72 things to do in London in October 2024

British schools break up for October half-term this month, so look out for special family activities at many London attractions. Halloween ensures the month ends with a spooky feel with plenty of spine-chilling events and activities.

London becomes a little cooler in October, as autumn splashes the city’s parks and gardens with a riot of colours, changing the vivid greens to warm coppers, golds and russet reds. Take a trip to Kew Gardens, Richmond Park or other major parks to bask in the beautiful display of colourful shades.

Unmissable events in London in October 

With the autumnal season in swing, London plays host to a dynamic selection of events that you simply can't afford to miss! With various events in London in October, we've highlighted a selection of our firm favourites, with something for everyone in mind. Scroll for our top events in London in October. 

1. Make memories in London during October half-term: Find fun events and family-friendly activities at popular London attractions. 28 Oct-1 Nov
2. Celebrate Black culture and history during Black History Month: Enjoy free events, exhibitions, music and more throughout October.
3. Immerse yourself in the cultural diversity of London at Diwali, the festival of lights: Experience exciting performances and activities in Trafalgar Square. 27 Oct
4. Take part in the Royal Parks Half Marathon: Run for great causes in the leafy surrounds of London's beautiful parks. 13 Oct
5. Attend the Southbank Centre's London Literature Festival: See prestigious authors, rising literary stars and inspiring speakers. 23 Oct-3 Nov
6. Toast the return of London Cocktail Week: Sip on classic and new mixes at the world's largest cocktail festival, with events, discounts and tastings across the city. 3-13 Oct
7. Or raise your stein at a London Oktoberfest: Celebrate Bavarian-style with live music, authentic German food and of course, beer at a number of venues across the city.

Top activities and things to do in London in October

With attractions for all ages, there are more than enough things to do in London in October! From thrilling and daring adventures at Gripped London and Legoland Windsor to culinary delights on a foodie walking tour and the Alcotraz Immersive Prison Cocktail Experience, there's truly something for all tastes. Check out our top things to do in London in October. 

1. See many of London's top attractions in one go with a sightseeing pass: Grab The London Pass to visit multiple spots and save money.
2. Discover the Dark Arts at Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter: Go behind the scenes of the iconic Harry Potter films – but watch out for the Death Eaters...
3. See London from a different perspective on the London Eye: Take in all the sights and the river Thames on this must-do attraction.
4. Explore a historic landmark on the Simply Windsor Castle – Afternoon Tour: Steeped in history, explore the quaint neighborhood and much more on this tour.
5. Dance the night away at ABBA Voyage at the ABBA Arena: Revisit the glory days of pop music with this remarkable and critically acclaimed experience.
6. Check out His Majesty's digs at Buckingham Palace: Get up close and personal with one of London's most famed landmarks. 
7. Marvel at the architecture of Westminster Abbey: Visit this unmissable Unesco World Heritage Site and place of worship.
8. Check out one of London's many rain-safe attractions: Take a trip beneath the waves at the SEA LIFE London Aquarium or visit the famous Madame Tussauds wax museum. 
9. See the city sparkle on a London by night open top bus tour: Admire London landmarks and the picturesque Illuminated River.
10. Take in a historic fixture of London's skyline at St Paul's Cathedral: See the awe-inspiring working cathedral and marvel at its beauty. 
11. Or take to the Thames on a river cruise: Whether you explore on a one-day roamer or whizz along the river on a speedboat tour.
12. Enjoy thrilling rides and immersive entertainment at a London Theme Park: Join the fright nights at Thorpe Park or have a day of family fun at Legoland Windsor.
13. Take on the UK's fastest Indoor Go-Karting track: Go against your friends in the Capital Karts' Grand Prix and see if you can make it to the top of the podium.
14. Go on an aerial adventure at Gripped London: Enjoy sky-high views on the high rope courses, speed through the trees on the zip lines and bounce your way through the treetop nets.
15. Or reach new heights at the Cutty Sark Rig Climb Experience: Make your way up the ship's ratlines where you'll climb the rigging to enjoy iconic views of London from the top platform.
16. Catch a hilarious performance at the Top Secret Comedy Club: From veteran comedians to up-and-coming artists, enjoy a night of laughs at this popular comedy club in London.
17. Get your fill on a foodie walking tour of London: Sample top British cuisine in Borough Market Food Tour or explore iconic street food from London's East End.
18. Join the Cassidy Gang as you take on the Alcotraz Immersive Prison Cocktail Experience: Can you smuggle your booze past the warden to enjoy bespoke cocktails with your new inmates?
19. Hone your skills and learn from the very best at a masterclass: From immersive cocktail making at Ramsay's Bread Street Kitchen* to a sushi and sake masterclass at Buddha-Bar*.
20. Beat the cold with a relaxing spa day: Treat yourself or a loved one to a spot of pampering as the cold sets in.

