Visit London in October 2024 – Things To Do, Weather, Tips and More

October in London brings a mix of crisp autumn air and lots of exciting events, making it a great time to explore the capital.

There are plenty of spooky, Halloween celebrations as well as exhibitions and indoor activities. 

On sunny autumn days enjoy walks in one of London’s many parks, taking in the scenery as the leaves change color. 

Whether you’re a local or a tourist, there’s plenty to see and do in London during this beautiful autumn month.

Read on for a guide to some of the best events and tips for making the most of your time in London in October.

Celebrate Halloween in London

October is synonymous with Halloween, and London knows how to celebrate it in style. From scary attractions and spooky tours to themed events, there are plenty of events that will give you a thrill.

Things to do In Halloween: 

London Dungeon: For a spine-chilling experience, head to the London Dungeon where the live actors and eerie stories are sure to get your heart racing.

London Bridge Experience:  this immersive attraction combines history and horror to explore the dark past of London Bridge. Read our review of the London Bridge Experience.

Ghost Tours: Take a scary tour around the city. Popular ideas include the Jack the Ripper walking tour through Whitechapel or London’s Ghost bus tour. Find more of best ghost tours in London.

Halloween Events: Many museums and attractions host special Halloween events. Check out venues like The Tower of London which has a spooky trail to follow.

Halloween Trail: Follow a Pumpkin trail in Belgravia

Paint a Pumkin: Head to Chelsea Physic Garden with the kids where they can paint a pumkin. 

Want more ideas? Read 11 scary things to do in London. The rest of this article also has more suggestions. 

The BFI London Film Festival is a highlight in October, drawing film buffs from all over the world. Running from 2nd to 13th October 2024, it showcases a diverse range of films, from independent works to blockbuster premieres.

Venues such as Vue West End, Festival Hall, and Outernet will be hosting screenings and Q&A sessions with directors and actors.

October is Black History Month in the UK. London hosts a variety of events to celebrate the contributions and achievements of Black communities.

Throughout the month, museums, galleries, and cultural institutions offer exhibitions, talks, and performances highlighting the rich history and cultural influence of Black Britons.

Events highlights include a Tooting Black History walk, an evening with Neneh Cherry at the Southbank Centre and a Slave Trade money trail tour in the city of London.

On 12th October, the Florence Nightingale Museum is hosting events celebrating Britain’s black nurses. You can find out more their events page. 

Embark on Twighlight Walking Tour of Shakespeare’s London

Twighlight walking tours run by the Globe start on 3rd October and run through to the 25th April.

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.

We’ve already mentioned the Jack the Ripper walking tour as an interesting activity to do around Halloween. Here are a few more details…

An expert guide takes you back in time to 19th century London. Visit some of the places around Whitechapel where Jack the Ripper committed his crimes. Hear true-to-life stories of the victims and suspects. Assess photographic evidence and investigate the alleged perpetrators. Learn about the theories as to who committed some of the most shocking crimes in Britain’s history.

See some of the East End’s most notable sights and learn how these terrible crimes shaped London in the following years.

The tour is run by Get your Guide and at only £10 per person so excellent value.

The London Literature Festival, held annually at the Southbank Centre has so much going on for book lovers of all ages. There really is somthing for everyone.

The festival brings together a diverse lineup of renowned authors, poets, playwrights, and thinkers from across the globe

Children can enjoy events inspired by the book Elmer the Elephant and a children’s comedy show by Russell Kane.

Attend a range of diverse events including an evening with evolutionary biolgist Richard Dawkins or an evening of poetry and music with rapper Ghetts.

Westminster Abbey was the setting for King Charles III coronation and for the wedding of William and Kate as well as for many other Royal occasions. It’s a stunning place to visit and one of the top tourist attractions in London.

This October there are many events happening at the Abbey. One of the highlights is a Medieval Monastery tour.  

Discover the Benedictine monastery at Westminster Abbey, from the time when the first twelve monks arrived in 960AD until the dissolution of the monastery under Henry VIII in 1540.

Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest in London brings the lively spirit of the famous Bavarian festival to the heart of the city.

In 2024, venues holding Oktoberfest events in London including St Pauls Greem at Hammersmith and central Ealing in Walpole Park. Giant tents are transformed into traditional German beer halls, complete with long wooden tables, live oompah bands, and an abundance of food and drink.

Visitors can enjoy steins of authentic German beer, alongside classic dishes like bratwurst, pretzels, and schnitzel, all while dancing to live music and traditional Bavarian tunes.

There’s also Oktoberfest in Camden. It’s held at the Electric ballroom and is running every weekend in October. 

Whether you’re attending with friends or family, Oktoberfest in London offers a fun and festive way to experience German culture without leaving the city.

Afternoon tea in London during October is a perfect thing to do on cooler autumn days.

Many of London’s finest hotels and tea rooms offer seasonal twists on the classic afternoon tea, incorporating autumnal flavors like spiced apple, pumpkin, and rich chocolate into their pastries and cakes. There are also lots of Halloween themed afternoon teas at this time of year. Check out Roast in Borough Market for an Halloween themed experience.

Venues such as The Ritz, Fortnum & Mason, and Claridge’s provide very elegant settings but there are plenty of places offering more affordable afternoon teas as well

Hosted at the National Gallery, the Van Gogh : Poets and Lover Exhibition  is your chance to see many of Van Gogh’s much loved works. Opening on 14th September, it runs until 19th January 2025. 

With the leaves changing colour and the fresh, crisp autumn air making an apperance, October is a lovely month to visit London’s many beautiful parks. Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Greenwich Park  and St. James’s Park are all perfect for a stroll. 

There are also many events happening throughout October.

Events include Hidden Stories of St. James’s Park Walking Tour on Friday 4th October. Or what about Dead after Dark, storytelling for adults (also in St James’s Park)?

In Regents Park, Frieze London contemporary art fair is taking place from 9th to 13th October.

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

Visit a London Museum

With cooler days arriving, October is a great month to go indoors and visit a museum. Make use of London’s brilliant museums many of which are free! There’s also so many great events happening in museums. As it’s October half term in London this month there are many events aimed at children (and adults too).  Here is our top pick of events in museums in October.

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. On Friday 11th October there is a museum late evening where you can explore the musuem after hours.

Natural History Museum – this gem of a museum is free (book a timed ticket in advance) and great for all ages (the Earthquake simulator and the dinosaurs are two of my favourite exhibits). On October 5th, kids can stay at the museum overnight as part of the Dino Snores event.

Museum of London– are hosting adult and family walks in October. Learn about the Great Fire of London on a family walk, Or embark on an adult only walk to discover the remains of a Roman fort. 

The Science Museum – is another one of London’s brilliant free museums. Dedicated to science, technology, and innovation, it features interactive exhibits and historical artifacts, covering topics from space exploration and medicine to engineering and computing, In October, children and their parents can sleepover at an Astronights event.

London’s Museum of Water and Steam see the engines brought back to life at October steam up event on 19th and 20th October. Plus there’s lots of family events happening at half term too including ghost hunts and family history tours. 

See London landmarks from a different perspective on a river cruise from Westminster to Greenwich. It’s a great way to see London during October.

If you’re looking for an unforgettable activity, why not chill out in a hot tub along the River Thames?

Boats set off from Canary Wharf. Either sail your own boat (no experience necessary) or embark on a guided tour!

As cooler weather sets in,  enjoy a hot tub which is heated to a toasty 38 degrees. Venture out in any weather (rain, sleet or snow). With autumn in full swing, October is a great month to do it.

Find out more at Skuna boats.

Celebrate Japanese Culture at Trafalgar Square

Japan Matsuri at Trafalgar Square is a free celebration of Japanese culture, held annually. This year it falls on 6th October. 

Experience the richness of Japanese art, music, food, and performance. Throughout the day, Trafalgar Square comes alive with martial arts demonstrations, taiko drumming, dance performances, and fashion shows.

