Our Guide to October in London
October brings a rich, cosy sophistication to Fitzrovia as autumn settles in with crisp air and golden leaves. The month unfolds at an inviting, relaxed pace – ideal for lingering over warm, indulgent lunches, discovering quiet cultural corners and enjoying cool, starry evenings across Central London.
Whether you’re planning an autumn getaway or a last-minute city retreat, it’s the perfect moment to experience the calm luxury of The Newman. Discover Fitzrovia and the rest of the city, all just a stone’s throw from your front door.
For any assistance in curating your experience, please email our concierge team at concierge@thenewman.com.
The Twist Museum 248 Oxford Street, W1C 1DH
Step into a world of optical illusions and immersive experiences at The Twist Museum, where art, science and perception collide.
Explore a series of interactive installations designed to challenge the way you see the world, from mind-bending illusions to playful sensory experiences. Perfect for a fun afternoon in the heart of Fitzrovia and Oxford Street, whether you’re visiting with friends, family or looking for something a little different.
High School Musical Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, 3 Fulton Rd, Wembley Park, HA9 0SP
Celebrating 20 years since Disney’s High School Musical became a global sensation, this brand-new London production brings East High to life in an immersive staging at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre. Harry Judd stars as Coach Bolton alongside KayCee Stroh, with all the familiar favourites including “Breaking Free”, “Get’cha Head in the Game” and “We’re All In This Together”
The Cinematic Orchestra St Paul’s Cathedral, London EC4M 8AD
A rather extraordinary setting for a concert, as The Cinematic Orchestra performs inside St Paul’s Cathedral as part of the new four-year partnership between the Cathedral and fabric. The seated, minimal-amplification performance will make use of the Cathedral’s extraordinary architecture and acoustics.
Berner’s Tavern 10 Berners Street, London W1T 3NP
Berners Tavern embraces autumn with a new seasonal menu and a special Great British Pie Residency. Through 19th October, Michelin-starred chef Andy Beynon is putting his own spin on the classic pork pie, while 30th October sees a special Halloween edition of Live at Berners, combining dinner with live performance.
Bayeux Tapestry British Museum, Great Russell St, London WC1B 3DG
For the first time since it was made nearly 1,000 years ago, the Bayeux Tapestry has returned to England.
Following a historic agreement with France, the 70-metre-long tapestry, depicting events leading up to the Battle of Hastings and the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, is being loaned to the British Museum from September 2026 to July 2027.
Labombe By Trivet 19 Old Park Lane, London W1K 1LB
The Mayfair restaurant and wine bar from the team behind two-Michelin-starred Trivet combines fire-led, Pan-Mediterranean cooking with an impressive Eurocentric wine list. October is particularly interesting, with a Vasse Felix wine dinner on 26th October featuring wines from Margaret River paired with a sharing-style menu inspired by the Australian barbecue.
Frieze London & Frieze Masters The Regent’s Park, London
October in London means Frieze. Frieze London focuses on contemporary art and living artists, while Frieze Masters brings together art spanning thousands of years of history. Both fairs return to Regent’s Park, alongside Frieze Sculpture, the free outdoor exhibition featuring 11 international artists.
Halloween at Kew Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond TW9 3AE
Kew Gardens transforms after dark into a 1.5km illuminated Halloween trail, with live performers, fire artists, the Headless Horseman, Dracula’s Lair and a new Monster Disco. Daylight sessions are aimed at younger visitors, with the atmosphere becoming progressively spookier later in the evening.
Renoir & Love – National Gallery The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN
The National Gallery brings together around 40–45 works by Renoir for a major exhibition exploring love, friendship, sociability and everyday emotion. The exhibition includes Dance at the Moulin de la Galette, being shown in the UK for the first time, alongside paintings from collections around the world.
The 90s: Art and Fashion Tate Britain, Millbank, London SW1P 4RG
A celebration of the extraordinary creative energy of 1990s Britain, bringing together art, photography and fashion from a decade that transformed the country’s cultural image. Curated by Edward Enninful, the exhibition includes work connected with the Young British Artists, Alexander McQueen and designers, photographers and artists who defined the decade.
Paddington Bear Experience County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB
Step into Paddington’s world in this immersive, multi-room family experience. Travel from Paddington Station to 32 Windsor Gardens, help Paddington and the Brown family prepare for Marmalade Day, solve puzzles, meet Paddington and even enjoy a marmalade sandwich.
Dark Arts – Warner Bros Studio Tour Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, WD25 7LR
Get into the Halloween spirit at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, where Hogwarts takes on a darker atmosphere for the annual Dark Arts season. The Great Hall is decorated with more than 100 floating pumpkins, while Death Eaters appear throughout the tour and Dementors lurk in the Forbidden Forest. There are also behind-the-scenes features exploring the sound effects and creature-making behind the Harry Potter films.
Chelsea Physic Garden – History Open Weekend Chelsea Physic Garden, 66 Royal Hospital Road, London SW3 4HS
Spend an autumn weekend exploring one of London’s oldest botanical gardens. As part of the Chelsea History Festival, the garden is opening its doors for free, with plenty to explore beyond the plants, including pond dipping, craft activities and storytelling sessions for children. A lovely option for a slower autumn afternoon in Chelsea.
Japan Matsuri Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DS
Head to Trafalgar Square for London’s annual celebration of Japanese culture, with a full day of live music, traditional Japanese drumming and dancing, martial arts demonstrations, interactive workshops and plenty of Japanese food stalls. It’s free to attend and makes for a lively way to spend an October Sunday in central London.
Fitzrovian Walk October’s recommended route
Start at the beautiful Fitzrovia Chapel, a Byzantine-inspired former hospital chapel that now operates as a creative and cultural space. From 16th October, the chapel presents Middlesex Hospital Blues, a new exhibition by curators-in-residence Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard.
Continue to Fitzrovia Gallery on Whitfield Street for OTHER NATURE, a group exhibition bringing together painting, drawing and textile work exploring the body, identity and ideas of what is considered “natural”. The exhibition runs 13th–24th October, making it a perfect stop during Frieze Week.
Finish the walk at Miel Bakery on Warren Street for a coffee and one of its French-influenced pastries, made on-site throughout the day.
Private Guided Tour London
Ever wondered about the stories hidden behind London’s famous black doors and ancient alleyways? Come spend a few hours with us for a relaxed, friendly wander through the heart of the city!
This isn’t your typical “dates and battles” history tour. Instead, this takes focus on the juicy bits—the quirky curiosities, the “did you know?” facts, and the secret spots that even some locals walk right past. From tiny statues to hidden gardens and the origins of London’s weirdest traditions, you’ll see a side of the city that most tourists completely miss.
Taylors Buttons 22 Cleveland Street London W1T 4JB
The Taylors Button Shop has been established in London over 100 years and operates a highly specialised business in hand covered fabric buttons for wedding dresses, evening wear, hand made fabric upholstery buttons, vintage buttons, dyed buttons, handmade buckles and belts, and are one of the few companies in the heart of the West End that still offer a walk in while you wait bespoke hand made covered button service.
Bike Tour with Falcons of Fitzrovia Contact concierge to schedule
Personal and story-rich way to experience London. Experience London in an unique way with a private tour guide and on top a top spec electric bike, allowing you to see the city in a swift way while doing exercise! At every stop, your guide captures high-quality, candid photos throughout the tour, turning unforgettable memories into beautiful keepsakes.
