Well, it’s that time of year again – the leaves are turning, the skies are a little grey and there’s a distinct chill in the air. Meanwhile, most of us are trading in sunny evenings on the pub patio for cosy nights in with a classic Meg Ryan or Sandra Bullock romcom.

That’s right, it’s autumn. But the season doesn’t have to mean cosying up on the sofa every night. In fact, London has plenty of fun autumnal events on offer this November. Here are 10 things to try if you’re in the capital.

If Gilmore Girls has become synonymous with the orange leaves and cosy knits of autumn, then why not try one of the mother-daughter duo’s favourite pastimes: poking around a quaint market. If you’re craving a wholesome stroll around an autumnal market, why not give Wembley Antiques Market a try? Open on the last Wednesday of every month, the market will next open its doors on 22 November.

Filled with fascinating finds, from gorgeous old furniture pieces to retro knick-knacks, you’ll also find an array of high-quality vintage jewellery on display. Even if you’re not in the market for new homeware pieces, it’s incredibly fun to simply mooch around the various stalls. Plus, there’s a variety of delicious street food on offer. So, grab a hot chocolate or a pumpkin spice latte, throw on your cosiest scarf, and head to Wembley Park Antiques Market this month.

Find out more about the Wembley Park Antiques Market

Looking for some late-night entertainment to get you in the autumnal mood? Well, what could be more appropriate than a bit of smooth, sexy jazz? The EFG Jazz Festival runs for 10 days from 10–19 November, and features a wide range of performers. You’ll find everything from classic Big Band 20s-style jazz to innovative modern international sounds. There are dozens of events on offer at a number of venues and clubs across the city, including everything from larger venues like the Southbank Centre and the Barbican to smaller spots like Hootananny Brixton and Ronnie Scott’s in Soho. 

Find out more about the EFG Jazz Festival

Bonfire night is almost upon us! A long-standing tradition, the 4 November is a wonderful opportunity to take in some awe-inspiring fireworks with your family or friends. One of the biggest displays in the city can be found at Battersea Park, where you’ll find not only an extravagant fireworks show but also a whole autumnal fair, complete with rides, street food and late-night DJs.

The Battersea Park Fireworks event runs on 4 November and 5 November, with tickets priced at £12.30.

Find out more about Battersea Park Fireworks

Flex your crafting muscles with this wholesome candle-making workshop, courtesy of east London boutique Earl of East. Known for its delectable candles, Earl of East has become one of the go-to spots for cosy, autumnal scents. And now, you can create your very own Earl of East candles. 

The brand is holding several candle making workshops throughout November at its shop in Soho. For £55, you’ll take home a personalised Woody-scented candle, along with a brand new (very seasonal) skill.

Find out more about the Earl of East candle-making workshops

Cocktail lovers, listen up. In honour of Mexico’s el Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), Bluebird Chelsea has teamed up with Casamigos Tequila to bring “the spirit of Mexico”, a new mini-menu of four cocktails along with a number of Mexican bar bites. Cocktails like the Cinco de Cosmo offer an autumnal twist on a classic, while the delicious pork taco and truffle arancini offer the perfect complementary pop of flavour. This pop-up serves as a reminder that autumn doesn’t have to be all pumpkin spice and cosy nights in. 

Find out more about Bluebird’s Chelsea “Spirit of Mexico” pop-up

Nothing really beats a stroll to watch the leaves change and take in the autumn air – and if you have visions of yourself meandering through golden trees, wrapped up in your cosiest wool coat, hot drink in hand, Fulham Palace Park is the perfect setting. Not only does this sprawling park offer gorgeous autumnal views, but its beautiful walled garden features a very Instagrammable pumpkin display all autumn. Best of all, it’s entirely free to visit.

Find out more about Fulham Palace Park

This year, the National Theatre is bringing a very seasonal new musical to its Olivier stage. The Witches, based on Roald Dahl’s book of the same name, tells the story of a coven of witches with a plan to turn every last child into a mouse.  What could be more appropriate for spooky season than that? The musical was written by well-known British playwright Lucy Kirkwood with music by Dave Malloy, best known for Tony-nominated Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812. The show opens on 7 November.

Find out more about the National Theatre’s The Witches.

Looking for a spot to spend your autumn nights out on the town? Look no further than Willows on the Roof, a fully heated rooftop restaurant situated right in the centre of the city near Oxford Circus. The restaurant is the ideal spot for those of us who love outdoor dining thanks to its heated outdoor domes. Each dome seats around six people and features cosy decor and a private Bluetooth speaker, making it an intimate spot to enjoy a few drinks and watch the sun go down without ever having to feel the chilly autumn air.

Find out more about Willows on the Roof

Another great option for those of us who are after a simple stroll, Kew Gardens offers some of the most beautiful views for watching the change of the seasons. Here, you’ll find a long tree-lined walk, where you can take in over 10,000 trees as their leaves turn from green to orange. In other parts of the garden, you’ll also find seasonal crops like pumpkins and gourds growing and being harvested. 

Find out more about Kew Gardens

Wine lovers, look no further. This wine-tasting event hosted by Lidl in the Leake Street Arches near Waterloo has the perfect spooky touch for the season – it takes place in the dark. The event runs for three weekends in November and features a selection of delicious wines chosen by Master of Wine Richard Bampfield.

Find out more about Chateaux Noir

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