Best Things to Do in London This November

Experience London’s best November adventures and activities.

Best Things to Do in London This November

November in London ushers in a mix of festive charm and cultural richness, with a backdrop of crisp autumn air. From twinkling lights to intriguing exhibitions, the city is buzzing with activities that appeal to every explorer. We’ve curated an exciting list of must-see attractions and experiences to make your November trip to London magical and memorable. Let’s uncover the best things to do in this vibrant city during the cozy month of November. 

Lord Mayor’s Show 

Experience the grand tradition of the Lord Mayor’s Show, a historic parade that fills the streets with vibrant colours and lively performances. With decorated floats, marching bands, and beautiful pageantry, the show creates a festive and joyful atmosphere. As you watch, you'll feel the excitement in the air as London showcases its history and culture. Perfect for families and visitors alike, the Lord Mayor’s Show offers a delightful blend of tradition and entertainment. 

Southbank Centre Winter Market 

Enjoy a festive outing at the Southbank Centre Winter Market, where twinkling lights and cozy stalls welcome visitors along the Thames. The market offers an array of handmade gifts, delicious treats, and warming drinks, creating a delightful winter wonderland. The lively atmosphere, complete with seasonal music and crafts, ensures a joyful experience. Whether searching for holiday gifts or savouring mulled wine, the Winter Market delivers a magical touch of festive cheer. 

Kew Gardens 

Visit Kew Gardens in late autumn to witness a stunning tapestry of golden leaves and crisp air. Wander through beautifully landscaped gardens, discovering rich autumnal colours. The iconic Palm House and tranquil waterlily ponds provide serene settings for reflection. Kew Gardens’ commitment to horticulture and conservation ensures a refreshing and inspiring visit, perfect for nature lovers. 

Bonfire Night Celebrations

Bonfire Night Celebrations

Join in the spectacular Bonfire Night Celebrations, a sparkling event commemorating the foiled Gunpowder Plot. Enjoy dazzling fireworks displays, glowing bonfires, and festive gatherings across the city. The electrifying energy and warm camaraderie make for an unforgettable night out. Whether enjoying a local display or attending a larger event, Bonfire Night offers a radiant celebration of history and community spirit. 

The Tower of London 

Dive into history at the Tower of London, where tales of heritage and intrigue await. Explore the White Tower’s impressive collection and marvel at the dazzling Crown Jewels. The engaging tours with Yeoman Warders bring stories to life, providing insights into England's regal past. The Tower’s monumental architecture and rich history offer a fascinating glimpse into the kingdom’s legacy. 

The Shard 

Reach new heights at The Shard, offering breathtaking views of London’s skyline. The sleek design and sweeping vistas provide an inspiring backdrop for capturing unforgettable moments. Enjoy a drink at a sky-high bar while soaking in the cityscape. Whether day or night, The Shard delivers a unique perspective of London’s vibrant energy. 

Natural History Museum 

Explore the wonders of the natural world at the Natural History Museum, home to a treasure trove of exhibits. From towering dinosaurs to sparkling minerals, each display invites curiosity and discovery. The museum’s grand architecture and engaging collections create a fascinating environment for learning and exploration. Whether young or old, the Natural History Museum promises to captivate minds and spark imaginations. 

Westminster Abbey 

Westminster Abbey 

Step into the grandeur of Westminster Abbey, a historic masterpiece brimming with awe-inspiring architecture. Explore the majestic nave adorned with intricate stained glass and statuary. The Abbey’s rich history and spiritual resonance create a moving and profound experience. Whether reflecting on centuries past or admiring the beauty, Westminster Abbey offers an unforgettable visit. 

Tate Modern 

Immerse yourself in modern creativity at Tate Modern, housed in a striking former power station. The museum features innovative exhibitions by renowned artists, offering fresh perspectives on contemporary art. The expansive galleries and bold installations invite exploration and thought. Whether intrigued by abstract art or interactive pieces, Tate Modern leads a stimulating journey through the art world. 

Borough Market 

Delight in culinary exploration at Borough Market, a food lover’s paradise offering fresh produce and artisan treats. Wander through vibrant stalls filled with gourmet cheeses, decadent pastries, and international flavours. The lively atmosphere creates a feast for the senses, offering a captivating culinary adventure. Whether you’re a dedicated foodie or just seeking a tasty bite, Borough Market provides a memorable experience. 

