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Ahh, Autumn in London. Longer days, crunchy leaves, crisp mornings (and that dewy grass smell). From bonfire night to Halloween, London is the place to be. Satisfying the compulsive planner in me I’ve stacked up my autumn bucket list in London to the brim, and now I’m sharing it with you!
So if you’re looking for Autumn things to do in London here’s everything you need to keep your fall calendar sorted.
Friendly warning! As you can imagine with the impact of Covid-19 autumn in London may look a bit different this year. Some of these events may choose to cancel or reschedule as the year progresses so I highly suggest clicking the attached links which will lead to their homepages for the most current rescheduling plans 🙂
P.S – Don’t forget to get your Autumn in London Itinerary Bundle to explore London to the fullest this season!
Check Out Autumnal Exhibitions & Cultural Events
Autumn in London is full of activities and fun things to do for everyone; whether you’re a history buff, art fanatic or culture lover you’ll love London’s plethora of exhibitions and events. This season you can…
1. Celebrate Black History Month Like a Local
Celebrate the wonder and beauty of the African diaspora this autumn in London with a month of cultural events and activities throughout London. Oct 1-31
2. Toast up at Bonfire Night
Celebrate autumn in London and learn about the history of Bonfire Night, aka Guy Fawkes Night, and relax with friends under the fireworks. November 5
3. Catch British Hollywood in Action at the BFI London Film Festival
Kick-off autumn in London with the stars and explore London’s film scene with over 300 film documentaries, and shorts showcased throughout the month. Oct 7-18
4. Costume up for Comic-Con
You haven’t lived autumn in London until the Hulk joins your morning commute.
Watch the city come alive with your favorite superheroes (and villains) at Comic-Con 2020, or better yet, join in on the action. October 23-25
5. Grab Your Ice Skates
Coming in early for winter you can skate along with autumn at the Natural History Museum in South Kensington or catch the Skylight on Tobacco Dock Ice Rink in East London. Oct 19-January 31
6. Explore London’s Borough of Culture
Every year the mayor picks boroughs doing amazing projects for their communities in the London Borough of Culture project.
Brent makes the 2020 winner and will celebrate with local festivals and spirited events that you should totally join in on. Autumn Dates TBC
7. Get Groovy at London’s Dance Umbrella Festival
You got moves? Take part in London’s International Dance Festival (or just watch…like me) and celebrate choreography from around the world. Autumn Dates TBC
8. Or Get Loose at London’s Faggamuffin Bloc Party
As fun as it sounds. Join the ultimate pride event run by queer people of color in the heart of Hackney’s Bohemia Place. Autumn Dates TBC
9. Get Contemporary at Frieze London
Located in Regent’s Park with more than 160 galleries Frieze is the place to be this October and a great way to experience the art culture in London. October 8-11
10. Wander Tate Modern’s New Exhibitions
See what’s on at the Tate Modern and get your cultural fix with loads of new fall exhibitions and gallery openings. All-Year-Round
11. Step into History at Chelsea’s History Festival
Peer into history through Chelseas’s History Festival and watch the past come to life with a day filled with authors, historians, and world-class speakers in the heart of Chelsea. September 23-27
12. Feed Your Inner Bookworm at London’s Literature Festival
For the book lovers (holla), get your story fix at London’s Literature Festival, featuring readings, poem, and performances from around the world. September 17-27
13. Explore London’s Design Festival
Get a taste of London design at London’s Design Festival and explore the work of international creatives that make the London we know and love. September 12-September 20
14. Experience German Culture at OcktoberFest
A weekend of spectacular sloshed delight, Ocktoberfest hails London with authentic German beer, festivals and events. September 19-October 4
15. Get Immersed in Secret Cinema
Get out of the London smog and step into your favorite films and TV shows for a cozy autumn in London at Secret Cinema, an immersive cinematic experiences unlike anything you’d find in your average theater. All-Year-Round
