October is a delightful time to explore London. With mild temperatures and fewer tourists compared to summer, it’s ideal for a relaxed trip. London stands out among Europe’s top destinations, boasting a vibrant cultural mix that welcomes everyone. No matter where you’re from, you’ll find representatives from your community. Enjoy Oktoberfest events packed with German beer and lively festivities or immerse yourself in spooky Halloween fun across the city. From charming heritage spots featuring classic phone booths and iconic architecture to an electrifying nightlife, London offers a memorable experience. Visiting this October? Excellent choice! Continue reading for tips to make the most of your stay.
What makes London in October special?
London’s quirky weather is well-known, where you might get a chilly shower in the middle of summer or a clear, sunny afternoon in winter. But when October rolls around, it’s unmistakable that autumn has truly settled in. The city’s parks and gardens burst into a spectacle of fall colors - shades of yellow, orange, and red create a mesmerizing backdrop. Plus, with fewer tourists around, you’ll have the city’s stunning views practically to yourself, offering a serene and intimate experience.
October in London isn’t just about picturesque scenery; it’s bustling with activities too. The British school half-term break falls this month, bringing a plethora of children’s events and family-friendly activities. Don't miss out on leaf-peeping in the parks, where the fall foliage puts on its own brilliant show. Whether you’re enjoying the tranquility of fewer crowds or diving into the seasonal events, October makes for an exceptionally charming time to explore London.
London in October: Weather
London in October is a favorite amongst the locals. The onset of autumn brings with it beautiful textures and colors that bring a different life to the city. The weather itself is not too chilly, allowing you to enjoy an outdoor day! However, expect moderate rainfall during the month.
London in October: Things to do
1
Westminster Abbey
The Collegiate Church of Saint Peter at Westminster, popularly known as Westminster Abbey has been a major part of the history of Britain. It is the site for coronations and national ceremonies in Britain. The abbey church was constructed in adherence to the Gothic school of architecture. The lower crowd at this insanely popular attraction should be reason enough for you to visit.
October Timings
Monday - Friday: 9.30am - 3.30pm (last entry)
Saturday: 9.00am - 3.00pm (last entry)
Sunday: Open for services
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.
October Timings
Daily 9am to 5.30pm
St Katharine's & Wapping, London EC3N 4AB,
UK
Getting There ›
3
Buckingham Palace
You cannot miss out on a number of London attractions, no matter when you are in the city. The Buckingham Palace is one of those monuments. The elegant structure stands as a reminder of Britain’s might. You may take a tour of the many chambers and staterooms of Buckingham Palace and appreciate the work that has gone into it.
October Timings
Daily: 9:30am to 7.30pm
Westminster, London SW1A 1AA,
UK
Getting There ›
4
Stadium Tours
London loves its sports. There are a number of sporting arenas in the city that are both majestic and historic. The Wembley Stadium is the home to the English national football team. The Wimbledon stadium hosts one of the most prestigious grand slams in the world tennis calendar. You can also take a tour of Stamford Bridge, the Emirates, and the brand new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
London, UK
Getting There ›
5
West End Theatre
London’s West End is a testament to the city’s cultural richness. It is the counterpart of New York’s Broadway. Every year, thousands of people from around the world make a life-altering choice to experience a West End show. This October, you will be able to see shows like Ian McKellen On Stage, Measure for Measure, Death of a Salesman, and Peter Pan.
40 Bloomsbury Way Lower Ground Floor, London
WC1A 2SE, UK
Getting There ›
6
Thames River Cruise
The Thames river is the lifeline of the city. Not only does it add an element of beauty to London, it is also a major transport route. You can enjoy the warm, autumnal shades of London in October from the Thames river by taking a cruise. The luxury boats come with a deck that lets you see the landmarks like Westminster Abbey and Big Ben as you enjoy the offerings from the snack bar.
Pipers Island, Bridge St, Reading RG4
8AH, UK
Getting There ›
7
SEA Life London Aquarium
SEA Life London Aquarium is a unique experience that should especially appeal to kids. The aquarium has a number of species of aquatic life forms including sharks, rays, penguins, and jellyfish. The glass walkway lefts you experience the underwater world from closer than you ever could. However, it is not all cute and endearing as the facility also has some piranhas and a crocodile.
Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, Lambeth, London SE1 7PB
UK
Getting There ›
8
Stonehenge Day Trip
Embarking on an October day trip from London to Stonehenge offers a mesmerizing journey through the English countryside. The crisp autumn air complements the enigmatic stone circle's ancient aura. With fewer crowds, you can explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, ponder its mysteries, and revel in the fall foliage's vibrant colors.
October Timings
Depends on tour chosen
Salisbury SP4 7DE, United Kingdom
Getting There ›
9
London Eye
The London Eye has recently cemented its place in international tourism brochures as the representative of London. This giant observation wheel is styled like a ferris wheel. There are specially designed capsules that allow you a 360-degree view of the city skyline. The wheel rotates at a pace slow enough for you to enjoy the view of the Thames below and the rest of the city before you.
