It’s official - the last of the warm weather is behind us, the temperatures are dropping and, now that the clocks have gone back, the nights are pretty long and dark. Yes, winter is around the corner!
But if you’re coming to the capital, never fear because there’s so much to do in London year-round that even rain and dark skies don’t matter too much. With the right attire (a warm coat, complete with gloves, scarf and hat) and a trusty umbrella (because you can never know when it comes to the British weather) you can spend days exploring London’s parks, indulging in some retail therapy, checking out the amazing food scene at Borough Market or just discovering the endless neighbourhoods that make England’s capital so enjoyable.
Here’s a guide to what we think are some of the best things to do in London this November…
1. Bonfire Night - 5th November, across the city
Okay, we never fail to list this one each November but when you consider what happened on this epic day in Britain, can you blame us?
“Remember, remember, the Fifth of November; gunpowder, treason and plot.” is a rhyme every child is taught in school and to commemorate the day Guy Fawkes and his merry gang attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament (only being stopped in their tracks at the eleventh hour)
So, as a result, the capital will be alight on Wednesday 5th November with bonfires and fireworks displays wherever you look. Most of the hot sports are ticketed (and you’d better act fast before they sell out) but three of the most traditional displays we’d recommend are at Battersea Park, Dulwich and Alexandra Palace (not far from us in Hampstead). And for a twist on the traditional festivities, head to Harrow on Saturday 8th November, which has a full-day programme for adults and kids, with all events until 3pm free.
2. All My Sons - Wyndham Theatre, November 14th onwards
This has got to be one of the ‘must see’ London plays of the year - an Arthur Miller classic with no other than Bryan Cranston (who plays Walter White in the thrilling Breaking Bad series) crossing the pond to star in the production. Taking the part of Joe Keller, a self-made businessman who is forced to confront a terrible secret from his past, this is a drama that homes in on guilt, morality, responsibility and ambition.
Directed by the talented Ivo von Hove, ‘All My Sons’ is set in World War II America, and focuses on Joe Keller, an upstanding member of the community and successful provider for his family, who is charged with shipping defective engines for aircrafts. Although he escapes prison, his co-worker - who takes the fall - is convicted. But what are the consequences of Keller’s actions?
This is undoubtedly an all-star production with Marianna Jean-Baptiste playing Keller’s wife and Paapa Essidieu in the role of the son, Chris. Themes of Loss, denial, guilt and shame are all dealt with beautifully and the dishonesty of the ‘American dream’ laid bare. Book immediately before this astonishing production sells out. Trust us, this will be London theatre at its very best.
3. Marie Antoinette Style - V&A Museum until March 2026
London’s V&A (Victoria and Albert) Museum on ‘Museum Mile’ in South Kensington is well worth a visit in its own right, but this exhibition gives you even more of a reason to head to West London.
The last Queen of France before she and her husband, King Louis XVI were overthrown by the French Revolution, Marie Antoinette is known for her wild extravagance, her toy spaniel Coco (who accompanied her to prison!) and her famous expression, "Let Them Eat Cake.” But she was also a fashion icon, and a trailblazer in the French Court of that time, challenging convention and adopting a style that was both radical and refreshing.
And this exhibition - Marie Antoinette Style - has it all - jewels, gowns, shoes scents and a style that broke free from the traditional French Court palette. Pastels were replaced with striking colours, and heavily layered robes swapped for elegant ‘English robes’ with fitted bodies and graceful skirts. Her fashion choices set the tone at all levels of society and the impact of her wardrobe was arguably so great that it led to Paris being declared the world fashion capital.
The fact that none of the gowns on show are hers (all of her clothing was looted and destroyed after she was guillotined) does not detract from the opulence of this exhibition - and don’t miss the beaded slippers that belonged to her, as you’re walking - with jaw dropped open - through the corridors of this wondrous spectacle.
4. Armistice Day Commemoration - Sunday 9th November
Remembrance Sunday in the UK is an annual event that is held to remember the heroic sacrifices that so many men and women gave in past wars. Traditionally held on the second Sunday of November - which this year falls on the 9th of the month - members of the Royal Family (including the Prince of Wales and possibly the King) and an array of politicians, will lead the moving ceremony to honour those who did not come home.
The event will include Royal bands playing music, wreaths laid at the Cenotaph and the famous ‘two minutes silence’ at 11am, when the guns of World War I fell silent. The poem ‘For the Fallen’by Laurence Binyon captures the spirit beautifully…
“Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning.
We will remember them.”
If you want to see British pomp and pageantry and its finest, this is a parade you must see and it’s open to the public The route begins from Whitehall, goes south in the direction of Parliament Square, turning right into Great George Street then right again into Horse Guards Road) is going to be packed to the rafters so you will need to arrive early. However, the good news is no tickets are required, and the event is open to the public and free of charge.
5. Christmas Lights Switch On - various dates in November
All across the capital, lights are going to be switched on in anticipation of the festive season that is soon to be upon us, and whether or not you’re a fan of Christmas Cheer, it’s hard to not to have your heart lifted when you see them.
There’s a lot of switch-ons to choose from too, which means you have plenty of choice. The big hitters are obviously Oxford Street (one of the world-s most iconic shopping streets) and Regent Street (crossing Oxford Circus, and with its marvellous John Nash architecture and upmarket stores) and you can combine them with some shopping too!
Not far away is Carnaby Street (the capital of style in the Swinging Sixties) and the hip Covent Garden, with its lovely piazza, famous Apple Market and array of restaurants and pubs. Finally, if you’re in north London, near us in Hampstead, head to Kenwood for their themed ‘Neverland’ - a PeterPan-themed light trail which will wow every child and adult!
You could also head to Marylebone Village (close to Regents Park), Leadenhall Market (in the heart of the City of London) or Chelsea (one of London’s most beautiful and bourgeois neighbourhoods)
Finally, if you’re coming to London and looking for accommodation, why not consider staying at La Gaffe? We offer comfortable guest accommodation which is both family-owned and family-run, and returning guests never fail to tell us how much they feel they have a home away from home, from the moment they check in to the moment they say goodbye.
Our rates include VAT, a continental breakfast and our (famous) cappuccino and because we’re only three minutes walk from the Hampstead tube, you can be in the centre of the city in just 15 minutes, courtesy of London Underground.
For more information about our rooms and to make a reservation directly with us, contact us by phone or email - we’re looking forward to seeing you!