St. Paul’s Cathedral 

Admire the architectural wonder of St. Paul’s Cathedral, a symbol of London’s heritage. Climb to the Whispering Gallery for unique acoustics or ascend to the top for stunning city views. The serene interior and grand dome invite reflection and admiration. With its intricate design and historical significance, St. Paul’s Cathedral promises an awe-inspiring visit. 

Covent Garden 

Covent Garden 

Explore the vibrant energy of Covent Garden, a bustling district filled with shops, cafes, and street performers. Wander through cobbled streets and discover unique boutiques and handmade crafts. The lively piazza hosts musicians and artists, enhancing the dynamic atmosphere. With its eclectic mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment, Covent Garden guarantees a fun and engaging visit. 

The British Museum 

Embark on a global journey through history at The British Museum, featuring an extensive collection of artifacts. From the Rosetta Stone to ancient mummies, the exhibits offer captivating insights into past civilizations. The grand architecture and thoughtfully curated galleries invite exploration and cultural discovery. Whether fascinated by history or intrigued by world cultures, The British Museum promises an enriching experience. 

Camden Market 

Experience the eclectic charm of Camden Market, a vibrant hub of creativity and culture. Browse stalls offering vintage fashion, handmade crafts, and global street food. The dynamic atmosphere guarantees a unique shopping and dining experience. Camden Market’s individuality and flair ensure an exciting visit, perfect for discovering one-of-a-kind treasures. 

The Royal Observatory Greenwich 

Venture into the wonders of astronomy at the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Stand on the Prime Meridian Line and explore the history of timekeeping and navigation. The interactive exhibits and captivating planetarium shows provide an educational journey through the universe. The observatory’s beautiful park setting and insightful displays make it a captivating visit. 

Greenwich Park 

Greenwich Park 

Take a leisurely stroll through Greenwich Park, one of London’s oldest green spaces with stunning views of the city. Enjoy a peaceful walk among ancient trees or relax with a picnic overlooking the Thames. The park’s natural beauty and historical significance make it a picturesque retreat from city life, providing a delightful escape. 

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Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre 

Experience the thrill of live theatre under the stars at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. Enjoy captivating performances in a picturesque outdoor setting surrounded by lush greenery. The natural backdrop and talented cast create an enchanting cultural adventure. Whether a theatre aficionado or a casual visitor, the Open Air Theatre delivers entertainment and charm. 

For more, spend a little more time in the city with our 4 day itinerary, or save before Christmas with our top budget picks! 

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This article was generated with the help of AI to provide accurate and up-to-date information. The Go City team has reviewed and curated the content to ensure it meets our quality standards for accuracy and relevance.

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The Royal Naval College in Greenwich, South London.
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South London Attractions

