2026 GUIDE: The Best Things to Do for Dry January in London (from a Londoner)

Looking to start your New Year without the cocktails? (same). Here’s the best things to do for Dry January in London to start your 2026 off right, from a Londoner.

This post may contain affiliate links. Check out my Disclosure & Privacy Policy for more information.

There are some New Year’s resolutions that feel too good not to follow. And Dry January is absolutely, positively, monumentally (OK, I’m done) one of them…

Since moving to the UK in 2016, I’ve learned a thing or two about British culture, and one of the biggest is that when the holiday season comes, so do…

…more pub visit

… Christmas parties

… Christmas dinners

And about a million other social events that may lead to drinking more pints, wine, and champagne than you anticipated.

Guilty as charged.

Cue Dry January.

Fun fact: It was started by a British woman called Emily Robinson in January 2011, who, upon starting her training for a half-marathon, decided to abstain from alcohol to see the effect it would have on her training. Spoiler alert: it did wonders.

Since then, it’s become a global phenomenon to cut down on drinking in the New Year and, for many Brits, get a well-needed respite from “just one more pint”.

But as much as I love a cocktail or two, I’m always of the belief that alcohol isn’t needed to have fun — especially to have fun in one of the best cities in the world.

With that said, whether you’re going full cold turkey or just looking for a sober night out this season, here’s my biased run-down of the very best things to do for Dry January, from a Londoner.

---

The Best Things to Do in London for Dry January

---

Nigerian Modernism at Tate Modern (on until May, 2026)

There’s something extra cosy about visiting a London exhibition during winter.

Not only is it a brilliant way to escape the cold or rain (or let’s be real — it’s London, so… both!), but the city constantly has something new on to ooh and ahh at, which for me recently was the Nigerian Modernism exhibition at Tate Modern.

It showcases centuries of Nigerian paintings, sculptures, poetry and more, and the talents who transformed modern Nigerian art in the mid-20th century.

While visiting, you’ll be right next to the rest of the South Bank, from the National Theatre to St Paul’s Cathedral, Borough Market and more.

In other words, a fab Dry January day out.

---

Alcohol-Free Tasting Menu at Fremantle Bar & Kitchen

You can’t get me away from a good tasting menu in London, so when I saw the drinks menu for Fremantle Bar & Kitchen this season, it had to make the list.

With an ode to all things Dry January, you can sip on guilt-free cocktails like their Hugo Adrift with Pentire Adrift, elderflower cordial, and non-alcoholic sparkling wine, all while enjoying their neighbourhood bar & kitchen.

---

Hot Pod Yoga (Studios across London)

I’m a bit of a fanatic when it comes to hot yoga in London, especially in the New Year.

Hot Pod Yoga is an immersive mind-body experience where you’ll flow in a — you guessed it — hot pod (you have to see it for yourself).

It’s hard to think about wine when you’re in a heavenly child’s pose, so give it a go for Dry January!

Read More: The Best Yoga Spots in London

---

The Jazz Cafe Camden or Dalston Jazz Bar

Jazz Cafe Camden

Music has a way of making you forget about anything and everything else, especially so at The Jazz Cafe Camden and Dalston Jazz Bar.

Shhh, keep it a secret!

But these are two of my favourite jazz bars in London and, of course, a fantastic place to have a night out where alcohol isn’t the main attraction.

---

Behesht Persian Restaurant (North London)

I knew Behesht was going to be one of my favourite low-key London restaurants when I walked into a sea of beautiful Persian rugs, magic lamps and locals.

And lots of Coca-Cola.

The Iranian restaurant is proudly alcohol-free (hence all the Coca-Cola). The food and decor are divine.

Every time I visit, I exchange my typical wine order for a Persian tea and a feast of juicy meats, saffron rice and sweet Persian desserts — it’s quite the experience!

---

Games Night at NQ64

NQ64

No matter your age, we all have a kid in us, which is why a games night is the perfect antidote for a Dry January in London.

NQ64 is a great one, with a few locations across London.

Home to retro games and activities (hello, Dance Dance Revolution), with enough nostalgia to make you forget about their optional retro cocktail menu.

---

Visit St Paul’s Cathedral

For the driest of Dry January experiences in London, finally tick visiting St Paul’s Cathedral off your bucket list!

The magnificent cathedral took architect Christopher Wren 35 years to build, and it’s undoubtedly one of London’s most impressive pieces of work.

Enjoy exploring highlights like the Crypt, the Golden Gallery and my personal favourite, the Stone Gallery, for views!

---

Winter Walk in Richmond, Greenwich or Hyde Park

And lastly, for a proper Dry January day out, consider taking a winter walk in London (perhaps accompanied by a hot chocolate or tea).

Richmond Park gets frosty and lovely with deer spotting if you’re lucky, Greenwich Park offers charming views over London at the top of the hill, and the Royal Observatory, and Hyde Park is central and always iconic for a London stroll.

---

I hope you enjoyed my Dry January Guide to London. Let me know what you get up to on Instagram!

Check out more London guides:

• How to Spend January in London
• The Best Valentine’s Day Experiences in London
• The Best Way to Celebrate Galentine’s Day in London
• How to Spend a Rainy Day in London: A Local’s Guide
• How to Spend a Sunday in London
• London Hotel Recommendations

Happy Londoning,