Reasons to Visit London in the Autumn

By Vanessa Teo

Planning your trip to the English capital? Keep reading to find out why you'll want to avoid the crowds and take in London in the Autumn

While some of you may be mourning the end of long and hot Summer days, we're excited to welcome Autumn! The days are shorter, the air is crisper and despite the odd rain-shower, we've got the lowdown on why you'll want to visit London in the Autumn. From autumn walks through London's parks and cosy pubs to outdoor ice-skating and more, there's plenty going on in London during the Autumn season. So what are you waiting for? Head out and enjoy it!

Beat the crowds

London's top attractions tend to be busy all year round, however, during the Autumn months, the tour groups aren't as regular an occurrence and it is noticeably quieter. Whilst the city is a buzzing hive of tourist activity during the Summer months, a quieter vibe descends upon the city once September rolls around which means less time queuing at attractions such as Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge and Shakespeare's Globe, and fewer crowds to weave through in the museums so you get more time to see the exhibitions and artefacts.

Layer up

Flex your fashionable muscles and layer up for the chilly Autumn weather! Arguably the most stylish time of year, immerse yourself like a London local with your chic trench coats and knee-high boots!

Spooktacular Fun

While us Brits may not be automatically associated with big Halloween celebrations, you'd be surprised! With a whole month dedicated to the macabre, ghost tours and family-friendly events around town, there's plenty going on through October to celebrate the spooky season. Don't forget to pop by the London Zoo for their annual "Boo at the Zoo" spooktacular with arts 'n crafts, animal demonstrations and hands-on fun!

Autumn Walks

Whether you're strolling along the River Thames, walking through the leaves in Hyde Park or admiring the chestnut trees in Greenwich Park, there's no shortage to outdoor activities in the Autumn. With plenty of green spaces dotted around the city, London's parks and gardens appear to be doused in a golden hue; paired with the crisper temperature, outdoor strolls are an almost compulsory activity if you plan to visit London in the Autumn. Bonus: take a stroll down to the river and hop on a City Cruise boat tour to take in the riverside sights, bathed in a golden Autumn hue.

Wildlife Watching

While we're outdoors - Autumn is a great time of the year to sneak a peek at the wildlife in some of London's green spots. Head over to the London Wetland Centre to see wading birds, ducks, water voles, bats, lizards and otters enjoying the Autumn sunshine.

Cultural Season

When the weather cools down outside, it's time to head indoors and enjoy the range of cultural events during the city's autumn season. From exhibitions and plays to musicals and more, there's plenty of culture to indulge in this Autumn. Don't forget to check out London Pass Concierge where London Pass holders can enjoy exclusive discounts and deals.

Image via Tower of London facebook

Outdoor Ice-skating

Strap on those skates because it's time to hit the ice! Every autumn and winter, iconic attractions around the city set up outdoor ice-skating rinks so you can glide along the ice in the grounds of stunning landmarks such as the Tower of London and the Natural History Museum. Don't forget your gloves!

Museum Wandering

If you're visiting London in the Autumn, there is a chance it can drizzle outside, so if you want to warm up, head to one of London's iconic museums and prepare to lose yourself wandering through all the art and artefacts. Whether you're visiting the mummies at the British Museum, warming up with tea and scones at the V&A or coming face to face with portraits at the National Portrait Gallery, it's easy to spend hours wandering the halls.

Cosy pubs

Us Brits have made a hobby of going to the pub so it's no surprise that in spite of the change in weather, you will still find us gathering with friends down the local pub. The best part about heading to the pub during the Autumn is that the inside becomes a cosy, warm and inviting sanctuary from the cooler outdoors and most pubs start serving heart-warming tipples such as mulled wine and hot toddies.