Halloween in London

Ready for a spooky spectacular? Halloween in London is frightfully fantastic! From historic and eerie adventures in the Clink Prison Museum and the Jack the Ripper Museum to spellbinding London Potion Making experiences, Halloween in London will ensure your morbid and mysterious curiosities are satisfied! Keep reading for the best Halloween in London events and experiences. 

1. Plan a frighteningly good Halloween in London: Enjoy themed events, family activities, tours and more of the best things to do in London this Halloween.
2. Visit one of London's eeriest museums: Explore London's horrid history at museums such as the Clink Prison Museum and the Jack the Ripper Museum. 
3. Take on an immersive experience: Why not test your detective skills at Sherlock: The Official Live Game or put your stealth skills to the test in the Alcotraz immersive prison cocktail experience.
4. Travel back in time to witness the city's grisly history for yourself at The London Dungeon: Discover the terrifying history behind London at this must-see experience. 
5. Go on a hair-raising walking tour to some of the city's most ominous neighbourhoods: Hear tales of the demon barber on a Sweeney Todd Walking Tour* or discover London's most haunted pubs*.
6. Visit the UK's scariest attraction this Halloween at The London Bridge Experience: Meet creepy characters from Britain's past, from Jack the Ripper to The Keeper of Heads.
7. Indulge at an unusual afternoon tea: Cast spells to retrieve your treats at Wands and Wizard Emporium or feast on a Sci-Fi Afternoon Tea at The Ampersand Hotel*.
8. Head to The Cauldron for a London Potion Making experience: Cast your spells using your magic wand to brew two molecular cocktails.
9. Learn the tale behind one of the most infamous uncaught killers on a Jack the Ripper walking tour: Take to the streets of Whitechapel to visit the locations behind the grizzly murders.
10. Embark on a Bleeding Hearts and Body Parts tour: Learn about some of the city's most gruesome tales as you traverse the Islington borough.
11. Hop aboard a London Ghost Bus tour experience: Meet colourful characters and hear spooky tales from London's past.
12. Embrace family fun on the Belgravia Pumpkin Trail: Seek out the vibrant displays, take selfies and have a frightening amount of fun.
13. Looking for a tipple with a bit of terror? Look no further than a Haunted Pub Tour for two: Traverse some of London's most haunted pubs with a guided tour. Spirits guaranteed!
14. Head to Halloween at Kew for a spooktacular celebration: See grinning pumpkins, flickering flames and a number of light installations at the famed gardens.
15. Make your way to Drumsheds for a Boomtown x Elrow Halloween Weekender: Catch a number of live DJs, spectacular stage installations and more. 

Check back nearer the time for more Halloween events and activities in London.

Musicals and theatre shows in London in October

With more glitz and glamour than you can shake a stick at, you're going to want to check out musicals and theatre shows in London in October. From hilarious and hysterical performances of Matilda to the top musicals you can belt your heart out to, the city has it all.

12. Be dazzled by the show-stopping songs and technical wizardry of Wicked the musical at the Apollo Victoria: Witness the untold story of the witches in the Wizard of Oz.
13. See the magical powers of Matilda at the Cambridge Theatre: Laugh out loud as the little girl from Roald Dahl's beloved book teaches the grownups a lesson.
14. Attend a show at the iconic Shakespeare's Globe Theatre: See impressive performances of classics such as Much Ado About Nothing and King Henry VIII. 
15. Treat the kids to these top musicals: Sing along with the little ones as you watch your favourite shows on stage.
16. Discover the wonder of The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre: See Simba's journey from young cub to leader of the pride.
17. Belt your heart out to ABBA's greatest hits in Mamma Mia! at the Novello Theatre: See one of the longest-standing West End hits and sing at the top of your lungs!
18. Witness the award-winning spectacle of The Phantom of the Opera at His Majesty's Theatre: Discover the gothic romance novel in its stage adaptation. 
19. Catch the record-breaking Hamilton at the Victoria Palace Theatre: See the show following its extensive run on America's Broadway.
20. If glitz and glamour is your thing, witness the breathtaking Moulin Rouge! at the Piccadilly Theatre: Be transported to the legendary Parisian club in this dynamic spectacle.
21. Take a trip back to where the saga started in Stranger Things: The First Shadow: See the untold story of Hawkins in 1959 in this smash-hit performance.
22. See the rise of a star in TINA: The Tina Turner Musical: Discover how the Queen of Rock'n'Roll flourished into an icon from her humble beginnings.
23. Experience the longest running West End comedy in The Play That Goes Wrong: Prepare for plenty of belly laughs as this chaotic hit takes to the stage.
24. Catch a performance of the absurd masterpiece The Book of Mormon at the Prince of Wales Theatre: Born from the minds of South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, this play will have you laughing from start to finish.
25. Experience the magic of Hogwarts in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Palace Theatre: Embark on a fresh adventure set 19 years after Harry, Ron and Hermione saved the world.

