In November, one of the British favourite times of the year in the UK, clear sunny days fade into cosy evenings at the pub, and everyone starts to wrap up warm for winter. It’s the perfect time to try some of the great food and drink the UK offers and spend time with friends and loved ones.
That’s not all, however. No matter the time of year, London never sleeps. There is still a host of fantastic events and activities happening throughout the month of November. This week, we’ve selected some heartwarming events that will give you an excuse to cosy up and enjoy the wintery atmosphere. Let’s take a look.
Bonfire Night
The fifth of November is always a special event in the British public calendar. If you’re here this week, you simply must seek out some of the fantastic celebrations that will be going on across the city.
Some of them, like the fireworks in Southwark, Lambeth and Black Heath, will be difficult to miss. We recommend finding a fantastic spot overlooking the city, like Primrose Hill or the Sky Garden, to watch these fantastic displays.
Hogwarts in the Snow
If you’re a Harry Potter fan – and let’s be honest, who isn’t – then you simply cannot miss out on what is set to be the most magical event of the coming winter. The Harry Potter Studio Tour will be transformed this month with a wintery spectacle befitting Hogwarts at Christmas time.
See the Great Hall decked out with Christmas trees and the Gryffindor Common Room decorated with real movie props. The Hogwarts Castle model will be replete with a snowy finish, and you’ll have the chance to learn how the special effects team got those fantastic winter shots.
Ice skating
Skating is one of London’s favourite winter pastimes. Every year, it seems like the list of pop-up ice rinks around the city gets longer and longer. The Natural History Museum, Somerset House and the Tower of London are all beautiful, traditional locations for skating.
However, if you’d like to skate with a view, you could try the stunning Hampton Court Ice Rink. Pick a spot you’ll love, wrap up warm and get your skates on!
Southbank Centre Winter Festival
Twinkling lights, delicious food and fantastic shows – there’s not much more you could ask for at this time of year.
The Southbank Centre Winter Festival is gearing up for Christmas in a big way with pop-up food and gift stalls and a calendar of great events, from Christmas Carols and Winter Choirs to a turn-of-the-century circus. It’s the perfect destination for families and couples.
The Lord Mayor’s Show
The UK has a reputation for quirky traditions; this month, you’ll have the chance to see one of them first-hand. The 11th of November marks the date of the Lord Mayor’s Show – an annual event dating back to the 13th Century.
See the Mayor ride past in his colourful carriage and robes, supported by twelve of London’s livery companies, like the Ironmongers and Grocers guilds.
It’s a spectacle of over-the-top pageantry and civic celebration designed to bring smiles to Londoners across the city. And if you’re staying longer in the capital, don’t miss out on our amazing London tours!
