Summer is officially out, and autumn is in. Along with upgrading to roll-neck jumpers and shawls, London is welcoming the change of season with a plethora of activities. Nights will start to get darker and the days a little nippier, but the autumnal months mark a great time to stay at The Harrington and enjoy London’s leafy walks and cosy pub evenings. To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve rounded up the best things to do this autumn in London.
1. London Cocktail Week
London is in for a massive treat as Cocktail Week is back. The 11-day city-wide festival is dedicated to specially created signature cocktails made in London’s best bars. It also offers a full schedule of one-off experiences, cocktail events, special menus, immersive pop-ups, international takeovers, and more. Getting a London Cocktail Week wristband is the perfect way to explore the city’s unrivalled cocktail scene – giving you access to specially priced £8 signature cocktails in hundreds of the best bars in London. Wristbands are £20 and are valid for all eleven festival days. They also include a guidebook that lists all the bars taking part.
When: 3-13 October
2. Black History Month
London offers rich opportunities to explore and celebrate Black history year-round, with experiences like Black History Walks, the Black History Tube Map, and various talks and exhibitions. However, October focuses on dedicated events for Black History Month. A wide range of exciting activities is already planned, with even more expected as the month approaches.
When: Throughout October, across various London locations.
3. Frieze London
Autumn in London wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Frieze London, one of the world’s most prestigious art fairs. Held in October, Frieze takes place in Regent’s Park and showcases the best in contemporary art, featuring over 160 leading galleries from around the globe.
- Frieze London: The main event focuses on contemporary art, offering everything from paintings and sculptures to immersive installations. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just someone who loves art, it’s a feast for the senses.
- Frieze Masters: Running concurrently with Frieze London, this exhibition features works that span millennia—think classical art, rare books, and old masters. It’s a perfect complement if you want to experience the full spectrum of artistic history.
- Frieze Sculpture: This is a free, open-air sculpture park in Regent’s Park that runs throughout autumn, even if you don’t attend the main fair. It’s a perfect way to enjoy art while surrounded by the park’s autumnal beauty.
When: 9-13 October
4. London Jazz Festival
For music lovers, the EFG London Jazz Festival 2024 is a must-attend event this autumn. It celebrates the vibrant world of jazz with performances across venues throughout the city, featuring top international stars, emerging talents, and special collaborations.
The festival brings some of the biggest names in jazz to London, with performances taking place at iconic venues like the Royal Festival Hall and Barbican Centre. The festival also hosts numerous free performances and workshops, making jazz accessible to all. Southbank Centre often has pop-up gigs, while various community projects bring the rhythm of jazz into different parts of London.
When: 15-24 November
5. Celebrate Diwali
This year, Diwali takes place between October 27 and November 3, and the centrepiece of the celebration usually happens in Trafalgar Square. Around 35,000 revellers descend on Trafalgar Square to celebrate the Hindu, Sikh and Jain Festival of Light, where you’ll find a sensory kaleidoscope of activities. Expect music, dance, delicious food, arts and crafts, workshops, and more. The full programme for this year’s festival has yet to be announced, but we expect it to be vibrant.
6. The Lord Mayor’s Show
Enjoy this historic parade that combines tradition with a lively atmosphere in central London. Join the crowd as the procession starts from Mansion House at 11am, featuring colourful floats, marching bands, and celebrations. This event has been a part of London life for over 800 years. Top tip, you can visit St Paul’s Cathedral for free on this day.
When: 9 November
7. Somerset House Ice Rink
Set in the iconic 18th-century courtyard, Somerset House hosts one of London’s most picturesque ice rinks. Surrounded by grand architecture and twinkling fairy lights, this rink offers a magical skating experience in the heart of the city. You can also look forward to exclusive evenings hosted by Virgin Atlantic Holidays, featuring signature special touches and the chance to win exclusive prizes. Enjoy gourmet dining at The Chalet or festive drinks with rink-side views at the Skate Lounge by Whispering Angel.
When: 13 November 2024 – 12 January 2025
8. BFI London Film Festival
The BFI London Film Festival celebrates the best in international cinema, offering a diverse selection of films from around the world. Spanning genres and styles, the festival features an exciting lineup of world premieres, screenings, and talks with filmmakers, bringing together established talent and emerging voices. Audiences can enjoy everything from groundbreaking feature films and documentaries to short films and immersive experiences. With screenings across various venues in London, the festival provides an opportunity to explore thought-provoking and innovative storytelling while engaging in the vibrant cinematic culture of the city.
When: 9 -20 October
9. Get cosy in a British pub
Whether you’re in town for business or pleasure, it goes without saying that you must experience a decent pint of London ale or stout. Why not push the boat out and try some quintessentially British bangers and mash or some battered fish and chips? Whichever you decide, you can’t go wrong with the pubs in South Kensington. Luckily for you, we’ve tried and tested all of them, click here to discover the best boozers in town!