Autumn in London: The ultimate guide to the best things to do

As the spooky season arrives, the capital embraces all things eerie with haunted attractions, ghost tours and immersive experiences, making for the perfect playground around Halloween. Whether you're uncovering London's darkest secrets on a ghostly guided tour or heading to the pumpkin patch at Hobbledown Heath to pick your own pumpkin, there's no shortage of spine-tingling autumn activities to enjoy.

Hop aboard the Ghost Bus Tour and travel through London's haunted streets aboard a vintage 1960s Routemaster. Led by a delightfully morbid conductor, the journey brings the city's darker history to life with tales of executions, public hangings and notorious figures including the infamous Sweeney Todd. Another unmissable attraction is the London Dungeon, where visitors are immersed in 90 minutes of the capital's grisliest history, from venturing into medieval torture chambers to coming face to face with some of London's most feared characters.

Those wanting to dig even deeper into London's darker side will find plenty more to discover. Step inside the Tower of London to uncover chilling stories of imprisonment, torture and betrayal, including a visit to the infamous Bloody Tower, or explore the wonderfully weird collections at Victor Wynd's Museum of Curiosities, home to everything from taxidermy to bizarre historical artefacts,

Best for: Anyone looking to uncover London's darker history and fully embrace the spooky season.

Good to know: If you're booking one of London's ghost walks, opt for a later evening tour where possible. Exploring the city's historic streets after dusk adds an extra layer of atmosphere and makes the experience even more memorable.

Bonfire Night is one of the UK's best-loved traditions and one of the highlights of autumn in London. Every year around 5 November, the capital's skies light up with fireworks in remembrance of the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605, when Guy Fawkes attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament. Today, the occasion is celebrated with dazzling fireworks, towering bonfires and plenty of comforting seasonal food and drink.

Across the city, neighbourhoods host spectacular Bonfire Night celebrations combining impressive fireworks displays with funfairs and street food. One of the biggest events takes place at Alexandra Palace, a long-time favourite of ours thanks to its hilltop setting, offering not only a breathtaking fireworks display but also panoramic views across London's skyline as fireworks light up the city. 

Returning once again to Blackheath Common, the Blackheath Fireworks display is another standout event, featuring an impressive fireworks and pyrotechnics show, a large funfair and a selection of street food traders. Last year's line-up included viral favourites Spud Bros alongside one of our top picks, The Mac Daddy, serving indulgent, melty mac and cheese that's perfect for warming up on a chilly autumn evening.

Best for: Anyone looking to celebrate Guy Fawkes Night with spectacular fireworks, roaring bonfires and comforting food and drink while experiencing one of London's most iconic autumn events.

Good to know: While Bonfire Night officially falls on 5 November, many of London's fireworks displays take place over the nearest weekend. Tickets for the biggest events often sell out well in advance, so it's worth booking early.

A popular fixture of the capital's cultural calendar, the EFG London Jazz Festival returns this November with ten days of outstanding live performances across the city. One of the biggest pan-city music festivals in Europe, it brings together internationally renowned artists and exciting emerging talent through more than 300 performances staged everywhere from intimate jazz clubs to some of London's most iconic concert halls. Whether you're a lifelong jazz fan or simply looking for unique things to do in London this autumn, it's the perfect chance to discover new artists and experience the city's thriving live music scene.

The 2026 edition welcomes Grammy-nominated singer Mariza, whose performances effortlessly blend tradition with contemporary influences, while Dave Okumu returns with special guests for a performance exploring the work of his ancestors, accompanied by a 20-piece choir led by ESKA and Alice Grant. The Opening Gala at the Royal Festival Hall brings an impressive line-up of soloists under the direction of acclaimed arranger and conductor Guy Barker. Another standout event is Haruki Murakami's Jazz at Peter Cat: A Japanese Jazz Night, where three celebrated Japanese bands, including the Junko Onishi Trio, reinterpret the jazz classics that helped shape Murakami's literary world.

Best for: Jazz lovers, live music fans and anyone looking to discover emerging artists while experiencing one of the capital's standout autumn events.

Good to know: If you're aged between 16 and 25, sign up to the festival's free Serious Youth Network membership before booking. Members can access £5 tickets for selected performances.

