10 Best Things to Do in London in Autumn
Autumn is always a wonderful time of year to visit London.
During this time, you will feel and see how the seasons are changing, with the mornings becoming crisper and the days becoming shorter.
And with the approaching holiday season and the changing colors of the leaves on the tree-lined streets, the city is ablaze with vibrant hues and a festive atmosphere.
In London, autumn is certainly a beautiful season, with amazing vistas and fascinating events that await visitors during this time of year.
Choosing which attractions in London in autumn to enjoy might be difficult for visitors.
That is why we are here to help, with this list of the best things to do in London in autumn.
Autumn in London – Weather
The hot weather of summer normally lasts until the end of September, when it begins to cool dramatically. Lows will be about 50°F (10°C), with temperatures ranging from 68°F (20°C) to 53°F (12°C).
If you’re planning a trip to London in the fall, be prepared for rain!
Autumn in London – Travel Tips
If you’re visiting London during the autumn season, be sure to bring a strong collapsible umbrella and a lightweight waterproof jacket.
Don’t forget to stock up on a few sweaters or cardigans to keep you warm on the cooler days!
Best Things to Do in London in Autumn
All right, let’s jump into the best activities in London in autumn.
1. See the autumn colors
Autumn is a time to see the changing colors of the leaves in one of London’s beautiful parks.
Rustic areas could be a better description, as the season transforms the green leaves into nearly every hue of red, orange, and yellow.
It’s best to arrive early in the morning to capture the seasonal mists throwing their hypnotic spell over the foliage, or visit at dusk so you can see the sun pouring its light over the colorful arrays.
Holland Park’s Kyoto Garden, with its magnificent weeping Acer trees, should be at the top of your list of the best places to visit in London in the autumn.
Or you may visit Richmond Area’s Isabella Plantation, which is awash in golden hues, and the deer that frequent the park are in a rut as soon as October sets in.
2. Join a ghost tour
This time of year is synonymous with Halloween, but you don’t have to wait until the end of the month to take a ghost tour!
The Old City of London is home to a slew of ghost tours that take visitors on a tour of the city’s most intriguing dark past while also exploring the most horrifying legends.
As a part of many of the trips, you’ll stroll along “disgraceful Cheapside,” where you’ll hear stories of cannibalism and canine hauntings, before heading to the Old Bailey. Here, a notorious Victorian serial killer, 100 times more active than Jack the Ripper, was put on trial and executed many times.
Ghost tours are definitely among the best attractions in London in autumn that you shouldn’t skip!
3. See the city from the top
Autumn is the best time of year to enjoy a new perspective on London’s beauty and color.
It is also a great way to get some exercise while on vacation.
When it comes to vantage locations, London (or anywhere else) has two primary options: hills and skyscrapers.
The city’s skyscrapers, however, tend to demand a relatively hefty fee for the privilege of viewing the city from its top floor.
Make your way to Chalk Farm, Camden, or Primrose Hill.
The latter is London’s most well-known (and not touristy) natural vantage point and may be found towards the back of the Regent’s Park. A picnic is a great idea if the weather is good, but bring a raincoat — just in case!
4. Carve a pumpkin at Gunnersbury Park & Museum
What’s a better way to celebrate Halloween than by making your pumpkins?
Gunnersbury Park & Museum offers just that. A pumpkin carving workshop is frequently offered in the final few days of October.
Aside from the pumpkin carving, Gunnersbury Park & Museum is a great place to explore. At every turn, visitors are treated to breathtaking views of the changing leaves.
Throughout the fall, there are numerous free exhibitions to choose from as well.
5. Watch the fireworks during Bonfire Night
Guy Fawkes is one of British history’s most infamous figures.
When the Gunpowder Plot was foiled in 1605, the man was discovered to be part of the group that planned it.
Strangely on Bonfire Night, which falls on November 5th each year, the entire country recalls it by putting on amazing fireworks displays.
Bonfire Night in London is a feast for the eyes, with dazzling light displays taking place in various parks across the city.
Some of the viewings are free, but the best ones are worth the modest fee.
6. Visit museums at night
During the Museums at Night weekend events in October, you get to experience some of London’s most notable museums after dark.
Visitors are also encouraged to display their possessions in unusual ways during this biannual event.
Autumn events often feature eerie Halloween tours, screenings of frightening films, and interactive workshops. For some events, additional fees may be required to enter the venues.
Visiting London’s museums at night is an experience in itself.
You can tour the capital’s great museums at night, attend a unique evening exhibition, or attend an immersive event at one of the city’s most inspiring places if you take advantage of late-night opening hours.
7. Enjoy a concert by candlelight
There are candlelit concerts held across London at any season of the year, but the ones during autumn — especially the Halloween-themed ones — are extra special.
Featuring London’s top musicians, these concerts are often tributes to artists from Bach to Queen to BTS, or they have a themed repertoire like those from films or musicals.
For Halloween, expect a repertoire of spooky music from horror films or TV series, as you relax in your seat in a venue that’s often lit only by candles.
Most of these concerts are held in parks, inside a castle, or even a church, adding to the unique autumnal ambiance.
Enjoying a candlelit concert is definitely one of the best things to do in London in autumn, something you shouldn’t miss!
8. Feast on Sunday roasts
© robbie jim | Flickr
When the weather gets a little nippier, you start to crave a hearty roast.
It doesn’t matter where you go in London, the best Sunday roasts will make you forget about the recent chill and fill you up on a substantial British staple like heaps of fluffy potatoes and enormous Yorkshire puddings.
Seasonal vegetables served with tender roasts doused in the thick sauce are a must-try when you’re in London.
Sunday roasts run the gamut from pubs where you can relax with a pint and a plate of potatoes to high-end restaurants where you can savor some of the best cuts of chicken and lamb.
In some London pubs and restaurants, vegetarian and vegan roast dinners are also available for those with dietary restrictions.
9. Have a pint in a historic pub
In the summer, we’re all about the beer gardens and giant glasses of rosé.
However, in the fall, pubs come into their own.
After all, what’s better than sitting down with a friend in a cozy pub and drinking a decent beer while talking about the day’s events?
Not all pubs are created equal, and fall must-visits include the ancient Ye Olde Mitre in Farringdon, Holborn’s The Seven Stars, Hampstead‘s The Spaniards Inn, and Plymouth’s The Mayflower.
10. Go shopping at Borough Market
During the fall, the city’s most popular and well-known food market is a hive of activity and truly one of the best places to visit in London in autumn.
Historic Borough food market (London’s oldest) dates back to the 13th century and is a huge trove of gourmet treats.
To take advantage of the wide variety of bread, cured meats, cheeses, olives, and pastries available in Borough Market, you should go there without any expectations of a full stomach.
Once dominated by British goods, the market today features a diverse array of sellers from throughout the world.
For example, there are French confit duck sandwiches, Ethiopian stir-friend stews, Spanish chorizo sandwiches, and Tuscan porchetta-inspired pit roasts.
Even the Scotch egg may be included on this list.
Arrive early to avoid the crowds if you plan on doing any shopping. If the crowds are too much, after shopping at Neal’s Yard Dairy, Cannon & Co, and Bread Ahead, take a picnic on the banks of the river.
