Top Things To Do In London This Autumn

So summer is out, and along with upgrading to that fetching roll-neck jumper and slurping pumpkin spice lattes (let the haters hate), our city is marking the changing season with all sorts of cosy pubs, bars and activities. The autumnal feel starts from September, carrying through October and November, but don't lament the darker nights and dropping temperatures; this is a time for everything from walks through parkland to seasonal festivals, immersive experiences and more.

Still not sold? Check out our roundup of the best things to do this autumn in London.

Last edited by Jasmine Lee Kennedy

Last updated on 30th October 2024




Cuddle Up In A Cosy Pub

The changing of the seasons means one thing in this city: hanging out in beer gardens moves to huddling up in cosy pubs and by open fireplaces. Chuck in a great pint of beer, plus a board game or two, and you've got lazy autumnal weekends absolutely sorted, including at historical places like Spaniard's Inn and The Mayflower.

Head To Circe's Cloud 9 Pods

@ Circes on Various dates from Thursday 21st November 2024

Greek-inspired rooftop Circe's is not just a summer staple, as they've also got their rooftop Cloud 9 Pods for all your warmth and comfort. Think heated domes nestled under the stars with a view over Waterloo, each playing a fully customisable playlist. 

Tuck into winter Mediterranean menus, using your pre-booked experience's bar tab to redeem against all purchases. This includes cocktails, like the salted caramel choco-tini, swoon.

Explore Bioluminescent Woodlands At This Immersive Cocktail Experience

@ Roscorp Laboratories on Various dates from Thursday 21st November 2024

Explore the rich, bioluminescent woodlands of Avora this Autumn - an immersive experience in Hoxton from the creators of popular activity bars Moonshine Saloon and Alcotraz. Kick off your adventure in Roscorp Laboratory, where you'll be briefed on your mission and given custom-made jumpsuits to wear - making for great Insta pics as you travel through this mystical planet. You'll get to enjoy three quirky cocktails along the way, including an amazing colour-changing drink, all for £42.50 per person.

Go Wild At A Hip Hop Brunch

Hip Hop Brunch LDN is hosting all kinds of fun things to do in London in autumn. Bag yourself tickets to one of the epic goings-on to enjoy an unparalleled party atmosphere, bottomless cocktails, two tasty courses and some of the best tunes in the biz.

Drink And Dance Nashville-Style

Going strong since the first saloon was established in New York City in 1993, Coyote Ugly is a world-renowned brand for the classic American party spirit. Find London's venues in Camden and Piccadilly, offering you the chance to get involved in line dancing classes with the Coyotes and enjoy a Nashville-inspired brunch complete with 90 minutes of unlimited drinks.

Check Out What's On At Mr Fogg's Victorian Cocktail Bar

Gather round for a thrilling tale of mystery and mayhem with Mr Fogg's Victorian Murder Mystery at his elegant Mayfair Residence. Prepare to put your sleuthing skills to the test and help the clever Inspector Fix crack the case in this two-hour immersive experience that comes complete with two choice cocktails—all for just £60 per person.

That's not all that's on the cards at this quirky venue though, as they're also offering gin tasting masterclasses, cocktail experiments, treasure hunts, boozy brunches and so much more, so there really is something for everyone here.

Hunker Down In A Brewery

The capital is home to an impressive number of breweries that host tours, tastings and the like. So if you're seeking out the best places in London in autumn, head to one of these to knock back craft brews and see what goes on behind the scenes.

Enjoy An Immersive Experience

Snap up tickets to one of Jury Games' immersive events for a totally unique immersive experience. Not only will you need to interrogate and work with live actors, but also check through evidence, including data and statements, as well as hack phones.

Get Spooked On A Ghost Tour

If it's creepy autumn activities in London that you're after, then why not set off on a ghost tour. If you're a fan of all things creepy, then we've got something great in store, included haunted pub tours and ghost walks for singles.

Explore the city in a whole new way with these unique events, finding the capital's spookiest spots as you hunt for signs of paranormal activity.

Go To A Marilyn Monroe Exhibition

Marilyn: The Exhibition is the best way to learn more about this iconic star, through a display of many of her personal artefacts. Discover the person behind the celebrity, as you get an exclusive look at her clothes, makeup, love letters and more.

Many of these items have been in storage for over 40 years, and have made their way to the private collection of Ted Stampfer - who has facilitated this exhibition. This is the largest collection of its kind, and can be found in London Bridge.

