Things to Do in London in September
There are a few advantages to planning things to do in London in September. If you are interested in visiting attractions, they are a lot less crowded. That’s because it’s back to school season for everyone.
Additionally, the temperatures are generally cooler than the summer months. Generally the temperatures are between 58°F-73°F. And- you still have some lingering evening sunlight. Daylight tends to last until around 7pm for the month.
From fun festivals to a walking tours, you’ll have plenty of options. Plus, there are tickets released for Christmas in London and other events that you’ll want to get before they sell out too.
To plan the perfect London trip you need to know:
- which activities to book now
- which things to skip
- what not to miss
I’ve put together a curated list of events for you below. Make sure you read through it all, including the monthly discount codes available for Sunny in London readers.
Need help trip planning?
- Save on hotels
- Book your flights
- Find Things to Do
- Get our London Travel Planners
What You Must Book Now
holiday activities
- 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.
THEATRE
- Paddington
- Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience
EXHIBITIONS
- The Bayeux Tapestry Exhibition at the British Museum (ends 11 July 2027)
- Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style (bookings from December 2026-April 2027)
EXCLUSIVE
- VIP Tower of London Night Tour, Ceremony of the Keys
Experience of the Month
If you live in London or are visiting London, you’ll find September is the perfect month to take a tour. This can be either a walking tour or inside a museum.
EXCLUSIVE, PRIVATE & Guided
- Victoria & Albert Private Tour
- National Gallery Private Tour
- Natural History Museum Private Tour
- British Museum Private Tour & Entry
- Jack the Ripper Walking Tour
- Aldwych Hidden Tube Station Tour
- Shakespeare in the City Walking Tour
- Parliament Tours
- Doctor Who Walking Tour
Sunny’s Picks: What You Don’t Want to Miss
- London Podcast Festival, 3-13 September
- Big London Tattoo Show, 4-6 September
- Battersea Power Station’s CelebrASia festival, 11-13 September
- Classic Boat Festival, St Katharine Docks, 12-13 September
- Chelsea History Festival, 1-4 October
- V&A, Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art Exhibition, closes 8 November
What’s New: Things to Do in London in September
NEW V&A Exhibition
- The Burberry Trench: Crafting an Icon, V&A, opens 21 September 2026
- This free display will offer a concise history of the Burberry trench coat from its origins as practical outerwear and military attire to a world-renowned icon of fashion, rooted in a contemporary British sensibility and celebrated globally.
Mr Sunny’s Pub Picks for September
london PUBS where writers drank
- Cittie of Yorke, Holborn (George Orwell & Dylan Thomas)
- The French House, Soho (Dylan Thomas)
- The Lamb, Holborn (Charles Dickens & Sylvia Plath)
- The Lamb & Flag, Covent Garden (Charles Dickens)
- The Wheatsheaf, Soho (George Orwell)
- The George Inn, London Bridge (Charles Dickens, Shakespeare)
- The Anchor (Shakespeare)
Afternoon Tea Inspiration: Things to Do in London in September
NEW afternoon tea
- The Derby London City (Curio Collection) hotel has launched an afternoon tea that’s perfect to pair with a day of exploring hidden gems.
- It’s located next to St Dunstan in the East and a short walk from The Tower of London
- The video below shows more about the tea and things to do in London nearby (many of which are free).
What to Avoid in September
Sunny’s Local TipS
- Because it’s still shoulder season for tourists, museums and attractions will be busy in the afternoons, especially weekends.
- Back to school also means less people are on holiday, so the Underground will be very busy between 8am-9.30am and 5pm-7pm.
- Borough Market any day after 12pm.
What to Do Instead
Walk to locations as much as possible and visit markets/big attractions in the morning.
The itineraries in my London Travel Guides show you how to do this.
Things to Do in September: How to Save Money
2026 Current Ticket Discounts for London
Next update on 2nd September 2026
Discount Code: SUNNYINLONDON10
Get 10% off these until 2nd September
- Banksy Limitless
- M.C. Escher
- LUMINISCENCE: New 360° projection concert at London’s Westminster Cathedral
- Drone Show- Harry Potter
- Smithsonian- Starstruck
- Buzz Attack
- Prison Island
- Ramses and the Pharaohs’ Gold
- Paradox Museum
- Bubble Planet
- House of Dreamers
- Space Explorers
- Murdér Express: Part Deux
- SABRAGE
- The Timewalk Exhibition
- Mini-Genius Lab: Cool Science Experiments for Kids
- Horrible Histories Tour Live At The Museum
- Water Lantern Festival
London Travel Planner
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)
Get 1:1 Help with a Travel Consultation
Want a customised itinerary for your London trip? Stop making your vacation planning a part-time job and have me arrange your list of things to do in London for you.
You can get a 1:1 Audit of your itinerary or I can build a custom one for you.
The Most Central Location to Stay in London
Hotels
If you haven’t booked your hotel yet for your London trip, here’s an interactive map to get you started! It’s based on the most central location in town.
What to Read Next
related articles on sunny in london
- Guide to the Best Afternoon Teas in London
- British Attractions in London That Aren’t Just for Tourists
- The Ship Tavern: Sunday Roast Review
- Visiting London at Christmas
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through them. This comes at no additional cost to you and it helps support the Sunny in London blog.
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