32 thrilling things to do in London in October 2025

October sees autumn in full swing in London, with the city’s parks awash in stunning oranges and yellows. The season’s arrival brings a swathe of new openings and seasonal events across the capital including Black History Month, BFI London Film Festival and Oktoberfest. Among the exciting launches are a new gastropub in Mayfair from the hospitality heavyweights behind The Devonshire and Crisp Pizza, and a major exhibition charting the boundary-breaking career of photographer Lee Miller at Tate Britain. 

In the West End, Les Misérables celebrates its 40th anniversary, while the National Theatre’s award-winning production of The Importance of Being Earnest has returned to the Noël Coward Theatre with a star-studded cast. Plus, we highlight the must-book Christmas shows this festive season such as ELF the Musical, The Nutcracker and The Snowman.  

Read on to discover the best things to do in London in October. Don’t miss our guide to what’s on in London this weekend for fresh ideas – and be sure to download the Visit London app for exclusive offers and on-the-go inspiration.  

The best things to do in London in October 2025

1. Celebrate 40 years of the multi-Olivier Award-winning Les Misérables  

Cameron Mackintosh’s acclaimed production – recognised as the world’s longest-running musical – celebrates its 40th anniversary on 8 October. To mark the occasion, a special eight-week run at the Sondheim Theatre brings back fan favourites including Killian Donnelly as Jean Valjean and Bradley Jaden as Javert. You can browse the best seats and book tickets directly with Visit London to experience the magical production, which follows former prisoner Valjean as he’s pursued by policeman Javert against the backdrop of the French Revolution. 

2. Discover the best of the city with the Total London Experience 

Secure tickets for this panoramic day tour and take in London’s legendary landmarks with an expert guide. Start by visiting Sir Christopher Wren’s architectural masterpiece, St Paul’s Cathedral, before witnessing the Changing the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace. In the afternoon, step inside the Unesco-protected Tower of London and uncover the city’s rich history on a tour with the Beefeaters. The experience also includes a ride on the London Eye, offering breathtaking views across the capital. If you’re looking for a shorter tour, book tickets to a half-day tour featuring a visit to St Paul’s Cathedral and a scenic boat ride along the Thames.

3. Check out new writing and spoken word at London Literature Festival  

British pop singer-songwriter Rebecca Lucy Taylor (Self Esteem) is curating the 2025 edition of London Literature Festival (21 October to 2 November), presenting a cutting-edge lineup of talks, readings, workshops and spoken word performances from a mix of emerging and established creatives. Highlights include an evening with Reese Witherspoon and Harlan Coben on their new thriller Gone Before Goodbye; a look inside the National Poetry Library’s collection; and a talk with Dolly Alderton and curator Rebecca Taylor Lucy on her debut book. Discover the full programme and book tickets.

4. See London from new heights at The View from The Shard

Book tickets to The View from The Shard and enjoy unparalleled views of the capital from London’s tallest building. Designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano, The Shard draws inspiration from the spires of London’s historic churches, with its sleek silhouette soaring from the Thames and fading into the clouds. On Fridays, the last entry is 10pm, perfect for seeing the city bathed in a golden sunset before landmarks like Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral and Buckingham Palace sparkle at night. Elevate your experience with a visit to the open-air Skydeck or opt for an all-inclusive package including a glass of champagne and souvenir photographs.

5. Explore boundary-breaking artworks from photographer Lee Miller at Tate Britain

Tate Britain is staging a major exhibition charting the trailblazing surrealist photographer Lee Miller (2 October 2025 to 15 February 2026), presenting more than 250 vintage and modern prints – some of which have never previously been displayed. Visitors can trace Miller’s incredible career, spanning French surrealism and renowned war photography. Thought-provoking pieces include American photographer David Sherman beneath an umbrella with a gas mask and camera in London (1942), and fashion model Elizabeth Cowell wearing a Digby Morton suit against a blitz-torn street in London (1941). Elsewhere, artistic collaborations and lesser-seen images of the Egyptian landscape in the 1930s make an appearance.