Concerts in London in October

With a storied history in musical development, London is consistently playing host to some of the best live concerts all across the city. During October, you can find daily live music in each corner of the capital, with enough variation for everyone! Check out our favourite listings for more. 

34. Check out British favourite pop-rock sensation Scouting For Girls: Hear hits such as She's So Lovely and many more. 10 Oct
35. Witness piano mastermind Yiruma live in concert: Gaze in awe as the Korean sensation takes you on a journey with his emotional hits. 14 Oct
36. See UK folk Legend Ben Howard in the flesh: Check out hit tunes such as Only Love and Promise. 23 Oct
37. Catch Australian singer-songwriter Vance Joy at the OVO Arena Wembley: Catch famed hits such as Riptide and much more. 1 Oct
38. Hear a blend of pop, R&B and afrobeats with Maleek Berry at 02 Shepherds Bush Empire: Catch the British-Nigerian recording artist on his limited tour. 17 Oct
39. Enjoy dance-pop sensation Becky Hill at the OVO Arena Wembley: Check out The Voice alumni's dance-filled set. 24 Oct

London exhibitions in October

Satisfy your artistic side with an extravagant selection of exhibitions in London in October. Discover some of the world's most talented artists as you venture through your pick of all the galleries and exhibitions the city has to offer. See famous paintings come to life in the Frameless exhibition and even see some of the world's most revered works at The National Gallery. 

39. Immerse yourself in famous works of art at Frameless: See famous paintings by artists such as Van Gogh, Monet and Cezanne brought to life at this immersive art gallery.
40. See the past, present and future of motorsport at the Formula 1 Exhibition at ExCeL London: Discover interactive displays, curated rooms and never-before-seen memorabilia.
41. Embark on a voyage to the moon with The Moonwalkers – A Journey with Tom Hanks at the Lightroom: Explore the tales behind the Apollo missions with powerful projections and audio technology.
42. Don't missVan Gogh: Poets and Lovers at the National Gallery: This once-in-a-century exhibition showcases the world-famous artist's most celebrated work, from Sunflowers (1888) to Van Gogh's Chair (1889). 14 Sep-19 Jan
43. Visit Expressionists: Kandinsky, Münter and The Blue Rider at Tate Britain: Discover the groundbreaking work of this talented group of artists, whose friendship produced some of the world's best paintings, sculptures and photography. Until 20 Oct
44. Explore Discover Constable and The Hay Wain at the National Gallery: See the artist's iconic depiction of the rural British countryside that has influenced everyone from fellow artists to activists. Opens 17 Oct
45. Venture to the heart of London to see Michael Craig-Martin at the Royal Academy of Arts: A key figure in British conceptual art, see his largest exhibition in the UK to date with sculptures, installation, painting, drawing and print. Until 10 Dec
46. Discover Women Artists in Britain 1520-1920 at Tate Britain: Challenging what it meant to be a woman of the time, see the work of female creatives who dismantled stereotypes. Until 13 Oct
47. See a rare glimpse into the past in A Silk Road Oasis: Life in Ancient Dunhuang: Discover the personal stories of those who lived, worked and worshiped in Dunhuang over 1,000 years ago.
48. Wander the UNIQLO photography exhibition in collaboration with renowned Magnum Photos: Discover over 60 powerful images captured in Vietnam, Ethiopia, and Romania, that shed light on the incredible stories behind UNIQLO’s PEACE FOR ALL charity initiative. Until 31 Oct

Check back nearer the time for more exhibitions in London in October.

For more things to do in October in London, take a look at our events calendar and guide to what's on in London. Or discover plenty more seasonal events and activities with our ultimate guide to autumn in London.

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Is October a good time to travel to London?

As trees begin to shed their leaves, October in London effortlessly showcases the beautiful sights and scenes that the capital city has to offer. From sprawling parks and riverside walks to dense cityscapes and charming streets, October is a perfect time to visit the big city. 

What is the weather like in London in October?

At the start of October, you can typically expect highs of around 16C (60F) during the day and 10C (50F) during the evening. Towards the end of October, temperatures start to plummet, with average highs of around 14C (57F) during the day and 7C (44F) during the night. Rain falls for an average of 11.6 days during October in London, so be sure to pack a waterproof jacket!

For average seasonal temperatures and rainfall, see this London weather page.

Is it expensive in London in October?

While London is often considered to be expensive on a year-round basis, visiting in October grants you a number of budget-friendly solutions. Following the peak summer months, prices for tours, attractions, hotels, hostels, and flights tend to fall, meaning visiting London in October might be more of an affordable option. 

How to dress in London in October?

Given the probability of rain and the dwindling temperatures, it's best to make sure you're equipped for all scenarios during October. We advise bringing a lightweight rain jacket, an umbrella, mid-layers (such as hoodies or sweatshirts), full-length trousers or jeans, and comfortable shoes. You're bound to do a considerable amount of walking, so remember comfort is key! Don't forget to pack a fancier outfit too if you have a formal dinner or a big night out planned.