One of the City's oldest and most spectacular traditions, the Lord Mayor's Show returns to the streets of central London this November. Dating back hundreds of years, this much-loved annual event celebrates the appointment of the new Lord Mayor of the City of London with a vibrant display of pageantry, history and tradition.

The three-mile procession begins at 11am from Mansion House, making its way through the City of London, passing landmarks including St Paul's Cathedral, the Royal Courts of Justice and Embankment, before returning once again to Mansion House. Along the route, expect to see historic livery companies, military bands, community groups, charities and elaborately decorated floats.

These areas tend to get extremely busy, with Londoners and visitors alike lining the streets to catch a glimpse of the spectacle. For a slightly quieter viewing spot, we'd recommend heading to Temple or Blackfriars between 1pm and 2pm as the procession makes its way towards Embankment before returning to Mansion House. It's also worth checking the official Lord Mayor's Show timetable in advance for the full route and approximate timings.

Best for: Anyone wanting to experience one of London's oldest traditions and see the capital's historic pageantry at its very best.

Good to know: The Lord Mayor's Show is the only day of the year when St Paul's Cathedral offers free general admission. Visitors can also book to climb the iconic Dome for an additional charge, while free guided tours of the Square Mile take place throughout the day.

Early autumn is your last chance to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in its original two-part format before the production becomes a one-part show in October. The production is packed with breathtaking special effects that are sure to convert Muggles to the world of witchcraft and wizardry. We were left wondering how many of the illusions were even possible as books appeared and vanished through bookcases, characters disappeared into a telephone box and duels unfolded before our eyes. Add plenty of time travel and an unforgettable appearance from Moaning Myrtle, and it's easy to see why this remains one of the West End's must-see.

Set 19 years after the Battle of Hogwarts, the story follows Harry Potter as an overworked Ministry employee and father, watching his youngest son, Albus, begin his own journey at Hogwarts while struggling with the legacy of the Potter name. When Albus forms an unlikely friendship with Draco Malfoy's son, Scorpius, the pair set off on an adventure through time in an attempt to right the mistakes of the past, awakening dark forces better left undisturbed.

One of our favourite moments is seeing Snape make a surprising comeback. Still wonderfully sarcastic and every bit as sharp-tongued as fans remember, his appearance is one of several moments that delighted us, especially seeing familiar characters reimagined through the story's different timelines.

Best for: Harry Potter fans and anyone wanting to experience some of the most impressive stagecraft and theatrical illusions in the West End.

Good to know: The magic doesn't stop on stage. Keep an eye on the walls and even the ceiling throughout the performance, as some of the production's most surprising effects happen all around the auditorium.

This autumn an exciting programme of new exhibitions are opening up across London's top museums and galleries. At Dulwich Picture Gallery, visitors can discover one of the world's most iconic print series in Hokusai: Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji. The exhibition explores how Hokusai captured the Japanese mountain from different viewpoints across changing seasons.

The British Museum welcomes one of the world's most famous historical artworks, the Bayeux Tapestry. Measuring almost 70 metres long, this remarkable embroidered masterpiece depicts scenes from the Norman invasion and the Battle of Hastings. Loaned to the British Museum, the tapestry returns to England nearly 1,000 years after it was created, offering visitors a unique glimpse into medieval life through detailed scenes of battles, castles and everyday moments.

The British Library explores the fascinating world of the queen of crime with Agatha Christie: A World of Mystery. The exhibition takes visitors behind the scenes of Christie's world. Expect specially created spaces inspired by grand country houses, Orient Express-style carriages and West End theatre, alongside hidden clues waiting to be discovered. After seeing The Mousetrap, one of Christie's most famous works, in the West End a few weeks ago, we are very much looking forward to stepping into the world of the world's greatest crime writer.

Best for: Art and culture lovers, museum enthusiasts and anyone looking to discover a different side of London's world-famous collections.

Good to know: We recommend booking tickets in advance for major temporary exhibitions, as these limited-time experiences often attract high demand and popular time slots can sell out quickly.

