London stops for nothing, least of all the change in seasons.
While the end of summer brings on autumn blues, London’s vibrant spirit across the autumnal months will have you swept off your feet, morning, noon and night.
Want to know the best things to do in London in autumn? Here are the essentials.
A crisp walk in Richmond Park
Located south of the River Thames, only a short walk from Richmond station, visitors flock to the former hunting ground of kings to witness hundreds of wild stags stomping the grounds at Richmond Park. It’s one of the best things to do in London in autumn as you can witness them fighting one another amongst the fiery colours of the autumn leaves, to impress their doe friends.
Accessible by car, bike and foot, take a camera to capture the beauty of British wildlife, get a glimpse of St Paul’s Cathedral from King Henry’s Mound, or tour the highlights of the 17th-century National Trust treasure: Ham House. Meander through the picturesque pathways, secluded streams and blooming flower gardens of the Isabella Plantation.
BFI London Film Festival
For film lovers, London hosts one of the biggest festivals celebrating the best in cinema in the second half of October every year.
Screening over 300 films and documentaries, and hosting workshops, masterclasses and talks with directors, producers and actors, the BFI London Film Festival promises a packed programme that is known to book up fast.
Tickets can be purchased on the BFI website, over the phone or by queuing up at the BFI Southbank, and costs range from £10 — £30.
Eat your way through the food markets
Rain never stopped a Londoner, so warm up in the cooler months with hearty street food.
A few key spots for your stomach include Borough Market, where Levantine-inspired food can be sampled at Arabica Bar & Kitchen, Camden Lock Market, which offers the only fully cheese-focused restaurant in London at The Cheese Bar or Broadway Market for healthy Asian food at Katsu Wraps.
Discover London’s spooky side
In the lead-up to Halloween, London has tricks and treats up its sleeve to enthral thrill-seekers looking for supernatural experiences.
A noteworthy spot, and local favourite, is Hackney’s Sutton House, where an afternoon of ghost-hunting awaits.
The onsite Ghost Investigators Teams educate visitors on the House’s spirit inhabitants, such as the White Lady, Lady in Blue and ghost of former Sutton House resident Frances Mitchell, all of whom are known to float around the parlours.
In addition, Highgate Cemetery, noted for being the burial site of Karl Marx, also draws a lot of attention due to decades of reports on sightings of vampires, nuns and elderly ghost couples around the gothic tombstones!
If you only have time for one, however, be sure to get acquainted with London’s former infamous resident: Jack the Ripper, who has gained international notoriety posthumously thanks to numerous books and films that reference his evil acts. Whether you choose to head to London Dungeon to meet Mrs Waldron, landlady of the Ten Bells pub which Jack is known to have frequented, to hear all about his heinous crimes; venture to the Whitechapel to visit the Jack the Ripper Museum and be transported back to the 1880s to hear the tale from the six victims; or choose to walk in the footsteps of the wicked serial killer on one of the East End’s Jack The Ripper Tours, you’re sure to leave feeling spooked.
If you look for other unconventional sites to visit in the UK's capital, read our guide to London's hidden gems.
Get cosy on Bonfire nights
There’s no better thing to do in London in autumn than head to Bonfire Night, or Guy Fawkes Night, in November.
Taking place on the 5th of November, the event commemorates the demise of the Gunpowder Plot, when the most famous plan to destroy the Parliament Buildings and blow up the King in 1605, was uncovered. It was then that the tradition of lighting bonfires and burning Guy Fawkes (the key instigator of the plan) began, and why it exists today.
That said, nowadays it’s more of an excuse to drink a lot of hot chocolate in one of London’s parks, such as Battersea Park, Victoria Park or Bishops Park, around their bonfires and additionally watch one of their fireworks displays!
Visiting the British capital for a weekend? Make the most out of your stay thanks to our guide to the best shopping venues in London!