THE JOURNAL | WHAT'S ON
Winter in London
Your cultural agenda for January, February and March 2026...
Start the year with a dose of arts, culture and creativity. Instead of hunkering down, head into the city to discover inspiring exhibitions, exciting new shows and thought-provoking experiences. We've rounded up a list of interesting things to do in London this winter. From art fairs to exhibitions, pop-ups and more…
Marie Antionette Style
Until 22nd march
The V&A has a long track record of bringing cultural icons to life through its frequently sold-out headline exhibitions. This season, the spotlight falls on Marie Antoinette. From Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun’s intimate portraits to Sofia Coppola’s 2006 film, discover this ill-fated French Queen's lasting influence on fashion, film and art. A must visit for anyone staying at Knightsbridge Hotel or Number Sixteen.
The Victoria & Albert Museum, Cromwell Rd, London SW7 2RL
London's Winter Fairs
from 20th january
Two excellent fairs arrive in London at the start of the year: The London Art Fair (21 - 25 January) and The Decorative Winter Fair (20 - 25 January). Bringing together classic and contemporary art, antiques and design, each event brings something a little different to the London scene and will leave you brimming with ideas for the season ahead.
London Art Fair: Business Design Centre, Islington, N1 0QH
The Decorative Winter Fair: Battersea Park, London, SW11 4NJ
Tracey Emin: A Second Life
26th february - 30th august 2026
Tate Modern presents a landmark exhibition spanning 40 years of Tracey Emin's career. From the controversial 'My Bed', which caused a critical furore in the 1990s, to more recent, unseen works made following her diagnosis and treatment for cancer, the show will look at key moments that shaped her journey and transformation.
Tate Modern, Bankside, London SE1 9TG
Inter Alia with Rosamund Pike
from 19th march
Catch Oscar-nominated Rosamund Pike (Saltburn, Gone Girl) in Inter Alia, written by Olivier Award-winning playwright Suzie Miller, best known for Prima Facie. After a sold-out run at the National Theatre, this thought-provoking exploration of the elusive idea of “having it all” transfers to the West End’s Wyndham's Theatre this March.
We've also teamed up on a special theatre and dining offer. Enjoy a 'Band A' ticket and a two-course meal with a glass of wine at Haymarket Hotel's Brumus Restaurant. View full details here.
Wyndham's Theatre, Charing Cross Rd, London WC2H 0DA
Spring Awakening at The Chelsea Physic Garden
FROM 25TH JANUARY
This ancient walled garden, tucked next to the banks of the Thames, benefits from a unique microclimate that ushers in spring unusually early each year. Open from the 25th January, those seeking the first signs of the new season should head to Chelsea to discover the garden's 120 species of snowdrop as well as hellebores, primroses and daffodils galore. A short walk from Number Sixteen, this 30-minute stroll will take you through some of Chelsea's prettiest residential streets.
66 Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea, London SW3 4HS
Hyakkō: 100+ Makers from Japan
Until 10TH MAY
Embrace the quiet beauty of everyday things at Japan House's latest exhibition, which brings together more than 120 artists, craftspeople and self-taught makers from across Japan. Focusing on the concept of seikatsu kōgei: objects that enrich daily life, this exhibition rallies against disposability, challenging the observer to rethink the function and purpose of the items that surround us.
Japan House, 101-111 Kensington High St, London W8 5SA
High Noon at The Harold Pinter Theatre
Until 6th march
Bringing together the great and the good from the worlds of film and theatre, this new adaptation of High Noon is one to watch this season. Once voted the “greatest Western ever made,” the classic has been reimagined by Oscar-winning screenwriter Eric Roth (Forrest Gump) and Olivier Award-winning director Thea Sharrock (Equus). Billy Crudup (The Morning Show) and Denise Gough (People, Places & Things) star as Will and Amy in this taut Western thriller that's a delightfully unexpected addition to the West End.
Harold Pinter Theatre, Panton St, London SW1Y 4DN
Byan Concept Pop-Up
until end of january 2026
Madrid-based Byan Concept is popping up on Henrietta Street in Covent Garden to showcase their AW25/26 collection until the end of January. Renowned for timeless tailoring, made by hand in Spain, this season’s highlights include checked coats in 100% wool with contrasting velvet lapels - a stylish addition to your winter wardrobe.
28 Henrietta St, London WC2E 8NA
Header Image Credit: Kate Moss in an outfit inspired by Marie Antoinette by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen. Photograph: Tim Walker