Things to do in London this autumn
Autumn in London is magical, even if the weather doesn't feel much different from the rainy, grey summers we usually get. Something about seeing the leaves start to change makes me feel slightly better about having to dig out my winter coat.
Whether you fully embrace the cosiness of this time of year or are looking for plans to keep you motivated as the days grow shorter, there are plenty of autumnal events throughout the city. These are my recommendations for making the most out of autumn in London.
Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival
As an American in London, I didn't know what to expect from Bonfire Night. However, I was pleasantly surprised to learn it's more than just watching fireworks in the cold. I highly recommend checking out the Bonfire Night at Alexandra Palace. The entire venue turns into an autumnal festival with food vendors, carnival rides and a firework display that could get even the most jaded of Londoners into a festive mood. With a location overlooking the whole of North London, you get to watch the fireworks show set against the dramatic backdrop of the London skyline.
HeadBox suggestion: Ally Pally is unfortunately not located near public transport. At the end of the night, walk to Muswell Hill Broadway to get a bus or Uber as the crowds leaving the show make transport difficult.
Haringey, N22 | alexandrapalace.com
Kew Gardens Treetop Walk
Yes, you can enjoy the autumn foliage in most of London's green spaces but only at Kew Gardens can you get up close and personal with the changing leaves. The Treetop Walk is one of my favourite parts of the Gardens and is the ultimate autumnal activity in London. If you're okay with heights, venture up to the pathway 18 metres above the pristine gardens and greenhouses. The walk gives visitors a bird's eye view of the autumn colours and a glimpse of the London skyline.
Richmond, TW9 | kew.org
Bird and Blend tea blending workshops
As soon as there's a chill in the air, I'm ready to put on a Nora Ephron film and pop the kettle on – multiple times a day. If your regular brew is getting a bit boring, I highly recommend booking a tea blending workshop at one of Bird and Blend's shops to create your perfect cuppa and fully embrace the colder weather.
The workshops run on most Fridays and Sundays at all three Bird and Blend shops in London.
Angel, N1 / Borough, SE1 / Portobello, W11 | birdandblendtea.com
Haunted Halloween pub tour in Hampstead
If you're curious about the darker side of one of London's most scenic neighbourhoods, you can embark on a haunted pub crawl to learn more about the area's surprisingly spooky history. Starting at the Duke of Hamilton, your tour guide will tell you all about the scandals among some of Hampstead's most affluent residents of yesteryear as well as the thieves and secret societies that used to operate in this picturesque village.
The three-hour tour includes a free drink and fancy dress (with sensible shoes) is highly encouraged.
Hampstead, NW3 | peculiarlondon.com
The Murdér Express Dinner Theatre
We all know London is home to some of the best theatre in the world, but if you're looking for something a little spookier than a West End musical check out The Murdér Express immersive theatre dinner experience. Set in an actual abandoned train station, the show combines a theatrical murder mystery with gourmet dining. The four-course meal is served in a train dining car and you can enjoy your meal while trying to figure out whodunit.
Bethnal Green, E1| themurderexpress.com
Frieze London art exhibition in Regent's Park
The long path through Regent's Park is one of the most stunning places in the city as the autumn leaves turn bright yellow. The foliage is a vibrant backdrop for the annual Frieze London art exhibition. The exhibition brings contemporary art pieces from around the world, to a massive temporary gallery in the middle of the park.
If you can't get tickets to the indoor gallery, you can also enjoy the sculpture installations throughout the park for free during October.
Regent's Park, NW1 | frieze.com
Macbeth
This autumn, the West End welcomes a new production of Macbeth starring David Tennant and Cush Jumbo. In this innovative take on one of Shakespeare's seminal works, the audience wears headphones to intimately experience the "groundbreaking sound design and live Celtic folk music" as they watch this iconic tale of "love, murder, and nature's power of renewal" unfold.
The show runs from 1 October to 15 December at the Harold Pinter Theatre.
Piccadilly, SW1Y | macbethwestend.co.uk
London Literature Festival
The dreary autumn weather always makes me want to curl up with a book and where better to feel the autumnal literary vibes than at the London Literature Festival? The festival features dozens of prominent authors and storytellers, ranging from the introspective Deborah Levy to John Wick himself, Keanu Reeves. With demonstrations by children's book illustrators to poetry workshops for burgeoning writers, there's something for every bookworm in London.
The festival holds events from 22 October to 3 November at the Southbank Centre.
Southbank, SE1 | southbankcentre.co.uk
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