Updated 29/07/2024
While a lot of you might not be ready to say goodbye to hot Summer days, we’re super excited to welcome Autumn!
Despite the days getting shorter and the odd rain shower, there are lots of things to do around the country during this magical season, especially in the UK’s most popular tourist destination, London.
If you’re visiting London this Autumn, here are some of our top tips to ensure your trip goes as smoothly as possible!
Here are 6 top tips for visiting London this Autumn:
- Pack appropriate clothing for the weather
- Experience the seasonal events
- Be mindful of daylight hours
- Plan ahead & book attractions in advance
- Book a private tour of London
- Don’t forget to experience autumn in London’s famous parks
1. Pack Appropriate Clothing for the Weather
Packing for a trip can be pretty daunting, especially if this is your first time visiting London.
How much clothing is too much? There’s also the anxiety of experiencing unexpected weather and not having packed anything appropriate. There’s a saying in England, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.”
Warm summer weather usually lasts through September before the temperatures drop in October. During these months, you can expect highs ranging from 20°C down to 12°C, with lows around 10°C, so we recommend bringing enough layers so you’re prepared.
It’s also a good idea to pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes if you’ll be doing lots of walking. Bonus points if they’re waterproof.
2. Experience the Seasonal Events
London hosts a variety of seasonal events during the autumn, offering you a unique and memorable experience. From the London Literature Festival to London Film Festival and Halloween events, there’s something for everyone.
Autumn Events in London
- London Literature Festival – Literature enthusiasts can enjoy the London Literature Festival, which brings together renowned authors, poets, and speakers for readings, discussions, book signings, and literary events.
- London Film Festival – Film fanatics can attend the BFI London Film Festival, featuring a diverse selection of international films, premieres, and events celebrating the art of cinema.
- Halloween Events – London hosts various events and spooky activities in light of Halloween towards the end of October, including costume parties, haunted house experiences, themed club nights, and ghost tours.
- Bonfire Night – Bonfire Night, also known as Guy Fawkes Night, is celebrated on November 5th with fireworks displays, bonfires, and traditional treats to commemorate the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605. Here are some of the best places to go on Bonfire Night in London.
3. Be Mindful of Daylight Hours
Days start getting shorter in autumn, which means you won’t have as many daylight hours as you would in the summer.
That said, daylight hours in London during autumn can vary based on the specific month and the particular day.
Autumn Daylight Hours
Here’s an approximate breakdown of autumn daylight hours for each month in London:
- September: Early September sees daylight from around 6:30am to 7:45pm. Late September sees daylight from approx 6:45am to 7pm.
- October: Early October sees daylight from around 7am to 6:15pm, while in late October these times change to 7:15am to around 5:15pm.
- November: Early November daylight is from around 6:45am to 4:15pm. In late November, daylight is from around 7:15am to around 4:15pm and even 3:45pm in some cases.
So, when visiting London in the Autumn, be sure to plan your activities accordingly so you can make the most of the daylight hours.
Interested in learning more ahead of your Autumn trip to London? Here are some more tips for sightseeing in London.
4. Plan Ahead & Book Attractions in Advance
Planning your day ahead is crucial for ensuring your visit to London is as smooth and stress-free as possible, especially if travelling with kids.
Even though autumn isn’t London’s busiest time of year, the City is a popular tourist destination all year round, so it’s wise to book attractions and popular restaurants in advance.
London Attractions To Book In Advance
London attractions to book in advance include the London Eye, West End Shows and the Tower of London to avoid disappointment and long queues.
It’s also a good idea to make a list of the various attractions, landmarks and/or museums you want to visit and create a rough plan of which places you’ll visit each day. This saves the stress of last minute planning and not having anything to follow.
5. Book a Private Tour of London
If you’re not too sure what to see or do in London, or if you want to tick off multiple sights during your trip, then why not book a private tour of the city?
From Buckingham Palace to Downing Street and Westminster Abbey, there are endless sights to see in our Capital and a private tour provides you with a way to learn and absorb so much about a city in a short amount of time.
At Yellow Moon Tours, we are able to curate an entirely private day tours from London for you and your loved ones. Families, couples, intrepid solo travellers, adventurers, history buffs, younger, older – whoever you are, we are brimming with unique ideas. Simply tell us what you’d like to see and we’ll craft something unique just for you.
So, if you’re interested in booking a private tour with us, get in touch with a member of our friendly team today or check out more travelling tips on our tour planner blog.
6. Don’t Forget To Experience Autumn In London’s Famous Parks
Lastly, don’t forget to experience autumn in London’s famous parks.
In such a bustling city, it’s easy to forget London’s home to an array of stunning parks you should make the most of during this transitional season.
From the world-renowned Kew Gardens to Richmond Park to Hyde Park, London boasts countless breathtaking outdoor spaces for you to enjoy all the autumn leaves and colours.
So, bundle up, grab a hot drink, and take a leisurely stroll among nature while you’ve got the chance.
Trust us, the magic of London in autumn is not something you’ll want to miss!
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For inquiries or questions, contact us today at info@yellowmoontours.com or on +02032903665 to book your private tour today or check out our Instagram page.
Written by Kate Jones for Yellow Moon Tours, the private tours specialist covering London, Paris, New York and Ireland.
