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October paints the London cityscape with fiery hues of autumn, showcases a plethora of cultural events, and spreads the joyous vibe of upcoming festivities. Among the top things to do in London UK in October are seasonal highlights like Diwali celebrations at Trafalgar Square, spooky Halloween tours, and refreshing walks through parks blanketed in golden autumn leaves. The summer rush is over, but the city still has some life in it, with art fairs, food markets, and film festivals both keeping the locals entertained and attracting visitors. A trip to London in October means experiencing a quieter side of the city, which is worthwhile.
10 Things To Do In London UK In October
London, UK, is really good in October for all those who love nature, culture, and seasonal food. There are plenty of things to do in London UK in October, like visiting autumnal parks, going to cultural festivals, and tasting seasonal food markets.
1. Wander Through Richmond Park’s Autumn Landscape
Photo: Dianne / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
October is the most magical time of the year to go to Richmond Park, which is the largest Royal Park in London. The landscape changes in the colours of gold, amber, and deep red, as ancient oak trees give up their leaves. The early mornings are a special kind of magical. Most of the time, there is a light fog that is like a blanket over the open fields, giving a very movie-like effect that is perfect for relaxing walks or photography. The Isabella Plantation, located within the park, is a peaceful woodland with colourful plants in the fall.
Location: Richmond Park, Richmond, London TW10 5HS, United Kingdom
Best For: Autumn walks, deer rutting season
Highlights: Golden foliage, early morning mist, wildlife photography
2. Attend The BFI London Film Festival
Photo: Martino Battista / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The BFI London Film Festival, held each October, is among the UK’s most prestigious cinematic events. The festival showcases hundreds of films of all kinds from the four corners of the world, from independent debuts to major studio premieres. The screenings take place in venues such as BFI Southbank, Royal Festival Hall, and Leicester Square cinemas, which are the top choices in London. Coming to the BFI London Film Festival, you will be part of events like the red carpet, live Q&A sessions with actors and directors, and also get to see some of the hottest films before the public.
Location: BFI Southbank, Belvedere Road, South Bank, London SE1 8XT, United Kingdom
Best For: Film lovers and creatives
Highlights: International premieres, Q&A sessions, red carpet events
3. Enjoy Halloween At Hampton Court Palace
Photo: KT Likes Coffee / Unsplash
Visiting the Hampton Court Palace is one of the best things to do in London UK in October, especially for Halloween lovers. With its eerie Tudor past and ghostly legends, it’s the perfect spot for a haunted night out. Join ghost tours that lead you through candlelit courtyards, dark corridors, and haunted chambers. Guides share chilling tales, including Catherine Howard’s Haunted Gallery and eerie sightings in the State Apartments. Many tours feature live actors and spooky sound effects that bring the palace’s haunted history to life, making it both a spine-tingling and unforgettable October experience in London.
Location: Hampton Court Palace, Hampton Court Way, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU, United Kingdom
Best For: History buffs and Halloween fans
Highlights: Ghost tours, Tudor legends, evening storytelling
4. Explore The Columbia Road Flower Market In Fall Bloom
Photo: Katrin Gilger / Wikimedia Commons
Every Sunday of October, Columbia Road Flower Market is filled with autumnal colour and charm. Seasonal flowers such as chrysanthemums, marigolds, dahlias, and ornamental cabbages are the main decoration of the narrow Victorian street, which is the main reason that it attracts not only locals but also visitors. The market reaches the highest point of its activity before noon, so an earlier arrival can give you the best selection and a more relaxing atmosphere. Along with flowers, you can find there artisan shops, antique dealers, and independent cafés where you can enjoy a warm pastry or coffee.
Location: Columbia Road, Bethnal Green, London E2 7RG, United Kingdom
Best For: Autumn blooms and market vibes
Highlights: Chrysanthemums, vintage shops, cosy cafés
5. Catch A West End Theatre Show
Photo: Paul Gillett / Wikimedia Commons
One of the most awesome things to see in London in October is watching a West End theatre show, which is full of magic. After the summer crowds have left and the festive season is still a few weeks away, October has great ticket availability and seasonal discounts. There are all kinds of performances to choose from, ranging from the blockbuster musicals such as Mamma Mia! and The Phantom of the Opera, to the new and thought-provoking plays in the smaller venues. Theatres also usually re-launch their fresh productions during this time.