The autumn theatre season brings its fair share of exciting new shows to the London West End, with brand-new productions arriving alongside much-awaited revivals of beloved classics. One we have been particularly looking forward to seeing is RENT, with Jonathan Larson’s iconic rock musical returning to London 30 years after its first run. A production that has inspired generations of theatregoers, RENT is bursting back onto the stage in a brand-new revival directed by the incomparable Luke Sheppard (& Juliet, Paddington The Musical) and starring Gaten Matarazzo (Stranger Things) as Mark.

Set in New York's East Village, the musical follows a group of young artists and musicians navigating the challenges of early adulthood, from forming new friendships and discovering love to chasing their ambitions while making every moment count. The unforgettable rock-infused score combines with a story that continues to resonate with modern audiences, celebrating the power of community, friendship and resilience through raw, emotional storytelling.

Best for: Musical theatre lovers and anyone looking for a powerful story about community, friendship and overcoming adversity.

Good to know: With brand-new staging and a fresh production marking 30 years since RENT first premiered on Broadway, this revival is expected to be one of the West End's must-see shows this season. We recommend booking ahead to secure your tickets.

The Frieze Art Fair returns to Regent’s Park this October, bringing contemporary art, emerging talent and some of the biggest names in the industry together for one of the world's most influential art events. Showcasing experimental new voices alongside established artists, this year's edition invites visitors to discover some of the most exciting developments in the modern art scene.

There are actually two fairs taking place side by side: Frieze London and Frieze Masters. While Frieze London focuses on contemporary art, emerging artists and a new generation of galleries, Frieze Masters invites visitors to explore art history through fresh perspectives, research and innovative curation, connecting the past with the present.

New for this year's edition is The Code Universe, a dedicated space curated by Carol Yinghua Lu, director of Beijing's Inside-Out Art Museum. Bringing together artists from the 1980s to the present day, the exhibition explores how artists respond and adapt to a changing world through the lens of mass culture. Returning for its fourth edition, Artist-to-Artist also shines a spotlight on the next generation of talent, featuring seven solo artist presentations, each selected by a leading artist championing the work of one of their peers.

Best for: Art lovers and anyone looking to discover the next generation of contemporary artists and explore London's thriving modern art scene.

Good to know: Part of the wider Frieze programme, Frieze Sculpture (16 Sep-1 Nov) is free to visit and takes place in Regent's Park's English Gardens. The outdoor exhibition features 11 international artists, including Angel Otero, Conrad Shawcross, Tarini Sethi and Ivana Bašić.

Enter the spooky season in style with a visit to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour during its Dark Arts takeover. Step onto the original sets built for the Harry Potter film saga, from the first time we saw Hogwarts’ Great Hall to the spectacular Gringotts Bank heist with a dragon, but this time with a Halloween twist. Keep your eyes open as you explore the sets, as you might encounter terrifying Death Eaters lurking around the corner.

The Great Hall is transformed for the Halloween feast, with more than 100 pumpkins floating above visitors’ heads, recreating one of the most memorable moments from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. One of the best attractions for children and adults alike, families will love stepping back into the magic of the wizarding world and discovering the details behind the films.

New for this year’s Dark Arts takeover, visitors can uncover the Secrets of Sound Effects, discovering how some of the films’ most dramatic sounds were created. The experience also reveals how creatures such as the fearsome snake Nagini were brought to life, alongside a look at the creatures workshop.

Best for: Harry Potter fans, families and anyone fascinated by behind-the-scenes filmmaking secrets.

Good to know: Death Eater performances take place throughout the Studio Tour including in the Forbidden Forest and Diagon Alley, with from 6pm lighting and sound effects used at the Hogwarts Bridge in the Studio Tour Backlot. 

There's something particularly special about seeing the capital after dark. The London By Night Open Top Bus Tour offers a completely different perspective, taking in London's most famous landmarks as they light up against the night sky.

The double-decker buses take you on a 90-minute tour across central London with a live guide on board, sharing more than 1,000 years of history alongside some of the city's darker tales. Along the way, you'll pass many of London's most recognisable landmarks, including the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and plenty more, all beautifully illuminated after sunset.

