Take the kids along to a family-friendly magic show and witness illusions, ventriloquism, levitation and other tricks sure to keep them thinking well into the new year. The Ivy House (Nunhead), adult £10/child £8, book ahead, 1pm-3pm/4pm-6pm
PARADE CONCERT: Sussex Hamilton High School Symphonic Band and The Great Oak High School Jazz Ensemble are among the bands preparing for the New Year's Day Parade at this warm-up concert. Cadogan Hall (Chelsea), £10, book ahead, 7.30pm
WHO'S WHO: The longest-established Who tribute band in the UK, Who's Who has been going since 1996. Tonight, hear covers of some of The Who's biggest tracks at this gig. The Half Moon (Putney), £12-£14, book ahead, 8pm
Take a look at our guide to things to do in London between Christmas and New Year for other ways to keep busy this week.
Good cause of the day
There are many good causes worthy of support, but one that comes to the fore at this time of year is homelessness. If you've got a bit of cash spare, why not donate to a homeless charity to help someone less fortunate. Options include sponsoring a room at Centrepoint, providing a hostel welcome package at St Mungo's, or paying for a meal or a bed at Hackney Winter Night Shelter — just a handful of the many worthy charities and causes out there.
