Things To Do In London in Autumn 2022
Check out this list of things to do in London in Autumn 2022, no matter the weather. From pubs and bars to museums and culture, we cover it all in this blog.
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Looking for things to do in London this Autumn? You've come to the right place!
Summer 2022 in London has been a scorcher, but there is something particularly tantalising about London in Autumn. It's that wonderful time of year again, when the leaves begin to change colour, woolly jumpers and hats make their return, and pubs don their cosiest decor.
Hunker down in a proper London pub
Nothing compares to the warmth of an English pub with a raging fire. Bonus points if you've been caught in one while it's been raining outside. When you're wringing wet, cozying up by the fire, and enjoying a wonderful beer, that's unquestionably one of the best pints you'll ever have.
Pubs in London is an unmissable experience and are a culture in themselves. In English pubs you easily spend an entire afternoon or evening watching sports, eating delicious pub grub, and drinking fantastic English beers.
Our favourite cosy pubs
- The High Cross in Tottenham is proof that the finest things often come in little packages, tastefully decorated for a cosy session eating scotch eggs
- Ye Old Chesire Cheese is a traditional London pub with cosy seats, and traditional interiors
- The Cutty Sark is a famous 200-Year-old pub in Greenwich with a fantastic terrace, historic interiors, and a huge range of beers
- The Churchill Arms is dedicated to it's names sake Winston Churchill, and is lit up with sensational twinkly lights all winter long
- The Alexandra in Wimbledon is a cosy classic, with a great British food menu and squishy arm chairs
Oktoberfest London
While we’re on the topic of beer, Oktoberfest in London allows you to experience all the mayhem of the Munich beer halls. At the end of September 2022, join 2500 others in London, wearing traditional lederhosen (or simply regular clothing) and consuming an excessive amount of German beer. Don't forget to munch on mouthwatering German snacks like bratwursts and pretzels.
Escape the rain at a gallery or museum
Autumn in London is a great season to discover and tour the city's countless museums - and escape the colder weather at the same time! There are so many amazing displays and educational possibilities to explore. And one of the best things about London is how many of its museums are completely free to enter! Usually, they ask for a donation instead.
Some of our favourite (free!) museums and galleries
- The British Museum is perfect for a rainy Sunday spent navigating a millennia of history and stories
- The National Portrait Gallery is a dream for art lovers, and even those who don't have a clue about art
- The Imperial War Museum is a beautiful collection of history for anyone fascinated by the World Wars
- The Tate Modern boasts a spectacular riverside location, and houses one of the most extensive collections of Modern Art in the entire world
Victoria and Albert Museum Autumn Exhibition
The Victoria and Albert Museum is a must for anyone interested in design. With exquisite pieces of jewelry, furniture, and clothing, the Victoria and Albert Museum is an incredible experience.
'Hallyu!' is one of the highlights of the V&A's 2022 programme. The Korean Wave is the first comprehensive examination of Korean popular culture to take place in the UK. Korean music, cinema, fashion, and online games all fall under the hallyu (Korean Wave) umbrella, which first gained popularity in the 1990s. The exhibition will look closely at the 2012 "Gangnam Style" phenomenon as well as the rise of K-Pop acts like BTS. There is so much to learn just from 2020 because the 'BTS Army' of fans almost took over the internet and are behind some fantastic online activism.
The Wildlife Photography Exhibition
One of the very best exhibitions for all ages, Wildlife Photographer of the Year, returns to the Natural History Museum for its 58th incarnation. See absolutely incredible photos taken of animals and the natural world by photographers all over the globe, including the overall winners (announced on 11 October). 15 October 2022-June 2023. Special shoutout to the kid photographer section of the exhibition!
Open House London (Until September 21st)
Ever wanted to have a nosy around some of London’s most beautiful private buildings? Open House London gives city dwellers free access to some of the capital’s architectural wonders that aren’t usually open to the public – from schools and offices, to domestic homes and places of worship.
The organisers, who are commemorating the event's 30th anniversary this year, have planned a number of unique new features. These include celebrity guest curators, a new book exploring migration and food in London, and new buildings and landscapes that have never been featured before will be open for visitors to explore.
Cheer on the London Marathon runners
The world-famous London Marathon is once again takes place in autumn instead of spring. The route remains the same, beginning in Blackheath and passing major London landmarks including the Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace. Soak in the atmosphere by spectating on the sidelines, spotting the most outrageous fancy dress, and cheering people on! The date of this year's marathon is 2nd October 2022.
Walk through a London park
Visit one of the many parks that make up the city to take in the beauty of London in the autumn. You can't help but come across so many wonderful parks as you stroll around London. Nothing compares to walking through crisp fallen leaves on a chilly autumn day, coffee in hand and scarf wrapped around you!
As you stroll across London, take in the autumnal colours. Not only will you see a golden tree-scape, you can likely find deer, squirrels, and a wide variety of birds in each park.
The best parks to visit for crunchy leaves and scenic views
- Hyde Park
- Kensington Gardens
- Holland Park
- Richmond Park
- St. James’s Park
- Regent’s Park
- Hampstead Heath
Spooky Season
The 31st of October marks Halloween and around the city, you’ll find numerous Halloween parties, parades and celebrations. Guy Fawkes Night remembers the terrorist Guy Fawkes who tried to blow up parliament in the 17th century. Bonfires and fireworks light up the sky on the 5th November in his honour, and it’s one of the quintessential days celebrated in London (and across the UK!).
If fireworks aren't scary enough for you
What could be spookier than embarking on a Jack the Ripper walking tour or going to the Clink Prison to discover about the many forms of torture that prisoners were subjected to in the past? Spook-tastic!
Enjoy a pub roast dinner
A Sunday roast is one of the must-attend culinary events in London in the autumn and winter seasons... or basically any time of year. However, experiencing your roast dinner in a pub in autumn time is extra magical. Think knitwear as far as the eye can see, a roaring pub fire, delicious red wine flowing and crisp leaves falling outside the bay windows.
Start your Christmas (window) shopping
One of the world's fashion hubs is of course, London. And with so many renowned shopping avenues and destinations, people who enjoy window shopping will have the best time ever. in Autumn.
Beautiful places like Harrods and Liberty of London are internationally renowned department stores. The window displays, Christmas departments and immersive shopping experiences are second-to-none.
Everywhere you turn in London there are countless shopping opportunities, making it one of the greatest ways to spend a day in London in the autumn. The ludicrous number of fantastic independent stores is fantastic for supporting independent retailers too.
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