It’s been a lovely summer, with a fair few sunny days in September, but now the Autumn has truly arrived, with days growing shorter and a nip in the air.
Still, the clocks haven’t gone back yet and, before they do, you have a chance to enjoy a month with daylight that stretches to almost 6pm. And even if the rain comes, London’s got so much to see indoors anyway - museums and galleries, exhibitions, West End/fringe theatre and live music, not to mention fantastic restaurants, wonderful bakeries and historic pubs.
And outside the centre, London has many neighbourhoods that are well worth checking out, including our beautiful Hampstead. With London’s Underground and buses, it’s easy to get around and nowhere is far, so the city is really yours for the taking.
Here are a few of our recommendations for enjoying yourself in October. Just remember to wear layers and carry an umbrella!
1. ‘Lee Miller’ retrospective, Tate Britain - all of October
The Lee Miller retrospective at Tate Britain promises to be a landmark show: it’s the UK’s largest ever dedicated to Miller, the acclaimed American photographer and photojournalist. Bringing together around 250 vintage and modern prints (many of which have never been publicly exhibited) it spans her long and productive career.
Starting with her early days, in modelling, and her immersion in surrealism (particularly the work she did at the time of Man Ray) it progresses to her travel photography in the 1930s in Egypt. Particularly interesting to many viewers will be her wartime photographs: Miller documented the Blitz, the home front, and the liberation of Nazi concentration camps - and along with the horror, she also captured a great deal of humanity.
The Tate Britain is a fabulous museum to wander around in its own right but coupled with a visit to this exhibition assures you of a fine few hours. Miller - a real beauty - could have just made her name as a fashion model. Instead, she turned photographer and daring visionary, using her camera to bear witness to beauty, conflict and transformation.
2. London Literature Festival. South Bank - 21st October to 2nd November
Book lovers, head to the South Bank Centre immediately, where established names will be mingling with rising stars in an event that brings together poetry, literature, the spoken word, children’s books, author’s panels and a lot more.
The London Literature Festival this year will run from 21st October until 2nd November and has plenty to interest the attendees. Amongst the international women writers featured are Sayaka Murata, Chris Kraus, Alexis Wright, Bora Chung, and Olga Ravn, all bringing fresh perspectives to fiction and non-fiction.
Big names such as Sebastian Faulks, Zadie Smith, Malala Yousafzai, Claire-Louise Bennett, and Jimi Famurewa also appear on the bill, meaning both literary prestige and contemporary relevance will be shining through. And one special treat is a preview by Nick Cave and actor Matt Smith of the forthcoming TV adaptation of Cave’s novel The Death of Bunny Monro.
3. Frieze Art Fair, Regent’s Park - 15th to 19th October
Frieze London & Frieze Masters return to Regent’s Park this month, anchoring one of the anticipated moments in the global art calendar.
And what makes this fair so popular? Well…
- Innovation & discovery: New sections such as Echoes in the Present, plus the return of Artist-to-Artist, give platforms to emerging or less well-known artists alongside those more established.
- Scale and variety: Over 280 galleries from 45 countries will exhibit across both fairs.
- City setting and cultural cache - London’s a global art hub, and all of the satellite exhibitions and overlapping events make it a serious magnet for collectors, curators, critics, and the public.
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Public art & accessibility: Frieze Sculpture (free, in the English Gardens, Regent’s Park) will be running alongside the fairs.
- Some of the artists and galleries exhibiting this year include:
- Galleries: The Approach; Arcadia Missa; Carlos/Ishikawa; Sadie Coles HQ; Lisson Gallery; and Victoria Miro;
- Frieze Masters: Helena Almeida; Ha Bik Chuen; Nalini Malani; Eleonore Koch; Cildo Meireles etc,
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Solo presentations: Sarah Ball (via the Stephen Friedman Gallery).
Regent’s Park is a beautiful place to stroll at any time of the year, so combine a trip to the fair with a walk around this beautiful Royal Park.
4. Halloween, across London - 31st October
The spookiest night of the year falls on this month and Halloween in London offers a thrilling mix of history, mystery and modern-day fun.
The city’s ancient streets and hidden alleyways are the perfect backdrop for a night of ghostly adventure and chilling stories - start with a walk through the historic Tower of London then onto the nearby Old Operating Theatre Museum, revealing the city’s dark medical past and perfect for those who like the macabre.
For a classic fright, book a Jack the Ripper walking tour through Whitechapel’s shadowy lanes—these guided walks bring Victorian horror to life. Or take a walk in one of the city’s Garden Cemeteries (Highgate, the Brompton and Kensal Rise are particularly spooky).
For families, head to the London Dungeon for pumpkin carving or book a ticket to Hampton Court Palace, to wander its haunted halls. Adult revellers should perhaps head to Covent Garden and Soho - famous for their themed parties and costumed events - then finish the evening with rooftop drinks at a themed bar like The Cauldron, where potions and cocktails add a magical touch.
5. Celebrate Diwali, Trafalgar Square - 9th October
Free and open to everyone, Diwali on the Square is back - an event organised by the Mayor of London and the city’s Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities. This year’s festival promises a rich and inclusive cultural celebration showcasing the vibrancy of these three faiths.
Visitors can expect live performances of dance and music, family-friendly workshops, yoga and meditation, as well as sari and turban tying, henna art and lots of yummy food. And a special feature this year is the “Glimpse of Goddesses” stall, which offers a chance to explore themes of divinity, meditation, and inner strength.
The entire event is wheelchair accessible, with level access pathways and an accessible viewing area. Sign-language interpretation and assistance for those with sensory needs will also be available. Something else that is appealing to those who don’t eat meat is that all food stalls must be vegan or vegetarian, with a preference for dishes without onion or garlic, as part of event policy.
Diwali in the Square is much more than just a festival —it’s a symbol of unity, light, and hope, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds to learn, celebrate, and reflect on the deeper meanings of this lovely Festival of Lights.
Finally, if you’re looking for comfortable and affordable guest accommodation in London, whether you’re a tourist, visiting friends and family or here for work, why not consider La Gaffe Hotel Hampstead.
We have a selection of single, twin and double rooms (not to mention a family room if you’re coming with children). It goes without saying you’ll receive a warm Italian welcome (and excellent coffee) - and our rates include a continental breakfast. Book directly with us for a great price!
Since we’re only 3 minutes walk from the tube, or a quick stroll from Hampstead Heath, you have the spirit of a charming village combined with quick and easy access into central London.
A happy October to you all.