16. Get Your Running Shoes for Virgin Money London Marathon
Run or (like me) spectate the Virgin Money London Marathon and support some of your charity causes. October 4
Wine & Dine with Autumn Comfort Foods
London in the fall screams cozy ambiance and comfort food. Head to the best local and famed eateries and explore the food scene of the capital and get your comfort fix. This season you can…
17. Wine & Dine All Month Long at London Restaurant Festival
Restaurant hop, wine and dine, grub at Battersea or kick it with Michellin star favorites throughout autumn in London during the month-long London Restaurant Festival. October 1-31
18. Have Your Brunch Go-To at London’s Cocktail Festival
Made for all things boozy join the London cocktail scene and celebrate in “cocktail village” with 30+ pop-up bars, parties, master-classes, and of course…cocktails! Hey, maybe I’ll finally learn how to make that Mojito. October 5-11
19. Learn (and eat) the Craft Bread Ahead Wembley
Throw a little bit of random in your day and learn the art of Doughnut Making this autumn in London with Bread Ahead, an independent bakery and baking school, leaving with a skill new and deliciously soft donuts. September 2 – December 23
20. Get Spicy at Messe Callejon Restaurant
Try authentic Spanish cuisine with the autumn leaves at your background with the deliciously saporous tastes of Messe Callejon. All-Year-Round
21. Bubula Restaurant
Another lovely fall hideout Bubula is a Middle-Eastern hidden gem, serving the very best vegetarian small plates in London, accompanied by a quaint and cozy atmosphere. All-Year-Round
22. Celebrate National Curry Week
Yep, you read that right. The Brits love their curry (and so do I). Celebrate National Curry week and support the Indian restaurant industry through a week filled with curry-inspired events. October 7-13
23. Cozy up in a Pub
Get to know your fellow Londoners and head to one of London’s prettiest pubs for an autumn pint. All-Year-Round
25. Dig Into a Classic Fish & Chips
Nothing says Autumn, Winter, Spring or Summer like this timeless English classic. If you’re looking for the perfect crunch of fish and nice chunky chip, be sure to only head to the best spots. All-Year-Round
26. Have an Autumn Themed Coffee
Autumn perfection in a nutshell to me is sitting in a pretty coffee shop with flat white and a good book. Try out seasonal flavors and get cozy at some of the prettiest coffee shops in London. Septemeber-November
27. Fancy a Sunday Roast?
There’s something about autumn that makes a Sunday roast taste even better. Check out the best places to have a Sunday Roast in London and explore a new neighborhood on the way. All-Year-Round
28. Get Your Cocoa Fix
The Chocolate festivals this year are all held outside of London but that shouldn’t stop you from getting your hands on a mouth-watering cocoa fix. Try one of London’s most decadent chocolate shops and treat yourself this fall season. All-Year-Round
29. Fancy an Afternoon Tea?
Embrace the Brit in you, or if you’re British….embrace the you in you? And have a tea date at some of the best post-lunch spots in the city. All-Year-Round
30. Veg Out at Vegtoberfest
A vegious challenger to Ocktoberfest, Vegtoberfest is the UK’s first vegan festival of it’s kind, fit with vegan-friendly beers, delicious street food and a buzzing night of live music, burlesque and comedy to match. October 3-10
31. Take a Masterclass at Petersham Nursery
Learn the art of pasta making, mindful meditation, and explore wines and teas from around the world – yes, it’s as beautiful and random as it sounds. You can catch it all at one of Petersham Nurseries Masterclasses this fall. September 2-October 8
32. Try London’s Best Vegetarian Restaurants for World Vegan Month
The perfect segway into World Vegan Month hitting London’s restaurant scene this fall. Get your hands on some of the very best plant-based food with a seasonal twist all November. November 1-30
33. Eat Your Way Through Chinatown
Between the Chinese mid-autumn festival and famed Chinese cuisine, Chinatown is the place to be this fall. Nom down on juicy dumplings, warm noodles, and my favorite vaguely sweet yet delightfully delicious Chinese delicacy, Mooncake. All-Year-Round
34. Feed Your Taste Sensations for World Food Day
