London in the Autumn: What to do and see

With summer just about finished, it’s time to get out our woolly jumpers and start ordering hot chocolate. Expect to see environmental changes like leaves falling off the trees, the temperature dropping, and pumpkins making their yearly appearance.

The days are much cooler than the summer, meaning it’s the perfect time of year to partake in physical activities or attend immersive experiences. And what better place to do this than London?

The capital is a truly captivating place in the Autumn and features smaller crowds, making it much easier to explore everything on your itinerary. With a variety of regular trains to London Kings Cross station from various parts of the UK, London is also highly accessible, enabling visitors to spend the day here or longer.

In this article, we take a look at what makes the city so special during this season and what you should do whilst there.

Go for a stroll in the park

What you may not know is that around 47% of London is green, including 3,000 parks – more than any other major European city. Take advantage of these beautiful gardens and go for a leisurely wander through the stunning autumnal foliage.

Pass through landscapes of varying hues and enjoy the crisp air, perhaps having a picnic should the weather be pleasant. Kew Botanical Gardens is a particularly stunning place, full of fiery colours and various species of flora and fauna. You may also decide to visit Richmond Park, which is regarded for its lush hills and breathtaking sunrise.

Attend a show at the west end

London’s west end is world-famous for its theatrical productions, and Autumn is an excellent time to catch a show or two. From musicals to ballets and pantomimes, there is always a range of hilarious, emotional, and breathtaking shows to go see.

Simply sit back in your seat with your tipple of choice and find the hours pass by whilst you watch some of the best acting in London. Upcoming shows creating excitement in the London theatre industry include the long-time coming Stranger Things: The First Shadow, and Hamnet, a retelling of the bestselling book by Maggie O’Farrell.

Visit seasonal markets and festivals

Every year, London hosts a variety of autumn-themed markets and festivals that celebrate local arts, crafts, and culinary delights. There’s a vast selection of events including literature fairs, movie screenings, history festivals, and live music.

Two of the biggest art fairs in London take place in October, bringing together members of the industry from all over the world. The Other Art Fair takes place at the Old Truman Brewery, featuring pieces suitable for all budgets. Frieze London takes over Regent’s Park, with galleries showcasing work by various contemporary artists.

You’ll also find that there are special events on the days of major holidays, such as Halloween and Bonfire Night. During these times, you’ll find people dressed up in their scariest costumes picking pumpkins and large crowds watching incredible firework displays.