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Tower Bridge
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London Bridge Attractions

London Bridge Experience The London Bridge Experience is a do-it-if-you-dare kind of attraction. Under the arches of London Bridge station you’ll go deep underground and journey through centuries of London history, from the Roman invasion, to the Great Fire of London and the brutal murders of Jack the Ripper. Take the tour into the Tombs and relive the tales of the city’s forgotten folk… Tower Bridge Not to be mistaken with London Bridge, Tower Bridge as it’s rightly called, is London’s oldest and most historic river crossing. It’s one of the most recognizable landmarks in London and a must-see on anyone’s visit to the area. Suspended over the river, the new Glass Walkways give you unparalleled views and the Victorian Bascules are on show in the Engine Rooms – they still operate the bridge lifts to this day. Tower of London The Tower of London is arguably London’s most popular attraction and one of the most impressive sights in the London Bridge area. A historic fortress from the time of the Norman Conquest, it’s been a prison, palace and menagerie over the centuries. The Tower of London is famously home to the Crown Jewels and a tour by a Yeoman Warder is not to be missed!  Discover this bustling London neighbourhood with our guide to London Bridge attractions and landmarks. London Bridge is one of the most popular areas in London for its wealth of historic sites, impressive modern landmarks, as well as its strong reputation for great food and drink. On the famous south bank of the River Thames, London Bridge is easy to get to and easy on the eye with its cobbled streets, winding alleys and river banks, making its urban landscape one of the best in London. From Tower Bridge (often mistaken for London Bridge) to the delicious Borough Market, or even the spooky London Bridge Experience and wartime HMS Belfast, there are many things to do in the London Bridge area. HMS Belfast HMS Belfast is the legendary battleship that served in the Second World War and the Korean War. Now, taking pride of place on the River Thames by Tower Bridge, she is free to explore, both above and below deck. Learn what life was like on board and the military victories she had as a vessel. If you’re a fan of British military history, HMS Belfast is for you! Hays Galeria If you’re after a picturesque place to stroll through to get out of the rain, Hay’s Galleria is the perfect place to take shelter. This old warehouse and wharf, Hay’s Wharf, is a Grade II listed building and one of the finest buildings along the river. Take a look in the small shops and stalls inside, or stop for a coffee or bite to eat at the many restaurants, pubs and cafés indoors Golden Hinde Another historical ship in the area - this Elizabethan Galleon ship is quite a sight to behold amongst its more contemporary architectural neighbours. A full-size reconstruction of Sir Francis Drake's flagship, the Golden Hinde is a living history museum offering insight into what it was like to sail the mighty seas during the adventurous days of the 16th century. Unicorn Theatre If you like a bit of theatre, the Unicorn is a great place to get a fun, cultural fix in London. One of London’s great modern theatres, the Unicorn puts on interactive plays to appeal to and involve young audiences. The schedule is ever-changing, so visit their website to see what’s on and book your seats in advance. Old Operating Theatre Museum You’ll never complain about healthcare ever again after a visit to the Old Operating Theatre Museum! Stepping back in time you can see how far medicine has come from herbal remedies and unsanitized conditions. Visit this fascinating collection of medical supplies, surgical equipment and an old operating table to experience a truly unique London museum. London Bridge Area Guide Borough Market  To really make the most of your London Bridge experience you must pay a visit to the delicious Borough Market. As one of the most