Visit London In November 2024 – Things To Do, Weather, Tips and More

Looking for things to do In London in November? Then look no further, we have listed 18 events and things to do, there’s something for everyone.

Commemorate traditional November events with firework displays on Bonfire Night, immersive experiences at The Gunpowder Plot and the Poppy Fields light shows at The Tower of London.

Embrace beautiful, crisp autumn days with walks in London’s parks. Celebrate the beginning of winter and the festive sesason with Christmassy events. Enjoy ice skating, Christmas light switch-ons and winter markets.

The days may be getting shorter but there’s so much to pack in before and after dark. November is an exciting month to visit London. We hope you have lots of fun exploring this brilliant city!

For those that don’t know, Bonfire Night also known as Guy Fawkes Night is an annual celebration commemorating the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605, where Guy Fawkes and his associates attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament.

There’s plenty of firework displays in and around London in November 24.

Some of the top fireworks displays include;

Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival: A huge display with panoramic views of London, street food markets, and funfair rides.

Battersea Park Fireworks: One of the most popular displays, set against the stunning backdrop of the park’s lake.

Morden and Wimbledon Park: Enjoy musical firework displays!

The ice skating season has official begin in London in November, with outdoor skating rinks popping up all over the capital.

Here are some places where you can ice skate in November. Make sure you book in advance to get the session you want.

Canary Wharf Ice Rink – the ice rink is open during the whole of November.

Somerset House Ice Rink: One of the most beautiful ice skating locations, surrounded by 18th-century architecture. Skating opens to the Ice rink on 13th November.

Glide in Battersea – opens its ice rink on 8th November

There’s also the ice rink Hampton Court Palace (opens 22nd November) and inside Hyde Park Winter Wonderland.(opens 21st November)

As we celebrate Guy Fawkes night in November, it’s a great time to visit the Gunpowder plot immersive experience. Located in the vaults next to the Tower of London it’s a stand alone experience, separate fron the Tower.

Visitors travel back in time and experience the history of London like never before! With cutting-edge virtual reality technology, you are transported to the dangerous streets of 1605 London.

You become part of The Gunpowder Plot and take on daring missions led by expert actors. The actors guide you through secretive meetings and interesting encounters.

November is a great time to visit the Tower of London.  Learn about the history of this historic palace and how it was also used as a prison. Explore the bloody tower, white tower, go on a guided tour with a Yeoman and see the crown jewels.

Between 8th and 16th November, The Tower of London is hosting an evening event called Poppy Fields at the Tower, an immersive sound and light experience held during the Remembrance period.  A series of moving soundscapes and projections will bring the Tower’s architecture to life with reflections on the First and Second World Wars.

The event starts at 7.45pm and vistors can also enjoy exclusive after-hours access to the Crown Jewels without the usual crowds. (However access to the rest of the Tower isn’t available) The event has been conceived to honour the memory of those who served in past conflicts, while also expressing a hope for peace.

See the Christmas Light Switch-On Events

November marks the start of the festive season with the much-anticipated Christmas light switch-on across London!

Some lights will simply be switched on, while others are celebrated with big events and festivities. Here are some highlights:

Oxford Street kicks off on 5th November, followed by Regent Street on 7th November.
Carnaby Street dazzles with immersive light displays from 7th November.
Covent Garden lights up from 12th November.
For these locations, there may be no major ceremonies, but they’re perfect for a magical stroll through London’s festive displays.

Special Events for Light Switch-Ons:

Chelsea Christmas lights switch on: On Saturday, 16th November, King’s Road will be partially pedestrianised from Sloane Square to Walpole Street, creating space for a Christmas market, local business pop-ups, face painting, and entertainment on multiple stages around the area.

Old Spitalfields market:  Head to Old Spitalfields on 13th November for Christmas crafts, face painting, and a festive countdown to the big switch-on at 5:30 pm.

Merry Marlyebone Christmas lights event: On 13th November, experience Merry Marylebone from 3-8 pm, featuring artisan markets, live music, late-night shopping, bauble painting, wreath-making workshops, Santa’s Grotto, and even a Ferris wheel.

Leadenhall Market: The Lord Mayor of London will switch on the lights at Leadenhall Market on Thursday, 14th November.

Watch the Procession at the Lord Mayor’s Show

The Lord Mayor’s Show dates back over 800 years. It’s a celebration of the annual inauguration of the new Lord Mayor of the City of London. This year it is taking place on 9th November.

Today, the show features a grand procession that is a display of London’s history and diversity. It includes military bands, floats, horse-drawn carriages, and performers representing livery companies, schools, charities, and businesses.

