London is particularly beautiful in autumn. The parks turn shades of gold and red, the cultural calendar fills up after summer, and shorter days make an afternoon in a museum or an evening at the theatre super cosy and special.
Whether you're planning a weekend in the capital, looking for an autumn day out or simply want to make the most of the season, there are plenty of autumn activities in London to choose from. Here are some of the best ideas for things to do in London in autumn.
See the Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum
- Address: Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG
- Nearest Thameslink station: London St Pancras International
- Plan your visit: www.britishmuseum.org
This is the exhibition that everyone is talking about. For the first time in almost 1,000 years, the Bayeux Tapestry is on display in England, bringing its extraordinary 70-metre-long account of the Norman Conquest to the British Museum. Created in the 11th century, the embroidery tells the story of the events leading up to the Battle of Hastings in 1066, with scenes of ships crossing the Channel, horses and soldiers, castles, banquets and battles.
The exhibition runs from September 2026 until July 2027, making autumn an ideal time to see it. Give yourself time to explore the British Museum afterwards too, where you can dip into its vast permanent collection for free.
Admire The Painted Hall at Old Royal Naval College
- Address: Old Royal Naval College, King William Walk, SE10 9NN
- Nearest Thameslink station: Greenwich
- Plan your visit: ornc.org
Step into the Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College and prepare to be wowed. Known as Britain’s very own “Sistine Chapel”, this masterpiece covers walls and ceilings with epic scenes of kings, queens, myths and legends. Your ticket gets you more than just jaw-dropping art too. Explore the elegant Chapel of St Peter and Paul, roll a ball down the Victorian Skittle Alley, and join expert-led tours that bring 500 years of history to life.
The Old Royal Naval College is also one of the world’s most recognisable film sets, starring in The Crown, Bridgerton, Les Misérables and plenty more. Don’t miss the Blockbuster Film Tours on Thursdays and Sundays for behind-the-scenes secrets included in your ticket. Kids go free, and you can get two adult tickets for the price of one when you travel with Thameslink.
Fill up at Borough Market
- Address: 8 Southwark Street, London SE1 1TL
- Nearest Thameslink station: London Bridge
- Plan your visit: boroughmarket.org.uk/visit-us
Autumn is made for Borough Market. Start with a wander around the stalls, picking up everything from British cheeses and fresh bread to street food and seasonal produce, then take your lunch outside and continue along the Thames. The market is free to enter and sits right next to London Bridge station, making it an easy stop for a day in the capital. Just check the opening days before you travel, as it’s closed on Mondays.
Read more: Things to do near London Bridge
See London from above the Thames at Tower Bridge
- Address: Tower Bridge, London SE1 2UP
- Nearest Thameslink station: London Bridge
- Plan your visit: www.towerbridge.org.uk
You’ve probably photographed Tower Bridge from the riverbank, but have you ever ventured inside? The high-level walkways sit 42 metres above the Thames, with huge windows looking across London and glass floors giving you a dramatic view of the traffic and river below. Your visit also takes you into the Victorian Engine Rooms, where you can discover the original machinery that once powered the bridge’s famous lifting mechanism. Autumn’s earlier sunsets make this the perfect time to visit, and you can get discounted entry with your train ticket.
Enjoy the unique atmosphere of the Sky Garden
- Address: 1 Sky Garden Walk, London EC3M 8AF
- Nearest Thameslink station: London Bridge
- Plan your visit: skygarden.london
Sky Garden occupies the top floors of 20 Fenchurch Street (affectionately known as ‘the Walkie Talkie’), with tropical planting, restaurants, bars and panoramic views across the capital. Public access is free, although you’ll need to book a timed ticket, and autumn is a great time to make the most of it with fiery sunsets adding to the romantic atmosphere. From the viewing area, you can pick out landmarks including Tower Bridge, the Tower of London and the Shard.
Discover a tropical paradise at Barbican Conservatory
- Address: Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS
- Nearest Thameslink station: Farringdon
- Plan your visit: www.barbican.org.uk
If there’s one thing for certain, it’s that it’s going to rain in London in autumn, but that doesn’t mean your day has to be ruined. Instead, swap autumn leaves for tropical ones at the Barbican Conservatory. This huge glasshouse is the second biggest conservatory in London, filled with around 1,500 species of plants and trees growing around the Barbican’s distinctive concrete architecture. Entry is free, but visits are only possible on selected dates and require a timed ticket, so plan your visit in advance and get discounted train tickets while you’re at it.
See Frida Kahlo and more at Tate Modern
- Address: Bankside, London SE1 9TG
- Nearest Thameslink station: London Blackfriars
- Plan your visit: www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern
Tate Modern’s permanent collection is free to visit, while autumn brings several major exhibitions, including Frida: The Making of an Icon, running until 3 January 2027, and Light and Magic: The Birth of Art Photography, opening on 14 October. Once you’ve had your fill of art, head outside and walk along Bankside towards Shakespeare’s Globe and Borough Market, with the Thames and St Paul’s providing the perfect backdrop.
Get into the Halloween spirit at the London Dungeon
- Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB
- Nearest Thameslink station: London Blackfriars
- Plan your visit: www.thedungeons.com/london/whats-inside/events/halloween/
If there’s one thing that’s quintessentially autumnal, it’s Halloween. This year’s special event at the London Dungeon is Curse of the Mummy, which runs from 17 October until 1 November, bringing the story of the infamous ‘Unlucky Mummy’ to life through live actors, immersive sets and theatrical storytelling. It’s included with standard London Dungeon tickets, and you can get a third off when you travel by train with Thameslink. Pre-booking is recommended, particularly during October half term.
