The Best Things To Do In London This October

London Literature Festival

Dua Lipa is taking the reins as curator of this year’s London Literature Festival, bringing her love of books to a programme filled with conversations, author events and live discussions. Expect a diverse, international line-up spanning fiction, memoir, poetry and more, with plenty to appeal to anyone who follows her Service95 Book Club. It’s a chance to hear some of the writers shaping the literary conversation right now, as well as discover a few new names to add to your reading list.

Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX; throughout October 

Visit SOUTHBANKCENTRE.CO.UK

Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf?

Gillian Anderson and Billy Crudup take on two of theatre’s most combustible roles in the first major West End revival of Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf? in a decade. They play George and Martha, a married couple whose already volatile relationship begins to unravel when they invite a younger couple over after a university party. What follows is a darkly funny, increasingly uncomfortable evening of mind games, buried resentments and marital warfare – and a chance to see two acclaimed actors go head-to-head on stage.

4 Soho Place, W1D 3BG; until 19th December

Visit SOHOPLACE.COM

Claridge’s Flowers After Hours

Claridge’s has brought its famous floral displays to Brooks Mews with the opening of Claridge’s Flowers, a new workshop and shop where you can buy seasonal stems by the bunch, pick up a hand-tied bouquet or watch the floristry team at work.. It’s also home to Flowers After Hours, a series of evening masterclasses where the Claridge’s floristry team will guide guests through creating their own arrangements, cocktails included. Bookings are based on individual enquiries.

Visit CLARIDGESFLOWERS.CO.UK 

Lavazza Tablì Coffee Experience

Coffee lovers, this one’s for you. Lavazza is taking over Future Stores on Oxford Street from 13th to 18th October with a free immersive experience celebrating its new Tablì coffee system. You can discover the machine, try different blends, take a coffee quiz to find your match and personalise your cup with stickers before heading to The Vault for the chance to win a Tablì machine and limited-edition prizes. There’ll also be more than 10,000 free coffees to enjoy throughout the week, from espressos and flat whites to signature serves and evening coffee cocktails.

Visit LAVAZZA.CO.UK 

Halloween At Kew

Kew Gardens takes on a darker side this October with its annual Halloween trail, transforming the gardens after dark with eerie lighting, spooky installations and atmospheric performances. Follow the illuminated route through the gardens, where ghoulish characters and fire performers add to the drama, with actors along the way to keep younger visitors entertained. It’s a suitably spooky way to experience Kew after dark – and a good half-term option for families looking for something a little different.

Kew, TW9 3AE; 16th October-1st November

Visit KEW.ORG

Affordable Art Fair Battersea

Contemporary art gets a family-friendly spin at Affordable Art Fair Battersea this October, with a special programme designed to get younger visitors making as well as looking. On 17th and 18th October, Petit Pli will host drop-in workshops where children can create origami-inspired designs and decorate their own wearable jet packs, while scavenger hunts and activity packs encourage them to explore the fair along the way. With more than 100 galleries and thousands of artworks under one roof, it’s a fun, low-pressure way to introduce little ones to the art world

Visit AFFORDABLEARTFAIR.COM 

Black Culture Market

In celebration of Black History Month, Black Culture Market is bringing together some of the UK’s best Black-owned brands for a weekend of shopping, food, music and culture at Lambeth Town Hall on 10th and 11th October. Expect a curated mix of fashion, beauty, food and lifestyle brands, alongside live events and plenty of opportunities to discover independent businesses and meet their founders. It’s free to attend, making it an easy one for families to add to their October plans.

1 Brixton Hill, Lambeth, SW2 1RW

Visit BLACKCULTUREMARKET.CO.UK 

Korea At The British Museum

The British Museum’s new exhibition explores more than 2,000 years of Korean history and creativity, bringing together sculpture, painting and decorative arts from across the centuries. Expect everything from ancient gold body ornaments and Buddhist icons to celadon ceramics, ink landscapes and contemporary works, offering a fascinating look at how Korean art and culture have evolved over time.

Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG; until 31st January

Visit BRITISHMUSEUM.ORG

The Gruffalo Afternoon Tea At Raffles London

The deep dark wood is coming to Whitehall this autumn as Raffles London at The OWO launches a new Gruffalo family experience to celebrate the arrival of Gruffalo Granny – the first new Gruffalo book in 20 years. From 21st September, The Drawing Room will serve a playful afternoon tea featuring Scrambled Snake sandwiches, Owl’s Pot of Soup pastries and sweet treats inspired by much-loved characters from the stories, alongside traditional scones and all the trimmings. Families wanting to make a night of it can also book themed stays complete with an in-room Toniebox and special Gruffalo gifts. A fun half-term treat for younger fans.

57 Whitehall, SW1A 2BX; until early 2027

Visit RAFFLES.COM

Autumn At St Katharine Docks

St Katharine Docks is getting into the autumn spirit with a free family-friendly weekend on 24th and 25th October. Head to the Coronarium for seasonal activities including making wish-leaves for the Wishing Tree and decorating acorns to plant at home, with an autumn-inspired coffee bar serving chai, maple and pumpkin flavours. Then, on 31st October, St Kat’s Sessions returns for a Halloween edition on the floating pontoon, with candlelit tables, live jazz from Olivia Swann, Jamie Safir and special guests, plus bubbles on arrival and a prize for the best fancy dress. Tickets for St Kate’s Session start from £17.50pp.

