London, a global powerhouse, weaves history from the medieval Tower to the sleek Shard. November offers a unique lens to explore this tapestry, with fewer crowds than peak seasons. The city's landmarks stand dramatic against moody autumn skies, each structure whispering its own story. Trace the footsteps of royalty and commoners alike as you uncover London's journey to becoming a cultural and economic epicenter. This shoulder season brings a wealth of events without the tourist rush, stretching your time and budget further. November in London balances vibrant city life with space to breathe, making it ideal for immersive exploration. This guide will unveil the experiences awaiting you in the British capital this fall.
What Makes London in November Special?
Classic British weather – London's weather remains as unpredictable as ever, whether in the peak of summer or the depths of winter! November brings its signature moody skies and frequent rainfall, prompting the need for raincoats and umbrellas. But fear not, for amidst the drizzle, cozy up with a comforting shepherd’s pie and a steaming mug of spiced cider, letting the romantic ambiance of the city envelop you in its warmth.
Grand festivals and events – November in London promises an array of captivating events to delight visitors. From the iconic Guy Fawkes’s bonfire night to the majestic Lord Mayor’s parade and the solemn Remembrance Day, alongside the soul-stirring melodies of the EFG Jazz Festival, there's no shortage of excitement in the air.
Fewer tourists –With November marking the shoulder season in London, visitors can revel in the tranquility before the bustling Christmas rush. Enjoy the attractions with fewer crowds, seize the opportunity for discounted airfares, and take advantage of more affordable accommodations, ensuring a peaceful and budget-friendly experience.
London weather in November
London in November brings a definite chill, with average temperatures hovering around 12°C. Daytime highs reach 13°C, while nighttime lows dip to 2°C. Expect just 3 hours of daily sunshine amidst an average rainfall of 63mm. Take advantage of the off-season calm before December arrives, as London is notably less crowded during this time.
Visiting London in November: Things to do
1
Westminster Abbey
Take an audio guide tour of the Westminster Abbey and walk the hallowed aisles that have been graced for a 1,000 years by kings, politicians and common folk alike. The Royal Church has seen 16 Royal weddings and is the final resting place of over 3,300 British who’s who.
November Timings
Monday – Friday: 9:30am to 3:30pm
Saturday: 9:30am to 1pm
Closed on Sunday for Service
20 Deans Yd, Westminster, London SW1P 3PA,
UK
Getting There ›
2
Tower of London
Overlooking the River Thames and the City of London, The Tower of London has had a colourful history since its construction in 1078. Learn more about the castle and its past as a prison, armoury, treasury, and menagerie in the Crown Jewels and the Beefeaters tour.
November Timings
Tuesday – Saturday: 9am to 4:30pm
Sun – Mon: 10am to 4:30pm
St Katharine's & Wapping, London EC3N 4AB,
UK
Getting There ›
3
Windsor Castle
Visit the Queen’s weekend home at Windsor Castle. The oldest and largest occupied castle in the world it has been home to 39 monarchs since it was built in 11th century by William the Conqueror. Take a day trip from London and visit Stonehenge and Oxford along with the Windsor Castle.
Windsor SL4 1NJ, UK,
UK
Getting There ›
4
Stadium Tours
London is at the heart of the sporting world – football, cricket, tennis – and its stadiums have hosted world championships that resound across the world. Take a tour of Wimbledon Stadium, Wembley Stadium, or the Emirates Stadium for a behind the scene look at where records are made.
London, UK
Getting There ›
5
West End Theatre
A theatre show at the West End is a must-do on your itinerary in London. Catch one of the classics like The Lion King or The Phantom of the Opera, or be one of the first to catch the November premieres which include Mary Poppins, Touching the Void, Dear Evan Hansen, & Juliet and White Christmas.
Square Underground Station, Leicester, London WC2H 0AP, United Kingdom
WC1A 2SE, UK
Getting There ›
6
Thames River Cruise
Admire London’s most iconic landmarks on a river cruise down the Thames. You can catch views of The Big Ben, Tower of London, Houses of Parliament, The Shard, London Eye and more attractions on a river cruise. Most cruises run in the morning and afternoon in November, but evening cruises have insulated boats to ward off the cold.
Pipers Island, Bridge St, Reading RG4
8AH, UK
Getting There ›
7
The London Eye
The London Eye offers an unparalleled panoramic view of the city's skyline. From its glass capsules, you can spot iconic landmarks like Big Ben, St. Paul's Cathedral, and Buckingham Palace. As daylight fades earlier, you can witness the magical transition from day to night, with London's twinkling lights gradually illuminating the cityscape.
Riverside Building, County Hall, London SE1 7PB, United KingdomGetting There ›
8
HMS Belfast
The HMS Belfast is a London landmark and a survivor of the Second World War. A tour of the decommissioned warship will take you across the nine decks where soldiers lived and fought for weeks on sea. Learn about the war and view the weaponry that was used on D-Day.
November Timings
Monday – Sunday: 10am to 6pm
HMS Belfast, The Queen's Walk, London
Getting There ›
9
London Palaces
London has remarkable palaces that are brimming with history and heritage and some of the ones that should definitely make it to your itinerary are – Banqueting House, Kensington Palace and Hampton Court Palace. A London Palace pass would help you save money and time at queues.
Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX, United Kingdom
Getting There ›
London in November: Events to look out for
Bonfire Night
November 5, 2024
‘Remember, remember the fifth of November’ that’s how the rhyme goes on Guy Fawkes Night. Elaborate fireworks and bonfires are showcased all over London with celebrations, notably at Battersea Park, Lambeth, Southwark, Crystal Palace, Blackheath and Royal Docks. Families feast on food and drinks in these street festivals.
Lord Mayor’s Show
November 9, 2024
The Lord Mayor of the City of London travels from the City of London to Westminster to offer allegiance to the Queen on this day. This is an annual tradition running from 1215 and it is celebrated with a spectacular procession with around 140 floats, 7,000 performers, and the Lord Mayor’s Coach.
Remembrance Day
November 11, 2024
Remembrance Day also is known as Armistice Day or Poppy Day is observed to remember those who martyred in the First World War. Silence is observed at 11am on 11th November and on 13th Nov or Remembrance Sunday parades and music events are conducted across London to commemorate veterans and martyrs.
EFG London Jazz Festival
November 15 to 24, 2024
The 10 day festival brings together the best Jazz musicians and singers in the city. Performances, concerts and events are conducted at Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall and Wigmore Hall. Veronica Swift, Tigran Hamasyan, Anohni & Pat Metheny and many more will be performing in 2024.
London in November : 3-day Itinerary
3 Days In London
1
2
London in November : Essentials
LanguageEnglish
Time zoneGMT+1
Country Code+44
Socket Type G
CurrencyPound (£, GBP)
Where to Stay in London during November
London is a huge city and you will just have to find the right area based on your interests and what you want to do while in London. You will find a variety of accommodation and since public transport is efficient you can stay anywhere. Areas like West End (Covent Garden, Soho, Leicester Square and Oxford Street), Victoria, South Bank, City of London, Westminster and Camden are quite popular with tourists. Here are our favourite accommodation picks in London –
- Luxury: Hotel 41, The Egerton House Hotel, The Nadler Covent Garden
- Mid-Range: The Hide London, Ridgemount Hotel, Hotel Moonlight
- Budget: Travelodge Wembley, Ibis London, Clink78
What to Pack for Visiting London in November
In November, London's weather tends to be chilly and damp, requiring strategic packing. Opt for waterproof ankle or calf-length shoes to stay cozy and dry during your sightseeing adventures. Embrace layering as your go-to strategy for navigating both indoor and outdoor conditions. Pack thermal wear, a winter jacket, and two additional warm layers to stay comfortably insulated. Don't forget to bring along an umbrella or rain jacket to shield yourself from unexpected showers. If you plan to visit churches, remember to dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees.
Getting Around London in November
London has a fantastic public transportation system and it covers all the 32 boroughs. In November you will have to deal with rain and cold, so it might be best to plan your transport in advance or just take a Hop-on Hop-off bus so you don’t have to worry about how to get there while caught in the rain! If you choose to use public transport you have an extensive choice – Metro or Underground Tube, Overground, Docklands Light Railway, Rail, Bus, Tram, River Boat, and Taxis. You can learn about these public transport options here and you can travel for free on them with the Oyster Travel Card.
Must-Try Dishes while visiting London in November
No! Toads were never used to make this hearty pudding dish. It is made with sausages encased in Yorkshire pudding batter and is often served with a side of onion gravy and vegetables. The warm and filling meal will cheer you up on a cloudy November afternoon!
The rarebit part of the name is actually a deviation of the word ‘rabbit’ but surprisingly this dish does not contain rabbit meat at all! The dish is instead a cheesy sauce mixed with loads of herbs and slathered over toast, you will want this deliciousness on a cold November day.
The shepherd’s pie is quintessentially a British dish and the perfect comfort food for winters. The dish is made of lamb cooked in gravy with onions, peas, carrots or celery and baked with a crust of potato. Sometimes a layer of cheese is added on top and you can never have enough!
Bangers and Mash is unanimously Britain’s favourite comfort food, whether it is at home or the pub this quick dish is warm and fills up your soul! The dish is essentially fried sausages of a variety of meats laid on buttery potato mash and doused with onion gravy and sometimes a side of vegetables.
Can you ever have enough of whipped cream? You will find out while eating an Eton Mess! This classic English dessert was first sold at Eton College and is a mix of broken meringue, lots of whipped cream and fresh summer fruit including strawberries and raspberries.
Tips for visiting London in November
- Winter is setting in London and it’s time for the Winter Wonderland to start in Hyde Park. Starting 18th November Hyde Park transforms into a playground for kids and adults. You can enjoy the UK’s largest open-air ice rink, the Magical Ice Kingdom experience, circus shows, giant wheel, ice sculpting workshops and other fun stuff.
- Despite the low tourists, places like restaurants and West End shows are frequented by local Londoners, which is why you should book spots and tickets in advance.
- Watch the Christmas lights come up for ‘Christmas at Kew’ at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Kew. It includes a mile-long trail through the gardens which are lit up with more than a million lights.
Explore London by Months
.png){kind=icon}
.png){kind=icon}
.png){kind=icon}
.png){kind=icon}