Another tour to keep your eye on, launching on 13 November, is the Christmas Light Bus Tour, marking the start of London's festive season. One of the most popular seasonal tours in the capital, it takes visitors past some of London's most spectacular festive displays, from the glittering lights of Regent Street and Oxford Street to the Strand and the iconic Fortnum & Mason façade, transformed into its much-loved giant Advent calendar. It's a magical way to experience the city as night falls and the Christmas lights begin to sparkle.

Best for: First-time visitors, families and anyone wanting to admire London's iconic landmarks after dark.

Good to know: The London By Night Open Top Bus Tour includes live commentary in English from an onboard guide, alongside audio guides available in 12 languages. We'd also recommend wrapping up warm if you're planning to sit on the top deck, as autumn evenings in London can get surprisingly chilly.

Discover London's state-of-the-art immersive gallery FRAMELESS, where some of the world's most famous artworks are brought to life through floor-to-ceiling projections, motion-sensor technology and a carefully curated musical score. Spread across four unique galleries, the experience transforms masterpieces by artists including Klimt, Dalí and Monet, allowing visitors to step inside iconic works of art and experience them from a completely new perspective.

Make sure to step inside inside The World Around Us gallery's reimagining of the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo's iconic frescoes are transformed through immersive visuals, special effects and a spectacular soundtrack. The experience surrounds visitors with centuries-old masterpieces, bringing these sacred scenes to life in a way that feels entirely different from viewing them in a traditional gallery setting.

Visitors can also join FRAMELESS LATES on Fridays and Saturdays. These after-dark sessions offer unique late-night experiences and the perfect way to spend an evening with friends. Explore all four galleries after dark, accompanied by a specially curated Soho Radio soundtrack that sets a completely different mood.

Best for: Art lovers, immersive experience fans and anyone looking to experience world-class artworks brought to life through 360-degree digital galleries.

Good to know: The Sistine Chapel experience forms part of The World Around Us gallery, with the artwork sequence lasting just over three minutes and playing on a continuous loop alongside other immersive artworks. Visitors can stay in the gallery for as long as they like, allowing time to take in the experience at their own pace.

There are few theatre shows in the London West End as iconic as The Lion King. Twenty-six years after opening, Disney's beloved musical continues to attract audiences, proving its magic is as strong as ever. Whether it's Tim Rice and Elton John's unforgettable score, featuring songs such as Circle of Life and Can You Feel the Love Tonight, or the breathtaking choreography bringing the Pride Lands to life, every visit is just as captivating. From towering elephants and graceful giraffes to zebras, lions and lionesses, the spectacular puppetry remains the true star of the production.

As soon as the djembes strike up the opening notes of Circle of Life and Rafiki proudly presents Simba atop Pride Rock, we're instantly transported back into a story that has captivated generations. The musical follows Simba's journey from carefree lion cub to rightful King of the Pride Lands after the tragic death of his father, Mufasa, at the hands of his uncle Scar. Forced into exile, Simba tries to leave his past behind, only to discover that destiny has a way of finding him when he least expects it.

Best for: Families, Disney fans and anyone looking to experience one of the West End's most iconic musicals.

Good to know: If you book seats in the Stalls, you're in for an unforgettable treat. During the opening number, members of the Pride make their way through the auditorium before taking to the stage, a mesmerising sight you’ll never forget.

Lightroom has become one of London's go-to venues for immersive experiences, bringing stories to life through breathtaking cinematic screenings. It's one of the most unique things to do in London this autumn, and families looking for half-term activities will find plenty to enjoy.

Premiering on 14 October is one-of-a-kind immersive experience celebrating the beloved characters of Aardman Studios. Larger Than Life: Starring Wallace & Gromit, Shaun and More takes visitors behind the scenes of some of the studio's most famous films, blending memorable moments with never-before-seen archive material. Visitors can discover how characters evolve from the very first sketches to stop-motion animations, crafted one movement at a time.

Also showing is David Bowie: You're Not Alone, celebrating some of the defining moments of the artist's extraordinary career. We were particularly mesmerised by the 360-degree projections surrounding us throughout the experience. One moment, it felt as though we were standing among the crowds at one of Bowie's concerts. The next, we were transported into the recording studio, discovering his unconventional approach to songwriting. It's one of those experiences that is difficult to describe until you've seen it for yourself.

