As the days get colder and hours shorter, it can be hard to find activities to do with your friends and family during the holidays. But just because the sun has gone away, doesn’t mean the fun has to stop too! 

From art exhibits to craft workshops and even murder mystery trains, here are the best, unique halal attractions and indoor activities happening across the UK to help you all chase away the winter blues and enjoy the season with your family and friends!

London

1. Phantom Peak

Step into a real-life video game with this open-world immersive arena, located in Canada Water. Phantom Peak is the latest award-winning amusement park where you can choose your own adventures, meet wacky characters and complete side quests in a physical town set in the wild-west. With the stories and puzzles updated every three months, there will always be new mysteries to discover and explore.

2. William Morris and Art from the Islamic World

Islamic art has a rich history in Britain and played a huge role in shaping new aesthetics for British architecture. This is the first exhibit to explore the influence of art from the Islamic world on William Morris, one of Britain’s most prolific nineteenth-century designers and thinkers. The exhibition has been curated by Rowan Bain, principal curator of William Morris Gallery, and Qaisra M. Khan, Curator of Islamic Art

The William Morris Gallery has also collaborated with Bayt Al Fann to craft a digital publication focusing on pioneering women artists.

3. Halal Afternoon Tea Cruise

For the history buffs and travel enthusiasts, here’s an experience with all your interests wrapped into one! Treat yourself to a sophisticated afternoon tea on board a beautiful cruise ship, as you sail down the Thames. See London’s biggest landmarks through a whole new lens as you are given a tour of Muslim History in Britain. You’ll be fascinated by all the vital contributions Muslims have made to this country.

4. Double Exile

Bring the girlies along to East London for Double Exile’s wholesome events. This includes activities twice a week like cooking sessions and creative workshops. In the past, they have done cake decorating, Japanese pottery painting, tiramisu classes, movie nights, bracelet making and vision board collages. It’s a great way to make friends and bond with other sisters in the community over craft activities and delicious food.

Bradford

5. Candle Making

Light up your holidays with the cosiest candle-making class! Check out ‘Higher Purpose Candles’, which hosts Bradford’s first ever non-alcoholic ‘sip & wick’ sessions. You’ll get to craft your very own bespoke candle from the scent to the label with a choice of 15 fragrances for you to blend, all the while sipping on an unlimited supply of luxurious mocktails. 

6. Looney Golf

Unleash your inner child with this exciting adult playground ‘Looney Golf’. From mini golf, archery, table tennis, pool tables and more, there are so many games to choose from. While you’re at it, why not put your problem-solving skills to the test in the Paradox escape room? You’ll have to think inside and outside of the box if you ever want to break free!

Luton

7. Stockwood Illuminated

For a stunning winter light show, look no further than Stockwood Illuminated. Walk through a magical landscape of light, sound and colour, as you weave through the lush gardens at Stockwood Discovery Centre. It promises to be an interactive and multimedia audio and visual experience. Regular visitors have said the celebration “gets better every year” so you’re sure to be in for a treat!

8. Orbital Trampoline Park

If you’re an active thrill-seeker, you’ll love Orbital’s 41,000-square-foot trampoline park (that’s larger than 10 tennis courts!). Not only will it have you bouncing up and down for joy, but you can also take on the Ninja Warrior, Gladiator beams, basketball lanes, dodgeball courts, elaborate climbing walls, foam pits and more! And when you’re all bounced out, you can unwind with a warm cup of tea in the cafe or chill out in the arcade.

Birmingham

9. Sandbox VR experience

Transport yourself into another world with this futuristic Sandbox Virtual Reality experience. With advanced technology including motion capture cameras, 3D precision body trackers and haptic suits, you can transform into a whole new reality. Take up to 6 friends or family and play a variety of games from a Deadwood zombie apocalypse to Squid Game and Star Trek Discovery missions.

10. Winter Funland

Visit the UK’s largest indoor Winter funfair at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre. Enjoy ice skating on their gigantic rink and 4 hours of unlimited funfair rides. As part of the extravaganza, you can also watch an extreme motorbike show and an amazing festival circus performance. There’s something for all the family to enjoy and with the entire venue being indoors, you won’t even have to worry about the weather.

Manchester

11. Murder Mystery Train

Ever wondered what it would be like to be seated on the Orient Express? Well if you’re a fan of Agatha Christie or Sherlock Holmes, you’ll love this next attraction. Hop onto the East Lancashire Railway on their popular Murder Mystery night. Not only will you be entertained by the award-winning team of actors, as you play detective and decipher clues, but you’ll also receive a Halal three-course meal along with tea/coffee and chocolate. 

Glasgow

12. Nostalgia Board Game Cafe & Console Arcade

Travel back in time to the 80s and 90s with this nostalgic R-Cade! Choose from over 250 board games and over 2000 retro video games across 20 different home consoles. This includes gaming giants such as Atari, Nintendo, Sega, PlayStation & Xbox. All the while enjoying a delicious meal in the cafe!

Cardiff

13. TeamSport Go Karting

Put your MarioKart training to good use and try go-karting in real life with TeamSport! Get your wheels on this state-of-the-art track with 200cc karts and race your friends to the finish line! This circuit is sure to test your skills, but have you got what it takes to beat the average time lap or set a new record?

Belfast

14. Planetarium & Observatory

Last, but not least, visit the stars and wonders of the universe at Armagh Planetarium, the longest-running planetarium in the British Isles. Visit their exhibit filled with sensory and interactive displays that allow you to touch a real meteorite, spin the clouds of Neptune, create your own solar system, a black hole and more!

If you’re interested in visiting planetariums – the Royal Observatory in Greenwich deserves an honorary shoutout. Check out their Astronomy and Islam show set by the New Crescent Society. 

There you have it! A roundup of some of the best activities to enjoy across the UK this winter season. I hope that these entertainment choices bring you joy and comfort during the colder months and help chase away the winter blues. Even if your city isn’t included on the list, you can use these ideas to find similar attractions nearby.