St Katharine's Way, Wapping, E1W 1LA

Visit SKDOCKS.CO.UK 

Langan’s 50th Anniversary

Langan’s is turning back the clock for one day only to celebrate its 50th anniversary. On 18th October, the Mayfair institution will recreate the spirit of 1976, with nostalgic dishes and Langan’s favourites served at their original prices, alongside a selection of drinks and entertainment throughout the day. A fun excuse to revisit a London classic – quite literally at 1976 prices.

59A James Street, W1U 1DX; 20th October

Visit LANGANSBRASSERIE.COM

Beefbar At Dear Jackie

Beefbar has landed in Soho, taking over the restaurant and bar at Broadwick Soho on a permanent basis. The Monaco-born steakhouse is bringing its signature approach to the space, with a menu centred around premium cuts of beef alongside some more playful dishes, including croque sandos and a Wagyu shepherd’s pie. Expect Beefbar classics, a buzzy Soho setting and plenty of reasons to make this one for your next dinner out.

20 Broadwick Street, W1F 8HT

Visit BROADWICKSOHO.COM

Beaufort Wine Bar At The Savoy

The Savoy has opened Beaufort Wine Bar, a new spot dedicated to great bottles and relaxed evenings in one of London’s most iconic hotels. Led by head sommelier Romain Audrerie, the list spans more than 250 wines from 18 countries, with plenty to explore by the glass or bottle. Pair them with sharing plates including Jamón Ibérico, artisan cheeses and other small bites, making this a good one for an after-work drink that turns into dinner.

The Savoy, Strand, WC2R 0EZ; 15th October

Visit THESAVOYLONDON.COM

Juno

West London is getting a new taste of Italy as Juno opens at Olympia’s National Hall on 16th October. The latest opening from Incipio Group, it’s the UK’s biggest Italian restaurant, with a menu spanning homemade pasta, Neapolitan pizza, classic secondi and indulgent desserts, alongside aperitivo, cocktails and live music. There’s also a full-on weekly line-up, from Nonna’s Lasagne Tuesdays and £5 bottomless gelato to Saturday feasts with a live band and family-focused Sundays. Open daily from midday until 11pm.

Visit JUNOLONDON.CO.UK

The Burberry Trench: Crafting An Icon

The V&A is celebrating one of fashion’s most enduring pieces with a new display dedicated to the Burberry trench. Tracing its journey from practical military outerwear to a global fashion icon, the exhibition brings together rare pieces from the Burberry Archive and V&A collection, including a 1979 Burberry car coat worn by Hardy Amies, archive catalogues and more recent, more experimental designs. Running all autumn, it’s a must-visit for anyone interested in British fashion and the stories behind the clothes we keep coming back to. The display is free and requires no booking.

Visit VAM.AC.UK 

Astrid & Miyu Sip & Shop

Make a Saturday afternoon of it at Astrid & Miyu’s Covent Garden store on 17th October. The jewellery brand is hosting a free Sip & Shop with complimentary drinks, 20% off plated jewellery and 10% off titanium piercings, plus a little surprise for the first 50 guests. There’ll also be styling and stacking advice from the team, making it a good excuse to refresh your jewellery collection or finally get that ear stack you’ve been considering.

31 Neal St, Covent Garden, WC2H 9PR

Visit EVENTBRITE.CO.UK 

Reiss Sample Sale

Reiss is holding a three-day sample sale at its Regent Street store from 20th to 22nd October, with up to 80% off menswear and womenswear. Expect everything from tailoring, dresses and knitwear to skirts, tops and accessories, with plenty of the brand’s polished, London-inspired staples up for grabs. Tickets are required, with general, Priority and VIP access available.

12 Regent Street, St James's, SW1Y 4PE

Visit SHOWCASE.CO 

Adanola x System Studios

Manchester-born activewear brand Adanola has teamed up with System Studios as part of its Adanola Residencies initiative, bringing fashion and functional fitness together. The partnership gives the community access to monthly free movement classes spanning Pilates, yoga and strength training, alongside exclusive gifting for Adanola loyalty members.

System Studios locations across London; throughout October

Visit SYSTEM-STUDIOS.CO

Saie UK Launch Pop-Up

US beauty brand Saie is officially launching in the UK with its first bricks-and-mortar presence, exclusively at Sephora. To celebrate, it’s hosting a one-day pop-up chip shop today from 11am to 6pm. The pop-up will feature exclusive Saie merch, while founder Laney Crowell will make a surprise appearance for a meet-and-greet. Consider it a fun way to discover the brand before it officially hits UK shelves.

Visit SAIEHELLO.COM & SEPHORA.CO.UK

DedCool’s Mocha Magic Pop-Up

LA fragrance brand DedCool is bringing its cult, genderless scents to Marylebone for one weekend only, taking over Shreeji Newsagents on 9th and 10th October to celebrate the launch of its new Mocha Magic fragrance. Inspired by the ritual of a favourite coffee order, the pop-up will combine fragrance and coffee culture, with the chance to discover the new scent, explore the wider collection, meet the team and pick up complimentary samples. 

6 Chiltern Street, Marylebone, W1U 7PT;  8.30am-4pm 

Visit DEDCOOL.COM 

Grown Alchemist Sample Sale

Grown Alchemist is giving beauty fans the chance to stock up for less with an online sample sale this October. Expect up to 80% off the brand’s luxury skincare, body care, haircare and kits, with the sale available exclusively to UK customers. It’s a good opportunity to pick up some of the brand’s cult formulas – or get ahead on a few beauty cupboard essentials without paying full price.

Visit SHOWCASE.CO