Best for: Contemporary art lovers, music fans and anyone looking for immersive digital exhibitions unlike anything else in London.

Good to know: It's worth planning your visit in advance and, if possible, booking a weekday slot outside school holidays. That way, you'll have more space to fully appreciate the floor-to-ceiling projections.

Autumn is one of the best times to visit Kew Gardens, London's famous botanical gardens, as its vast tree canopy transforms into a display of vibrant colours. Spend the day exploring one of London's most beautiful green spaces, from the tropical plants inside the Palm House to the giant lily pads of the Waterlily House. One of the highlights of our visit was walking along the Treetop Walkway, offering a bird's-eye view across the gardens and London's skyline. 

During your visit, you'll be able to admire the orange and red canopy of the 11,000 trees within the Gardens' Arboretum, while also discovering the outdoor exhibition dedicated to Henry Moore. Bringing art and nature together, the exhibition features one of the largest presentations of the artist's outdoor sculptures, with monumental works displayed throughout the gardens. 

This season also brings back Kew Gardens' Halloween trail, returning from 16 October to 1 November. As night falls, the gardens are transformed into an illuminated trail filled with eerie surprises, mysterious creatures and spooky encounters, from Count Dracula to the Headless Horseman riding through the darkness.

Best for: Nature lovers, garden enthusiasts and families looking to enjoy one of the best autumn spots in London.

Good to know: If you are planning to visit the Kew Gardens Halloween trail, you will need to book a separate ticket as it is not included with standard garden admission. Tickets usually sell out quickly, so we recommend booking in advance. For the spookiest experience, choose a time slot from 7.30pm.

Step back into Victorian London and follow in the footsteps of one of the capital's most infamous figures. On the Jack The Ripper Tour, uncover the chilling details of a case that has fascinated historians, investigators and visitors for decades.

Led by your guide, walk through the narrow side streets where Jack the Ripper's victims once lived and hear the story behind one of London's most notorious unsolved murder mysteries. The immersive experience transports visitors back to Victorian times, imagining what Whitechapel's gas-lit streets would have looked like. Follow the timeline of events, from the discovery of the first victim in a shadowy alleyway to the investigation that followed, as the Metropolitan Police and amateur detectives attempted to uncover the identity of the killer.

If you want to dive even deeper into the story, head to The Jack The Ripper Museum, where you can find out more information about the main suspects and discover the clues that shaped the police investigation. Located inside a Victorian house in the heart of Whitechapel, the museum recreates key locations connected to the case, including a Victorian police station, the Ten Bells pub and Mitre Square, while displaying newspaper clippings, reports and historical documents as you make your way through the building.

Best for: Anyone looking for unusual guided tours or wanting to discover a darker side of London's fascinating history.

Good to know: We’d recommend choosing a later evening tour once night has fallen, making for a more atmospheric walk through the historic streets of Whitechapel.

Once a royal hunting ground and now the second largest of London's Royal Parks, Richmond Park is particularly special during the annual deer rutting season. Stags can be seen displaying their impressive antlers, one of the capital's most remarkable wildlife spectacles. Spanning more than 2,500 acres, there's always a new trail to discover, whether you're enjoying one of the best autumn walks in London, stopping for a picnic or simply taking in the peaceful surroundings.

Richmond Park is also a favourite with cyclists, thanks to its quiet roads and scenic routes. If you don't have your own bike, you can hire a Santander Cycles bike from Upper Richmond Road in Putney, just outside the park. While exploring, don't miss King Henry's Mound, where a protected view stretches all the way to St Paul's Cathedral, around 10 miles away. 

Our favourite pit stop has to be Hollyhock Café, looking as though it belongs in one of our favourite Disney fairy tales. Overlooking the river and nestled within the Terrace Gardens, it's one of the prettiest cafés we've come across in London. The menu features locally sourced and organic produce, with hearty soups, delicious salads, rustic pies and plenty of homemade cakes to choose from.

Best for: Nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts and anyone looking to escape the city while discovering one of the best autumn spots in London.

Good to know: Watching the deer during rutting season is a spectacle not to be missed and one of the most unique wildlife experiences in London. As stags lock antlers to compete for a mate, remember to keep a safe distance and admire them from afar.

