Top things to do in London this October

October is very underestimated when it comes to traveling to London. And that’s a shame! As it’s the second best time to explore the city after Summer. You get more of the city to yourself with fewer people travelling at this time of the year so you can enjoy the beauty of Autumn London in a much more pleasant rhythm.

It is also Halloween Season and Black History month so there is a lot to see and do during this time!

With that said, here is an ultimate list of activities we've put together to help you plan your visit. Check it out and don't forget to book the ones you like, they’re selling out fast!



City Events

Black History Month

Available: throughout October

Celebrate Black communities, culture, and history during Black History Month this October. You'll get to visit educational events, exhibitions, shows, talks, and installations across London, telling about the achievements of Black communities. This year's program is yet to be announced, but as far as we know it will be amazing. Check their website for more details and information about the events that will be happening.

Cocktail Week

Available on: October 13–23

Ticket: £12–15

Did you know that London is considered to be the cocktail capital of the world? Well, you know now! That's why it's the best place to experience Cocktail Week. Explore the city's best London bars and try some of the most delicious cocktails!

Fright nights at Thorpe Park

Available: whole October with some exceptions

Tickets: starting at £37

Here is another reason why October is one of the best times to visit London... It's Halloween season! If you love this holiday as much as we do we have great news for you: there will be a huge Halloween celebration at Thorpe Amusement Park. And we are not talking about some costumed carnival. Nay Nay. We’re talking about a truly spooky, blood-curdling, spine-tingling event with scare mazes, terrifying scare zones, and awe-inspiring shows, PLUS some of the UK’s most thrilling rides.

Hidden London Tours

Available on: multiple dates

Tickets: starting at £44

Visit an ‘abandoned’ Tube station underworld and discover what secrets lurk beneath the busy London streets. Explore some of London’s most secret spaces in the oldest subterranean railway in the world. These ‘forgotten’ parts of the Tube network have incredible stories to tell.


Concerts & Musicals

Get Up, Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical 

Available: every day until January 2023

Tickets: starting from £31

A bold new musical that celebrates the Jamaican reggae genius Bob Marley, whose indelible songs and rebellious spirit continue to inspire millions around the world.

ABBA Voyage with virtual avatars
Available on: Thursday to Monday
Tickets: £21 to £143 per ticket

Visit this jaw-dropping and futuristic spectacle featuring ABBA’s avatars accompanied by a 10-piece live band, at the custom-built ABBA Arena.

Back to the Future — The Musical
Available: Until February 2023
Tickets: from £23.82 to £180

Ever dreamed of driving a DMC DeLorean right back into 1955? Then you can't miss Back to the Future The Musical based on the iconic 1985 film starring Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd. It brings the beloved movie to the stage for the first time. The musical story follows high schooler Marty McFly, who just wants to ride around town on his skateboard.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo + Muntu Valdo
Available: Sat 15 Oct, 2.30pm & 7.30pm
Tickets: £29.50 ⁠–⁠ £39.50 + £3.50 booking fee

South African vocal powerhouse Ladysmith Black Mambazo play their first UK tour for many years. Since they shot to global stardom on Paul Simon's Graceland album, Mambazo have been recognised as one of the world's great vocal groups. Their special guest is Cameroon-born guitarist and singer Muntu Valdo, an electrifying presence who combines loops with the blues.


Plays & performances

My Neighbour Totoro at Barbican

Available on: starting from October 8

Tickets: £15–125

Explore the magical fantasy world of childhood with this enchanting adaptation of the 1988 classic film brought to the stage. Dive into one extraordinary summer in the lives of sisters Satsuki and Mei as they are swept up in exciting adventures with their new neighbours – transported to a long-forgotten realm of spirits, sprites, and natural wonder.

O Barco / The Boat

Available: until October 19

Tickets: Free

A striking 32-metre-long ship-shaped installation, composed of 140 wooden blocks, acknowledges the memories of the past and looks toward the future. Alongside its sculptural elements, the artwork includes a live performance, combining song, music, and dance, with music production by award-winning writer and musician Kalaf Epalanga.

Henry VIII at Globe

Available: multiple dates

Tickets: starting from £25

See how the Tudor monarchy impacted England and the world in Henry VIII at Shakespeare’s Globe theatre. Too often, Tudor's history focuses solely on Henry VIII, but what did the women think of his decisions? An empowering and inspiring performance tells the story of the strong women fighting for justice and change in a world where speaking out is unheard of.


Art & Exhibitions

Objects of Desire: Surrealism and Design at Design Museum

Available on: October 14 – February 19

Tickets: Adult tickets from £16.80

Delve into the dreamlike relationship between Surrealism and design in this century-spanning celebration of surrealist objects of desire. Explore how one of the 20th century's most influential movements came to impact design through its questioning of the conventional and its commitment to exploring the mind, unconscious and mystical.

Ad Minolti Biosphera Peluche / Biospherae Plush

Available on: until October 30

Tickets: £10.50

Artist Ad Minoliti draws on the rich legacy of geometric abstraction in Latin America and presents alternative universes influenced by feminist and queer thought. The exhibition also features Minoliti’s ongoing project The Feminist School of Painting, transforming part of the gallery space into an active classroom.

Frieze London and Frieze Masters

Available on: October 12–16

Tickets: Starting from £36

In need of inspiration? Want to learn what's shaping contemporary art today? Then look no further! These two art fairs taking place at The Regent's Park will bring together over 280 galleries from 42 countries to celebrate the creative spirit of the city. The lineup is on fire! It's a great opportunity to explore the work of the most important contemporary artists working today and discover some new names!

Milton Avery at Royal Academy of Arts

Available: until October 16

Tickets: £17

Enjoy the works of one of North America’s greatest 20th-century artists — Milton Avery — worshipped by the acclaimed Mark Rothko and Barnett Newman. This is the first exhibition of Avery’s work on this side of the Atlantic. Don't miss it!

Hallyu! The Korean Wave at V&A

Available: opening September 24

Tickets: £20

A showcase of the colourful and dynamic popular culture of South Korea, exploring the makings of the Korean Wave and its global impact on the creative industries of cinema, drama, music, fandom, beauty, and fashion.


Immersive Experiences

The Greatest Brunch

Available: every Saturday

Tickets: £69.95

Roll up for a brunch like no other. Join the circus and a cast of West End singers, circus acts, and freaks in a secret location in the heart of London. The spot is revealed one week before the event. Singalong, dance along, and stamp along to the greatest soundtracks on earth. This is the greatest brunch!

Peaky Blinders
Available on: Friday to Sunday, PM
Tickets: £52

Peaky Blinders fan? Then we can’t suggest more than the immersive peaky blinders experience, getting lost in the world of Tommy Shelby with live sets, unmissable character interactions, and competitive gameplay.

Jurrasic World the exhibition

Available: every day

Tickets: adult tickets start from £26.50

Bring your childhood dream to life and feel like you’re in a movie by getting to Jurassic Park! Come face-to-face with life-size dinosaurs and walk in the land of Jurassic giants. All ages will have a blast!

We hope you enjoy your time in London and will love this amazing city with all it can offer as much as we do! 💛

Unfortunately, the browser you use is outdated and does not allow you to display the site correctly. Please install any of the modern browsers, for example:

Google Chrome Firefox Safari