What to do in London in November

Published: July 18, 2024

The Tower of London will a foreground of fallen leaves

Fall is kind to the British capital, and London in November isn’t short of local color. In addition to its year-round historic attractions, the Royal Parks are a swirl of oranges and reds as the London planes lose their leaves.

The start of the month sees Diwali and Guy Fawkes’s Night ignite the sky with fireworks, followed quickly by Christmas light switch-ons and shopfronts dolled up for the festive season.

Wondering what to do in London in November? You’ve come to the right place!

Cruise along the Thames

The River Thames has been at London’s heart since the Romans converted a humble Saxon village into a city worthy of becoming the future British capital.

Its banks are the location of an array of major landmarks, from the Whispering Gallery of St Paul’s Cathedral to the contemporary form of Tate Modern’s $360m Switch House, expanding the gallery’s floor space by 60%.

Bringing together the rival north and south of the Thames, its bridges are some of the most recognizable structures in the world, with Tower Bridge a symbol for both London and the UK.

Slipping beneath them on a Thames river cruise adds a new dimension to hop-on hop-off sightseeing tours. Hop on and see the sights in comfort. Hop off to explore attractions such as the Cutty Sark and historic dockyards of Greenwich. Time it right, and you’ll capture the capital at its most romantic, as dusk settles over its parks and monuments and lights flicker on along its banks.

Celebrate Guy Fawkes’ Night

The grisly origins of Guy Fawkes’ Night (or Bonfire Night) are intricately linked to several London attractions, not least the Houses of Parliament and Tower of London. One of the biggest nights of the cultural calendar, the festivities now extend from Halloween until the big day itself on November 5.

Neighborhoods large and small mark the event with organized fireworks displays and the lighting of bonfires. Some of the biggest and most spectacular take place at Battersea Park and Alexandra Palace.

Topping many bonfires will be a representation of Guy Fawkes himself, whose band of Catholic rebels attempted to blow up Protestant King James I in the Houses of Parliament in 1605.

If you’re wondering where the Tower of London fits in to all this – the plot was discovered, and Fawkes arrested. Imprisoned in the tower, he was tortured on the rack before being hung, drawn and quartered. His head ended up on a spike on London Bridge.

Take in a show

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London’s West End is probably only second to New York’s Broadway when it comes to its shows. Whilst you’ll find theaters dotted right throughout the capital, Shaftesbury Avenue continues to be the place to head.

It stretches from Piccadilly Circus and the Statue of Eros to New Oxford Street and the Georgian townhouses that lead towards the British Museum. Shaftesbury Avenue, together with the cobblestone streets around Covent Garden, are home to all sorts of characters – on and off the stage – who seem to come to life beneath the twinkling Christmas lights of late November.

New shows are opening all the time, although some have serious staying power. Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap is one, holding the record for the longest theater run in the world. It’s first night was back in 1952.

For festive fun and a huge dose of British custom look no further than the annual pantomimes (or pantos) at theaters like the Palladium. A mix of fairy tales and folk legends – from Cinderella to Peter Pan – they see British audiences at their most boisterous and gleeful.

Explore Westminster Abbey

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In a city of historic structures, few beside the Tower of London can compete with the heritage of Westminster Abbey. Hidden from the riverside by the Houses of Parliament, this royal church has witnessed the coronation of every British monarch since William the Conqueror in 1066, and was the setting for the marriage of Prince William to Catherine Middleton.

Site of the grave of the Unknown Warrior and center of the capital’s November memorial services, the cathedral contains over 3000 burials, with kings accompanying prime ministers and notables such as physicist Stephen Hawking.

The abbey’s soaring gothic edifice is home to many treasures including the Coronation Throne, a simple chair of English oak, dating to 1296. But when it comes to hidden gems, this title has to go to the Jewel Tower, built as a treasure house for King Edward III in around 1365. Few Londoners have even heard of it, although it’s one of only two buildings to have survived the fire which engulfed the original Houses of Parliament in the early 1800s.