Another one of our favourite London parks has to be Hampstead Heath, home to the enchanting Hill Garden and Pergola. Tucked away in the heart of north London, this hidden gem feels like stepping into a forgotten garden, with its ivy-covered walkways, elegant pergola and peaceful atmosphere making it one of the best autumn spots in London.

From there, climb up to Parliament Hill for one of the capital's most breathtaking panoramic views. On a clear autumn day, you'll be able to spot landmarks stretching across London's skyline. If you're looking to venture further, continue through the woodland paths towards Kenwood House, where the surrounding trees burst into shades of red, gold and copper.

After a long walk, warm up at The Spaniards Inn, one of London's oldest pubs and once a favourite haunt of literary figures including John Keats and Charles Dickens. With roaring fireplaces and a cosy atmosphere, it's the perfect reward after exploring the Heath. The menu features comforting pub classics, from beer-battered fish and chips and handmade Scotch eggs to monkfish scampi, sandwiches and plenty of tempting desserts.

If you're heading out for a misty morning walk, it's also worth stopping by Hart & Lova Bakery, famous for its buttery glazed croissants, crusty baguettes and excellent coffee.

Best for: Nature lovers and anyone looking to escape the city's busy streets for one of London's most beautiful green spaces.

Good to know: We'd recommend wearing comfortable waterproof footwear, especially after periods of autumn rain, as some of the woodland paths can become muddy.

Embark on an immersive food treasure hunt across London, combining puzzle solving, sightseeing and discovering some of the city's best foodie spots. Gourmaze is a self-guided experience where clues are sent directly to your phone as you make your way through the trail. As you solve riddles and uncover clues along the route, you’ll unlock mystery food stops waiting to be discovered. And don’t worry about being against the clock, as you can pause the game whenever you stop to enjoy your food.

There are five different Gourmaze experiences to choose from, each focusing on a different London neighbourhood and cuisine. Take a journey along the Thames with Shadows of the Crown, where Sir Francis Drake guides you through a trail blending history and mystery. Explore hidden passageways around Bankside, solve clues along the way and finish your adventure with a well-earned pub lunch.

Those with a sweet tooth can choose Sweet Escape, taking you through Covent Garden and the West End in search of three mystery dessert stops, with clues delivered by the quirky General Tasty. Meanwhile, Mexican street food fans can put their spy skills to the test on Taco Trade, a Shoreditch adventure uncovering three handpicked Latin American dishes, including two tacos.

Best for: Food lovers, puzzle enthusiasts and anyone looking for a different way to explore London's hidden gems.

Good to know: Each Gourmaze trail starts in a different part of London and focuses on a specific neighbourhood, so make sure to check the full description before booking to choose the experience that best suits your interests.

More than just a place to enjoy a pint after work, many of the capital’s pubs are also foodie hotspots, serving classic British dishes from traditional Sunday roasts and fish and chips to shepherd’s pie and much more.

Visit The Prospect of Whitby, the capital’s oldest riverside pub, once known for its rather rowdy reputation. Today, the pub still preserves many of its original features, including its 400-year-old flagstone floor and the infamous noose hanging outside. We’d recommend securing a table on the terrace to enjoy the spectacular views across the Thames.

Or cross over the Thames and head to The Mayflower. Located beside the docks, the pub has links to the Pilgrim Fathers’ ship, which moored here before departing for America in 1620. At low tide, visitors can even spot the original 1620 mooring point. Inside, the low beams, wooden floors, nautical decorations and roaring fires transport visitors back through centuries of history, keeping the atmosphere of this historic riverside tavern alive.

If you’re looking to combine sightseeing with a traditional pub experience, consider getting a London Pass, which includes access to more than 80 attractions alongside selected food experiences. These include a steak and ale pie served with a pint at the Moby Dick riverside pub.

Best for: History lovers, foodies and anyone looking for a cosy autumn stop after exploring London’s riverside neighbourhoods.

Good to know: If visiting The Mayflower, make the journey part of the experience by arriving by riverboat with Thames Clippers and getting off at Greenland Pier before walking through the historic docks to the pub. 

