The leaves are changing, the air is crisp, and the pumpkin spice lattes are flowing – it must be autumn in London town!
As a true Londoner, I’m chuffed to bits to bring you the lowdown on the best things to do in our fair city during the fall season. So stick with me as we dive headfirst into the very best of London’s autumnal offerings.
Let’s get cracking, shall we?
Wander through Kew Gardens and see the leaves turn
Location: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, TW9 3AE, United Kingdom
As you meander through the winding paths, you can’t help but feel a sense of peace and tranquillity here in Kew Gardens. And don’t even get me started on the photo opportunities!
Remember that Kew Gardens is home to some of the most diverse plant collections in the world, after all. Some of these trot out their botanical finery in autumn.
From the Japanese maple with its fiery red leaves to the American sweetgum with its spiky fruit, there’s something for every nature lover to appreciate here at this time.
Snap a selfie at the iconic Notting Hill Carnival in August
Location: The parade route starts and ends near Westbourne Park Road and Ladbroke Grove
The Notting Hill Carnival is the biggest street party this side of the Thames. What better way to capture the essence of this colourful, chaotic, and utterly fabulous event than with a good old-fashioned selfie?
Picture this: you, decked out in your finest carnival gear, with feathers in your hair and a smile on your face, posing in front of a sea of revellers, the vibrant colours of their costumes as your backdrop.
It’s the ultimate London photo op. Proof that you were there, you partied, and you looked damn good doing it.
Plus, your Instagram followers will be green with envy as they scroll through their feeds, seeing your smiling face amidst the chaos and colour of the carnival.
Stuff your face with autumnal treats at the Southbank Centre Food Market
Location: Belvedere Road, Lambeth, London SE1 8XX, United Kingdom
If you want to indulge in some seriously delicious autumnal treats, there’s only one place to go: the Southbank Centre Food Market.
Here, you’ll see rows upon rows of food stalls, each one offering up a tantalizing array of seasonal treats. From pumpkin spice lattes to mulled wine to hearty stews and soups, there’s something here to satisfy every craving.
And let’s not forget about the sweets. Apple cider doughnuts? Check. Salted caramel brownies? Check. Pecan pie? You better believe it, mate. It’s a veritable cornucopia of autumnal delights!
The best part? You don’t have to feel guilty about your gluttony, because you’re doing it in, ahem, the name of cultural enrichment.
That’s right – the Southbank Centre Food Market is a hub of international cuisine, with vendors offering up everything from Indian street food to Colombian arepas to Turkish mezze.
You’re not just eating, you’re broadening your horizons. That’s what we Londoners call “having our cake and eating it too”.
Get spooked at the London Bridge Experience
Location: 2-4 Tooley St, London SE1 2SY, United Kingdom
If you want to get your scare on this fall, head on over to the London Bridge Experience for a spook-tacular time. Just don’t forget to bring a change of trousers.
This interactive tour takes you through the centuries-old history of the bridge, from its Roman origins to its gruesome past as a site of public executions.
You’ll be jumping out of your skin as you hear the stories of the infamous villains who met their untimely end on the bridge, like William Wallace and Jack the Ripper.
But the fun doesn’t stop there, my dear chums. The experience also includes a journey through the Tombs, which is a haunted house on steroids.
You’ll be shaking in your boots as you make your way through the dark and creepy corridors, with ghouls lurking around every corner.
Attend a seasonal gig at the Roundhouse
Location: Roundhouse, Chalk Farm Road, London NW1 8EH, United Kingdom
The Roundhouse is one of the coolest venues in London, hands down.
It’s got a long and storied history, having been a railway engine shed back in the day, and then later being converted into a performance space that’s hosted some of the biggest names in music, theatre and more.
So if you want to soak up some serious London vibes, this is the place to do it.
Now, let’s talk about seasonal gigs. The Roundhouse is known for putting on some of the most epic and unforgettable shows, and the fall season is no exception.
You’ll be spoiled for choice with the range of artists and genres on offer, from indie rock to jazz to hip-hop and everything in between.
Sip on hot mulled cider at the Camden Lock Market
Location: Camden Lock Market, Unit 215 – 216 Chalk Farm Road, London NW1 8AB, United Kingdom
If you’re looking for a top-notch way to warm up during the chilly fall months, then get yourself down to the Camden Lock Market for a hot mulled cider.