Tour the capital’s markets

When the weather holds, the capital’s markets are attractive propositions for any list of things to do in London in November. Often situated in some of the capital’s most interesting neighborhoods, a smooch around their stalls acts as the perfect gateway to experiencing life in Britain’s biggest city. They’re also sure to never be far from a historic pub with a cozy fireplace serving the nation’s famously warm beers.

Borough Market, for instance, has been reborn from a sorry spot between London Bridge and the Globe theater to a destination well worth seeking out for its own merits. On its edges you’ll find several noteworthy pubs, including The George Inn, which dates back to the 17th century. Delve a little further, and you’ll encounter flavorful foods from every corner of the globe, as well as traditional British favorites from fish and chips to pie and mash.

Alternatively, make your way to the pastel shades of West London’s Portobello Road, whose weekly antiques market is a great place to pick up quirky mementos. But wherever you find yourself in London in November, it’s likely there’s a market somewhere close.

Save on London November attraction admission

November in London can be glorious. Although the year might be coming to a close, there are arguably more places to visit in London in November than at other times of year.

What’s more, you can explore many of the British capital’s top attractions with Go City, giving you flexibility whilst saving in one of the world’s most evocative yet expensive cities.

Ian Packham

Go City Travel Expert

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A cable car crossing the Thames at sunset

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Things to do in Greenwich London

History seeps from every cobblestone street and blade of grass in Greenwich. An area first recorded more than a thousand years ago in 918, it sits on the south bank of the River Thames to the east of central London, stretching around the banking center of Canary Wharf and docklands.Overflowing with royal heritage, and the meeting point of the eastern and western hemispheres, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is not to be missed. From its parks to its panoramas of London, here are the top things to do in Greenwich London.Head back in time Standing proud in dry dock close to the entrance of Greenwich foot tunnel, the Cutty Sark was once one of the most important ships in Britain’s merchant fleet – tasked with transporting tea from Shanghai as quickly as the winds would allow. Becoming the fastest vessel to ever undertake the 3.5 month journey, it is the only ship of its kind in the northern hemisphere and provides an immersive way of experiencing what life must have been like on the high seas during the 1800s. Pass through the colonnaded central avenue of the Old Royal Naval College – created so views of the Thames from Queen’s House weren’t obstructed – and you’ll reach the National Maritime Museum. With the navy integral to Britain’s history, the museum has managed to collect over two million objects since it was opened in 1934, including Turner’s largest ever painting and the jacket that Nelson was wearing when he was fatally wounded at the Battle of Trafalgar. Take in the views Views back towards central London’s neighborhoods aren’t hard to find, with Greenwich Park providing ample. However, Greenwich doesn’t disappoint when it comes to vistas beyond the ordinary either. Those with a head for heights can scale London’s O2 Arena for uninterrupted 360° views not only of Greenwich, but also Canary Wharf and the 2012 Olympic Park – including the AcerlorMittal Orbit Tower. Or you could