popular food markets in London, it offers a wealth of fresh British and international foods – from French cheeses, Spanish olives, Mexican burritos to good old English cakes. Make sure you go with an empty stomach as you’ll want to sample from more than one stall! The View from The Shard Arguably London Bridge’s most iconic modern monument, The Shard is the tallest building in London and is famed for its luxury, world class hotel, Michelin starred restaurants and viewing platforms at dizzying heights. The View from The Shard is one of the best places to go to get a unique view over London and from the 69th or 72nd floor you’ve a choice of an indoor viewing platform or open air terrace from which to cast your eye over the capital. If you want to splash your cash, why not book a table at one of the five star restaurants to enjoy on your way down! Sky Garden  One of London’s newest and most exciting concepts and venues to open, the Sky Garden is London’s highest garden, situated in the Walkie Talkie building in the heart of the City. Lose yourself in this green oasis, featuring an observation terrace and landscaped gardens, and take in breath-taking 260 degree panoramic views, showcasing the beauty of London. You can even enjoy a drink at the Sky Bar as the sun goes down to complete a delightful visit. Royal Oak Pub Sit down to a Full English Breakfast or tuck into a Sunday Roast in this typical English Pub. The Royal Oak is one of the most popular London Bridge pubs and is a great destination for a wide range of beers. Voted one of the UK’s top 10 pubs, you can be sure to enjoy your visit as you tuck into their warm dishes, sipping on a cool pint.  The Hide Bar One of London’s most quirky bars, The Hide Bar is tucked away around the corner from London Bridge on the popular Bermondsey Street, and is so secret that you really need to know where it is – and make a reservation in advance to guarantee you get in. But it’s worth it, and you can rely on The Hide Bar for a good night out. Choose from a long list of expertly made cocktails and get dressed up for the occasion. Elliot’s Café Elliot’s sources all of its menu and food from the fresh produce at Borough Market. It’s organic and fresh, so a hit with those interested in healthy yet enjoyable eating! With an impressive food and wine menu, it’s a great place to go at any time of day. If you time it right, there are even a few tables outside in the sun too, which make for a great people-watching spot. Roast Restaurant London Bridge’s answer to the perfect roast, Roast Restaurant in Borough Market is ‘deliciously British’ and offers a range of roasts to tuck into – complete with all the trimmings. Forget your pub lunch, if there’s one place you’re going for your last London roast, it has to be here. Choose from chicken or pork, goose fat potatoes and pigs in blankets. Who said you had to wait until Sunday? Antico Restaurant Dishes are kept simple in the hopes of every single ingredient showcasing its clarity of flavour. With a menu that changes by the season to ensure the highest quality of ingredients, Antico blends its old-fashioned authenticity with a fresh approach making it a perfect fit for the contemporary palate. With a focus on delicious food and friendly service, Antico epitomises a well-rounded night out. Escape Rooms  Challenge your mind and logic at the Escape Rooms, London Bridge’s newest and most exciting experience. Based on the Japanese online game ‘Takagism’ players are locked up in a room and have to work together, solving puzzles to try and escape. Clues are hidden around the room so you’ll need your thinking caps and some great team work! A hit experience around the world, Escape Rooms will have you talking about it for months. If it’s one thing you do on your trip to London, visit the London Bridge area. From sky-high views over the city, to fine dining and market food, there is plenty to keep you busy. Spend a day walking the cobbled streets and along the river and marvel at the history and heritage of this part of the city.  
Cara Merren
Blog

