Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, London in October offers a diverse array of activities. From Halloween festivities and autumn-inspired events to engaging exhibitions and enchanting candlelight concerts, there’s something for everyone.
This month is also an excellent opportunity to indulge in afternoon tea at historic venues and explore activities specific to different neighborhoods. With Christmas tickets now available, it’s a great time to plan ahead and secure your spot for the holiday season. You’ll find exclusive discount codes for some of these experiences in this guide, which will be updated on October 2nd.
Whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities, cultural outings, or a cozy afternoon treat, this guide is here to help you discover the best ways to enjoy London in October.
Some links in this post are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through them. This comes at no extra cost to you and helps to support the Sunny in London blog.
Below, you’ll find a curated list of Things to Do in London in October organized by category:
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Halloween/Seasonal
Batman Unmasked in London
Discover a brand-new London experience featuring original props, vehicles, and costumes directly from the archives, celebrating the 85th anniversary of DC’s iconic superhero.
- LOCATION: 45 Wellington Street
- PRICE: starting from £25.50
- TIMES: Until November 3rd, with a duration of 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes
WANT TO SAVE ON THINGS TO DO IN LONDON?
10% off with the Sunny Discount Code
If you’re booking these specific Fever events and want to receive 10% off the ticket price, use SUNNYINLONDON10 during the booking process!
MOCO MUSEUM
Celebrate icons of modern, contemporary, and digital art, featuring works by Basquiat, KAWS, Haring, Kusama, Banksy, and many more. Discounts are available until September 30th.
PARADOX MUSEUM
From mesmerizing optical illusions to mind-bending paradoxes, this unique experience is a paradise for curiosity and discovery. Discounts are available until September 30th.
BUBBLE PLANET LONDON
Experience oversized bubbles, balloons, soap, and more in this sensory adventure. You can even explore the world with a hot air balloon flight simulator. Discounts are available until October 31st.
Immersive Exhibitions
Paradox Museum: London
Experience the world from a new perspective. From stunning optical illusions to challenging paradoxes, this extraordinary journey invites curiosity and exploration. Engage with the impossible, defy gravity, and explore the nature of reality in an unmatched immersive experience.
- LOCATION: Paradox Museum London, 90 Brompton Rd, SW3 1JJ
- PRICE: starting from £14
- TIMES: based on booking, approximately 90 minutes
Horizon of Khufu: An Immersive VR Expedition to Ancient Egypt
Embark on a journey back thousands of years to ancient Egypt with The Horizon of Khufu. Unlock the mysteries of one of the seven wonders of the world through this innovative immersive expedition. Explore the Great Pyramid of Giza as it was over 4500 years ago, wander its enigmatic corridors, enter the Queen’s Chamber, and even try your hand at deciphering hieroglyphics during this unique experience in London.
- LOCATION: The Street 1, London E20 1EJ
- PRICE: starting from £21
- TIMES: based on booking, duration 45 minutes
Bubble Planet: An Immersive Experience
Step into a spherical universe filled with bubbles, where you can hop between immersive spaces and engage all five senses! With oversized bubbles, balloons, soap, and more, this sensory universe offers a new perspective on the world, including the chance to virtually travel the globe using a hot air balloon flight simulator.
- LOCATION: Unit 22 Fulton Road, Wembley
- PRICE: starting from £21
- TIMES: based on booking, approximately 60-90 minutes
WAR of the Worlds
Immerse yourself in a Martian invasion with Jeff Wayne’s The War of The Worlds: The Immersive Experience. See it, hear it, and live it, featuring 24 extraordinary scenes, multi-sensory effects, and virtual reality—all complemented by Jeff Wayne’s iconic music.
- LOCATION: 56 Leadenhall Street, London, EC3A 2BJ
- PRICE: starting from £47.50
- TIMES: must book ahead; approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, including a 20-minute intermission; arrive at least 15 minutes before your booking
Candlelight Concerts in London
These unique events from Fever Original are highly recommended for date nights, special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries, or simply for a delightful evening out! I’ve enjoyed several, including the Tribute to Coldplay. I also attended the Tribute to Taylor Swift and the Hans Zimmer Candlelight Concerts.
