Things to Do in London in October
Whether you are a local or visiting, there is a rich mix of things to do in London in October. From autumn-themed activities to immersive exhibitions and the NFL in London, there’s something for every interest.
It’s an important month to secure your Christmas in London activity tickets too. Below, you’ll find information on the best neighbourhood to explore in October, exclusive discount codes, the afternoon tea we recommend and more.
Weather & Time information for October in London
- Average Highs: 63°F (17°C) at the start of October down to 56°F (13°C) by the end of the month.
- Average Lows: Range from 53°F (12°C) early on down to around 47°F (8°C) overnight.
- Rainfall: Expect around 8 to 10 days of measurable rain throughout the month.
- Cloud Cover: Skies are mostly cloudy or overcast more than half the time, and daylight hours shorten noticeably as the month progresses.
- Clock Changes: Fall back on Sunday, October 25, 2026 (USA changes on 1st November 2026)
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DON’T MISS FUTURE UPDATES
If you don’t want to miss London’s top events or need help for what to book ahead of time for your London trip, you can’t miss my weekly emails. The Sunny News shares Mr Sunny’s weekly pub of the week and discount codes for London’s most popular experiences too.
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What You Must Book Now
holiday activities
- LUMINISCENCE– extended until 30 January 2027
- Chelsea Winter Illuminations, 25 November-28 December 2026
- Christmas at Kew, 13 November-3 January 2027
- Polar Express Train Ride London
- The Ritz Christmas Afternoon Tea
- Winter Wonderland, 19 November-3 January 2027
Find out more about Christmas in London.
AUTUMNAL activities
- Jack the Ripper Walking Tour
- Murder Express: An Immersive Dining Experience
- Gangster Tour of London’s East End Led by Actor Vas Blackwood
- Ghastly London Ghost Tour
- Doctor Who Walking Tour
- Aldwych Hidden Tube Station Tour
COMING UP
- Bayeux Tapestry Exhibition at the British Museum, new tickets released on 21 October 2026
- Chelsea Flower Show, 18 May – 22 May 2027
Experience of the Month
With Halloween in the air, it’s customary to think about fun things to do in London that are Harry Potter themed. Here’s activities to consider if you love this literary and film character.
- Harry Potter Warner Bros Studios with Coach Transport from London
- Tour for Muggles
- Hogwarts in the Snow, November 14, 2026 – January 17, 2027
Sunny’s Picks: What You Don’t Want to Miss
OkTOBERFEST
- Oktoberfest, German Gymnasium, 18 September-23 October 2026
- Oktoberfest Between the Bridges
- Dust off your dirndls and polish your lederhosen. London’s ultimate Bavarian bash is returning to Between The Bridges
- Sink into giant two-pint steins, feast on street food with a serious Bavarian edge and lose yourself in the party atmosphere of the transformed German Beer Hall on the South Bank.
stadium tours
- Wembley Stadium Tour, see the England Football team’s home turf
- Chelsea FC Stadium Tour
- Arsenal Stadium Tour
- Tottenham Hotspur Stadium Tour
- London Stadium Tour, built for the 2012 Olympics and now home to West Ham United
Tours can be booked through The London Pass or on the individual links.
What’s New: Things to Do in London in October
- Wunderkammer at Leadenhall Market
- Theatre
- Rent returns to London at the Tom Stoppard Theatre on 26 September 2026
- Hay Fever at Wyndham’s Theatre runs from September 22 to December 12, 2026
Explore This Neighbourhood
Mr Sunny’s Pub Picks for October
HAUNTED london PUBS
- The Grenadier, Belgravia
- The Spaniard’s Inn, Hampstead
- The Bow Bells, East End
- The Flask, Highgate
- The Old Bull & Bush
- The Viaduct Tavern, The City
- The George, Temple
london PUB & FOOD TOUR
Many of the pubs listed above are also known for their excellent food.
If you’re visiting London and want to save time by doing two things at once, consider a pub and food tour.
Mr Sunny and I took one and had a really fun afternoon in the City.
You can read about our experience on the Tastes, Tales and Traditional Ales tour here.
Afternoon Tea Inspiration: Things to Do in London in October
afternoon tea
- London Secret Garden at DoubleTree by Hilton Kensington.
- Champagne afternoon tea surrounded by greenery.
- Offers heaters and air-conditioning so is great any time of the year.
- Canapés are delicious and it’s very affordable
- Atmosphere is quiet and it’s perfect after a morning exploring London’s museums.
- The video below shows more about the tea and where you will experience it.
What to Avoid in October
Several activities will draw the biggest crowds in London in October. The Jack the Ripper Walking Tours can have 20,000 people taking them on a popular evening. Below are the dates you’ll want to know for the NFL in London if you want to avoid transportation to and from the stadiums. And there’s the Diwali festival.
Additionally, half term holidays in schools add to things to do in London being busier at the end of the month.
This year’s school holidays (also affecting the weekends before and after them):
- All Schools, 26 October – 30 October 2026
- Some schools are out from 19 October-31 October 2026
2026 NFL in london
- 4 October, Indianapolis Colts vs Washington Commanders, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, 2.30pm
- 11 October, Philadelphia Eagles vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, 2.30pm
- 18 October, Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, Wembley Stadium, 2.30pm
2026 diwali
- The Festival of Lights will be celebrated with stage performances and cultural activities on Sunday, 25th October in Trafalgar Square from 1pm-7pm.
- The five days of Diwali for 2026 are from 6th – 10th November.
Things to Do in September: How to Save Money
2026 Current Ticket Discounts for London
Next update on 2nd November 2026
Discount Code: SUNNYINLONDON10
Get 10% off these until 2nd October
- LUMINISCENCE: New 360° projection concert at London’s Westminster Cathedral
- Smithsonian- Starstruck
- Buzz Attack
- Prison Island
- Ramses and the Pharaohs’ Gold
- Paradox Museum
- Bubble Planet
- House of Dreamers
- The Timewalk Exhibition
- Titanic: Echoes from the Past
- Everest: The first Ascent
- Body Worlds: The Anatomy of Happiness
- Disney’s Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail ( in MANCHESTER)
London Travel Planners
For help on how to plan London itineraries for three days in London and more (including Christmas!) we have several options.
London Travel Planners & Custom Itineraries
1:1 Itinerary Audit or Custom London Trip Itinerary
2026 3-day Iconic London Travel Planner
Ultimate Christmas in London Guide
London Restaurant Guide (by Attractions)
Related Things to Do in London articles
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Am going to be in London May 6 – 21, 2026. Would appreciate guidelines for activities, dining, etc. Enjoy free activities…two women traveling without hubbies one in mid 70s, one in early 80s.
Hi! Sounds like a fun trip! Happy to help in a trip consultation. It would be the best way to give you 1:1 advice!