Things to do this autumn in London
From cultural outings to autumn walks topped off by a Sunday roast, plus big community and family events like Halloween and Bonfire Night, there are plenty of things to do in London this autumn...
By Natasha Sutton-Williams | Updated Oct 22 2024
With the days getting shorter and colder, how can we have more fun indoors? What does the autumn season look like in London’s theatres, museums and galleries? With the leaves turning red and yellow, where are the best places in London for an autumn walk? Where are the best and cosiest pubs in London, and which does the best Sunday roast? These are the questions everyone’s asking, so we set out to find some answers - here they all are, in our list of the best things to do in London this autumn…
Take an autumnal walk through a gorgeous London park...
Perhaps the best thing about this season is going for a long walk and wading through those autumnal leaves that fall from the trees in their yellows, reds and browns - it really is a sight to behold, and London has plenty of brilliant parks where you can revel in the changing of the season…
...or enjoy a riverside stroll
Whatever the time of year, a riverside stroll will do you wonders, and autumn walks tend to take on a slower, more contemplative pace. With the Thames having a walkable stretch of 34 miles over London, there’s much to see, explore and wander across. Lucky for you, we’ve put together out favourite slightly strolls besides the city’s riversides.
Then get comfortable in a cosy pub...
What better way to finish off an autumn walk than with a visit to one of Londons seriously cosy pubs - were talking warm, wood panelled pubs with fireplaces and the best food and drink to warm your body and sooth your soul. Check out our favourites from all over London…
Dig into a divine roast dinner
The end of barbecue season spells the return of that age-old British tradition; the Sunday roast. Maybe you make a mean roast dinner, or maybe it’s someone you know and love who does it best (or maybe not!), but if you fancy a slap-up Sunday roast from some of the best in the business - all without the hassle of cooking and washing up - check out our favourites…
Enjoy a campfire cocktail at The Midnight Apothecary
If sitting round a fire pit while toasting marshmallows and sipping cocktails tickles your fancy, then the Midnight Apothecary is for you. This community potager garden specialises in preparing botanical cocktails - the locally-sourced food and drink menus change with the seasons, using ingredients grown in the garden.
The Midnight Apothecary closes for the winter but is really popular during October when the fire (and maybe a Hot Toddy or two!) provide sweet, sweet comfort from the chill setting in.
Visit Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the King, is mainly open to visitors from March until October, but you can still visit for selected private tours (how fancy!) through November and into the winter months.
Visitors can walk through the 19 opulent state rooms, each designed and decorated to host dignitaries and other important guests of the royals. The state rooms largely reflect the tastes of King George IV and house some of the finest treasures of the Royal Collection, including paintings by Van Dyck and Canaletto, sculptures by Canova, Sèvres porcelain and some of the finest English and French furniture in the world.
Showstopper! The Improvised Musical
Cambridge Theatre 30 Sep 2024 to 15 Dec 2025
For those who haven’t yet experienced the live phenomenon that is ‘Showstopper! The Improvised Musical’, the show is a fully realised musical created on the spot from audience suggestions. The cast transform suggestions for settings, genres, musical styles and even the name of the show into ingenious storylines with hilarious characters.
Spontaneous musical comedy at its finest, this is the first ever long-form improv show to have a full West End run and to be nominated and win an Olivier Award! Completely improvised and genuinely entirely different every night, this is a must-see show!
Watch a scary movie on the big screen
Whether you're a hardcore horror mega-fan or a self-confessed Hallowimp, there's a Halloween movie event somewhere in London to en-witch your spooky celebrations.
Bonfire Night in London
Remember, remember the 5th of November, traditionally known as Guy Fawkes Night. Wherever you are, you can expect to see fireworks light up the sky, but this year, as every year, London has some of the best Bonfire Night events in the country. There will be big, dazzling displays of fireworks that draw crowds from inside and outside of the capital, and there will be some more local and family-friendly events - including some eco andpet-friendly alternatives.