13 Things to Do in London in November

In November, the nights grow longer and the days get colder. It’s a great time to enjoy more indoor cultural activities, although whenever possible you should make the most of sunny days to enjoy the outdoors. Want to find out everything November has to offer in London? Read on!

If you’re a fan of Outlander or a history buff, you simply must take a trip to Stonehenge and explore the megalithic ruins in Salisbury. And November is the perfect month for it, as the landscape around the monument is spectacular.

With this excursion, you won’t have to worry about how to get there, as the air-conditioned coach transfer from London is included. And you won’t miss a single detail thanks to the audio guide and entry to the visitor centre. Do bear in mind, however, that for some time now, in order to preserve the monument, the stones cannot be touched and access to the interior of the circle is not permitted, except during the summer and winter solstices.

On this six-and-a-half-hour experience, you’ll also be able to enjoy a traditional meal that will allow you to immerse yourself in the local cuisine.

Another ideal option is to explore the English countryside with a trip to the Cotswolds, and November is the perfect time as it is not as crowded as at other times of the year.

Accompanied by a professional guide, you will learn about the history of various medieval villages such as Burford and Bibury and discover the beauty of the rural landscapes.

• Burford is a beautifully preserved medieval town known as the ‘Gateway to the Cotswolds’, with historic buildings dating back over 500 years.
• Bibury is known as the prettiest village in England. Among the highlights is the iconic Arlington Row, characterised by weavers’ cottages.

Furthermore, on this excursion, which lasts approximately 10 hours, you can stop off in Bourton-on-the-Water for lunch. Popularly known as “the Venice of the Cotswolds”, it is an ideal place to stroll along the riverbank and cross its bridges.

Without a doubt, my favourite plan for this time of year is to visit one of the city’s museums, as you can take shelter if the weather is unsettled. There’s a huge range on offer. There’s something for lovers of painting, sculpture, ancient history, science… If there’s one thing London has, it’s options to suit every taste.

I really enjoyed myself at the British Museum. That said, I didn’t really get the most out of it until I decided to go on a guided tour. The collection is so vast that it’s hard to make the most of your visit if you go on your own.

On the other hand, if you’re travelling with the family and fancy a laugh, I recommend booking tickets for Madame Tussauds London. Here are some other guided tour options:

• Private guided tour of the Natural History Museum in London — from CAD 311
• Private guided tour of the British Museum in London — from CAD 155
• Private guided tour of the National Gallery in London — from CAD 155
• Private guided tour of the National Gallery in London for children — from CAD 328

Ever since England invented football, the sport has brought great joy to people all over the world. But here it is experienced with a special passion and is one of the most exciting spectacles you can witness in London in November.

There are several London teams playing in the Premier League (Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham, West Ham and Crystal Palace), so you have plenty of opportunities to catch a good football match during your stay in London.

But if you can’t fit a match into your schedule, there are other ways to experience the thrill of English football and its history, such as visiting the museums at some of these teams’ stadiums, including:

• Chelsea FC Stadium Tour & Museum — from CAD 83
• Emirates Stadium Tour and Museum — from CAD 66
• Guided tour of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium — from CAD 47
• Wembley Stadium Tour — from CAD 47

The Dare Skywalk experience at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Tottenham’s stadium also offers the chance to climb to the top of the stadium and stand atop the golden cockerel, the club’s emblem. With this The Dare Skywalk climbing experience, which provides you with a full safety harness, you can stand 50 metres above ground and view the impressive stadium from the very top, as well as enjoy a spectacular 360-degree panoramic view of the city of London.

If you’re passionate about photography and, during your November holiday in London, fancy stepping off the usual London museum trail, I recommend visiting the London Photo Show (11–14 November), where photographers from around the world gather to share and sell their work, as well as take part in interesting workshops and talks on the industry.

Visiting the London Photo Show is sure to introduce you to new photographic styles, and a trip to London is an excellent opportunity to give free rein to your creativity. It’s a city where there’s always something intriguing to see beyond the typical tourist attractions. Charming spots that will make all the difference to your photographs.

So, if you’re passionate about photography, make the most of your hobby with a guided photography tour of London, which will reveal the capital’s lesser-known and most interesting side. You’ll be accompanied by a local guide who will help you capture the city not through the eyes of a tourist but as a true Londoner, and will also offer photography tips to help you create a stunning souvenir album.

Strolling through central London in November, you might come across the Regent Street Motor Show at the start of the month, one of the country’s biggest free car shows. Whether you’re a motor enthusiast or not, it’s always a treat to be able to stroll peacefully along Regent Street without any traffic and, to be honest, the vehicles on display are absolutely stunning. You won’t be able to stop taking photos of them!

There are some eye-catching vintage cars, almost as striking as the friendly drivers dressed in period costume who accompany them. But they’re not the only ones; the Regent Street Motor Show also showcases the latest models of sports cars and motorbikes.

If you’re a fan of the motoring world, you might be interested in taking a tour of London in a classic car such as a Mini Cooper. On this 4-hour private tour, you’ll be taken around the city’s main attractions whilst a professional guide tells you the history of each of the landmarks.

Around 5 November, London celebrates ‘Bonfire Night’, a festival commemorating the night when the Catholic revolutionary Guy Fawkes took part in the Gunpowder Plot of 1605 in an attempt to kill King James I, who opposed granting religious tolerance to the kingdom’s Catholics.

During the event, bonfires are usually lit to burn effigies representing Fawkes, whilst the sky is filled with colourful fireworks. It’s quite a spectacle that will undoubtedly impress you if you’ve never seen it before.

Some of the places you can head to for Bonfire Night include Wimbledon Park, Morden Park and Battersea Park, amongst others. There will also be music events, family activities and plenty of food and drink to ensure you have a brilliant time.