Celebrating global cuisine World Food Day takes London by storm in October and is the perfect time to try the newest up-and-coming eateries making their culinary way in the Big Smoke. October 16
35. Get Your Foodie Christmas Fill
Get on the early Christmas train and catch the opening of Christmas by the River. With iconic Tower Bridge as your backdrop and cheery market stalls serving everything from thick sausage rolls to handmade cookies, you’ll be in for a treat. November – January
36. Try Fall Treats at Greenwich Market
Find your way to the East End and experience the quaint fall magic of Greenwich Market. With over 120 stalls and plenty of bite-sized flavorings and English favorites to choose from, you’ll be tastefully pleased you made the trip. Thursday-Sunday All-Year-Round
37. Warm up with some Apple Pie
Nothing says Autumn like melt-in-your-mouth warm Apple pie (I’m hungry). Head to Chicken Shop (you can skip the chicken if you like) and get your pie fall fix. All-Year-Round
38. Have a Toastie at the Cheese Bar
Get toastie with a toastie (aka Grilled cheese for my fellow Americans) at the Cheese Bar for the perfect fall pick-me-up. All-Year-Round
39. Take an Autumn London Brewery Tour
Nothing says London local like a cheeky pint. Gander on a walking brewery tour to take in the fall magic complemented by local and international brews. September-November
40. Go Autumn Brunching
Nothing says autumn to me like a chat and a brunch. Enjoy the start of a new season and crisp fall mornings at one of the best brunch spots in London. All-Year-Round
41. Wander to Italy with the SicilyFEST
Travel your tastebuds to Italy at the SicilyFEST and indulge in the very best of Silician food and wine, accompanied by a cooking show with Silician chefs! October 16-18
Celebrate Halloween in London Style
There’s Halloween, and then there’s London Halloween. Watch the city go dark and mischievous this autumn in London, and be sure to wear your very best fancy dress. This season you can…
42. Get Spooked at London’s Haunted Houses
Go on a Ghost Hunt at one of HH & Spooky Nights haunted shenangians throughout London’s famed haunted houses. October 31
43. Dress your Burlesque Best at Gin House Burlesque
London’s premier showgirls take the Queenshead at the Gin House Burlesque in October. Dress your burlesque best and get your peek inside one of London’s best-kept secrets. October 30
44. Discover the Dark Arts at Warner Brothers Studio
Take in the Halloween revamp of Warner Brothers Studio on a Warner Brothers Studio Tour plus see all the magical happenings behind the iconic Harry Potter sets. September 25-November 8
45.Groove at Halloween Soul Night
Bring your fancy dress and experience Halloween with speakeasy twist at Canary Wharf’s Halloween Soul Night featuring Motown classics and of course, you’re best fancy dress. October 30-31
46. Experience Ballie Ballerson in the Spooky Season
We all know the infamous ball house, but it’s getting a makeover this Halloween. Experience a blood-stained version of this iconic London playhouse this fall. October 31-November 2
47. Club in Your Halloween Best
We all know the club scene come Halloween time is always one for the books. Put on your fancy dress and make your way to the best halloween happenings throughout London. October 30-31
48. Get Halloween Zombie Glitterfest in Camden
Transform into a beautiful glitter zombie and join Camden’s raging Glitterfest with everything from extravagant costumes to confetti cannons you want to miss out. October 31
49. Take Your Halloween Insta-Pics in Covent Garden
Head to the West End and get your Insta fix in front of Covent Garden’s famed gigantic pumpkin. October 16-November 3
50. Catch the Horrors at FrightFest
Rescheduled from August FrightFest hits London this October with exclusive viewing of some of the latest fantasy horror films from around the world. October 22-25
51. Explore Haunted London with The Ghost Bus Tours
Break in the spooky season and autumn in London with a haunted (and comedic) bus tour around the city and see all of London’s top attractions with a Halloween twist. October 25-31
Celebrate Thanksgiving Like an American-Londoner
Going on four years in London I knew I never wanted to compromise on Thanksgiving. Outside of flat festivities London has amazing events throughout the city to celebrate Turkey Day. This season you can…
52. Celebrate at Roadhouse