Attend An Oktoberfest Party

Oktoberfest has got to be one of the biggest events taking over the city this Autumn, and there are plenty of great places to celebrate. Boogie to live oompah bands and DJ sets in your lederhosen, while munching on bratwurst and pretzels.

There'll be steins galore at these fantastic parties, which can be found everywhere from Camden to Bermondsey or Tower Hill. We've got something to suit all budgets too, so take your pick.

Enjoy A Cheesy Pop-Up

Returning to the Southbank in October, Fire and Fromage is the popular cosy pop-up from Jimmy's. This spot offers views over the Thames, alongside fire pits, a raclette bar and delicious street food dishes, followed by toasted s'mores.

You can even enjoy unlimited raclette here, setting you back just £35 per person. This comes with all sorts of tasty sides, as well as mini doughnuts and hot chocolate.

Be Transported To The Roaring Twenties

@ The Candlelight Club on Various dates from Saturday 23rd November 2024

The Candlelight Club has to be one of the best autumn events in London. The quirky pop-up transports you to the glamorous (and debaucherous, might we add) Roaring Twenties. Discover cabaret acts, live jazz performances and even devour a three-course meal if you fancy.

Black-Owned Events For Black History Month In London

Celebrate one of the most important times of the year with these events, to celebrate Black History Month. We've rounded up the very best black-owned and run events across the city, from DJ-led parties to bottomless brunches.

We're talking pub quizzes at The Prince of Peckham, throwback brunches with lip syncing and dance-offs and some seriously cracking club nights, so be sure to check them out.

Immerse Yourself In A Unique Art Exhibition

If you're after unique ideas for autumn in London, it doesn't get much better than Frameless. This immersive art exhibition spans across four different galleries, displaying 42 works of art across the space. Each piece has been digitally remastered and set against an inspiring soundscape, featuring works from Monet, Dalí, Van Gogh and more.

You can visit this quirky exhibition during the day, but they also offer late sessions every Friday and Saturday night, where you'll get access to the display after dark, seeing it in a whole new way.

Visit London's Top Attractions

Now the summer's over and London is slightly less busy, why not take the chance to be a tourist in your own city? There are so many brilliant attractions in the capital, where you can celebrate our history, culture and architecture.

Some of the top spots to visit include St Paul's Cathedral, London Dungeon and Shakespeare's Globe - which is showing all kinds of shows this Autumn for as little as £5 per person.

Explore London's Best Parks

Some of the best autumnal days out in London don't involve spending any money at all, as this is a beautiful time of year to explore the capital's top parks. This is one of the greenest city's in the whole world, and you can enjoy the pretty autumnal shades of orange as the trees change.

We've compiled a list of the very best spots to check out this season, from Greenwich park and Hampstead heath to Richmond Park or Clapham Common.

Where To See The Best Bonfire Night Firework Displays In London 2024

Remember remember, the 5th of November is in autumn and London's bringing you an array of exciting fireworks displays across the city. Check out your local or venture to the other side of town with our guide to the very best. 

We've got everything from Alexandra Palace's spectacular display, complete with live oompah bands and ABBA tribute acts, to Dulwich's affair, offering mulled wine, real ale and tasty treats. 

Venture On A Waterside Walk

Now the weather's getting a little cooler, autumn walks in London are calling. Some of the prettiest places for a stroll just happen to be along rivers and canals, so we've picked out the top spots for a waterside walk.

Journey from Little Venice to Camden along Regent's Canal, enjoying all the picturesque neighbourhoods along the way. Alternatively, take in some of the capital's best sights along the Southbank, or do the Olympic Park loop if you're in East London.

Visit Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens has got to be one of the most gorgeous places in the entire city, and it's well worth a visit this autumn. Also known as the Royal Botanic Gardens, the stunning space can be found in Richmond.

These gardens are home to over 50,000 living plants and more than seven million preserved specimens, dating back to the 18th century when it was a royal palace. there have been lots of great additions since then, including the Princesses of Wales Conservatory that opened in 1987, alongside an indoor tropical rainforest.

Go Pumpkin Picking

'Tis the season for pumpkin picking, but the questions everyone's asking is where to go for this fun, autumnal pastime? Luckily, we've rounded up some of the very best spots around the city that offer pumpkin patches, from Kent to Essex.

We've got places to suit all budgets, whether you're looking to take home a whole load of pumpkins or just snap some seasonal photos. Think Cammas Hall, Foxes Farm, Secretts Of Milford and so many more great destinations.