6. Scare yourself silly at London Dungeon this Halloween

Uncover the darkest chapters of London’s history this Halloween through thrilling storytelling and immersive performances on this gripping 90-minute experience. Book your tickets for the walk-through tour and brush shoulders with barber Sweeney Tood on Fleet Street before investigating the mysterious identity of Jack the Ripper. Plunge back to reality on the exhilarating Drop Dead: Drop Ride, where you’ll hurtle three storeys through the dungeon. 

Continue the spooky theme on a Jack the Ripper walking tour through the capital, where you’ll follow the footsteps of east London’s infamous murderer. 

7. Catch new films at BFI London Film Festival 

The newest addition to American film-maker Rian Johnson’s thrilling Knives Out collection – Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, starring Daniel Craig – kicks off the 2025 edition of the BFI London Film Festival at the Royal Festival Hall on 8 October. Now in its 69th year, the 11-day event showcases premieres, restored works from the BFI archives, short films and various talks. While the full festival programme will be revealed on 3 September, it’s worth noting that tickets go on sale on 16 September with various screenings at key cinemas such as BFI IMAX, Curzon Soho and the Prince Charles Cinema. (8 to 19 October) 

Film fans should also check out British Urban Film Festival (10 to 24 October) for work from lesser-known filmmakers and creatives.

8. Pick up a London Pass to save on top attractions 

Buy a London Pass and unlock access to over 100 attractions in the capital with this convenient digital pass. Whether you’re in London for a long weekend or planning to stay longer, the London Pass lets you choose a duration that suits your budget and schedule. Simply download the pass to your smartphone and enjoy hassle-free entry to top landmarks such as Westminster Abbey, Kew Gardens, Shakespeare’s Globe and Tower of London.

9. Watch the new production of Shakespeare's Othello at Theatre Royal Haymarket

An explosive reimagining of Shakespeare’s epic tale Othello launches in London’s West End this month (23 October 2025 to 17 January 2026), directed by Tony Award-winner Tom Morris. The star-studded production sees David Harewood (Homeland), Toby Jones (Mr Bates vs The Post Office) and Caitlin Fitzgerald (Succession) take to the stage at Theatre Royal Haymarket. Buy your tickets for this anticipated show and witness the successful Othello’s life come crashing down as his bitter servant lago reveals his secret marriage, compromising his position as a general serving the Venetian government. Watch Othello sent to Cyprus and be deceived once again by lago in this dark masterpiece. 

10.Step inside London's creative studios at Wandsworth Artists' Open House

Artists and makers across the borough of Wandsworth are set to open their homes and studios for the prestigious Artists’ Open House (4 to 12 October). Featuring painters, photographers, illustrators, ceramicists and jewellery designers, the event invites visitors to explore creative spaces, learn about the inspirations behind their work, and even purchase pieces. Standouts include Battersea-based Jayson Singh’s expressive figurative paintings and Emma Thistleton’s delicate watercolour illustrations of Tooting Bec Lido, which both beautifully capture the spirit of the south London neighbourhoods.  

Discover more upcoming events in the London Borough of Culture 2025.

11. Plan an actioned-packed October half-term in London 

Treat the kids to a memorable October half-term in London (27 to 31 October) with visits to the capital’s top family-friendly attractions such as SEA LIFE London Aquarium, The Paddington Bear Experience and Shrek’s Adventure! on the South Bank. Thrill-seekers will delight in a Thames Rockets speedboat tour or a high-wire adventure at Go Ape in Battersea. Don’t miss famous shops like the flagship LEGO Store, Hamleys and M&M World, and be sure to check out the best theme parks near London for an adrenaline-fuelled adventure.

12. Take a spooky tour of Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter 

Fans of the Harry Potter franchise can buy tickets and visit the film studios, where the real-life sets used in the hit movies have been transformed for Halloween. Step inside the Great Hall to see pumpkins hanging from the ceiling and watch Voldemort’s Death Eaters wander the cobbled streets of Diagon Alley. Learn how special effects were used to create unforgettable scenes such as the Chamber of Secrets door, the invisibility cloak, and the thrilling Quidditch tournaments. Be sure to check out the studio shop for replica wands, merchandise and your very own Hedwig.