South London is the catch-all term employed for much of the area ‘sarf’ of the River Thames, a mystical zone where West End cabbies fear to tread and where the cool kids hang out at trendy Peckham and Brixton cocktail bars. It’s also where you’ll find fab London landmarks like the Crystal Palace Park dinosaurs, Brockwell Lido, and the fascinating Horniman Museum with its famously overstuffed walrus mascot. Read on for our pick of the South London attractions you should go out of your way to see. Greenwich There are a great many attractions to tempt day trippers to ultra-hip Greenwich, the historic village that sits on a sharp bend of the Thames’s south bank. Chief among these are the Cutty Sark, Royal Museums and Royal Observatory, but there’s loads more to enjoy here. Shop the cute Greenwich Market (and sample some of the wonderful street food here while you’re at it); take in fine city views from Greenwich Park; and check out the latest contemporary art, fashion and photography from local artists at the NOW Gallery. But, most of all, don’t miss the chance to take a stroll beneath the Thames itself, via the awesome Greenwich Foot Tunnel. This marvel of early 20th-century engineering is 1,215 feet of cast-iron, concrete and white-glazed tiles, set 50 feet beneath the surface of the river. Emerge at the southern tip of the Isle of Dogs for spellbinding views back across the Thames to the Royal Observatory. The Crystal Palace Park Dinosaurs Named for the huge glass structure that was relocated here from Hyde Park following the Great Exhibition in 1851 (but sadly now long gone), Crystal Palace Park is a typical Victorian pleasure garden that retains many of its playful original features and quirks. Case in point: the much-loved crumbling dinosaur sculptures that bask in and around the lake. What these beautiful beasts lack in realism they more than make up for in charm, with the high camp of the megalosaurus proving a particular highlight. Fill your boots with fun selfies then stroll the park’s curvaceous lanes, taking in replica sphinxes, haunted statues, a cool maze, and Crystal Palace Bowl, the legendary outdoor venue where Bob Marley played his last ever UK gig. Horniman Museum and Gardens It’s a truth universally acknowledged that London’s smaller museums are often its most interesting. The Horniman proves the theory by way of a fascinating collection of some 350,000 anthropological artifacts that includes Asian puppets, European wind instruments, Navajo textiles and more. Equally eye-popping is the natural history section, where the menagerie of taxidermy beasts of yore includes the overstuffed walrus that is the museum’s emblem. He’s been around since 1901– that's as long as the museum itself. Look out too for the ‘Horniman merman’ – truly the stuff of nightmares. Brockwell Lido Swimming outdoors at all times of year is a peculiar pastime of South Londoners, with the hardiest of swimmers frequenting the iconic Brockwell Lido right through the depths of winter. Let’s be clear: this art-deco South London landmark is a) open-air and b) unheated, so you might want to consider visiting in the somewhat sultrier summer months, rather than during a January blizzard. Though, boy, nothing will earn you the right to that post-dip hot chocolate (with extra marshmallows) faster than a 40°F dip in your smalls. Brixton Village Brixton’s bright lights and eye-candy street art will have your camera popping the second you step off the Tube. Pay homage at the shrine to Brixton boy David Bowie, then follow the huge neon sign down Electric Avenue to Brixton Village, humming the classic Eddy Grant hit as you go. Inside this covered foodie mecca, trains thunder overhead and the heady aromas of jerk chicken and freshly roasted coffee intermingle. Roll the dice and take your pick from – deep breath – artisan pizza, belly-busting burritos, dirty burgers, Vietnamese street food and more. But the smart money here goes on colorful modern Caribbean cuisine: curried mutton roti, cod fish fritters, fried plantain and spicy rice for the win. Dulwich Picture Gallery Housed in a Grade II-listed early 19th-century building designed by Regency architect Sir John Soane, Dulwich Picture Gallery packs a quite extraordinary punch for its relatively diminutive size. For inside this South London gem is where you’ll find one of the country’s finest collections of Old Masters, some 600 pieces with a focus on French, Italian and Spanish Baroque art and British portraits from the Tudor era to the 19th Century. Rembrandt, Canaletto, Gainsborough, Rubens and Constable provide some of the best wow moments. Nunhead Cemetery The second-largest and arguably most impressive of London’s Magnificent Seven Victorian cemeteries, Nunhead promises 52 acres of haunting landscape for tombstone tourists to explore. Think grand, vine-clad memorials to the great and good of 19th and 20th Century London, including inventors, engineers, MPs and music hall legends of the Victorian era. As woodland has encroached on the cemetery over the years, so too has the native wildlife. Arrive at just the right twilight hour for spooky sightings of tawny owls, pipistrelle bats and urban foxes. Maltby Street Market One of London’s cooler but lesser-known markets, Bermondsey’s Maltby Street is the kind of place to arrive hungry and leave with a great big sourdough cheese toastie-induced smile across your face. There are cool street food stalls galore at this weekend market, which takes place beneath soaring Victorian railway arches, providing the perfect backdrop to your next set of IG food shots. Try waffles with fried buttermilk chicken, Venezuelan rainbow arepas and black pudding scotch eggs for the win, then hit up Bermondsey’s nearby ‘beer mile’ to sample some of the coolest craft ales in town, fresh from the brewery taprooms. Streatham Rookery South London attractions don’t come much more manicured than Streatham Rookery. Set within Streatham Common, this hidden gem is one of the city’s finest formal gardens, its cascading terraces crammed with ornamental hedges, lily-covered ponds, stone sundials and vibrant beds of wildflowers and herbaceous plants. Grab a mini picnic from the café and find yourself a quiet nook to watch the birds, bees and butterflies flitting among the plants and trees. You might even be lucky enough to catch an open-air theatrical performance here in summer. Save on Activities and Attractions in London Save on admission to London attractions with The London Pass. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Cambridge Henry VIII
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Amazing Historical Facts About Henry VIII

