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London: Things To Do & Where to Visit in Autumn
Exciting activities in the Big Smoke
By | 8 months ago
Crunchy orange leaves, the return of coats, hot drinks thawing the chill in your hands: autumn is a wonderful season – and London is an exciting city to spend it in. There’s always plenty of things to do in the big smoke, but if you’re looking for something with an autumnal edge, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s the C&TH guide to things to do in autumn in London.
Read the C&TH Responsible Tourism Guide
Things To Do In Autumn in London
Chow Down On Childhood Favourites at Seed Library, Shoreditch
An exclusive partnership between Seed Library and Norman’s Cafe is bringing British classics to Shoreditch. With an opening menu featuring the likes of Smiley Faces, Whipped cod’s roe with Frazzles, Chip Butties and Chicken Nuggets, it’ll make your inner child’s heart soar. There’s even syrup pudding with custard to finish it off. 21 September–16 November. onehundredshoreditch.com
Celebrate Black Writers at Tottenham Literature Festival
Now in its fourth year, Tottenham Literature Festival centres on Black writers and Black narratives, with most events free or pay what you can. The theme this year is ‘healing stories’, and this year’s headliners include: award-winning playwright and author Travis Alabanza; author and broadcaster Lemn Sissay OBE; award-winning poet, novelist and musician Anthony Joseph, journalist and poet Bridget Minamore; multi-disciplinary live artist Dzifa Benson; poet Dean Atta; and author Paterson Joseph. 14–20 November. berniegrantcentre.co.uk
Make the Most of the Museums
London was recently declared the best city in the world for free attractions. The diamond in our crown? A plethora of free museums. From historical destinations (British Museum, Victoria & Albert Museum) to art galleries (National Gallery, Tate Modern) to science destinations (Natural History Museum, Science Museum), there’s truly something for everyone.
Natural History Museum
Celebrate Black History Month
London is a great city to celebrate Black history year-round – from Black History Walks to the Black History Tube Map to a range of talks and exhibitions – but there will be a special series of events taking place across October to celebrate the designated Black History Month. There’s plenty of exciting events on the agenda already, with more to come as we approach October. blackhistorymonth.org.uk
Join Us For Journey To Zero
In November, we at C&TH will be hosting a sparkling evening at The Petersham in Covent Garden, in partnership with Skydiamond. Join us for a champagne reception, a delicious four-course vegan feast, and keynote talks and fireside chats with the likes of Anya Hindmarch, Arizona Muse, Dale Vince, Anabel Kindersley and George Lamb. Find out more here. 29 November, eventbrite.com
Go Shopping On Savile Row
Fancy romanticising your life? Go cavorting down Savile Row, one of the world’s most iconic and exclusive shopping destinations with its plethora of exclusive tailors, known as an international hub for suit-making. Did you know that shop units on Savile Row are only let out to businesses who continue hand-tailoring traditions? Pop in and get fitted for a new autumnal look. onsavilerow.com
Head to an Exhibition
Ticked most of London’s many museums off your bucket-list already? Time to delve into the world of exhibitions. This autumn, there’s plenty to look forward to: Carolee Schneemann’s ‘Body Politics’ at the Barbican, LuYang’s immersive ‘LuYang NetiNeti‘ at the Zabludowicz Collection, Lucian Freud’s ‘New Perspectives’ at the National Gallery, and the moving ‘Seeing Auschwitz‘ exhibition in South Kensington (amongst many others).
Dopamine Land
Visit a Covered Market
Markets like Columbia Road Flower Market are gorgeous year round, but especially so in the summer months. The autumnal answer? Covered markets. From Borough Market to the wonderfully sustainable Mercato food markets (in Mayfair and Elephant & Castle), there are plenty of permanent markets to explore in London, as well as weekend specials. visitlondon.com
Head To A Supper Club
Cameron Dewar and Josh Dallaway – the sommelier and chef team behind travelling supper club Retan – are settling into Kennington’s Louie Louie this autumn, with supper club sessions running until 23 December. The French-leaning pop-up is the duo’s longest residency to date, and precedes plans to open a permanent site in 2023. With a reputation for fine ingredients and a playful cooking style, it promises to be delicious. louielouie.london
See the Autumn Leaves in Richmond Park
As the leaves turn golden in Richmond Park, the 600 red deer that call it home get even harder to spot – except when they, fuelled by mating season, lock antlers and roar. A true autumnal sight.
Celebrate Bonfire Night Where It All Began
Remember, remember… Back in 1605, when Guy Fawkes tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament, he accidentally started a bit of a trend: Bonfire Night. Where better to spend it than the city where it all began? There are plenty of annual displays in parks across the city –Wimbledon, Alexandra Palace, Morden, and Battersea Park among them – but many of them are ticketed, so make sure you book ahead.
Globe Theatre
Catch the End of the Summer Season at The Globe
As the days get shorter and the weather gets colder, the open-top Globe theatre packs up for the season – it’s no fun standing in the cold and rain, after all. If you’re looking for things to do in autumn in London on those rare nicer days, performances are still going at The Globe until mid-October: I, Joan, The Tempest, and Henry VIII. Alternatively, take a guided tour of the theatre, or get excited for their Winter season in the indoor, candlelit Sam Wanamaker theatre. shakespearesglobe.com
Watch The Lord Mayor’s Show
Another wonderful – and slightly wacky – free thing to do in London, the Lord Mayor’s Show is a 5 km long procession between Bank and Aldwych celebrating the inauguration of the new Lord Mayor. Dating back to the 13th century, this ceremonial role is slightly different to that of the Mayor of London: the Lord Mayor represents, supports and promotes the businesses and residents of the City of London. The annual parade features floats, music, and even a rowing race. 12 November; lordmayorsshow.london
Christmas at Kew
Get Excited for Christmas at Kew
If you’re someone who shuns all acknowledgement of Christmas until December, maybe skip this entry. The magical Christmas at Kew light trail captivates guests – and floods Instagram feeds – from mid-November every year. Head to west London for magical after dark activities, sparkling tunnels of light, and delicious independent food vendors. kew.org
Featured Image: Getty.