13. Uncover the capital's top bars at London Cocktail Week

More than 200 bars across the city are set to take part in the 16th edition of London Cocktail Week (9 to 19 October), serving up delicious, playful concoctions in celebration of the capital’s diverse drinks scene. Buy a £20 wristband for the eleven-day event to unlock access to £9 signature cocktails and £6 non-alcoholic serves. A new initiative for 2025 offers smaller cocktails for £6, ideal for guests looking to sample more flavours. Another debut this year is a farm-to-glass concept, where top bars create drinks from organic, seasonal ingredients. You can find a full list of participating bars at the website, organised by hotel bars, design-led bars, rooftop bars and bars with fantastic food – to name but a few.

14. Get into the spooky spirit at Halloween at Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens transforms into a spooky playground this month (17 October to 2 November), with a dramatic 1.5km trail featuring ghostly displays, eye-popping illuminations and live fire artists. Book your tickets for Halloween at Kew Gardens and choose between three different timeslots: daylight, twilight or moonlight sessions – each offering seasonal treats to take the edge off, like hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows. The experience also includes an eerie forgotten fairground and a spine-chilling interpretation of Frankenstein’s laboratory. 

15. Dive into Black History Month in London

Celebrate Black History Month in London this October with a stellar lineup of talks, workshops, music and exhibitions across the capital. Discover TfL’s innovative Black History Tube Map – a special edition created in collaboration with The Black Cultural Archives – highlighting the contributions Black people have made to London with the Bakerloo Line reimagined as a celebration of sport with equestrian performer and first Black British circus owner Pablo Fanque replacing Embankment. Don’t miss London Museum of Docklands’ permanent exhibition London, Sugar and Slavery, which explores the impact of the trade sugar and enslaved Africans. Or support London-based black-owned businesses like Dark Sugars chocolates and New Beacon Books.

16. Feast at Mayfair's new gastropub The Marlborough 

Crisp Pizza’s Carl McCluskey and The Devonshire’s Charlie Carroll, Ashley Palmer-Watts and Oisín Rogers have joined forces to open a shiny new boozer in a Grade II-listed former pub on Mayfair’s North Audley Street. Inside, guests will find a traditional pub with standing room and an outside terrace, while downstairs, a 52-cover space will be dedicated to Crisp Pizza, featuring all the same fan favourites from its Hammersmith home at McCluskey’s Grandmother’s pub, The Chancellors. Come for the Nduja Pie – San Marzano, mozzarella, buffalo mozzarella, parm and Calabrian Nduja – and stay for crowd-pleasing pints of Guinness.

17. Experience Tate Modern's new exhibition Theatre Picasso 

Tate Modern recently opened a major new exhibition charting Pablo Picasso’s fascination with performers, marking the centenary of his famous painting The Three Dancers (1925). Contemporary artist Wu Tsang and author-curator Enrique Fuenteblanca have transformed the exhibition space into a theatre, featuring 45 pieces from the Tate’s collection and European loans including paintings, sculptures, and textiles – some of which have never been seen in the UK before. Explore works depicting dancers, entertainers, and bullfighters and discover Picasso’s art from a new perspective. Until 12 April 2026

18. Hop on board a haunted bus ride with The Ghost Bus Tours 

Ride a refurbished 1960s Routemaster bus and experience London’s comedy-horror theatre on wheels while you uncover the city’s haunted secrets. Travel past Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge and St Paul’s while an expert guide shares chilling tales of murder, torture and ghosts at the capital’s key landmarks.  

Prefer a less spooky vibe? Pick up tickets for a hop-on hop-off bus tour and stop at 60 staple spots in London. You can choose from 24, 48 or 72-hour tickets to suit your schedule.

19. Book tickets for Dracula at the Lyric Hammersmith

Secure your seats for the final shows of Dracula at the Lyric Hammersmith, where a gripping new adaptation of the Bram Stoker’s horror classic is sure to get you into the Halloween spirit. The new production places the unfold female voices at the heart of the tale, with Umi Myers (Dope Girls, The Mirro and the Light) leading the cast as Mina Harker. Watch as Harker pieces together the mysterious story of Count Dracula’s journey to England through chilling letters and her husband’s journal. Until 11 October

 20. Party at K-Music Festival 2025

The 12th edition of K-Music Festival 2025 kicks off in the capital this month (1 October to 20 November) with a thrilling lineup spotlighting Korea’s diverse music scene at various cultural venues across London. Standout events include a powerful collaboration between Korean post-rock band Jambinai and London Contemporary Orchestra at Barbican’s Hall (5 October), and a new work by acclaimed Seoul-based composer and sound artist Won II at Southbank Centre’s Queen Elizabeth Hall (14 November). Fans of Hilgeum won’t want to miss their London debut (18 October), accompanied by genre-defining British artist-composer Alice Zawadzki.