drift over the Thames with the 10 minute one way journey on London’s only cable car, the Emirates Air Line. But given its naval heritage and being so close to the river, the top way to take in the sights has to be aboard a Thames sightseeing cruise departing from Greenwich Pier. With three additional points to hop-on and off, they provide an alternative route to the Houses of Parliament and St Paul’s than the city’s Underground network. Enjoy a park full of treasures Despite this range of attractions, Greenwich is most famous for its Royal Observatory, located within Greenwich Park. Commissioned by Charles II in 1675, it became a major center for astronomy and navigation, before also being designated the site of the prime meridian in the nineteenth century. A plaque and green laser mark the point at which the eastern and western hemispheres of the Earth meet. Explore modern Greenwich Walking distance from the main historical sites, Greenwich Market brings additional vibrancy to the neighborhood. Protected from the weather, this covered market contains around 120 stalls loaded with antiques, handmade arts and crafts from local creators and street food picks from around the world, including a good range of gluten-free and vegan options. Whilst some of the dishes these stalls produce are worthy of gallery space, the exhibitions at North Greenwich’s NOW Gallery will impress all the more. Its usual focus is on the area’s diversity, sharing the work of artists, designers and creatives from a range of backgrounds. Contemporary art, fashion and photography are all included. To see the latest in funny, check out the Up the Creek Comedy Club, who combine old and new world beers brewed on a daily basis using batch micro-brewing techniques with some of the UK’s top talent. Blackout nights add a talent show feek to the open mic nights. Its Sunday Special nights have been going strong since 2005, and often sees unadvertised performances from household names including Michael McIntyre and Flight of the Conchords. Get involved with special events Sometimes compared to a riverine version of the London Marathon, the Great River Race sees up to 300 oared craft race each other in a handicapped competition from Greenwich to Ham. Growing in popularity each September, every vessel is required to fly a flag and winners are not just those who cross the finish line first 34 kilometers later, but also those with the best fancy dress. Move over the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race! September also sees the city wide Open House event, revealing usually hidden parts of Greenwich to the general public. Sites that have previously welcomed visitors for this special event have included Joseph Bazalgette’s Pumping Station from 1859 and Nicholas Hawksmoor’s Church of St Alfege. Earlier on in the year, at the start of the summer festival season in June, there’s the Greenwich+Docklands International Festival. Celebrating the performing arts, the 10 day event has around 200 different individual performances, from small-scale theatrical shows to huge outdoor acrobatic displays. What to do in Greenwich London When it comes to things to do in Greenwich London, visitors don’t have to look very hard, with the complex of royal museums, park and market providing a worthwhile pull east from the center of the British capital. Travel with Go City and you’ll also get incredible savings on attraction admission for many of the neighborhood’s top sites. That way you can straddle the globe’s hemispheres at the Royal Observatory and enjoy a cruise along the Thames towards the Houses of Parliament safe in the knowledge that you could be saving hour after hour and attraction by attraction.

