Winter Wonderland Hyde Park

[lidolemon]

I have a few spare hours in London coming up, on my own. Is Winter Wonderland worth going to only for a mooch around? I probably wouldn't bother with any rides etc. I have looked on previous threads and the general consensus is that it's a big rip off, which I can imagine.

I've been a few times with my grandchildren and worked in the area and used to pass by on my way home.

It's worth a visit if you're in the vicinity, assuming there's not an entrance charge these days.

You could have a drink/mulled wine and a bite to eat - it's all very photogenic at night

If you don’t want to go on rides then there’s not much point. It’s muddy and expensive. Fun to go with kids though.

I go every year at least twice. It's beautiful at night. Just grab a drink and walk round. The prices are the same as London prices for drinks. I personally think it's 100% worth a visit.

Look round the market, the Bavarian area for food and watch the rides.

Last year it was £5 off peak entrance which must be pre-booked. You will get a bag search so don't take any bottles in.

Sorry. Have to disagree. It's bloody awful. Busy, overcrowded, expensive. It's completely unchristmasy in my opinion.

Agree!

Tacky... just a fairground in the mud

Thirded!

Have a mooch around Selfridges or John Lewis instead. Much nicer.

How much is it for an average ride these days?

If you go at dusk and stay for one hour max it's fine with kids. Much later than that it starts to feel more crowded and less safe.

We went a few years ago as we'd been to German and Belgium markets in the past which we'd absolutely loved.

My local one is better. Even DS, who was about 8 years old then, still uses 'or we could go to Winter Wonderland' as a phrase meaning 'this could be worse you know!'

It is not how it sounds! As others have said, it's a tacky fairground.

I would have to go in the afternoon- so sounds like it's not worth it, especially as there would be an entrance charge. I might have chanced it if it was free. I shall look for something else, thanks for helping me to decide.

I'd rather go to the National Portrait Gallery or similar

If you want to haemorrhage money then take your kids. No idea why you'd go there along. Commercial crap.

I really like it- go every year, as do thousands of others… I’ve never paid to get in though.

There is nice christmas markets in Trafalgar Square outside the NPG and also in Leicester square which sell the same as Winter Wonderland as well.
Winter Wonderland is not free anymore either, think it was £8 last year.

Horrific. Been once never again.

It's a place for families or groups of teenagers and tourists. I wouldn't go there on my own, there are better places to spend a few hours on your own.
Also, yes, it's a rip off

Personally I think it’s worth it. It’s not muddy as it’s got temp flooring.

it’s really Christmassy and we often go for the bands (beer tents)

It’s £5 entry off peak time.

I would go to the South Bank, they usually have similar food and drink stalls, less crowds and the walk along the river is better.

Bruffin I'll put me money where me mouth is then and head to NPG and Trafalgar Square 🎅 (that's a portrait!)