One of American expats go-to spots, Roadhouse goes all in for Thanksgiving with USA food favorites, rock ”n’ roll and a never-ending night of entertainment. November 26
53. Get Pumpkin Picking
Okay, I’ll admit, pumpkin picking may take you slightly out of London. But the short distance is so worth it for this homey Thanksgiving tradition. Just promise me you’ll make some Pumpkin pie after. September-November
54. Eat Your Heart Away
If you’re looking to give your cooking skills a break (needed in my case) don’t fret, as an ever-impressive international hub there are dozens of restaurants ready to serve up our American Thanksgiving staples for turkey day. November 26
55. Go on a Treasure Hunt at V&A
For a unique Turkey Day experience venture to the V&A museum for an autumn-themed treasure hunt and a perfect fit for your Thanksgiving festivities. Fall Dates TBA
56. Join Thanksgiving Service St.Paul’s
Celebrate away from home and join St. Paul’s annual celebration and church gathering for Thanksgiving day. November 26
57. Explore Native American History
Learn the history behind Thanksgiving and delve into Native American culture at the British Museum. All-Year-Round
Read More: How to Move to London as an American
See an Autumn Musical
Nothing says autumn in London like stepping over crunchy leaves on your way to a fall showing. See what’s out this fall and have a musical night you won’t forget. This season you can…
58. Journey with Life of Pi
The best-selling novel continues it’s musical theatre debut with fall showings at Wyndham’s Theatre. Until October 4th
60. Get Spooked at Rocky Horror Picture Show
Check out Halloween in its full glory with the all-time favorite Rocky Horror Picture Show. From November 3rd
59. Sing Your Heart Out to Wicked
Check out the multi-award classic prequel to Wizard of Oz in Apollo Victoria’s Theatre all-year-round and this autumn in London. All-Year-Round
61. Experience the Woman in Black
An acclaimed spine-chiller take a seat at Fortune theatre and experience the Woman in Black. Dates TBA
62. Fall in Love with Tina: The Musical
Explore the backstory of the legend herself, Tina Turner in her iconic broadway adaptation. All-Year-Round
Catch Your Favorite Live Music
Music feeds the soul. Get your fix with the very best live music throughout London this autumn in London. From jazz bars, to concert halls and cozy hole-in-wall joints, you’re sure to find your tune. This season you can…
63. Fall Relax at a Jazz Bar
I don’t know why, but Jazz and fall just seem destined to go together. Catch all the soulful tunes this autumn at the best jazz bars in London. All-Year-Round but check for show dates
64. Jam at Ally Pally
The oh-so-grand Alexandra Palace, aka “Ally Pally” is a beautiful venue to see the latest headliners and get spectacular hillside view of the city. Perfect for pre-entertainment wandering.All-Year-Round but check for show dates
65. Chill at Dublin Castle
A legendary music joint bursting in the veins of Camden, Dublin Castle is a great place to hear new local artists and wind down with a pint and a tune on an autumn night in London. All-Year-Round but check for show dates
66. Get Blown-Away at O2 Greenwich
Home to some of the biggest performers in the world O2 Greenwich is a grand dystopian looking venue and the place to see your top 40 favorites and more, live and in charge. All-Year-Round but check for show dates
67. Feel the Music at O2 Brixton Academy
A bit more low-key than O2 Greenwich, O2 Brixton Academy triples as a music venue, nightclub, and theatre, and in my opinion, an astondingly unique space to get entertained. All-Year-Round but check for show dates
68. Get Memerized at Royal Albert Hall
A distinctly characteristic venue treasured among Londoners and the world alike, Royal Albert Hall is rightfully famed for it’s exclusive artists and mouth-dropping performances. All-Year-Round but check for show dates
69. Listen & Explore at the Barbican
As cool as the name suggests, Barbican gives you a little bit of everything with an art gallery, conservatory, cinema, and of course, amazing music performances.All-Year-Round but check for show dates
70. Get Buzzing at Eventim Apollo
Hidden in Hammersmith Eventim Apollo is a buzzing place to catch your favorite artists close to home cinematically preserved since the 1930s. All-Year-Round but check for show dates
71. Get Lost in the Music at Koko
