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12 things to do in London in October

What can you do in London in October? Take note of these great things to do!

Isabel Catalán

Isabel Catalán

8 min read

12 things to do in London in October

Aerial view of the City of London from the Sky Garden | ©MJ Tangonán

London is a city full of life and in constant motion - there's always something fascinating to do!

October is also a month full of fun events and activities to keep you entertained during your stay in the British capital - check out all the things to do in London in October!

1. Indulge your foodie streak with London's Chicken Wing Festival

Participating in London's Chicken Wing Festival| ©WingJam
Participating in London's Chicken Wing Festival| ©WingJam

Speaking of festivals, fancy some chicken? For just £1 you can savour over 50 unique flavour combinations prepared by the city's renowned chefs at WingJam, London's chicken wing festival.

Make a note in your diary for 1-3 October, when you can get down to London's Chicken Wing Festival to get your hands dirty, either as a visitor or as a participant in the food competitions held at Kingsland Lawns(Museum of the Home).

Prepare to feast on chicken wings in a variety of flavours - BBQ, Buffalo, whiskey-glazed, even doughnut or strawberry cheesecake flavours. Make the most of the fact that the weather is still good in London in October and pair them with a craft beer or a cocktail while you enjoy the best live music in the open air.

Book a food tour of London

2. Attend the Kew Gardens' Japan Festival

Kew Gardens' Japan Festival| ©Koji Moriya
Kew Gardens' Japan Festival| ©Koji Moriya

If during your holidays in London you want to visit Kyoto Garden (one of the most curious secret places in the British capital ), you might also be interested in the Kew Gardens' Japan Festival, one of the most fascinating events held in October.

Autumn is the perfect time to lose yourself in London's gardens and parks. The landscape is transformed and gives way to an amazing explosion of colours that you will surely want to capture with your camera.

Especially the Kew Gardens' Japan Festival, where for a whole month you can celebrate Japanese culture and art while you contemplate the vegetation of this impressive botanical garden.

In addition, during the festival there are plenty of activities such as exhibitions, music and dance performances, workshops on ikebana art (Japanese flower arrangement) and much more. Autumn is a great time!

Book tickets for Kew Gardens

3. Track Jack the Ripper through the streets of London

Visiting the Jack the Ripper Museum on Tour| ©Matt Brown
Visiting the Jack the Ripper Museum on Tour| ©Matt Brown

Another plan to do in London in October if your visit coincides with Halloween is a Jack the Ripper night tour that will show you the most terrifying side of the city.

In addition to learning about the history of this famous and ruthless serial criminal, during the activity you will also discover other spooky places of London's black legend such as the Plague Pits, the first psychiatric hospital, the Traitor's Gate, the Tower of London or some haunted areas of the East End.

Are you ready to have a frightening time?

Book a night tour of London

4. Explore the Tower of London

Inside the Tower of London| ©Doug Kerr
Inside the Tower of London| ©Doug Kerr

If you visit London in October you can take advantage of Halloween to explore the Tower of London, an ancient fortress that has stood for almost a millennium and is one of the city's most popular tourist attractions for its combination of dread and mystery inspired by its chilling history and the events that took place here.

The second wife of King Henry VIII was executed like so many others in the Tower of London and it is said that the ghost of Anne Boleyn wanders around the Green Tower with her head under her arm.

But don't worry, chances are you won't witness any supernatural events there although you will see plenty of cute little crows swarming around the monument - they're quite the attraction there!

Buy tickets for the Tower of London

5. Have a Beer Toast at Oktoberfest

Beer Toast| ©Tembela Bohle
Beer Toast| ©Tembela Bohle

Oktoberfest was born in the 19th century in Munich but its joy, good vibes and cult of beer has made this festival transcend borders and nowadays it is celebrated all over the world in October.

And London is no exception! Canada Water, Ealing and Canary Wharf are the places chosen to set up the tents where you can have a good time with giant beers, pretzels and good music.

If you feel like joining the party, I advise you to go early to find a good spot in the tents, as Oktoberfest is one of the most anticipated events of the year and it always gets very crowded.

6. Get your culture side out and visit London's art fairs

At Frieze London| ©Yin Xiuzhen
At Frieze London| ©Yin Xiuzhen

London' s museums are a marvel to visit and you'll be able to enjoy some real artistic gems.

However, if you've already visited them on several occasions and fancy seeing something different, October sees two of the most important art fairs in the British capital, attracting artists from all over the world.

One is Frieze London in Regent's Park and the other is The Other Art Fair in East London.

If you want to bring out your cultural side and take home a unique souvenir of your stay in the city, I recommend you drop by to catch up on the latest developments in the sector.