Chinatown is always a good idea. Whether you’re looking for a feast, a quick bowl of noodles before heading to the theatre, or want to explore the area’s buzzing street food scene, there’s always something new to discover. But did you know Chinatown has also developed quite the dessert scene?

Head to Newport Court, Chinatown’s very own dessert alley, where you’ll find must-visit spots including Chinatown Bakery, famous for its viral custard and chocolate-filled taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes) and Bun House, serving its signature brioche-style pineapple buns. Stop by Speedboat Bar for its famous Pineapple Pie with Taro Ice Cream, a Thai-inspired twist on a classic dessert.

Don’t miss Mamasons, the Filipino ‘dirty’ ice cream parlour known for its inventive flavours, from pandan to the Instagram-famous ube (purple yam), or stop by Kova, a Japanese patisserie with a French twist, serving beautifully layered mille crêpes in flavours ranging from matcha and chocolate to durian.

Best for: Anyone with a sweet tooth, dessert lovers and those looking to discover a different side of Chinatown beyond its famous restaurants.

Good to know: Chinatown is perfectly located for a sweet treat stop before a West End show or while exploring the surrounding area.

CelebrASIA, the Southeast Asian festival celebrating food, culture and community, returns this September for its biggest edition yet at Battersea Power Station. The free festival brings together a packed programme of live entertainment, street food, artisan stalls, workshops and family activities.

The festival showcases the best of 11 Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore and many more. Food lovers can look forward to more than 35 food and drink stalls serving up authentic flavours and modern takes on traditional dishes.

Highlights include Mambow chef Abby Lee with her contemporary Malaysian creations, including her famous Hainanese Chicken Sando, alongside Singaporean chef Ellen Chew, founder of restaurants Singapulah and Rasa Sayang. Returning favourites include Malaysia’s Eat Lah, Mandy Yin x Chick’n’Sours, Singapore’s Old Chang Kee and the Philippines’ FiliGrillz.

Beyond the food, CelebrASIA also offers a packed programme of arts and crafts workshops and masterclasses suitable for all ages. Try your hand at lantern making, batik painting, the traditional craft of bamboo mat weaving and much more. 

Best for: Foodies, families and anyone looking to discover Southeast Asian culture through food, crafts and live entertainment.

Good to know: Some of the workshops and activities require advance booking. We’d recommend checking the programme before your visit to plan which sessions and experiences you’d like to join.

London is brimming with cosy bakeries and coffee shops worth adding to your list, making the perfect stop for a break between sightseeing tours. Whether you’re looking for a rustic bakery or a trendy coffee shop, there are plenty of places to slow down. In East London, Rinkoff Bakery is an all-time favourite, known for its wide selection of freshly baked treats, from challah, sourdough and beigels to its famous crodoughs – halfway between a croissant and a doughnut.

Another spot worth visiting is Townhouse in Spitalfields, part coffee shop, part vintage and antique shop. Set inside an 18th-century former kitchen, the space feels like stepping into a countryside farmhouse, with copper pots decorating the walls and a selection of homemade cakes to enjoy.

For those looking for a fluffy cinnamon bun, head to Bread Ahead in Borough Market. While there is no seating area, the incredible selection of bakes more than makes up for it, from its famous cinnamon buns to doughnuts filled with flavours including coconut, pistachio and Nutella. 

And if you’re looking to sample a variety of sweet treats all at once, London is also home to some of the best afternoon teas, from traditional experiences to quirky themed ones, complete with finger sandwiches, warm scones and beautifully presented cakes.

Best for: Coffee lovers, bakery enthusiasts and anyone looking for cosy spots offering freshly baked pastries.

Good to know: Many of London's independent bakeries are popular, so some of the most sought-after pastries can sell out quickly. We’d recommend going early to get a best chance at trying their full selection.

An event we look forward to every year is Totally Thames, returning this September with a month-long programme of events taking place along the 42-mile stretch of the river Thames. Running across 20 boroughs, the festival brings the river to life through exhibitions, live performances, art installations, environmental initiatives, guided walks, talks and much more, working with local communities to celebrate the Thames’ historic role at the heart of London. 