21. Embrace the arrival of autumn in London's parks

See London’s stunning parks and green spaces in all their autumn glory this October. Take a stroll through Richmond Park and watch deer grazing, or head to Greenwich Park and enjoy an autumn sunset from One Tree Hill as the sun sets behind the city’s skyline. St James’s Park is a great spot to recharge between sightseeing at nearby Buckingham Palace and Horse Guards Parade, while Kew Gardens impresses with its themed glasshouses and treetop walkway. Be sure to cheer on runners on 12 October at the Royal Parks Half Marathon, cutting through Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens and The Green Park.

22. Raise a glass at Oktoberfest in London 

Oktoberfest kicked off more than 200 years ago, when a royal wedding in Bavaria sparked an annual celebration of beer and bratwurst in Munich. Head to Between the Bridges on the South Bank, which is marking the festival with four weekends of DJs and steins (26 September to 17 October). Elsewhere, Flat Iron Square near London Bridge is plating up German fare every Saturday – think pretzels, bratwurst and currywurst. For the full Oktoberfest experience in London, visit the official beer hall in Finsbury Park (9 to 11 October), which moves to St Paul’s Green in Hammersmith later in the month (16 to 25 October).

23. Discover London's festive sights on a Christmas lights open-top bus tour

Book your seat on London’s Christmas lights open-tour bus tour and marvel at dazzling festive displays while learning the history of the capital’s storied streets from an expert guide. Cruise beneath Regent Street’s famous angels, see Trafalgar Square’s showstopping Christmas tree and watch landmarks like the London Eye and The Shard light up for Christmas. The tour takes around 90 minutes and departs from various locations in the city including the London Eye, Victoria, and Green Park. While booking, you can choose between lower-deck seats or upper-deck seats, but we’d recommend opting for the upper seats for panoramic views.

24.Uncover the capital's food scene at London Restaurant Festival

Feast at some of London’s hottest restaurants this October with special tasting menus and new openings at London Restaurant Festival (1 to 31 October). The lineup is curated by five neighbourhoods, showcasing local hotspots and Michelin-starred restaurants. Highlights include a nine-course experience at Mediterranean restaurant Jeru in Mayfair, a set lunch menu at The Lanesborough Grill in Knightsbridge and spice-packed Indian dishes at Cinnamon Kitchen Battersea. You can explore exciting new openings including Italian restaurant Barbarella in east London at the website. Browse the full festival programme and book your tables. 

25. Watch the acclaimed production of The Importance of Being Earnest 

Following the success of its sold-out season at the National Theatre earlier this year, this joyful reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest is showing at London’s Noël Coward Theatre this autumn (until 10 January 2026). Browse the best seats and buy tickets to see the talented Olly Alexander (Channel 4’s It’s a Sin) lead the cast in the role of Algernon Moncrieff, joined by Nathan Stewart-Jarrett (Misfits) as Jack Worthing, Hugh Dennis (Outnumbered) as Reverend Canon Chasuble and Stephen Fry (Blackadder) as Lady Bracknell. You can explore the best seats, full cast and book tickets directly with Visit London.