Ian Packham

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Top things to do in Soho London

Some may still remember Soho’s seedy past, but tucked in between Mayfair and Covent Garden this part of west London has once again found its stride as a fashionable and upmarket place to be. Whilst it may not have the historic attractions of other neighborhoods, no one can say there aren’t things to do in Soho London! It’s an area that’s actually something of a rare find – a part of London where locals and visitors rub shoulder to shoulder without distinction. Packed full of bars and nightspots, it also has shopping on Regent’s Street and the theaters of the West End to help maintain its stance as the capital’s entertainment hub. But amongst the rainbow flags and shopfronts of everyone-is-welcome Soho, you’ll also discover an array of galleries and restaurants. What are the best things to do? Keep reading to find out all you’ll ever need to know with this guide to London’s Soho. Must-visit shops The western bounds of Soho are delineated by Regent’s Street and its northern bounds by Oxford Street – two of London’s most famous and most important shopping thoroughfares. Running for almost two kilometers, Oxford Street is dominated by flagship stores for the country’s big names and department stores including Selfridges’ five floors of delights. Regent’s Street has a slightly more genteel air thanks to its mix of high-end fashion boutiques and Hamleys – the world’s oldest and biggest dedicated toy shop, with a range that spans 50,000 items. For contrast, drift into Carnaby Street, which was the center of fashion during the swinging sixties and continues to go its own way with its selection of independently-owned stores. Between the two, on Great Marlborough Street, is the mock Tudor edifice of Liberty London. A department store with a difference, Liberty highlights bold handcrafted designs from smaller workshops and artists. Known for its floral prints, it has previously championed everyone from arts and crafts designer William Morris to the creator of the punk look Vivienne Westwood. Soho theaters and shows Following Regent’s Street round to its natural end at the Statue of Eros on Piccadilly Circus will bring you to Shaftesbury Avenue. Otherwise known as the West End, it’s where many of London’s major theatres are located, including the London Palladium, Gielgud and Lyric. Seen as the pinnacle of performances alongside New York’s Broadway, its theaters are a favorite with movie stars. Dame Helen Mirren, Sir Ian McKellen and Benedict ‘Sherlock’ Cumberbatch have all played to packed out audiences in recent years. Shows range from productions of Chekov and reinventions of Shakespeare to the musicals of Andrew Lloyd Webber, the composer behind The Phantom of the Opera and Cats. If sitting down in one place for two hours leaves you cold, you don’t need to look further than the Crystal Maze Live Experience, recreating the television game show with its four zones and four different challenge types teams must take on. Soho’s top nightspots It’s nightspots like G-A-Y and Ronnie Scott’s that take much of the attention, but Soho London nightlife also includes traditional British pubs and semi-secret cocktail bars, ensuring there really is something for everyone – including teetotalers thanks to some choice late night coffee bars. G-A-Y is just one of a clutch of LGBTQ+ venues dotted around Old Compton Street, creating a hub for queer individuals and their allies, alongside the original branch of Patisserie Valerie – a demonstration of just how diverse Soho can be. When it comes to live music, one of the best places to head is Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, which has played host to some of the legends of jazz and blues including Ella Fitzgerald, Jimi Hendrix and Jamie Cullum. Spice of Life and Ain’t Nothing But Blues have similar vibes. Galleries in Soho Although just a stone’s throw from the National Gallery on Trafalgar Square and Royal Academy of Arts on Piccadilly, you don’t even have to leave the area for artistic things to do in Soho London. The first private art space created for nothing but life through a lens, The Photographers’ Gallery has a pedigree which dates back to 1971. During that time it has brought new international artists to British audiences whilst also supporting homegrown photography talent, bringing the very best imagery of the moment to the streets of Soho. The main space of Frith Street Gallery on Golden Square has developed such a reputation for its exhibitions of painting, sculpture and installation art that the artists it represents are entering the permanent collections of museums globally. But if it’s moving images that capture your attention, the Curzon Soho Cinema provides an escapist’s delight, with some of the largest screens in London to watch the latest Oscar contenders. Places to eat in Soho Dine at each of our favorite places to eat in Soho and you’re either going to need a longer vacation or a larger stomach. Or possibly both. Trustworthy places to spend your hard-won cash include the flavors of Bombay of Dishoom’s Carnaby outlet and modern British cuisine of Bill’s Soho. Yotam Ottolenghi’s NOPI is one of a host of restaurants where it’s easy to impress and be impressed, with a menu comprising Middle Eastern and Asian-inspired dishes. Korean, Italian and pan-European meals all vie for attention just a few steps away. However, it’s Quo Vardis that takes the crown for staying power in a part of the capital where restaurants can seem as if they come and go with the seasons. First opening its doors in 1926, before that it was the home of Karl Marx, who now resides in Highgate Cemetery. The best things to do in Soho London Filled with entertaining ways to spend a morning, afternoon or evening, there are lots of worthwhile things to do in Soho London. Helpfully located not all that far from other attractions including the Household Cavalry Museum and Westminster Pier – for Thames sightseeing cruises – there’s really very little reason not to pay the area a visit as part of your travels with Go City!

Ian Packham

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Unmissable London Fun for Families with Teens

