Ultimate Guide to Spending Autumn in London

In autumn, London transforms into a picturesque tapestry of warm hues as the city's parks and gardens burst into a riot of golden and russet colours. From seasonal delights at bustling markets to cultural events and festivals celebrating harvest traditions, Autumn in London offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural richness awaiting exploration.

Discover seasonal activities and events, the top events, and local traditions, and learn about the season’s typical weather in our ultimate guide to London and Fraser Suites Queens Gate in autumn. You’re sure to agree that the season is a great time to visit. We cover:

Things to Do In Autumn In London, near Fraser Suites Queens Gate

Every season brings exciting things to do in London, and autumn’s no exception. A few amazing autumn events in London include:

Diwali – 1st November: Join London’s Hindu and Sikh communities in celebrating the Festival of Lights with an array of activities and special Diwali menus near Fraser Suites Queens Gate and around the city.

London Cocktail Week – 3rd-13th October: Indulge in a celebration of the city’s fabulous cocktail scene at four micro-hubs, such as Covent Garden in the West End, Devonshire Square in Liverpool Street, Eccleston Yards in Belgravia, and Borough Yards in Southwark.

London Bonfire Night - On and around 5th November: A quintessential thing to do in London in autumn, Bonfire Night offers fireworks and pyrotechnics displays, family fun, seasonal foods, and a whole lot of merrymaking

Lord Mayor’s Show – 9th November: An 800-year-old tradition that sees London’s mayor travel to Westminster, the Lord Mayor’s Show is a day of parades, music, floats, and pageantry. It’s certainly a sight to behold!

In addition to enjoying these and other events during autumn in London, you can also visit famous attractions that are open all year round. Level up your walks in London with our pick of some of the best places to visit in autumn in London:

Tower of London: Explore the historic castle on the bank of the Thames, discover its grisly secrets, and be dazzled by the glittering Crown Jewels. Open daily.

The View From the Shard: Take in one of the best views of London from the city’s tallest building. Wednesday – Sunday. Opening times vary, so please check the website before going.

The London Eye: If the Shard is a little too high for you, enjoy sweeping views over the British capital from the London Eye. Early evening’s a particularly good time to go, as you can see the city’s twinkling lights start appearing as the sun sets.

St Paul’s Cathedral: An iconic London landmark, St Paul’s Cathedral is more than just beautiful architecture. The cathedral houses stunning artwork and is where you’ll find the fascinating Whispering Gallery.

Monday to Saturday (except Wednesday) 8.30am until 4.30pm, Wednesdays 10am until 4.30pm.

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre: Explore the reconstructed Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre by attending a performance or joining a guided tour. The theatre’s open at specific times for performances or shows, and pre-booking is essential.

Be sure not to miss out on some of the once-off things to do during Autumn in London. Highlights include:

Parables For Happiness: Discover the colourful world of artist and designer Yinka Ilori at a new exhibition of artworks and installations at the Design Museum.

Open daily, Sunday-Thursday 10am until 6pm, Friday-Saturday 10am until 9pm

Lucian Freud: New Perspectives: If you’re an art lover, you won’t want to miss the chance to take in the first major exhibition of Lucian Freud’s work in a decade at the National Gallery.

Open daily 10am until 6pm, and Fridays until 9pm

Outdoor Activities to Do In Autumn In London, near Fraser Suites Queens Gate

Looking for outdoor activities and autumn events in London? Check out these highlights:

Royal Parks Half Marathon - October: Whether you participate or spectate, the Royal Parks Half Marathon is one of the best outdoor activities in autumn. The route takes you through four of the eight Royal Parks, namely Hyde Park, Green Park, St James's Park, and Kensington Gardens, as well as through various Central London roads that will be closed for the event.

NFL In London - October: Three NFL games take place in London this year, including Minnesota Vikings vs New Orleans Saints and Green Bay Packers vs New York Giants at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium, and Jacksonville Jaguars vs Denver Broncos at Wembley Stadium.

Frieze Sculpture Trail – Mid September to late October: Follow the Frieze Sculpture Trail in Regent’s Park and admire the work of 19 artists, such as John Giorno, Ro Robertson, and Ugo Rondinone.

Admire Autumn’s Beauty: Enjoy the magical colours of autumn leaves by strolling through one (or more) of London’s parks and other leafy areas. Some of the best spots are Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Kew Gardens, and the Chelsea Embankment.