October Timings
Daily from 10am to 8:30pm
Lambeth, London SE1 7PB, UK
Getting There ›
10
Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens, in London, is a botanical paradise where nature and science converge. With its vast collection of plants, historic glasshouses, and enchanting landscapes, it's a tranquil escape from the city's hustle and bustle. Visitors can explore diverse ecosystems, including the iconic Palm House, making it a horticultural haven in the heart of London.
October Timings
Daily from 10am to 7pm
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, United Kingdom
Getting There ›
London in October: Events to look out for
Halloween
October 31, 2024
If you are planning to stick around until the end of October, you will be presented with the incredible gift that is Halloween in London. Tradition has a special place in the hearts of the British and it shows during this spooky holiday. A number of restaurants, bookstores, museums hold special Halloween-themed events and the entire city adopts a darker persona.
London Cocktail Week
October 3 to 13, 2024
London being a melting pot of various cultures, lays a lot of importance on culinary experiences. In association with some of the food festivals, the London Cocktail Week makes October the best time to be in the city. You can buy a pass for this event and gain access to the cocktail village that consists of over 30 pop up bars and restaurants at Brick Lane.
London Bierfest
October 17, 2024
This is the London counterpart of the Oktoberfest. The Old Billingsgate Market is transformed into a hub of music, dance, and party. The event has been taking place in London since 2003, and has carved out a niche for itself. Apart from beer, you can also enjoy a wide selection of finger food and table service during the performances.
Dua Lipa - Live in concert
October 17, 2024
Pop sensation Dua Lipa will be making her debut appearance at the Royal Albert Hall on 17th October. She'll be on a world tour in celebration of her third album Radical Optimism playing chart burster songs like Houdini and Training Season.
London in October: Essentials
LanguageEnglish
Time zoneGMT+1
Country Code+44
Socket Type G
CurrencyPound (£, GBP)
Where to stay in London during October
As the tourist count drops, you will have more places to choose from in October. There are a number of hotels that would fit your specifications and budget throughout London. If you have your itinerary handy, you should choose a hotel in the area where you plan to do most of you sightseeing in.
What to pack for visiting London in October
There is hardly any month in the year when you can visit London without your warm clothes. Make sure to carry enough of them to form layers on characteristically cold days. You also must keep waterproof clothing and boots handy, given the frequency of rain in London. For sudden downpours, keep an umbrella with you whenever you go out. If you plan to do a lot of walking, carry comfortable walking shoes.
Getting around London in October
Apart from being a premier tourist destination, London is a commercial hub as well. Consequently, it requires an elaborate transport network. Over the years, the 32 boroughs of the city has been connected by multiple transport mediums. The most convenient, trustworthy, and timebound is the Tube railway network. You can also avail trains that connect the boroughs which are less frequented by the Tube. A fleet of driverless trains now serve the South and East of London. In terms of road transport, London is a bit slow, given the ever increasing traffic. If you want a transportation and sightseeing clubbed into one journey, go for the Thames cruise or the double-decker bus.
London in October: Seasonal Delicacies
There is nothing better than to start a day in London with English Breakfast. Although, now it is easy get English Breakfast in almost any part of the world, the ones that you get in London have an inimitable native touch. It consists of toast, eggs, sausages, mashed potatoes, and vegetables. Head to Hawksmoor Guildhall for one of the best English Breakfast in the city.
The English weather is for fried food, and the English are aware of that. There are many fried food items that are staples in England. One of the most unique ones is Duck Fat Fries. The oil is replaced by duck fat, lending the dish a one of a kind texture. Have it with cheese dip or truffle mayonnaise to enjoy it to the fullest. The Frenchie Bistro serves a great duck fat fries.
There is no way you are leaving London without having a cup of cream tea. The English love their tea, and they have a number of variations of it. The cream tea stands out because of the wonderful duo it forms with English scones. You can get cream tea in any English household, but if you are going out remember to try the cream tea served at Aqua Shard .
This English pudding is quite famous in London and its households. The savory pudding is served with a number of other sides. The most popular of them is the roast. The fried batter is soaked in gravy and then served with beef, pork, duck, turkey, or chicken roast. You can head to Mr. Fogg’s Tavern to try a classic Yorkshire Pudding and Roast.
Everyone wants a messy dessert. It matches up and adds to the sinful aspect of the dish. The Eton Mess combines English classics in the messiest way possible. Strawberries, cream, and meringue is served in conjunction with flavored ice cream of your choice making your London trip a truly memorable one. You can try this dessert at Eat ‘n’ Mess.
London in October: Visiting tips
- Look out for deals on flight rates as October is known for low tourist interest.
- Get the the Visitor Oyster card once you land in London. You can use this card to make payments on multiple transport mediums and routes.
- Pick a clear day to visit the observation deck on The Shard and catch 360-degree panoramic view of the city skyline.
- Visit the Frieze London and Frieze Masters contemporary art fairs and get a chance to witness legendary works of art.
- Acquaint yourself to London’s multicultural facet with the celebrations of Diwali and Africa on the Wall at Trafalgar Square during the month of October.
- Keep some time in your itinerary to stroll around the city’s park and take in the beautiful view of the fall in London.
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