A Camden hub for world-renown performers, Koko is a great spot for a night out or a bucketlist concert experience. All-Year-Round but check for show dates
72. Get Funky at The Bussey Building
My fondest memories of boogie-ing the night away to the sweet sounds of old school tunes. Home to infamous South London Soul Train night’s this venue hosts the best get downs in London with four floors of nothing but live bands, jazz, soul, and funk. All-Year-Round but check for show dates
Take an Autumn Day Trip Out of London
Okay, sometimes you have to get out of the Big Smoke to see more of the good stuff, especially during autumn in London. The outskirts of London are always a bit more peaceful and quiet. With less crowds and tourists a day trip is a wonderful fall breather from city life. This season you can…
73. Discover Hidden Gems in the Cotswold
Head 90 minutes out of London and you’ll reach the sleepy village of Cotswold. The perfect autumnal outing to experience old school England and visit the charming Westonbirt Arboretum. All-Year Round
74. Roam Around New Forest
Take in the quieter Autumn vibes an hour out into Southern England, and roam the New Forest National Park and the enchanting Exbury Gardens. All-Year Round
75. Take a Detour to St.Alban’s
Hop on the commuter belt and make an autumnal pit stop to historic town of St.Alban’s. where you can soak in beautiful cathedrals or gander around Verulamium Park. All-Year Round
76. Peek into Windsor Castle
There’s nothing more cozy (and uniquely British) than castle viewing. Take a peek at the royal residence in under two hours outside London and experience the beauty and architecture of Windsor Castle. All-Year Round
77. or Get Medieval at Warwick Castle
Explore 100’s of years of history and get divinely lost among the castle grounds at Warwick Castle, 2 hours outside the city. All-Year Round
78.Experience Autumn at Surrey’s Winkworth Arboretum
Take in all the Autumn flares of shiny golds, bursting red and rustic orange leaves in London on the hillsides of Surrey Winkworth Arboretum. All-Year Round
79. Pilgrimage to Canterbury
A true historic town, Canterbury is perfect for history buffs and everyone in between. Home to Church of England and the stunning Canterbury Cathedral discover the holy & gothic charm of the city with fall as your backdrop. All-Year-Round
80. Go Apple Picking in Garson’s Farm
The U.K’s largest pick-your-own farm, head to Garson’s farm, and wander aimlessly through the fall sunshine and an array of juicy ripe apple just waiting to be picked. All-Year-Round
81. Catch the Fall Vibes of Bath
No secret to locals and tourists alike, Bath is the perfect city-get-a-away and as such, the perfect autumnal escape from London. Indulge in the Great Bath Feast from September 23rd to October 8th or watch the fall colors hit the Roman Baths. All-Year-Round
Explore Autumn in the Hidden Neighborhoods of London
With the fall leaves smothering the city, there’s never been a better time to explore some of London’s best-kept neighborhoods. I never find much written about these amazing corners of London, but in the spirit of autumn, they deserve some attention. This season you can…
82. Indulge in Dulwich
An affluent village nestled in Southwark, Dulwich is dotted to the brim with independent shops, green space and rural appeal, perfect for autumn wanderings in London. All-Year-Round
83. Wander South End Green
Sparkled with Victorian architecture South End Green is one of many hidden gems in London, nestled between Hampstead and Belsize Park it’s the perfect little spot to explore chic local offerings or catch a fall read at Daunt Books. All-Year-Round
84. Get Local in Peckham
This South London hub can seem overwhelmingly gentrified, but there’s still a grit to the neighborhood worth exploring. Support the vibrant streets of local African eateries and watch the autumn sunset from Frank’s cafe. All-Year-Round
85. Feed Your Inner-Hipster in Whitechapel
The hip hidden hub of the East End Whitechapel is a must-visit for fall. Try street food from around the world at Brick Lane Food Hall and of course, don’t leave before trying the infamous Brick Lane Curry. All-Year-Round
86. Tuck into Fitzrovia
Named London’s best neighborhood to live, Fitzrovia is neatly tucked in London’s West End and is the perfect fall get-a-away for architectural explorations and getting a posh taste of London. All-Year-Round
87. Find Hidden Gems in Wimbledon