Indoor Things to Do In London, near Fraser Suites Queens Gate

If you need to take a break from your explorative walks in London, you’ll find plenty of indoor things to do in London in autumn. A few of our favourites include:

National Curry Week – Early to mid-October: A spicy curry is just the thing to warm you up from the inside. Celebrate one of Britain’s most popular types of food at Michelin-starred restaurants such as Amaya, Trishna, and Veeraswamy.

EFG London Jazz Festival – Mid to late November: Get your toes tapping to the smooth sounds of jazz at different venues around London.

Shop at Covent Garden: One of London’s most famous covered markets, Covent Garden offers fabulous shopping on cold autumn days – plus you can enjoy music and performances by busking artists.

Nightlife During Autumn in London, near Fraser Suites Queens Gate

Summer may be over, but that doesn’t mean there’s a shortage of nightlife in London near Fraser Suites Queens Gate. Although some attractions do close earlier from the beginning of November, others don’t vary their closing times. You’ll also find that many galleries, museums, and historical attractions stay open late (some as late as 9pm) at least once a week during autumn in London.

No mention of nightlife around Fraser Suites Queens Gate would be complete without including those archetypal favourite London evening activities of dinner, theatre, and/or a couple of drinks in a cosy pub. Most restaurants close between 10pm and 11pm, which usually coincides with the end of most shows at West End theatres. Evening performances usually begin at 7.30pm, so you might find it best to have an early supper before heading off to see the performance of your choice.

Alternatively, head to one of the nearby pubs and enjoy a hearty meal along with your favourite tipple. Like most attractions, restaurants in popular areas are not as busy in autumn in London as they are during the summer. That said, it’s still a good idea to book a table if you want to treat yourself to a meal after walks in London in one of the city’s top restaurants.

What to Pack for Autumn In London

While summer is known for long, hot, and humid days, London in autumn is a different case altogether. The days become noticeably shorter, there’s a chill in the air, and it’s usually overcast, often with some rainfall. The average temperatures in September fluctuate between highs of 20C/68F and lows of 13C/55F. The average high and low temperatures in October are 16C/61F and 10C/50F, which drop to 12C/54F and 7C/45F in November.

It's important that you pack wisely for your autumn holiday in London. A lightweight umbrella and a good raincoat are two essentials you should bring, as you’ll undoubtedly need them! Comfortable closed shoes and/or ankle boots are great for keeping your feet dry. It’s also a good idea to bring a few long-sleeved t-shirts or shirts, a few sweaters and a hoodie, a couple of pairs of jeans, and a pair of trousers. Choose lighter rather than heavier clothing that you can layer, just in case you have the chance to bask in some rare sunshine. If you’re planning on going to good restaurants or the theatre, pack at least one nice outfit.

What Can’t You Do During Autumn In London

Some of London’s best loved summer attractions and events close at the end of the season, while others don’t offer the splendour they do during summer. Among those attractions and events are the BBC Proms, the Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, the Buckingham Palace Summer Opening and Tour, and the Greenwich+Docklands International Festival. You’ll also find that the gorgeous summer flowers at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, the Chelsea Physic Garden, and Hyde Park’s Flower Walk have faded.

FAQ about Autumn in London

What month is autumn in London?

Autumn in London runs from mid-September to mid-December, with mild temperatures and colourful foliage, making it a great time to explore the city. You can expect highs between 20°C (68°F) and 12°C (53°F), with lows around 10°C (50°F).

Where to see autumn colours in London?

For stunning fall colours in London, you can visit Hyde Park, St. James’s Park, Green Park, Regent’s Park, Greenwich Park, and Richmond Park. For more autumn scenery, explore Chelsea Embankment, Kynance Mews in Kensington, Notting Hill, St Dunstan-in-the-East, Little Venice, and Hampstead Heath.

What is the best park in London for autumn?

The best park in autumn is Hyde Park in central London. Bordered by Bayswater, Knightsbridge, Mayfair, and Kensington, the 350-acre park is a vast green space in the city. For a nearby escape, consider visiting Kew Gardens, Richmond Park, Hampstead Heath, or Epping Forest, all ideal for a short trip from London.

What month is best for autumn colours?

The best month for autumn colours in London is typically October, when the city's parks and green spaces are at their most vibrant with fall foliage.