NEW!!! Best of Bridgerton on Strings
Immerse yourself in the gentle glow of candlelight while listening to your favorite melodies from the Netflix series ‘Bridgerton,’ beautifully reimagined by a talented string ensemble.
- TIMES: must book ahead, current dates are sold out until December 2024; duration 60 minutes
- LOCATION: Southwark Cathedral, London, SE1 9DA
- PRICE: starting from £17.50 (restricted) to £36
Afternoon Tea: Things to Do in London in October
National Gallery Highlights Tour and Afternoon Tea
Delve into a splendid collection of Western European art from the 13th to the 19th centuries. Marvel at masterpieces created by famous artists such as Leonardo, Monet, and Van Gogh. Treat yourself to an afternoon tea experience at the National Gallery’s restaurant, Ochre.
- LOCATION: National Gallery, Trafalgar Square
- PRICE: £49
- TIMES: Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays; not available for solo bookings. 2:00 PM
Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea
Celebrate the Halloween season at Sanderson London with this whimsical afternoon tea experience.
- LOCATION: 50 Berners Street, Fitzrovia, London W1T 3NG
- PRICE: £55 for an adult, £76 with a glass of champagne
- TIMES: Monday-Sunday, 12 PM-7 PM
Devil Wears Prada Afternoon Tea
Indulge in a lavish afternoon tea celebrating the highly anticipated musical adaptation of the beloved book and film, which premieres at The Dominion Theatre.
- LOCATION: The Coral Room at The Bloomsbury Hotel, 16-22 Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 3NN
- PRICE: £48 per person
- TIMES: starting September 30th
LIMITED DATES: Things to Do in London in October
ABSOLUT WARHOL: The Other Half
Absolut and The Warhol Foundation are providing five amazing emerging and diverse artists (Jade Pearl, Kelly Anna, Ken Nwadiogbu, Alexa Sirbu, Xu Yang) the opportunity to showcase their work at the Saatchi Gallery, interpreting the ‘Other Half’ of an original Andy Warhol artwork.
- LOCATION: Saatchi Gallery, Duke of York Square, King’s Road, London SW3 4RY
- PRICE: Free
- TIMES: October 4th-6th
LONDON COCKTAIL WEEK
This 11-day city-wide festival features specially created £8 signature cocktails available at London’s best bars.
- PRICE: Tickets are £20, granting you a wristband that entitles the wearer to signature cocktails at hundreds of participating bars.
- TIMES: October 3rd-13th
DIWALI
Join the Festival of Lights, celebrated with stage performances and cultural activities.
- LOCATION: Trafalgar Square
- PRICE: Free
- TIMES: September 27th
Harry Potter Activities in London this October
As Halloween approaches, it’s ideal to think of fun Harry Potter-themed experiences in London.
Here’s a list of activities to enjoy for Harry Potter enthusiasts:
Sport
NFL in London
Three NFL games are scheduled in London this October.
- New York Jets vs Minnesota Vikings, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, October 6, 2:00 PM
- Jacksonville Jaguars vs Chicago Bears, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, October 13, 2:30 PM
- New England Patriots vs Jacksonville Jaguars, Wembley Stadium, October 20, 2:30 PM
STADIUM TOURS
Tours can be booked through The London Pass or via the individual links below.
SPORTING ACTIVITIES IN LONDON
TOP STADIUMS TO TOUR
On Sale for Christmas:
- Winter Wonderland
- Christmas at Kew
- Hogwarts in the Snow
- The Nutcracker – English National Ballet
- The Snowman
- Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake
- A Christmas Carol (ish)
- A Christmas Carol (at the Old Vic)
- Cinderella at The Royal Ballet
- Robin Hood (The London Palladium, pantomime)
- Windsor Great Park Illuminated