Average Cost: £25 – 100 / ₹2900 – 12000
Best For: Live entertainment and musicals
Highlights: Autumn ticket deals, iconic productions, midweek availability
6. Cruise The Thames At Sunset
One of the most tranquil activities in London, UK, during October is going on a sunset cruise on the River Thames. The city’s landmarks were illuminated by the setting sun after it was hardly visible due to the shorter days in autumn. The beauty of the city during that time was beyond words. You will be gliding uninterrupted past legendary sights such as the Houses of Parliament, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge, and the Shard, all radiating with warm golden lights.
Average Cost: £37 – 39 / ₹4300 – 4600
Best For: Scenic and relaxing evenings
Highlights: Golden-hour skyline, famous landmarks, peaceful river views
7. Experience Diwali In Trafalgar Square
Photo: dimitrisvetsikas1969 / Pixabay
If you’re looking for what to do in London UK in October, celebrating Diwali in Trafalgar Square is a must. This free public event brings together London’s diverse communities for a lively day of traditional dance, music, and vibrant cultural performances. The square lights up with colourful decor, vegetarian street food stalls, and family-friendly activities like henna art and crafts. As evening approaches, the lighting of diyas (oil lamps) creates a magical glow. It’s a heartwarming celebration of light, unity, and heritage, right in the cultural heart of the city.
Location: Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN, United Kingdom
Best For: Cultural experiences and festivals
Highlights: Live performances, diya lighting, Indian street food
8. Visit The Frieze Art Fair In Regent’s Park
Photo: Jpbowen / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Each October, Regent’s Park becomes the focal point of the contemporary art scene across the globe during the Frieze Art Fair. This significant cultural event is a festival that reunites galleries, artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts from every corner of the Earth. In two parts, Frieze London and Frieze Masters, the fair represents a spectrum of work, ranging from avant-garde installations to rare historical pieces, thereby allowing visitors to experience a diverse range of the visual arts. It is a must-attend event for anyone fascinated by art and culture.
Location: Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RU, United Kingdom
Best For: Art lovers and collectors
Highlights: Contemporary art, sculpture park, global galleries
9. Take A Ghost Tour Through Old London
Photo: Ethan Doyle White / Wikimedia Commons
In case you are inclined to the mystic and the creepy, a tour of the ghostly places through the streets of London that are steeped in history would be one of the most electrifying experiences to have in London in October. With the nights becoming longer at this time of the year, the dark corners of the city, where it is believed the spirits roam, seem to come out of their slumber, with creeping stories and atmospheric dressing. Strolling along the cobbled alleys, passing by the old buildings and the forgotten graveyards, as the knowledgeable guides speak of the restless spirits.
Location: £25 – 30 / ₹2200 – 2600
Best For: Spooky stories and hidden history
Highlights: Jack the Ripper tales, haunted pubs, shadowy alleys
10. Celebrate Apple Day At Borough Market
One of the most wholesome things to do in London in October is to celebrate Apple Day at the iconic Borough Market. This event, usually taking place on or around October 21, showcases Britain’s apple heritage through a dynamic blend of local produce, cider tastings, and new apple-based dishes. There you will find rare apple varieties, artisan preserves, warm apple tarts, and traditional English cheeses perfect for pairing. The market was prettily dressed with crates of apples and a variety of autumnal foliage, which gave the place a harvest-themed atmosphere.
Location: Borough Market, 8 Southwark Street, London SE1 1TL, United Kingdom
Best For: Foodies and families
Highlights: Apple tastings, cider stalls, seasonal produce
October transforms busy London into a calm, atmospheric city, with golden leaves lining historic streets and a vibrant calendar of cultural events. Whether you want to embrace the Diwali festivities, explore haunted Halloween spots, or admire cutting-edge art at Frieze, there’s something for everyone. These things to do in London UK in October offer the perfect autumn escape. Plan your journey with TripXL and make the most of the season.
Cover Photo: Sebastian Frederik Jacobsen / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