Way back when, on the 28th June 1491, one of England's most famous monarchs was born. King Henry VIII. Known for his six wives, desperation for a male heir, and desire to separate from the Catholic church, jolly old Henry continues to fascinate us even today. That's why we've put together some of our best historical facts about this rotund royal, so you can think about him all over again. It's exactly what he would want. So, here are our favourite facts about Henry VIII! 1. He was not expected to rule Henry was the second son of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York. His elder brother, Arthur, was heir to the throne until he died from sweating sickness at 15. Yes, that's a thing. And yes, they were sorely lacking antiperspirant back in ye olden times. Then, when Henry was just 17 his father passed away. Once atop the throne, Henry VIII continued living a leisurely life for a monarch - preferring to sleep in. In fact, he only really got up to hunt, hawk, dance, gamble and play cards over his official duties.  2. He was a published author Before separating from the Catholic Church, Henry VIII wrote a 30,000-word response to Martin Luther's protestant Ninety-five Theses, praising the church in Rome. He was the first English king to publish a book and the Pope declared Henry VIII "Defender of the Faith". A declaration he would rescind years later when Henry VIII created the Church of England and separated from the Catholic Church, so he could get divorced. Classic Henry. 3. Paranoia and illness Henry was obsessed with sickness and death, specifically the sweating sickness and the plague. Which is fair enough, because living in a time before medicine, proper hygiene and the discovery of bacteria and viruses would have been terrifying. That, and by the age of 30 he'd already caught smallpox and malaria. Any time there was an outbreak, he would minimize his risk of infection by leaving London and limiting the number of ambassadors he saw. Even when Anne Boleyn caught the sweating sickness in 1528, Henry stayed far away until she got better. A true gentleman. 4. Weight issues Yes, some of the more well-known facts about Henry VIII are due to his enviable size. Despite being a tall, handsome and athletic young king (yes, really), older age was not kind to Henry VIII. When he died in 1547 after ruling for 30 years, he weighed nearly 400 pounds and had a 54-inch waist. This was partly due to some pretty severe jousting accidents and ulcers on his legs stopping him from his previous activities and partly because he loved a feast. 5. A merciless king In his later years, Henry grew more paranoid and ill-tempered. Crowds of prisoners were sent to the Tower of London at his orders. He sent more men and women to their deaths than any other English monarch. It's estimated 57,000 - 72,000 people were executed during his 37-year reign. 6. Multi-talented Not only could Henry speak Latin, French, Ancient Greek and Spanish, but he also played the lute and organ, sang, played tennis and jousted. Who knew that a life of luxury gave people time to do so much cool stuff?  7. Serial womaniser Henry VIII's womanising reputation has lasted throughout history thanks to his six infamous wives and mistresses. In spite of this reputation, we only know of three specific mistresses, one of which was Anne Boleyn's sister Mary. Not cool, King Henry. You should have kept playing tennis instead of playing the field. 8. Wife after wife There's a common belief that Henry married and discarded his six wives in quick succession, but that's not exactly true. He married his brother's widow Catherine of Aragon when he came to the throne at 17, and they remained married for nearly 24 years. That is - until he had their marriage annulled to marry Anne Boleyn. His shortest marriage was to Anne of Cleves, which lasted six months- she is buried in Westminster Abbey. 9. Belgium rule He is the only English monarch to have ruled Belgium. After capturing the significant town of Tournai in 1513, Henry eventually handed the territory to France in 1518. Truly a generous king. 10. Henry VIII's legacy In spite of his obsession with producing a male heir, Henry VIII had four children. Three were from his marriages. The other, who was named Henry Fitzroy (which means son of the king) was from his mistress Elizabeth Blount. His three "official" children went on to be kings and queens, with his youngest, Elizabeth I, becoming an iconic monarch in her own right. And those are our favourite facts about Henry VIII! Know any more tasty tidbits about the Tudor's best rapscallion? Let us know in the comments below. Oh, and while you're here, why not check out more of Britain's most famous figures throughout history? Or some fascinating facts about Henry's old home, Hampton Court Palace? And, if you want to see some of his old haunts up close, be sure to check out the very best London attractions the captial has to offer! Experience everything London has to offer with The London Pass® Planning your London trip? With The London Attraction Pass®, you can explore big-name landmarks, local hotspots and epic tours, all on one pass, all for one price. Not only that, but you'll enjoy savings of up to 50%, compared to buying individual attraction tickets. ✈️ Buy The London Pass® ✈️
Dom Bewley
Elderly couple on a park bench overlooking the London skyline
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Things to do in London for the Elderly

Age is no barrier to enjoying the very best that London has to offer, with accessible attractions galore, free museum entry, and discounts available for the over-60s at many more must-see landmarks. Read on for our guide to things to do in London for the elderly, including the National Gallery, Kew Gardens, the London Transport Museum and more.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
The London Eye
Tower of London

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