7. Celebrate London Cocktail Week... all month long!

Enjoy a good cocktail| ©Elzio Pilan Junior Pilan Films
Enjoy a good cocktail| ©Elzio Pilan Junior Pilan Films

If one of your favourite holiday plans is to dress up and go out and enjoy the night until the small hours, in October you'll have the chance to experience the world's largest cocktail festival in London: London Cocktail Week.

What started with one week has been so successful that it has been extended to the whole month and now involves more than 200 bars and pubs that not only serve delicious cocktails prepared by the city's most talented bartenders but also organise pop-ups, events and workshops.

With one of the London Cocktail Week wristbands you will have access to exclusive £7 cocktails in some of the most amazing bars in the British capital. Does the idea appeal to you? Then I recommend you take a look at the festival' s website to take note of some of the best bars to go to.

8. Put on your best costume and go out and have fun on Halloween!

Ready for Halloween| ©radiographie
Ready for Halloween| ©radiographie

If your stay in London coincides with Halloween, remember to pack a costume in your suitcase because on the night of 31 October you're going to want to party in one of the British capital's clubs.

But where to go? Here are some areas to go out in London at night:

  • Notting Hill & Marble Arch: Ideal for the younger crowd. There are both bars and pubs where you can get a bite to eat.
  • Camden: For those looking for a relaxed and indie atmosphere to enjoy London's nightlife.
  • Brixton: If you feel like listening to live music, Brixton's bars will not disappoint you.
  • Piccadilly Circus: If you want to move in a popular atmosphere and listen to commercial music to have a good time with friends.

9. Enjoy the Illuminature Festival of Lights

Illuminature Festival| ©SecretLondon
Illuminature Festival| ©SecretLondon

Who doesn't love a good festival of lights? During the month of October, the Illuminature festival is held at the London Wetland Centre in Barnes, a wildlife watching centre home to a multitude of birds, amphibians, butterflies and other creatures.

At dusk you can explore nature in a different and very original way, strolling through the ponds and reed beds which have been decorated with huge tunnels of light, colourful water lilies and large lamps depicting animals such as swans, owls, flamingos and more.

To take part in the activity you need a ticket, which you can book on the centre's website, and by the time you leave you'll have got some great photos to upload to Instagram!

10. Hang out among the greatest superheroes on Earth

People in Costume at London ComicCon| ©sharky-san
People in Costume at London ComicCon| ©sharky-san

If you're a fan of comics and video games, at the end of October you have a date with MCM London ComicCon at ExCeL London in the east of the city.

It's Britain's biggest pop culture convention, with three days packed with meetings, panels, cosplay events and a whole host of other activities! In fact, MCM London ComicCon attendees can dress up in cosplay and even take part in the EuroCosplay competitions. You'll have a great time and get some of the coolest pictures of your holiday.

So don't hesitate to pack your best costume for your trip to London - between Halloween and MCM, you'll get a lot out of it!


What's the temperature in October in London?

Autumn in Waterloo Gardens| ©carlfbagge
Autumn in Waterloo Gardens| ©carlfbagge

Autumn is a fantastic time to travel to London. Thermometers hover around 16°C highs and 11°C lows.

Temperatures are therefore very pleasant for sightseeing in the city because it's no longer as hot as in summer and the nights are cooler. In addition, there are fewer visitors in October and prices are lower than in previous months.

What are the tourist numbers in October?

Big Ben next to the Palace of Westminster from the London Eye| ©TheeErin
Big Ben next to the Palace of Westminster from the London Eye| ©TheeErin

Exploring London in October is a joy. In contrast to the summer, there are fewer tourists in autumn, which means lower prices for flights and accommodation - it's easier to find a bargain!

In addition, the atmosphere in London is quieter as there are not as many tourists as in summer and the queues to get to the main attractions are shorter. It's all good stuff.

What are the prices in London in October?

Paying for shopping| ©David Dvořáček
Paying for shopping| ©David Dvořáček

Travelling to London in October is not only a good idea from a weather point of view, but also from an economic point of view. If you're on a tighter budget, you'll find it easier to find good prices as the city is not as busy as it is in summer or at Christmas.

What to pack for London in October?

Packing your luggage| ©Vlada Karpovich
Packing your luggage| ©Vlada Karpovich

If you're visiting London in October, it's best to pack several layers of clothing as the weather can be a little changeable. During the day the temperatures are still pleasant and in the evenings it tends to get cooler. There is also an increase in rainfall during this season, so it's important to pack an umbrella.

Another must-have item in your suitcase when travelling to London in October is a good fancy dress costume. You'll need it if you're going to a Halloween party or if you're attending MCM London ComicCon.