How To Make The Most Of London In Autumn

2Crunchy 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, featuring leaf peeping aplenty.

Autumn In London 2024

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.

Details: Throughout October, across London. blackhistorymonth.org.uk

© James McCauley

Chelsea History Festival

History buffs should flock to Chelsea this autumn for Chelsea History Festival, running annually at the end of September. Visitors can hear from fan-favourite historian Terry Deary (the man behind Horrible Histories) as he explores Britain’s history through the eyes of its enemies, or perhaps join Caitlin Davies as she uncovers the lives and careers of female investigators from the 1850s to the present day. Plus various walking tours will filter these historic streets through different perspectives, from the Tudors to the Blitz to women across time.

Details: 25–29 September 2024 in the Chelsea Heritage Quarter: the Chelsea Physic Garden, Royal Hospital Chelsea and National Army Museum. chelseahistoryfestival.com

London Cocktail Week: Nightjar Grand Fizz

Cheers! It’s London Cocktail Week

The world’s biggest cocktail festival will return to London this autumn, brimming with spirits, lemon wedges and mixologists. Serious cocktail afficionado? Head to one of the Connoisseur’s Collection prestige events. Casual cocktail quaffer? Embark on a Curated Cocktail Tour where you’ll find drinks for £8 across London’s top bars.

Details: 3–13 October 2024 across London. londoncocktailweek.com

Globe Theatre

The Globe

Catch the end of the summer season at London’s premiere al fresco theatre. 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 of The Taming of the Shrew and The Comedy of Errors are still going at The Globe until the end of October. Alternatively, take a guided tour of the theatre, or get excited for their Winter season in the indoor, candlelit Sam Wanamaker theatre.

Details: Until 26 October at Shakespeare’s Globe (21 New Globe Walk, London SE1 9DT). shakespearesglobe.com

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.

Details: 5 November 2023, across London. Check out our full guide to bonfire night in London here.

Natural History Museum

The Museums

In 2022, London was 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, and the newly reopened National Portrait Gallery) to science destinations (Natural History Museum, Science Museum), there’s truly something for everyone.

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

Covered Markets

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.

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.

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.

Details: 9 November 2024 in the City of London. 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