It goes without saying that London is full of life throughout the whole year, and this is especially the case during the Autumn season (end of September – mid December).
From famous museum exhibitions to seasonal events and cosy historic pubs, there’s no shortage of things to do in London this Autumn. Whether you’re a film fan, foodie, history lover, or simply looking for some family-friendly fun, this British capital has something for everyone.
In this blog, we’ve carefully handpicked a list of must-do activities and attractions that should absolutely be on your radar this Autumn in London.
9 of the best things to do in the Autumn include:
1. Take a Ghost Tour
London is rich with tales of ghosts, spirits, and supernatural happenings, and Autumn the ideal season to dive into these eerie stories, especially around Halloween!
From the Tower of London to the grand Hampton Court Palace, there are countless haunted locations to explore via a creepy ghost tour. Another popular tour for Halloween lovers is the famous Jack the Ripper walking tour, where attendees can learn all about London’s creepiest tales.
If you’re not too sure where to start, here are 4 of our favourite haunted places you can visit in London.
2. Explore London’s Museums
As the weather gets colder and the days become shorter, indoor activities become more and more appealing. And what better way to spend a chilly Autumn day in London than in one of their world-famous museums?
What’s more, Autumn falls between the busy summer tourist season and the festive winter rush, meaning many museums are quieter around this time of year, so you can enjoy the exhibits without battling large crowds.
One of the most famous museums you can add to your itinerary is The National History Museum. Based in South Kensington, this museum is overflowing with culture, art, and history.
The British Museum is another popular museum in London, and you can discover our top tips for visiting the British Museum here.
At Yellow Moon Tours, we can travel to the Natural History Museum, The British Museum or any other museum or galley of your choice on a private tour. We can also incorporate other London attractions nearby into the tour, including Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, to ensure you see as much of London as possible during your trip this Autumn.
Enquire about our private tours of London here, and if you’d like to speak to a friendly member of the team, give us a call on +44 (0) 20 3290 3665.
3. Visit Kew Gardens
Another activity not to be missed when in London is visiting Kew Gardens, especially in Autumn when the gardens are filled with vibrant foliage, offering breathtaking views and a peaceful retreat amid nature’s seasonal transformation.
Spanning over 300 acres, Kew Gardens is home to over 50,000 living plants, historic glasshouses, stunning landscapes, and a rich collection of botanical art and science. And if it’s a mild, dry day, why not pack a picnic and set up camp on the grass for lunch?
4. Stroll Through London’s Stunning Parks
If you’re looking for a chilled, free activity in London this Autumn, head out on a walk through London’s stunning parks. Whether it’s Richmond Park, Hyde Park, Regents Park (and Primrose Hill), Battersea Park, there are so many options for a pretty and peaceful walk through the colourful Autumn trees.
Bring your book, stop by a takeout coffee shop and find a quiet bench to relax on for an hour or so – one of the best ways to spend an Autumnal day in London while escaping the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
5. Visit a Historic Pub
As the weather cools, historic pubs provide a perfect place to escape the chill, and luckily, London is filled with them. With their roaring fireplaces, wooden interiors, and warm lighting, pubs offer a cosy setting to enjoy traditional hearty food and classic British ales, ciders, and warming drinks like mulled wine.
Popular historic pubs include Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, The Spaniards Inn, and The Prospect of Whitby, just to name a few.
6. Attend a Bonfire Night Event
If you’re lucky enough to be visiting London on the 5th November, it’s a no-brainer that you should attend a bonfire night event. And lucky for you, London offers plenty of options for experiencing Bonfire Night, with two popular events being held at Alexandra Palace and Battersea Park.
Bonfire Night Events in London
The night at Alexandra Palace allows you to witness one of the largest and most spectacular fireworks displays in the city, set against the backdrop of the palace’s stunning architecture.
If you’re looking for a more family-friendly option, the bonfire night at Battersea Park includes a funfair, food stalls, and a fantastic fireworks display – ideal for everyone!
7. Go Wine Tasting
Wine tasting is an excellent activity to enjoy in London during the Autumn months. This is a sensory experience that involves evaluating and enjoying different types of wine (generally around 5-6 types, depending on the wine tasting tour you choose).
The great thing about London is that there are a plethora of wine bars and restaurants offering an intimate setting to sample different wines and learn about their origins.
8. Visit London’s Film Festival
Held every October, the BFI London Film Festival is a must for all film lovers looking to visit London this Autumn.
What Is the BFI London Film Festival?
The BFI London Film Festival offers screenings of films across various genres and formats, including feature films, documentaries, short films, and experimental works. The festival also hosts red carpet premieres, Q&A sessions with filmmakers and actors, industry events, and even awards ceremonies.
This year it’s taking place between the 9th – 21st October, and more information about booking tickets can be found on the website.
9. Watch a West End Performance
Calling all theatre lovers, this Autumn is the perfect time to watch a performance at the West End.
There are numerous hilarious, emotional, dark and simply unbelievable theatre shows on at the moment so you’re certainly not short of options. Some of our top picks include The Lion King, Wicked, Mama Mia, Matilda and Back to the Future the Musical.
Whether you’re on a solo date or with a loved one, grab yourself a glass of red wine, then sit back and enjoy a couple of hours of some of the best acting and entertainment in London.
We hope this article has inspired you to make the most out of your trip to London this Autumn, and for more tips about visiting London, check out our private tours blog page, including blogs such as ‘Tips for Sightseeing London in One Day’.
If you’d like to learn more about our fully tailored private tours, please contact us today at info@yellowmoontours.com or at (+44) 02032903665.
Written by Kate Jones for Yellow Moon Tours, the private tours specialist covering London, Paris, New York and Ireland.