When it comes to family trips, traveling with a teenager (or two… or three) can be a high-stakes balancing act. You want days packed with memories and wow moments they’ll still be talking about next year—not just a perfectly grumpy gallery of “meh” faces on your camera roll. The good news? London delivers the goods. Whether your crew’s craving daring heights, Insta-worthy eats, legendary football stadiums, or art that goes lightyears beyond the ordinary, this city has you covered. Prepare for a whirlwind of adventure, a dash of culture, and so many chances for those genuine “this is awesome!” moments—no family bribes required. Ready to plan a trip that’ll wow even the toughest teen critic? Here’s our list of the coolest things to do in London with teens. Our top picks for things to do with teens in London: Up at the O2 London Eye Moco Museum Wembley Stadium Tour Crazy Golf at Swingers West End Camden Market City Cruises: Thames River Pass Wicked The Musical London Bicycle Tour by The London Bicycle Tour Company Chocolate Cocktail Club Up at the O2: Climb to New Heights If your crew has a taste for thrill (or a knack for eye-popping selfies), you can’t beat Up at the O2. Here’s your chance to scale the roof of one of London’s most distinctive landmarks—safely harnessed in and with friendly guides, of course. You suit up in climbing gear, clip onto the walkway, and then it’s game on: an unforgettable ascent up the domed roof with the lights of London all around you. The vibe? Pure adventure with a backdrop of city skyline, Olympic Park, winding Thames, and Canary Wharf’s modern towers. Whether you’re racing your teens to the summit or taking a chill pace, the 360-degree views at the top are absolutely worth the climb—especially at sunset, when the city glows below. Teens will love the sense of challenge (and the bragging rights that come with it). Even the most social media-shy can’t resist snapping skyline selfies up here. And if someone’s a little nervous, the crew is there to keep things encouraging and safe—no pressure, just loads of fun. It’s active, upbeat, and a million miles from your average tourist experience. Moco Museum: Urban Art with an Edge Let’s be real: not every art museum wins over a teenage crowd. The Moco Museum isn’t just an exception—it’s the gold standard for capturing cool. This powerhouse of contemporary and street art is housed in a grand townhouse in Mayfair, making the edgy art feel even more out of place (in a great way). Here, you’ll spot original pieces by Banksy, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Keith Haring—names that light up pop culture feeds as much as art history textbooks. Funky installations, neon signs, and immersive rooms mean there’s something surprising around every corner. Teens can get up close with art that feels dynamic, subversive, and interactive—not the usual ‘do-not-touch’ gallery vibe. What makes it especially awesome? The museum celebrates creativity and social commentary, so there are always new conversations to have as you wander. Whether your teen is into urban culture, design, or just likes snapping quirky photos, Moco Museum hits the mark. After you’ve checked out the art, Hyde Park isn’t far away for a stroll or impromptu skate session. Wembley Stadium Tour: Football Royalty If your teenagers are obsessed with football, Wembley Stadium isn’t just a venue—it’s Holy Ground. This is where legends play, from England’s national team to top musicians (Beyoncé, BTS, Ed Sheeran, and more). The behind-the-scenes tour is packed with surprises. Start by walking out the Players Tunnel, just like you’ve seen on TV, imagining the roar of the crowd. You’ll peer into the players’ locker rooms, visit the Royal Box (selfies with a replica FA Cup, anyone?), sit in commentary booths, and get a peek at match-day routines. What makes the tour fun for non-sports fans? The stories and trivia: crazy headlines, childhood dreams come true, records shattered, and celebrations that rocked the nation. Even if you’re only mildly footy-mad, the energy of the stadium gets to you. Guides are nothing if not passionate, and there are plenty of interactive displays and photo ops along the way. For a bonus, grab lunch or snacks at Boxpark Wembley—super close by and loaded with global street food vendors. Crazy Golf at Swingers West End: Next-Level Mini Golf Ready for a little friendly competition? Crazy Golf at Swingers West End takes mini golf to new places—think neon-lit courses, quirky obstacles, and a party atmosphere. It’s mini golf, but with wild London themes, fun music, super creative cocktails for the adults, and gourmet street food from pop-up stalls. What do teens love most? The playful but competitive mood. You can challenge your teenager to wild trick shots, ricochet through London-inspired challenges (phone box obstacles, anyone?), and land some ridiculous hole-in-ones. It’s energetic, silly, and low-pressure—everyone’s cheering each other on… and maybe trash-talking just a bit for laughs. Order pizza or tacos in between rounds and it feels like an urban festival—especially at night when the lights are glowing, the playlist hits