The Royal Albert Hall Tour: FAQs

What is the Royal Albert Hall? The Royal Albert Hall is perhaps the most famous concert hall in the country. It was opened by Queen Victoria in 1871 and has since played host to some of the most memorable, revered and notorious events in British cultural history. Take a look round it and learn all about its history on a Royal Albert Hall tour, which is what this article is all about. Why is it called the Royal Albert Hall? It's named in tribute to Albert, Prince Consort and husband to Queen Victoria. Following London’s successful hosting of the Great Exhibition in 1851, Prince Albert pushed proposals for permanent cultural facilities and institutions in the capital. Albert died before his vision could come to life. A memorial to him was planned, with a great hall stood across from it. The Albert Memorial still stands in Kensington Gardens, with the Royal Albert Hall facing it. Why is it so famous? Because of its design... perhaps. It is an ellipse with a distance colour to it, courtesy of its liberal use of Fareham Red brick. The great dome, constructed from glass and wrought-iron, is 41m high and the whole building is ringed by a triumphant mosaic frieze, depicting important events in the story of the arts and sciences. Also, references in songs and artworks helped it become part of the UK’s cultural fabric, particularly when John Lennon sang its name in the enigmatic ‘A Day in the Life’. It has become a byword for classiness and making it when it comes to the arts. If you’re playing the Albert Hall, you’re probably doing OK. And perhaps it’s famous because of all the events that have taken place there, and all the famous people who’ve performed or been in attendance. What events? What famous people? Camille Saint-Saëns played the Hall’s great organ, known as the Voice of Jupiter, during a performance in 1871. The genius composer and virtuosic pianist Sergei Rachmaninoff played at the Royal Albert Hall in 1911. Albert Einstein led a meeting about assisting refugee academics here in 1933; the Eurovision Song Contest was held at the Hall in 1968. Two sides of the same coin. Sporting events regularly take place at the Royal Albert Hall. Past events include UFC 38, a Sumo wrestling tournament, and boxing bouts featuring Frank Bruno, Lennox Lewis and Prince Naseem Hamed. But it’s the music that still wins out. As well as hosting the BBC Proms - an eight-week classical music festival - each year, the Royal Albert Hall has put on shows by Beyonce, the Arctic Monkeys, Adele and Eric Clapton. Clapton has played the hall over 200 times, and once said that playing it was like ‘playing in my front room.’ Pink Floyd were banned from ever playing the hall again after a 1969 concert saw them setting off cannons and nailing things to the stage. A piece by British pop artists Peter Blake, named Appearing at the Royal Albert Hall, shows more than 400 people who have performed and appeared at the hall. It’s a fun way of finding out just how many famous faces are associated with this place, having played, performed and watched shows here. What will I see on the Royal Albert Hall tour? Your guide introduces you to the history of the Hall as you take a look at the royal areas and the giant auditorium. You’ll see the famous stage and learn about the great variety of performances the hall puts on. The dome, its construction and the famous acoustical problems it presented are another interesting part of the Royal Albert Hall Tour. And the tour guides come armed with plenty of facts about the weirdest and wildest things to have occurred in the grand concert hall since it opened. Want to know about the time a church group made a river in the auditorium? The time an operatic concert called for the auditorium to be flooded? And what do the Krays have to do with this place? You’d better get yourself on a Royal Albert Hall Tour to find out. This doesn’t always apply, so don’t get your hopes too high...but some lucky tour groups get the opportunity to watch world-class orchestras as they soundcheck prior to the evening’s performance. That’s a real treat. When do the tours run? The Royal Albert Hall Tour runs from 10am to 4pm from November to March, and between 9.30am and 4.30pm April to October. They leave every 30 minutes from the Cafe Bar at Door 12. Sometimes, because of performance schedules, the tour runs less frequently or, very occasionally, not at all. How long do the Royal Albert Hall tours last? Each tour lasts about an hour. Can I take photos during the Royal Albert Hall tour? Usually, yes. However, when events are taking place that evening and rehearsals are on, it’s not possible. Is there anywhere to get food and drink? Sure. There’s a cafe and an Italian restaurant. For a particularly memorable visit, consider ordering an afternoon tea after your tour. Are the tours accessible for people with disabilities? They are. And if you wish to arrange a touch tour or a tour for the deaf, contact 020 7589 8212. Can I book a group tour? If your group is 15 people or more, contact the Hall directly. Otherwise, just use the advance booking system online, or turn up nice and early on the day. So tours can be booked on the day? Yes, particularly when you are in small groups, pairs or on your own. How much do tour tickets cost? Standard adult tickets cost £13.75 when booked online, while concessions are £11.75 and children (5-16 years old) cost just £6.75. If you’re coming with children under 5, they are free, but you still need to get them a ticket. However, tickets to the Royal Albert Hall Tour are free for London Pass holders. How do I get there? It’s best to get public transport to the Royal Albert Hall. South Kensington and High Street Kensington are the tube stations closest to the Hall, with both about 10-15 minutes walk away. The nearest step-free tube station is Green Park. Bus-wise, number 9, 23, 52, 70, 360, 452 and 702 stop close to the Hall. Not scratched your London landmark itch yet? Have a go on this.
Matthew Pearson
The Shard
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The Shard opening times and FAQs about visiting