A neighborhood that looks as whimsical as it sounds, Wimbledon is a quaint and quiet district, most famed for the Wimbledon Tennis Championship. Post-season, however, you can wander unaccompanied at Wimbledon and Putney Commons or awe at the first Thai Buddhist temple in the U.K . All-Year-Round
88. Explore Islands in Twickenham
A suburb of West London (most associated with Rugby) Twickenham is a perfect place to take quieter autumn in London, with a fall walk along the River Thames, and exploring the lesser-known Eel-Pie Island. All-Year-Round
89. Wander Around Ladbroke Grove
Most of my favorite workout songs and coincidentally neighborhoods, Ladbroke Grove is what I like to call the hidden cousin of Notting Hill. Packed with charming markets and prominent pubs you’ll want to tick this area off your autumnal calendar. All-Year-Round
90. Daisy Around Muswell Hill
North London’s well-kept secret, Muswell Hill is quietly tucked amongst N10 postcode holders. Catch a fall showing at a boutique cinema, enjoy a hot cuppa and uniquely entertain your wallet with a shop at Crocodile Antiques. All-Year-Round
91. Browse Around Stoke Newington
Enjoy a peaceful Autumn day at tube-less Stoke Newington and delve into the independent scene with local pubs, cafe, and boutique shops lovingly spattered across the area. All-Year-Round
Watch the Autumn Leaves Fall in London Fashion
Autumn leaves in London have a special place in my heart. Watching them fall and crunch beneath my knee-boots, giving the perfect city backdrop for the season, piles to lay in, and colors to awe at, I truly love fall. Which is why I needed to find the best spots to watch the magic! This season you can…
92. Catch the best autumn leaves at Kynance Mews in Kensington
Hidden streets are the best places to catch the fall leaves and yes, snap it for the gram. Which is why you should visit the beautifully cobbled streets oF Kynance Mews street (the Natural History Museum also makes for a great pitstop while you’re en-route 🙂 ). All-Year-Round
93. Soak in Fall Views on Hampstead Heath
One of the biggest green spaces London Hampstead Heath is great for a fall-themed picnic. It’s also one of the highest points in London so be sure to soak in the views of the city. All-Year-Round
94. Beat the Crowds at Greenwich Hill
The perfect place to get a full view of the city without too many crowds (usually). Come to Greenwich Hill in Autumn to catch the best of fall leaves and stunning views. All-Year-Round
95. Feel Serene at Holland Park
Between the Japanese koi pond and green space readily transformed with color Holland Park is an amazing spot to really see autumn in London and fall in full action. All-Year-Round
96. Perch on Primrose Hill
As one as my favorite scenic autumn spots in London, I have to insist you make the trip. Pack a fall picnic and take in the commanding autumn views of the city on top of Primrose Hill. Be sure to visit a quaint coffee shop on your way home. All-Year-Round
97. Gander Richmond Park
Take in autumn in London at one of London’s most famed, Richmond Park. Watch the leaves change color and sneak peeks of the deers (if they’ll let you). All-Year-Round
98. Experience the Autumn Eerie of Brompton Cemetery
For a slightly eery yet breathtaking fall perspective, head to Brompton Cemetery and watch the grounds come to life with a vibrant color contrast only autumn can bring. All-Year-Round
99. Go Scenic Shopping at Battersea Park
An oasis of tranquility Battersea in autumn is one of the most beautiful sights to see in London. Top it off with their Autumn Art Fair for the best of independent shopping and scenery. October 22-25, All-Year-Round
100. Awe at Regent’s Park
Equally adored Regent’s Park is a lovely place to see autumn take the reins in London with golden tree-lined streets and technicolor lakes. All-Year-Round
101. Watch the Leaves Fall at Chelsea Embankment
A temptingly insta-worthy spot Chelsea Embankment is lined with street lights, river views, and changing leaves. Perfect for grabbing a bench and wasting a day with a good book and people-watching under the fall leaves. All-Year-Round
102. Bonus: Don’t Forget Your Fall Pic For the Gram!
Well, that’s all from me! What will you be getting up to this Autumn in London?
Don’t forget to read up on some London travel tips before your trip!
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