The centerpiece is the State Coach, a beautifully gilded, ornate carriage dating back to 1757, which transports the Lord Mayor through the streets.

It’s free to watch the parade and many people line the streets.

Head to the Design Museum for the recently opened Tim Burton exhibtion. Tim Burton is an American filmmaker, artist, and writer who is particularly well known for films like Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, Batman, the Night Before Christmas and many more.

At the exhibition, explore his remarkable creations and key collaborations with designers.

The exhibition has just opened and runs until 21st April 2025.

You can book tickets now.

London’s parks are at their most beautiful in November (especially in the first week), as the leaves are changing colour. If you can, pick a sunny day and explore one of London’s many green spaces.

Top parks for an autumnal walk:

Richmond Park: (featured in the picture above) Famous for its wild deer, Richmond Park feels like an escape into the countryside despite being just a short trip from central London.
Hampstead Heath: With its expansive views of the city and beautiful wooded areas, Hampstead Heath is perfect for an autumnal walk.

There are also many events happening throughout November in London’s Royal Parks.

Events include Hidden Stories of St. James’s Park Walking Tour on 1st November and the Hidden Stories of Hyde Park Walking Tour on 9th November.

On selected dates in November, take a walk through the wilder habitats of Regents Park and Richmond Park to learn about, identify and record fungi.

Find a list of all October events taking place at London’s Royal Parks. 

Browse through a Christmas market

Most of London’s Christmas markets open around mid to late November. The markets are perfect way to get in a Christmassy mood. Browse through potential gifts and enjoy a mulled wine or hot chocolate while you wander. Many markets have lots of extras including things for the kids to do, live performances and photo ops!

Here are some top ones to visit:

Southbank Centre Winter Market – opening on the 1st November. Walk through the riverside Alpine chalets. Enjoy some German bratwurst, mulled wine and hot chocolate while your browse for gifts, jewelry and decorations.

Covent Garden Christmas Market – opens on 29th November. Lots of photo opportunities at this one with beautiful lights, a towering Christmas tree and 19th-century sleigh. There’s Covent handmade crafts, mulled wine and more alongside high-end shops.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland – London’s biggest Christmas celebration opens on 21st November. It’s more than just a market, although you can wander through countless stalls with gifts and festive treats, Other highlights include the giant ice rink and Ferris wheel as well as other fun fairground rides.

Leicester Square Christmas Market – from 6th November.  Alongside the cinemas and restaurants, you’ll find wooden chalets where you can pick up festive food and drink. There’s also La Clique, an Olivier award winning show being hosted in Leicester’s Square’s Spiegeltent.

There’s plenty of things going on at Kew Gardens in November. Plus it’s a great time to visit and see the gardens autumnal colours.

Events include “Rare and Extinct” in the Temperate House, which runs until November 17, 2024. Explore rare and threatened plants, including species extinct in the wild.

Kids will love the half term event, “Room on the Broom,” running until November 3. The event brings Julia Donaldson’s  tale to life with interactive family activities around Kew’s autumnal pathways.

Additionally, see the full beauty of Kew’s autumn colors across the Treetop Walkway, Arboretum, and Grass Garden, with free guided walking tours.

Kew’s seven themed trails are another way to explore and include the Remarkable Trees trail and the Folly trail, which follows the historical path of Augusta, Princess of Wales, and King George III.

All exhibitions and trails are included with garden entry, making Kew Gardens a perfect autumn day out.

Embark on Twighlight Walking Tour of Shakespeare’s London

Twighlight walking tours run by the Globe are running throughout the autumn and winter months (to include November)

The tour offers a magical way to explore the rich history of London’s Bankside under the evening sky.

Follow expert guides and discover Shakespeare’s fascination with the dark.

The walks take about 90 minute and start and finish at The Globe Theatre.

The days are shorter and colder,  making November a fantastic month to watch a London musical or play. There are plenty of fab productions to watch. Plus there are some pantos opening too. Here is a quick round up of a few:

Wicked at the Apollo Victoria: Witness the untold tale of Oz’s witches, with jaw-dropping effects and unforgettable songs

The Snowman at Peacock Theatre – opening on the 27th November this beautiful winter story is a great way to get Christmas started.

Six The Musical at the Vaudeville Theatre – Join Henry VIII’s wives as they tell their stories in this empowering, historical musical.

Hansel and Gretel at the Shakespeare’s Globe – opening on 29th November a new version of The Brothers Grimm’s fairy tale transforms the Globe Theatre with poetry, songs and hope.

The Lion King – Follow Simba’s journey from cub to king in Disney’s award winning musical.