Stalls selling authentic Japanese street food, from sushi to takoyaki, line the square, while crafts, calligraphy workshops, and cultural displays add to the immersive experience.

Taste Japan’s dynamic culture at this family-friendly event right in the centre of London.

Visiting Kew Gardens in October offers a stunning autumn experience when the gardens are transformed into a beautiful display of autumnal colours.

It’s an ideal time to explore the Temperate House and Palm House, as cooler temperatures outside contrast with the warm, tropical environments inside.

There’s plenty happening at Kew in October. Between the 18th October to 3rd November you can visit between 18:00 and 10:00 and partake in a spooky Halloween trail. There are different admission times so you need to book in advance.

There is also a Room on the Broom event happening during the day and included in the admission price.

Find out more.

Wicked the musical is now showing at The Apollo Theatre in Victoria, London  It’s a great show to see over the Halloween period.

The musical reimagines the classic Wizard of Oz. Watch the untold backstory of Elphaba, the “Wicked Witch of the West,” and Glinda, the “Good Witch.” It’s a popular classic with cult fans across the world. 

The Paddington Bear Experiences is at the County Hall.

Explore many amazing locations from the Paddington movies while helping Paddington and the Brown Family prepare for a very special event; the Marmalade Day Festival.

Find out more

Are you a Barbie fan? Then don’t miss the 2024 exhibition for Barbie’s 65th anniversary at the Design Museum. See Barbie’s history through design, including the original 1959 Barbie, 1985’s Day to Night Barbie, and 1992’s Totally Hair Barbie. It will emphasize diversity with dolls representing various ethnicities and inclusive designs, feature Barbie’s friends and Ken, and include iconic items like the 1962 Barbie Dreamhouse.

Also at the Design Museum is an exhibition about Tim Burton. 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 exhibitions opens on the 26th October and runs until 21st April 2025.

You can book tickets now.

Discover the top London landmarks and sights on a London bus tour. A great way to see all the sights when you’re short on time. Hop off at the sights you want to see. 

As you go round, listen to insights with on-board audio commentary. There is a bus route with 36 stops, starting at Grosvenor Gardens and ending at Buckingham Palace.

See Queen Elizabeth Gate in Hyde Park and the Thames Embankment. Travel across Westminster Bridge and catch a glimpse of the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and the London Eye.

The Bloomsbury Festival is an annual arts and culture festival held in London’s Bloomsbury neighborhood.

The October 2024 features 149 events! There is a diverse program of performances, exhibitions, talks, and interactive experiences across disciplines like music, dance, theatre, visual arts, and literature.

A lot of the events are free and many are aimed at families. They include a discovery day, public artwork and an Autumn market

The festival celebrates creativity and community, often highlighting themes related to social issues, science, and innovation.

See the full programme of events. 

Attend a Football Match

Football season is in full swing in October, and London is home to some of the country’s top teams. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, catching a live match is a great experience.

It can be almost impossible to get a ticket to premiership games unless you have a season ticket. However if you’re keen to watch a football match, why not try and what a Championship game?

London’s championship sides include Watford, QPR, Millwall and Luton.

Weather In October

London in October is firmly in autumn, with cooler temperatures and a chance of rain. The average temperature ranges from around 9°C (48°F) in the morning to 15°C (59°F) in the afternoon. You can expect a mix of sunny, cloudy, and rainy days, so it’s good to come prepared.

As the evenings begin to draw in, the city takes on a cosy atmosphere with pubs and restaurants offering a warm refuge from the chill.

What to Wear in London In October

Dressing in layers is key for London in October. Here’s a general guide to what to pack:

A warm jacket or coat: Temperatures can drop in the evenings, so it’s essential to have something warm.
A waterproof jacket or umbrella: October often brings rain, so be prepared for showers.
Comfortable shoes: Whether you’re exploring parks or city streets, you’ll need good shoes for walking.
Scarves and hats: These are handy for added warmth, especially on windy days.

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