Exploring London this January

Teetotal Fun in London this January

We’re officially halfway through Dry January – that now infamous month in the year when many of us try to go without alcohol for a full 31 days. It’s often a much-needed detox after the antics of the Christmas party season (and a welcome respite for our depleted wallets), but Dry Jan certainly doesn’t need to translate to no fun. In London especially there are endless adventures to be had without a drop of drink; here are a few of our favourites to keep you busy as you power through the second half of the month.

1. Tee off with some Crazy Golf

Crazy Golf is having a real moment in London right now, and there are plenty of wacky and imaginative courses to choose from across the city. Head to Junkyard Golf in Shoreditch for four nine-hole courses made from pre-loved junk, Puttshack in Westfield after some sales shopping, or Swingers Golf in the city. Although most of these courses do serve drinks, it’s much easier to keep your will power when you’re distracted by the fun – and why pass up the opportunity to give yourself a sober advantage in the competition!

2. Catch a Show

With all that money you’re saving on pints, you can justify splashing out a little for a West End show. If you’re taking the kids for a day out that you want to enjoy too, we’d highly recommend The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre or Wicked at the Apollo. If it’s a treat for just the adults, tickets to The Book of Mormon are available from just £24 this month.

3. Get Back to Nature

When the weather is nice, there’s nothing more wholesome for a sober January weekend than to wrap up warm, get outside and take advantage of those precious daylight hours. Go for a long stroll on Hampstead Heath and take in the wintery panorama of the city, or head to Richmond Park for some deer spotting. If you fancy more of a challenge, try the Capital Ring Walk – divided into fifteen sections, it covers 78 miles in all, encompassing some of outer London’s finest scenery and nature reserves

4. Become a Coffee Connoisseur

Booze might be off the menu, but that certainly doesn’t mean you can’t still get your caffeine buzz on. If you still want to be out into the small hours, Shoreditch Grind serves until 1am, and is a great place to relocate those after work (hot) drinks. Or if you’re feeling a little fancy, treat yourself to an artisan experience at the relaxed and refined Store St Espresso in Bloomsbury, or combine it with a delicious brunch at Caravan (with cafes in Kings Cross, Exmouth Market, Fitzrovia and more).

5. Focus on Wellness

Finally, if you’re really embracing Dry January as a chance to rejuvenate and reboot your health, then why not book yourself in for a refreshing spa day? Akasha Spa on Regent Street has an array of sensational spa facilities (including London’s first Watsu pool) as well as nine treatment rooms which offer everything from a rebalancing Indian massage to a Four Elements body journey. If you’re really feeling extravagant, the Four Seasons Spa offers a similar wide range of luxurious treatments, plus stunning views out over Hyde Park to be enjoyed as you unwind.