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, though whenever possible, you should take advantage of sunny days to enjoy nature. Want to know everything November has to offer in London? Keep reading!

If you’re a fan of Outlander or a history buff, you can’t miss a trip to Stonehenge to explore the megalithic ruins located in Salisbury. And November is the perfect month for it, as the scenery around the monument is spectacular.

With this tour, you won’t have to worry about how to get there, as the air-conditioned bus transfer from London is included. And you won’t miss a single detail thanks to the audio guide and admission to the visitor center. However, you should know 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 enjoy a traditional meal that will let you immerse yourself in the local cuisine.

Another great option is to explore the English countryside with a trip to the Cotswolds, and November is the perfect time to go because it’s not as crowded as during other times of the year.

Accompanied by a professional guide, you’ll learn about the history of various medieval villages like Burford or Bibury and discover the beauty of the rural landscapes.

• Burford is a well-preserved medieval town known as the “Gateway to the Cotswolds,” featuring historic buildings over 500 years old.
• Bibury is known as the prettiest village in England. Among the highlights is the iconic Arlington Row neighborhood, characterized by weavers’ cottages.

Additionally, on this tour, which lasts approximately 10 hours, you’ll have the chance to stop in Bourton-on-the-Water for lunch. Popularly known as “The Venice of the Cotswolds,” it’s an ideal place to stroll along the riverbank and cross its bridges.

Without a doubt, my favorite plan for this time of year is to visit one of the city’s museums, since you can take shelter if the weather is bad. The selection is vast. There’s something for everyone—whether you love painting, sculpture, ancient history, or science. If there’s one thing London has, it’s options for every taste.

I really enjoyed my time at the British Museum. That said, I didn’t get the most out of it until I decided to take 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 traveling with family and want to have 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 — starting at $224
• Private guided tour of the British Museum in London — starting at $113
• Private guided tour of the National Gallery in London — starting at $113
• Private guided tour of the National Gallery in London for children — starting at $239

Ever since England invented soccer, the sport has brought great joy to people all over the world. But here, it’s lived with a special passion, and it’s one of the most exciting spectacles you can experience in London in November.

Several London teams play in the Premier League (Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham, West Ham, and Crystal Palace), so you have plenty of opportunities to catch a great soccer 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 soccer and its history by visiting the museums at some of these teams’ stadiums, such as:

• Chelsea FC Stadium Tour & Museum — from $60
• Emirates Stadium Tour and Museum — from $48
• Guided tour of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium — from $44
• Wembley Stadium Tour — from $34

The Dare Skywalk Experience at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Tottenham’s stadium also offers the chance to climb to the top of the stadium and touch the golden rooster, the club’s emblem. With this The Dare Skywalk climbing experience, which provides you with a full safety harness, you’ll be able to stand 50 meters high and see 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 vacation in London, you’d like to step off the usual museum trail, I recommend visiting the London Photo Show (November 11–14), where photographers from around the world gather to share and sell their work, as well as participate in interesting workshops and talks about 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 let your creativity run wild. 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 in your photos.

So, if you’re passionate about photography, make the most of your hobby with a guided photography tour of London that reveals the British 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 through those of a true Londoner, and will also offer photography tips to help you create a stunning photo album.

While strolling through central London in November, you might come across the Regent Street Motor Show at the beginning of the month, one of the country’s largest free car shows. Whether you’re a car enthusiast or not, it’s always a treat to walk leisurely down Regent Street without traffic, and, let’s be honest, the vehicles on display are absolutely amazing. You won’t be able to stop taking pictures of them!

There are eye-catching century-old classics, almost as much as the friendly drivers dressed in period costumes who accompany them. But they aren’t the only ones; the Regent Street Motor Show also features the latest models of sports cars and motorcycles.

If you’re a fan of the automotive world, you might be interested in taking a tour of London in a classic car like the Mini Cooper. On this 4-hour private tour, you’ll be taken to the city’s main attractions while a professional guide tells you the history of each landmark.

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

During the event, bonfires are typically lit to burn effigies representing Fawkes while the sky fills with colorful 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 are Wimbledon Park, Morden Park, or Battersea Park, among others. There will also be musical performances, family activities, and plenty of food and drinks to have a blast.

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

It’s celebrated there too—and in style! Many restaurants in the city are decked out in traditional autumn decorations and prepare succulent menus featuring roast turkey and pumpkin pie as the absolute stars of the show.

London’s culinary scene is incredibly diverse, both in terms of flavors and prices. If you’d like to celebrate “Thanksgiving” while you’re visiting London in November and treat yourself to a feast, check out 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 with all kinds of lights, decorations, and markets to get Londoners and tourists in the holiday spirit. And boy, does it succeed!

The city looks beautiful in November. At the beginning of the month, many of the Christmas decorations are lit up (Regent Street, Covent Garden, Carnaby Street, and Marylebone Village), and several Christmas markets are set up, lending a charming and special atmosphere to the British capital’s landscape.

If you want to treat yourself to a unique souvenir and sample plenty of Christmas treats accompanied by some 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, among 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 that has been bringing together emerging talents and world-class artists since 1970 to treat the audience to the best live jazz music in an electrifying evening.

I recommend checking out the festival’s website to see which artists are 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 travelers who loves trying new culinary delights, during your trip to London in November, be sure to mark your calendar for the Taste of London food festival, a multi-day event in Regent’s Park where some of the city’s most renowned chefs gather.

Admission to the festival requires a ticket, but it’s well worth it, as you’ll have the chance to enjoy a wide array of innovative gourmet offerings from popular restaurants such as Cin Cin, Toastie Toastie, Anju, and Country Fire Chicken, to name a few.

Plus, you can attend 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 you’re still in the mood to keep enjoying the best British food afterward, I recommend joining a food tour through the streets of London. What a great plan!

London is a cosmopolitan city where a multitude of cultures from every corner 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 to symbolize the light that protects each family from darkness, and a wide range of activities are organized to celebrate this significant date on the calendar.

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

You’ve surely planned plenty of daytime activities for your trip to London, but the evening is also a great time to go out and have fun.

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

Throughout the month of November, there are many 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 traveling to London in November, don’t hesitate, because autumn is a wonderful time to explore the city, even though temperatures start to drop. Highs hover around 12°C and lows around 7°C.

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

Morning fog is also common in November, but it usually clears up as the day goes on. Keep this in mind if you plan to visit attractions like the London Eye or The Shard in the morning.

November is a good time to visit London, but depending on the half of the month, both tourist traffic and prices can vary because the holiday season is approaching, and during this month, Christmas lights, ice rinks, and Christmas markets begin to appear, adding to the festive atmosphere.

As a result, tourist numbers are lower in the first half of November, meaning the city’s main tourist attractions are less crowded and there are shorter lines. Additionally, prices are somewhat lower compared to Christmas.

However, things change during the second half of November. As the Christmas season approaches , more travelers 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 longer lines to enter various attractions. Keep this in mind when planning your getaway!

During the month of November, the weather is generally cold. Although a day may start out sunny, winter is just around the corner, and by this point in the fall, the days and nights are cool. To combat the cold 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 temperatures can fluctuate. It’s the most comfortable and easy way to dress in London at this time of year. Also bring some gloves or a hat to wear on colder days.

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