Camden Lock Market is one of the most iconic spots in London. It’s got a real buzz about it, with all sorts of stalls, shops, and food stands to explore.
Plus, if you’re feeling a bit chilly, nothing hits the spot quite like a piping-hot mug of mulled cider from here. The sweet, spicy aroma will hit you right in the nostrils, and the warm, comforting liquid will heat you up from the inside out.
Attend the epic fireworks display on Bonfire Night at Battersea Park
Location: Battersea Park, Albert Bridge Road, London SW11 4NJ, United Kingdom
Battersea Park is a real beaut, innit? It’s got everything you could want in a park – green spaces, lakes, wildlife, and even a pagoda!
But when Bonfire Night comes around, this place transforms into a real firecracker of a venue!
The skies light up with colourful explosions, the air is filled with the sound of crackling fireworks, and the scent of gunpowder is as thick as a London fog.
And the fireworks themselves? Well, they’re something else! You’ll see everything from glittering sparklers to booming rockets to whizzing Catherine wheels.
It’s a real feast for the senses, and it’s sure to leave you dazzled and amazed.
Go pumpkin picking at Crockford Bridge Farm
Location: Crockford Bridge Farm, New Haw Road, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 2BU, United Kingdom
If you’re looking for the right way to get into the spirit of the season, then heading out to the farm to pick yourself a pumpkin is a jolly good idea.
At Crockford Bridge Farm, you can harvest a tonne of pumpkins and other fruit and veg. It’s like being a proper farmer but without all the, er, sustained hard work.
Anyway, when it comes to pumpkin picking, Crockford Bridge Farm is the real deal. They’ve got pumpkins of all shapes and sizes, from teeny-tiny ones that’ll fit in your pocket, to massive ones that’ll need their own seat on the bus ride home.
You can even take your time wandering through the fields, looking for the perfect pumpkin that’ll make your Halloween dreams come true.
Plus, you’ll be surrounded by all sorts of bright orange, plump pumpkins that’ll make for the perfect backdrop for your Instagram snaps. You can take selfies with your pumpkin, or even try your hand at carving it into a spooky masterpiece.
Visit the eerily beautiful Highgate Cemetery
Location: Highgate Cemetery, Swain’s Ln, London N6 6PJ, United Kingdom
Now, Highgate Cemetery may sound a bit creepy, but trust me, it’s got a certain eerie beauty to it that’s perfect for the season. You know, all twisted, gnarled trees and overgrown ivy.
But that’s not all, Highgate Cemetery is home to some of the most ornate and grandiose graves you’ve ever seen.
There are towering mausoleums, sculpted angels, and intricate carvings that are sure to leave you gobsmacked. You’ll feel like you’re in the presence of London’s elite, even if they’re no longer of this world.
Also, Highgate Cemetery even offers guided tours like the West Cemetery Tour that’ll take you through the winding paths and tell you all about the history and legends of the cemetery.
You’ll learn about the ghostly sightings, the mysterious happenings, and the infamous Vampire of Highgate. It’s like being in your own horror movie but without the risk of getting slashed by a maniacal killer.
See the changing colours of St. James’s Park as the leaves turn
– Media from jedijane12
Location: The Storeyard, Horse Guards Road, London SW1A 2BJ, United Kingdom
As the leaves turn from green to golden to fiery shades of red and orange, this park is transformed into a veritable catwalk of autumnal splendour.
It’s like watching a movie unfold right before your eyes as the lush greenery transforms into a kaleidoscope of autumnal hues, reminding you that change can be a beautiful thing.
So if you’re looking for a top-notch way to soak up the season, head down to St. James’s Park and witness the magic of autumn for yourself.
Just don’t forget your camera, ’cause you’re gonna want to snap a few photos to make all your mates back home well jel.
Attend a pumpkin carving workshop at Drink, Shop & Do
Location: 9 Caledonian Rd, Kings Cross, London N1 9DX, United Kingdom
Looking for a smashing way to get into the autumn spirit, then you’ve got to check out Drink, Shop & Do’s pumpkin carving workshops. It’s like an art class, but with gourds.
Not only do you get to unleash your inner Picasso and carve up a storm, but you also get to enjoy some cracking drinks and tasty treats while you’re at it. It’s like a pumpkin party, and everyone’s invited!
Plus, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of scooping out all those slimy pumpkin guts and turning that big orange orb into a masterpiece. It’s a proper autumnal tradition and one that you don’t want to miss out on!
