10 Things to Do in London in November: Autumn Adventures Guide

Introduction

November in London blends end-of-autumn colour with the first wave of festive lights. Crowds are lighter than December, prices are friendlier, and many headline events return after the summer lull. This refreshed guide focuses on specific, bookable experiences that students can actually attend in 2024, with cost and transport tips to help you plan a realistic weekend.

1. Battersea Park or Alexandra Palace Bonfire Night (5 November)

London’s flagship displays pair choreographed fireworks with fairground rides and food stalls. Book tickets early—capacity is limited and many events sell out by late October.

Plan it:

• Where to go: Battersea Park (South West) or Alexandra Palace (North London)
• When to arrive: Gates open mid-afternoon; fireworks usually start 20:00–20:30
• Cost: From £11–£16 plus booking fee; card payments preferred
• Travel: Use nearby Tube/rail (Battersea Power Station, Victoria, Alexandra Palace rail) and leave extra time for queues

2. Lord Mayor’s Show and River Fireworks (9 November weekend)

The 800-year-old parade brings marching bands, floats, and historic livery companies into the Square Mile, followed by evening fireworks over the Thames (check confirmation closer to the date).

Tips for students:

• Watch near St Paul’s or Bank for the parade; arrive by 09:30
• Many cafés run parade-day offers—carry a reusable cup for discounts
• If fireworks proceed, best views are from the South Bank between Blackfriars and Waterloo

3. Winter Wonderland and Hyde Park Lights (from mid-November)

Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland opens from mid-November with free entry slots if booked in advance. Expect ice sculptures, rollercoasters, and alpine food stalls.

Save money:

• Book off-peak entry (usually free or £5) and cap rides to avoid surprise costs
• Use TfL off-peak fares by arriving after 09:30 on weekdays

4. Southbank Winter Market and Thames-side Walks

Wooden chalets line the Queen’s Walk with mulled drinks and craft gifts. Pair the market with a stroll to Tate Modern or City Hall for skyline photos.

Good to know:

• Most stalls are contactless-only; bring a tote bag for purchases
• Free riverside seating makes this an easy low-budget evening

5. Seasonal Exhibitions and Lates

November is prime time for special exhibitions before the holiday rush.

• V&A South Kensington: Fashion or design blockbusters often start in autumn—check student-priced late openings
• British Museum and Science Museum: Free entry; book timed tickets for paid exhibits
• Tate Modern: Friday Lates frequently include live music and talks

6. Ice Skating Returns

Pop-up rinks reopen with student-friendly slots.

• Somerset House: Iconic courtyard setting; book evening sessions for music sets
• Glide at Battersea Power Station: Riverside rink with heated bar areas
• Canada Square Park (Canary Wharf): Less crowded and easy for Docklands campuses

7. Diwali on the Square and Community Celebrations

Trafalgar Square hosts Diwali with food stalls, classical dance, and bhangra on the main stage (typically early November). Many boroughs run their own events—Brent, Harrow, and Southall often have free performances.

8. Free Film and Culture on a Budget

• BFI Southbank mediatheque: Watch archived British films for free—perfect on rainy days
• Local cinemas: Look for £5–£7 student tickets at Peckhamplex, Genesis Mile End, or Picturehouse student nights
• University lecture series: LSE, King’s, and UCL run public talks you can book for free with a student email

9. Explore Neighbourhood Food Hubs

Swap expensive central dinners for neighbourhood gems.

• Borough Market (early mornings): Cheaper breakfast options before the crowds
• Seven Sisters/Green Lanes: Great value Turkish and Kurdish food
• Tooting: South Asian street food halls with mains under £10

10. Plan for Early Nights and Wet Weather

• Daylight: Sunset is around 16:15—start outdoor plans by late morning
• Packing: Waterproof shoes, a compact umbrella, and a warm layer for post-event queues
• Oyster/tap-in: Daily Tube cap is £8.50 off-peak Zones 1–2; buses cap at £5.30

Quick Budget for a Student Day Out (example)

• Off-peak travel Zones 1–2: £8.50 cap
• Free museum with one paid exhibition: £12–£18 student ticket
• Street-food lunch and market snack: £12–£15
• Off-peak Winter Wonderland visit with one ride: £10–£15

Total: roughly £42–£56 for a full day including a headline event.

Accessibility and Safety

• Most major venues offer step-free routes—check TfL’s step-free map and book wheelchairs in advance for skating rinks
• Carry a power bank; many markets are card-only and need phone payments
• For late finishes, favour well-lit stations and use TfL’s Night Tube lines (Central, Jubilee, Northern, Victoria, Piccadilly on weekends)

Sample Two-Day November Plan

Day 1: Central and Riverside

• Morning: Start with the Southbank Winter Market, then walk to Tate Modern for a free collection visit.
• Afternoon: Head to Covent Garden for indoor markets and an early dinner. Book a late-afternoon Somerset House skate session.
• Evening: Finish with a Thames-side stroll to see the Christmas lights switching on around the Strand and Trafalgar Square.

Day 2: Neighbourhood Explorer

• Morning: Visit Borough Market for breakfast, then move to Bermondsey for independent galleries and coffee shops.
• Afternoon: Travel to Battersea Power Station for the Glide rink and riverside cafés; book in advance for off-peak prices.
• Evening: Cross to Chelsea or Knightsbridge to compare store window displays without the December queues.

Make the Most of Free Student Resources

• University culture passes: Many campuses negotiate free or discounted entry for local museums—check your student portal before paying.
• Library memberships: Register with Westminster or Southwark libraries to access quiet study spaces near the river when you need a break.
• Volunteer options: Events like the Lord Mayor’s Show and Diwali often recruit volunteers; you’ll get behind-the-scenes access and CV experience.

Conclusion

Book timed slots early, travel off-peak, and keep rain-friendly layers handy—you’ll enjoy headline November events without the December crowds or price spikes. With a realistic budget and smart transport choices, London in late autumn is both affordable and memorable for students.