Some of the events catching our eye for the 2026 edition include AFTERTIDE (5 Sep), a unique live performance blending theatre, music and documentary storytelling to share extraordinary stories of survival and second chances. Experience Ganga Aarti on the Thames: A Ceremony of Light (13 Sep), a cultural celebration inspired by Indian traditions, paying tribute to the river through a joyful and mesmerising ceremony. Another highlight is Where the River Holds Us, a multisensory opera exploring our relationship with water and the impact of climate change through an immersive experience offering new ways to connect with this important topic. 

Discover the full Totally Thames Festival programme and find more events to attend throughout the month.

Best for: Culture lovers, nature enthusiasts and anyone looking to discover the River Thames from a different perspective.

Good to know: While some events are free to attend, many activities require booking in advance, so we’d recommend checking the programme early and planning your visit around the events you’d like to experience.

Another highlight of London’s cultural calendar, the Open House Festival offers visitors the chance to step inside some of the capital’s most fascinating buildings and hidden gems, many of which are not usually open to the public. From private homes and historic landmarks to heritage sites and unusual spaces, the festival is the perfect opportunity to discover another side of London and one of the best free things to do this season.

Highlights often include rare access to iconic buildings such as No. 10 Downing Street, BT Tower, Broadcasting House and Freemasons’ Hall. Also worth looking out for are former industrial spaces and hidden corners of the city, including visits to places such as The Print House, a Victorian factory that survived the Blitz. Other London treasures open their doors too, including historic Leadenhall Market, where visitors can join guided tours with rare access to the Roman Basilica and Forum beneath the famous market.

Best for: Culture and history lovers, architecture enthusiasts and anyone looking to discover London’s hidden gems.

Good to know: We highly recommend creating a free account on the Open House website ahead of time, as many visits require advance booking, with reservations opening from 19 August. Some of the most popular buildings and tours fill up quickly, so it’s worth browsing the programme early and planning your visit in advance.

Take shelter from the colder autumn days in one of London’s many free museums and galleries, and discover the city’s incredibly rich cultural scene. From world-class art and historic collections to fashion, science and fascinating niche museums, there is something for everyone.

Admire the Natural History Museum’s incredible collection of fossils and dinosaur skeletons, and plenty more fascinating exhibits. Lose yourself among Renaissance masterpieces and Impressionist works at the National Gallery, or explore some of modern art’s most iconic pieces at Tate Modern. 

Beyond the city’s famous institutions, don’t miss some of London’s more unusual museums. Step inside the Grant Museum of Zoology, and explore a fascinating collection of skeletons, preserved animals and jars of specimens filling nearly every surface. Alternatively, visit the Hunterian Museum and explore its remarkable collection of anatomical and pathological specimens, including historic surgical instruments and medical discoveries that are sure to send a shiver down your spine.

Best for: Culture lovers, art enthusiasts and anyone looking to discover London’s world-famous collections as well as its more unusual museums.

Good to know: Many London museums host late-night openings, often known as museum Lates, with some offering special events, curator talks, workshops and even silent discos. It’s worth checking individual museum schedules to discover what’s happening during your visit.

One of the quirkiest events on London’s autumn calendar, the London Bridge Sheep Drive and Livery Fair never fails to surprise visitors. Each year, a celebrity takes charge of the flock as sheep make their way across Southwark Bridge, recreating an ancient tradition where Freemen of the City exercise their historic right to drive their sheep across the Thames. The event raises funds for The Woolmen Charity and The Lord Mayor’s Appeal, while celebrating one of London’s most unusual customs.

At the other end of the bridge, visitors can explore the Livery Fair, where livery companies showcase their crafts through stalls selling specialist wool products, textiles, artwork and handmade gifts.

There are also interactive demonstrations offering a glimpse into traditional skills and crafts that are still practised today. It’s a rare opportunity to see rare breed sheep in the heart of London and experience a centuries-old tradition unlike anything else in the capital.

Best for: Anyone looking for a unique London experience, unusual traditions and a fun way to discover the city’s historic connections.

Good to know: The Sheep Drive takes place across Southwark Bridge, while the Woolmen Livery Fair is located nearby on Queen Street and Queen Street Place. It’s worth arriving early if you want to get a good view of the sheep crossing.