just right, and London’s creative crowd drops in. Reserve ahead for weekends, because it’s always buzzing with energy and laughter. Camden Market: Shop, Eat, and Soak Up Edgy London If you want to show teens the side of London that feels truly ‘them’, Camden Market is the ultimate destination. Part outdoor market, part street food heaven, part alt-culture playground, Camden is bursting with creative energy. Here you’ll find an endless mix of pop-up stalls selling vintage hoodies, comic books, retro jewelry, and hand-painted sneakers. The crowd is as colorful as the murals—punks, goths, students, tourists, and everyone in-between. The food choices are legendary. Asian fusion, Venezuelan arepas, curly fries, vegan burgers, build-your-own bubble tea—you name it, Camden’s got a vendor making it fresh. Grab lunch, wander the canal, check out the record shops, and dive into curious little boutiques crammed with pop culture finds. Don’t miss Cyberdog, glowing with its rave wear and robots, and if you want a music fix, the old stables now house gig venues pumping out live tunes most evenings. For families with teens, Camden is freedom—safe to roam, fun to discover, barely a tourist trap in sight, and always a conversation starter. If you want another nearby adventure, the London Zoo in Regent’s Park is a 15-minute stroll (and just as lively). Wicked The Musical: An Age-Appropriate Night Out Thinking “theater” may sound like a stretch for teens? Wait until they see Wicked. This West End hit is one of the world’s best-loved musicals because it’s anything but predictable: there are flying witches, high-flying solos, magical sets, and themes that strike a chord with everyone (friendship, loyalty, being true to yourself). The Apollo Victoria Theatre is big and buzzy, so the atmosphere is electric, even before the curtain rises. Once the show starts, it’s nonstop spectacle—the set changes are jaw-dropping, the songs are memorable, and the story reimagines the Wizard of Oz from the witches’ perspective. Even teens who aren’t “musical” fans walk out raving about the drama, humor, and clever plot twists (and humming “Defying Gravity” for weeks). If you want to make the evening even more special, pair it with pre-show eats nearby—Tozi offers tasty Italian small plates and a cool vibe, or treat your group to shakes and burgers at Five Guys down the road. London Bicycle Tour by The London Bicycle Tour Company: Pedal Through the Past and Present Who says sightseeing has to be done on foot? A guided London bike tour puts the wind in your hair and brings you right into the middle of the city’s action. Start at Lambeth, gear up, and join a small group led by a lively, local guide who knows every backstreet, shortcut, and scenic stop along the way. On two wheels, you’ll cover more ground and actually feel connected to the neighborhoods around you. Routes often weave through music-filled South Bank, the leafy lanes of Westminster, and hidden pockets of East End graffiti where you’ll discover some of London’s coolest street art. Your guide points out filming locations, shares wild stories about kings and criminals, and makes sure the whole crew sticks together—perfect for teens who thrive on new discoveries and urban adventure. The pace is friendly; there are lots of stops for snacks, photos, and local insights. By tour’s end, you’ll feel like you’ve seen “real” London (and burned off enough calories to justify another round of dessert later). Chocolate Cocktail Club: Sweets Meet Sips in a Grown-Up Setting This is not your childhood chocolate shop. The Chocolate Cocktail Club (just off Farringdon) is a dreamy spot where desserts are reimagined as cool drinks—picture milk chocolate martinis, creamy mocktails, and creative concoctions that adults and over-16s can sample. It’s a fun, offbeat pick for older teens looking for something a little more sophisticated, especially if your group appreciates an Instagrammable moment. The setting is relaxed and quirky, with velvet sofas, neon signs, and chocolate in every possible form, from truffles to cakes. We love the playful “liquid desserts” menu and mischievous seasonal specials, from salted caramel cocktails to tiramisu-inspired mocktails. Pair it with gooey brownies or a slice of rich chocolate tart (yes, sharing is required). It’s a sweet, social hour in a unique spot—perfect for post-museum morale boosts or as a reward after a day conquered together in the city. Whether your teens are sports fans, adventure seekers, aspiring artists, night owls, music buffs, or top-tier snackers, London’s got attractions and activities guaranteed to turn your trip into travel legend. The city blends old-school cool with a modern, youthful edge—just the thing to impress even the hardest-to-please teenagers and keep the whole family entertained. Enjoyed this? Check out our comprehensive guide to Sea Life, and browse our London Eye deep dive. Step up your sightseeing with Go City® We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets. See more, do more, and experience more with Go City® – just choose a pass to get started!

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