Strolling along the Thames River, shopping on Oxford Street, and exploring various museums—London has something for everyone and always invites you back for more. Autumn is an especially great time to visit England’s capital. The city buzzes with cultural events, museum exhibitions, and festivals that set a festive tone even a month before Christmas, and many of these events are free!
One must-see exhibition is the World Press Photo of the Year, showcasing at the Royal Festival Hall from November 8 to 26. This event features 169 outstanding photographs selected from a pool of 100,000 entries submitted by over 5,000 photographers from more than 100 countries.
The Lord Mayor’s Show, a tradition nearly 800 years old, also takes place in November. This event traces back to when King John granted the City of London the right to elect its own mayor, who would then travel via the Thames to Westminster to pledge loyalty to the King. This year’s festivities unfold on November 9 and include a three-mile procession to the Royal Courts. Expect vibrant acrobatic displays and a colorful parade winding through central locations, capped off by a fireworks show between Waterloo Bridge and Blackfriars at 5:00 PM.
The Taylor Wessing Portrait Prize exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery is another highlight. Running from November 14 to February 9, the exhibition features 60 new portraits by some of the world’s most renowned photographers. The diverse images capture both well-known personalities and spontaneous moments of lesser-known but equally talented individuals.
The Museum of London is presenting the Cheapside Hoard, an impressive collection of 16th and 17th-century jewelry, for the first time. This treasure trove, discovered in a Cheapside cellar about 100 years ago, comprises around 500 pieces, including Byzantine cameos, perfume bottles, and an emerald-encrusted clock. The exhibition runs until April 27.
Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland is yet another event to look forward to. This festive attraction turns the park into a Christmas haven with amusement rides, bazaars, an ice rink, and food stalls, running from November 22 to January 5. The Magic Ice Kingdom will return, this time twice as large, ensuring visitors of all ages can fully immerse themselves in the holiday spirit.