Dick Whittington and his Cat – Join Dick Whittington and his Cat at this panto in Greenwich theatre as they seek their fortune in London Town! (Opening on 22nd November)

Looking for an activity with a difference to try this November?

Why not head to Coal Drop Yard, Kings Cross where from 8th November you can try your hand at curling.

Teams of six can enjoy six colourful, sustainable curling lanes (children under 12 play for free when accompanied by an adult)

Lanes are open from 12 – 8pm every day, with sessions lasting 45 minutes.

Take a Buckingham Palace Guided Tour

You can take a guided tour of Buckingham Palace on several dates throughout November. Choose between a private tour for adults or a guided family tour.

With the family tour, an expert guide takes you and your little ones on a fun filled tour that highlights stories about the Palace and its history.

The adult tour allows you to see the magnificent state rooms when the Palace is not normally open to the public. See the gilded ceilings and glittering chandeliers without the crowds!

The tours are expensive so if they’re outside your budget, Buckingham Palace is open to the general public between July and September and tickets are much cheaper. Read our review of our visit to Buckingham Palace during the summer months.

With shorter and and colder days, November is a good month to visit a museum. There’s plenty happening in London’s museums during November. Here is a quick round up of some events:

The Natural History Museum – this free museum (book a timed ticket in advance) is great for all ages. The Earthquake simulator and the dinosaurs are two exhibits not to be missed. Half term events for families are continuing until 3rd November. Check out lego super diversity builders or a family nature talk. Later on in the month you can book on a free guided tour to learn more about women in science. Find out more on their events page.

Science Museum – Another free and fabulous London museum. There’s plenty going on this November. Events and things to do include sleepovers for kids, enjoying the Power Up gaming gallery (at an extra cost), exploring the new free green energy gallery or watching a 3D film at the IMAX (extra cost).

Design Museum- – explore the power of design in everyday life. and discover innovative works across fashion, architecture, product design. We’ve already seen the Tim Burton exhbition is on at the Design Museum. The Barbie Exhibtion is also being hosted here too. (Book tickets in advance)

London Transport Museum – discover over 200 years of London’s transport history. This museum is fascinating for all ages and particularly appeals to kids who love buses and trains. Half term events for kids are continuting until 3rd November where they can meet time-travelling passengers from Victorian London and step into the shoes of Edwardian engineers.

The Imperial War Museum – This free museum explores modern conflicts and their impact on people and societies. Through powerful exhibits, including personal stories and interactive displays, the museum brings history to life, covering major global events from WWI to the present day. Currently you can see the War and the Mind exhibition which examines the psychological aspects of war—from motivations and emotional impacts to how people process conflicts, spanning WWI to today. Half term events are continuting until 3rd November but if you miss them there are weekend family events too.

Head to Fleet Street and follow the penguin sculpture trail from 14th November. Have fun spotting 12 penguins, each 1.6.m tall.

Each penguin has been designed by a different artist. Find them dotted around Chancery Lane, New Street Square, Ludgate Circus and Fleet Street.

A map will be available online nearer to the time.

If you’re around Tottenham Court Road tube station, it’s worth popping into Outernet where you can see amazing free immersive light shows throughout the day.

One of the most popular is the butterfly trail but there are several others to see too. Check out the Outernet app before you go to make sure the show you want is showing and the time to get there.

November is a good month to visit as the light shows take place indoors in the Now Building which makes it a good choice of free activity whatever the weather.

Weather in November

November weather in London is cool and often damp, signaling the transition into winter. However there are often sunny days too. As of any month in London, the weather is variable and can change quickly. The best advice is to check the forecast every day. 

Average daytime temperatures typically range from 8°C to 13°C (46°F to 55°F), while nights are chillier, hovering around 4°C to 7°C (39°F to 45°F).

Rain can be frequent, with overcast skies and periodic showers. Occasionally, light fog rolls in, especially in the mornings.

November can have sunny days which are lovely for crisp autumn walks but it can also feel brisk, especially in the mornings and evenings.

What to Wear In London in November?

In November, it’s best to layer up for warmth and flexibility.

A medium-weight coat or insulated jacket is ideal, particularly one that’s water-resistant to handle London’s frequent showers.

Underneath, wear layers like sweaters or long-sleeve shirts that can be adjusted if you find yourself indoors or on public transport, where it can get warmer.

Comfortable, waterproof shoes or boots are a must for walking around the city’s streets, and accessories like a scarf, hat, and gloves can help keep you warm on chillier days.

An umbrella is always handy, or a hooded jacket to stay dry in the drizzle.

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