26. Visit Gilbert & George: 21st Century Pictures at Hayward Gallery

Southbank Centre’s Hayward Gallery is hosting a new blockbuster exhibition that traces the boundary-breaking career of British contemporary artists Gilbert & George. Featuring a collection of pictures created since the turn of the millennium, the exhibition explores themes of societal norms and taboos including sex, religion, corruption and death. Visitors can view key pieces such as New Horny Pictures (2001) and The London Pictures (2011), along with more than 50 other floor-to-ceiling installations. After the exhibition, refuel at nearby riverside food pop-ups including American hot dogs at Frank!, grilled plates at Jimmy’s BBQ Club and mouthwatering frozen yoghurts at Snog. (7 October to 11 January 2026) 

27. Discover new artworks at Frieze London 2025

Frieze London transforms Regent’s Park into a vibrant hub of art and design (15 to 19 October), with more than 280 galleries from 45 countries displaying their finest works. Art collectors will be on the outlook for pieces to acquire, with Frieze Masters also offering works made before 2000. This year, artist Sophia Al-Maria picked up the 2025 Artist Award, and she’ll present Wall Based Work (a Trompe LOL) – a stand-up comedy set – during the fair. A standout feature is the Focus section, which highlights emerging talent from around the world including galleries like Squire (London), Bombon (Barcelona) and Kayokoyuki (Tokyo), all making their debut this year. The website lists a mix of artist talks, exhibitions and workshops taking place throughout the event.

28. Get ready for Wicked: For Good at Wicked the Musical

Part Two of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande’s eagerly anticipated retelling of Wicked lands in cinemas next month (21 November), but you don’t have to wait to experience the magic of Oz. This Halloween, secure your seat at Wicked the Musical at the Apollo Victoria theatre and witness the enchanting tale of young Elphaba and Glinda, brought to life through captivating music and lyrics by Grammy Award-winner Stephen Schwartz. This production has won more than 100 major awards – including three Tony Awards and two Olivier Awards – and is ranks as of the longest running shows in the West End. 

29. Dine at Kudu's new Marylebone outpost 

Kudu Collective, formerly known for its trio of much-loved restaurants in Peckham, is opening its first central London outpost on Moxton Street in Marylebone this month. Husband-and-wife duo Patrick Williams and Amy Corbin bring Kudu Collective’s three distinctive spaces – Curious Kudu, Kudu Grill, and the original Kudu restaurant – under one roof, offering signature seasonal European plates with a South African flex. On the menu, you might find crowd-pleasers like burrata with pineapple, tomato, ginger and shiso, alongside new dishes such as harissa chopped beef topped with crispy shallots and fresh coriander. As for the space, London-based designers Fabled Studio have created a soothing, minimalist setting, with natural tones complemented by textured plaster walls, upholstered fabrics, mirrored panelled walls and red travertine countertops.

30. Enjoy a date night at 50 First Dates: The Musical

Fans of the hit 2004 Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore rom-com will love the new stage adaptation of 50 First Dates: The Musical at The Other Palace theatre in Victoria (until 16 November). Book your seats and see West End stars Georgina Castle (Mean Girls, Mamma Mia!) and Josh St Clair (Wicked, Kinky Boots) shine as Lucy and Henry, who find love at a tropical resort in Hawaii. Watch self-proclaimed bachelor Henry attempt to win Lucy’s heart as he discovers she suffers from short-term memory loss and fights to win her over each day.

31. Marvel at the Design Museum's new exhibition Blitz: the club that shaped the '80s

A major new exhibition recently opened at the Design Museum, spotlighting the legendary Blitz nightclub and its impact on London’s fashion and culture in the 1980s. Located on Covent Garden’s Great Queen Street, the club is known to have inspired cabaret culture, cinema and the punk and soul scenes, with performances by young Spandau Ballet, Boy George and Visage, as well as various artists, film-makers and writers – including Game of Thrones costume designer Michele Clapton and BBC broadcaster Robert Elms. The exhibition highlights more than 250 items such as clothing, magazines, vinyl records, photography, sketches and even rare film footage. (Until 29 March 2026)

32. Get tickets for top Christmas shows in London's West End

There’s no better time to experience the magic of London’s theatre than the festive season, with holiday classics and award-winning favourites promising a memorable family experience. Plan ahead and book tickets for sell-out shows such as ELF the Musical at the Aldwych Theatre, and Dickens’ timeless classic A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic. Be sure to book ahead for The Nutcracker at the London Coliseum, where 100 ballet dancers bring Tchaikovsky’s magical tale to stage. There are plenty of shows that little ones will love including Father Christmas Needs a Wee! and The Snowman. Explore more magical Christmas experiences in London like Hogwarts in the Snow and the best New Year’s Eve tours.