Check out what’s happening in London this autumn, from spooky Halloween experiences to hot chocolate masterclasses.
Escape the cold at the Frieze Art Fair
During summer, parks in London become idyllic spaces for long walks or picnics with friends, but they can be just as magical in autumn. This October sees Regents Park transformed into the famed Frieze Art Fair (though the locals refer to it as ‘the Frieze’).
You’ll need to buy tickets in advance, but it’s well worth it for a whole day of window shopping and rubbing shoulders with an A-list crowd who come from around the world for this art extravaganza. General admission starts from £48. Purchase tickets here.
Read more: The UK’s most colourful autumn walks
Take part in an autumnal flower arranging workshop
When it comes to nature in autumn, you might picture marigold-coloured leaves rather than a bouquet of brightly coloured flowers. But at Sweet Pea Flowers, you can discover the best seasonal blooms and learn how to condition flowers to make them last longer. The class will demonstrate how to choose the best flowers for a bouquet as well as the spiral technique that the professionals use, plus you’ll leave with a beautiful arrangement to showcase at home. The class is priced at £95 per person, and advance booking is required.
Hear a chilling ghost story at Peacock Theatre
This year, Halloween falls on a Friday, so you can enjoy a ghoulishly great weekend. Returning for 2025, Ghost Stories is back this October and it’s spookier than ever. The cult theatre show follows a professor as he investigates paranormal encounters and slowly draws the audience into the darkness of the story. Be warned, this one might leave you with a nightmare or two. Tickets can be purchased for £48 and the show is suitable for those aged 15 and over.
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Witness an incredible fireworks display
Returning for another year, Alexandra Palace’s drone and firework display has already reached legendary status in the capital. The display will celebrate both Halloween and Bonfire night, creating a bigger and spookier display than usual, but the fireworks will only be a small portion of the fun. From a bonfire and ghost tour to a fancy dress competition and more than 50 food and drink options, there’s no shortage of fun things to do.
Bring the family to Zootown at London Zoo
If you’re looking for an activity to keep the kids occupied this October half term, this is the one for you. Opening on 18 October, Zootown at London Zoo will enable families to step into the shoes of the resident zookeepers, conservationists, scientists, vets and more, learning how the zoo works on a day-to-day basis, as well as the role it plays in the fight for global animal conservation.
The best part? It’s priced at just £1 per ticket. Book at londonzoo.org
Do a hot chocolate masterclass at Melt
Christmas might be the time for mulled wine and Baileys, but autumn presents the perfect weather to indulge in creamy, luxurious hot chocolate. For those who are serious about their love for all things sweet, Melt in Notting Hill is offering workshops on how to make the original Aztec recipe with local spices and techniques. The team will also teach you how to make the shop’s signature Italin Birerin, a blend of coffee, chocolate, cream and liquor, while nibbling on single-origin chocolates. Classes are held in groups of eight and prices start from £39.99.
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Cosy up for a fireside film
The Rooftop Cinema Club has been running outdoor film experiences in Peckham and Stratford for many a winter, and this year it’s back with ‘fireside films’. The cosy experience allows you to watch your favourite films under the stars, accompanied by a heater to protect you from the autumnal chill. Complete the experience with a warm mug of hot chocolate and it makes for the perfect autumnal evening. Tickets start at £25 for two people, including a fireside loveseat and hot chocolate.
Feature image: Pexels