If you’ve never had the chance to celebrate ‘Thanksgiving’ before, perhaps your trip to London is the perfect opportunity to go with the flow and experience this centuries-old American tradition on British soil.

It’s celebrated there too, and in style! Many of the city’s restaurants are decked out in traditional autumnal decorations and prepare sumptuous menus with roast turkey and pumpkin pie taking centre stage.

The culinary scene in London is incredibly diverse, both in terms of flavours and prices. If you fancy celebrating ‘Thanksgiving’ whilst you’re visiting London in November and treating yourself to a feast, take a look at the following posts for ideas on where to eat:

• Where to eat near the Tower of London.
• Places to eat near the London Eye.
• The best places to eat near The Shard in London.

Almost a month before Christmas, London is decked out in all sorts of lights, decorations and markets to get Londoners and tourists in the festive spirit. And boy, does it succeed!

The city looks stunning in November. At the start of the month, many of the Christmas decorations are switched on (Regent Street, Covent Garden, Carnaby Street and Marylebone Village) and various Christmas markets are set up, lending a charming and special atmosphere to the British capital’s streetscape.

If you want to treat yourself to a unique souvenir and sample a host of Christmas delicacies accompanied by a bit of mulled wine, don’t miss the Christmas markets at The South Bank’s Christmas Market, Winter Wonderland, Christmas by the River, Leicester Square, Selfridges Christmas Market or Kingston Christmas Market, amongst others. You’ll have a blast!

If you’re interested in the history and culture of jazz, your visit to London in November is a great opportunity to attend the EFG London Jazz Festival, an event where, since 1970, emerging talents and world-class artists have come together to treat the audience to the best live music of the genre during an electrifying evening.

I recommend taking a look at the festival website to check out the artists performing each year and the concert dates. Hurry up and book your tickets because they sell out in the blink of an eye!

If you’re one of those travellers who loves trying new culinary delights, during your trip to London in November you should make a note in your diary of the Taste of London food festival, a multi-day event in Regent’s Park where some of the city’s most famous chefs gather.

You’ll need to pay an entry fee to get into the festival, but it’s well worth it as you’ll have the chance to enjoy a host of innovative gourmet offerings from popular restaurants such as Cin Cin, Toastie Toastie, Anju and Country Fire Chicken, to name but a few.

You can also take part in wine tastings and workshops where you’ll learn how certain dishes are prepared, and even listen to music spun by a DJ in the VIP Lounge at Taste of London. And if, once it’s over, you’re still in the mood to enjoy the best British food, I recommend joining a food tour through the streets of London. What a brilliant plan!

London is a cosmopolitan city where a multitude of cultures from all corners of the globe coexist. During the month of November, the Festival of Lights, or Diwali, takes place – the most important festival of the year in India, which the Hindu community also celebrates in the British capital.

A time to celebrate the triumph of good over evil and of light over darkness. During the five days of Diwali, countless clay lamps are lit, symbolising the light that protects each family from darkness, and a wide range of activities are organised to mark this significant date in the calendar.

If your trip to London in November coincides with Diwali, don’t hesitate to experience this unique religious festival through the finest Indian cuisine, Bollywood classics or the fireworks display at Byron Park in Harrow.

You’ve no doubt planned plenty of daytime activities for your trip to London, but the evening is also a great time to get out and enjoy yourself.

How about going to a live music concert by candlelight? It’s a truly romantic experience, especially if you’re visiting London as a couple.

Throughout November, there are loads of concerts featuring some of the greatest composers in history. Take note of some of the best!

• The Best of Bond at Butcher’s Hall.
• Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at Freemasons’ Hall.
• John Williams’ Best Works at Butcher’s Hall.
• Moonlight Sonata Concert at St James’ Church.
• Best of Magical Movie Soundtracks at Butchers’ Hall.

If you’re thinking of travelling to London in November, don’t hesitate, because autumn is a wonderful time to explore the city, even though temperatures start to drop. The thermometers hover around a maximum of 12°C and a minimum of 7°C.

During this month, the days and nights are cool, although every now and then a sunny day dawns with pleasant temperatures. On the other hand, after the summer, the rain starts to make an appearance and clouds settle in the sky. There are fewer hours of daylight, which may affect your plans for outdoor activities.

Morning mist is also common in November, but it clears as the day goes on. Bear this in mind if you’re planning to visit attractions such as the London Eye or The Shard in the morning.

November is a good time to visit London, but depending on the fortnight, both tourist numbers and prices can vary as the festive season approaches and, during this month, the Christmas lights, ice rinks and Christmas markets begin to appear, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Consequently, in the first half of November, tourist numbers are lower, meaning the city’s main tourist attractions are less crowded and there are shorter queues. Furthermore, prices are slightly cheaper compared to Christmas.

However, things change during the second half of November. As the festive season approaches , more travellers decide to head to London, taking advantage of the fact that the city is already decked out in traditional winter decorations and the streets and shops look spectacular. This leads to a slight increase in prices, as well as queues to enter the various attractions. Bear this in mind when planning your getaway!

During November, the weather is generally cold. Although it may be sunny in the morning, winter is just around the corner and at this stage of autumn, the days and nights are chilly. To combat the low temperatures, it’s best to pack several warm layers so you can dress in layers.

This way, you can add or remove layers depending on whether you’re indoors or outdoors, where the temperature can vary. It’s the most comfortable and easy way to dress in London at this time of year. Also pack some gloves or a hat to wear on colder days.

November marks the final days of autumn. The skies may become overcast more frequently and there may be some rain. Humidity increases, so it’s also a good idea to pack a raincoat and an umbrella.