London is a city with a lot to offer all year round and autumn is no different. A beautiful season, all about new beginnings with the fallen golden and orange leaves making a perfect backdrop for just about any setting.
Michael Dixon, director of the Natural History Museum is a huge advocate for the city during autumn: “London’s Autumn Season is a brilliant way of showcasing the vast array of cultural attractions the city has on offer to an international audience.”
Design Festival
Designers love culture and the two go hand-in-hand. On that note, don’t miss ‘Please Feed the Lions‘, a must-see showcase by the ever so creative Es Devlin. Devlin has worked with both Kanye West and Beyonce and has created a fifth lion for Trafalgar Square. The fierce addition is luminous red and roars poetry. During the day, the poems will be illuminated in the lion’s mouth, projected across its body and, come nightfall, the same words will be projected across Nelson’s Column. You can even choose what you want the lion to say, a feature which the little ones are sure to love.
Food festivals
Food is a massive part of any culture – traditional cuisine is passed down through generations and operates as an expression of one’s cultural identity; should you get the chance, reading up on the sociology of food can prove fascinating. London has so much to offer for foodies, with celebrity chefs in attendance at the London Restaurant Festival. And if you’re a fan of a tipple or two, take advantage of new combinations during London Cocktail Week, or indulge in classics such as mojitos and daiquiris. Of course, London Oktoberfest is another event not to be missed with many steins of German beer and sizzling bratwurst to be consumed.
Harvest festival
Every season has an end for harvest to begin and this is a process to be embraced – even more so as it’s significant for autumn. The Pearly Kings and Queens’ Harvest Festival takes place mid-September and is complete with marching bands, Morris dancers and maypole dancing. It’s a brilliant event full of entertainment for the whole family.
Open House
Open House London is far more than a cultural highlight, but a once in a lifetime opportunity as its the chance to go inside buildings, down tunnels and up skyscrapers that are traditionally off-limits. It’s a fascinating opportunity, and for many of the locations you’re able to pre-book to avoid disappointment. How many people can say they’ve strayed down one of the capital’s forbidden tunnels?
The Dorsett Hotel, Shepherds Bush has its doors open all year round however, and can make for a brilliant stay over during a jaunt to the capital.
Greenwich Park
Crunch your way through the fallen leaves in Greenwich Park and relive your youth through conker hunting! Turn it into a competition for some family fun and release that inner competitive streak; whoever collects the most conkers gets a prize! A freshly baked treat from the White House Cafe can make for the perfect prize, and even more so if it’s still warm. Enjoy your treat by taking in the stunning views from across the River Thames and the autumnal red deer who have taken up residence in the park.