The Shard is one of London's most iconic landmarks and features on countless London sightseeing wishlists. So, to make your trip run a little more smoothly, we've put together a cheat sheet with everything you need to know when visiting this sparkling skyscraper, plus some fun facts. What are the View from the Shard opening times? The View from the Shard is open between 10:00 and 22:00 during the summer and closes at 19:00 Sunday to Wednesday in winter.  How do I get to The Shard? London Bridge Underground Station gets you right underneath the Shard. You can’t miss it. It’s really tall. Southern and South Eastern train services terminate at London Bridge Station. Head to the exit, and the Shard’s right there. There's a bus station conveniently located just outside the entrance to London Bridge Station. Buses that stop and depart from here include 43, 48, 141, 149, 521. If you're travelling by car, you'll need to park it somewhere else, as there are no parking spots or drop-off points at The Shard. How tall is The Shard and how high up is the viewing platform? The Shard stands at a towering 309.6 metres. It’s the tallest building in Western Europe. The open-air Skydeck is 244m up on the 72nd floor. There are indoor viewing platforms on floors 68 and 69. What can I see from The View from the Shard? A 360-degree panoramic view of London, stretching 40 miles into the distance. Top sights include Tower Bridge, Big Ben, the London Eye and St. Paul’s Cathedral. How much do tickets cost for The View from the Shard? General admission costs £28.50, but it's included on The London Pass®. If you're travelling with a child aged three or under, they can come with you for free. Do I have to climb lots of steps? Is it accessible to those with disabilities? No, there’s a lift to take you up. It travels at 6 metres a second and is among the fastest in London. The Shard is fully accessible from the ground floor, right up to the Skydeck on Level 72. Disabled toilet facilities can be found on Level 1 and Level 68. What if the weather’s really bad? London weather is notoriously changeable, but there’s normally still plenty to see in bad weather. For an extra fee, you can buy a Weather Guarantee with your ticket. With this additional insurance, you get the chance to come back another day for free if certain key landmarks aren’t visible that day. Is there a time limit for how long I can spend at the View from the Shard? Nope. You’re free to enjoy the View from the Shard for hours at a time. What kind of special events do they have? All sorts. Silent discos. Non-silent discos. Swanky champagne evenings. Check their website for details. What are the bathrooms like? You’re in luck. The toilets have floor-to-ceiling windows, offering some of the best public toilet views on the planet. Can I buy my ticket on the day? You can, either online or at the desk. But they may be sold out if you leave it too late. We recommend using The London Pass to book a slot I’m running late. What do I do? Don't worry. Entry is guaranteed for up to 30 minutes after the time booked. Is there anything to eat or drink in The Shard? Plenty. There are two bars, serving cocktails, champagne, beers and hot drinks. They’re the highest in London. You can also buy a whole range of snacks. I’d like a souvenir of my visit. What do you recommend? You’re going to get pretty snap-happy during your trip up to The View from the Shard. And there’s an awesome gift shop too. You can get books about The Shard, mugs, keyrings, posters, DVDs, toys, puzzles...all sorts. What else can you tell me about The Shard? The Shard was designed by Italian architect, Renzo Piano. His other works include the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris, which he co-designed with Richard Rogers and the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City. 95% of the construction materials are recycled. Its exterior is made up of 11,000 glass panels, the total area of which is 56,000 sq metres. The ‘shards’ of glass that make up the building don’t actually touch one another, allowing the spire-shaped building to ‘breathe’. Construction workers found a fox living on the 72nd floor. He was living off their packed lunches. They called him Romeo.  Hopefully, we've illuminated you on The Shard opening hours and so much more. If we haven't satisfied your curiosity just yet, check out some more facts on this attraction. Experience everything London has to offer with The London Pass® Planning your London trip? With The London 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® ✈️
Matthew Pearson

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