Things to Do in London: November 2019

Nick Stark
Nov 4 · 6 min read

Undoubtedly, London is one of the top tourist spots in the world. With its beautiful sights and endless attractions, London provides an exciting experience to both visitors and locals.

Every month is made memorable with the various events that they host. If you plan on visiting London in November 2019, here’s a guide that should assist you with preparations.

Expectations: London in November

November is one of the best months to spend in London because there are fewer people, cooler weather, and numerous events which you don’t want to miss when you’re staying at any of the hotels in North London. Because the places are less crowded, it’s more likely that flights and accommodations will cost less.

Winters in London can get pretty brisk. Early November temperatures are usually around 55 degrees Fahrenheit (or 13 degrees Celsius). Surprisingly, London’s temperature is expected to drop until December.

Although London is already recognized for its rain, November is probably the wettest month. However, it is most likely that you’ll experience light showers than heavy thunderstorms.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Visiting

Although London weather is expected to be dreary, some days can have unexpectedly warm temperatures around 60 degrees Fahrenheit Because of the unpredictable weather conditions, you should bring:

  • Long-sleeved shirts
  • T-Shirts
  • Sweater
  • Light Jacket
  • Shoes (preferably waterproof)
  • Umbrella

If you want to visit attractions that are usually crowded, try visiting on weekdays. Most people will either be at school or work, meaning you have shorter wait times and more chances to take great pictures.

Booking accommodations around Thanksgiving isn’t always a good idea. Even if England doesn’t celebrate the American holiday, hotels and other businesses will raise their prices due to the expected influx of tourists.

London’s Top Seasonal Destinations

No matter what you’re interested in, London has a little something for everyone. Other than its famous landmarks, here are a few suggestions of what to add to your itinerary next time you’re in the city:

Dark Arts at Warner Brothers Studio

Date: Available until November 10

Ticket Prices: Adult (16+): £45.00, Children (5–16 years): £37.00, Family (2 Adults, 2 Children or 1 Adult and 3 Children): £148.00

Whether you’re a fan of the Harry Potter saga or a sucker for arts, the Warner Brothers Studio will allow you to experience the darker side to the wizarding world. Since this year’s theme revolves around the Death Eaters, artists who have worked for Harry Potter will show you how props were made and their concept of art.

Skate at Somerset House

Date: November 8 — January 12

Ticket Prices: Adult:£11.00, Children (12 and under): £8.50

As one of London’s favorite traditions, you can choose to take beginner lessons in the morning or enjoy a night of skating to DJ music. For the full experience, stop by the Skate Lounge for some hot chocolate.

It is recommended to book your skating event in advance online or in person. For those making last-minute plans, there is a limited amount of tickets available at the on-site box office.

Christmas at Leicester (Santa’s Grotto)

Date: November 9 — December 24

Ticket Prices: From £11.50

Make your child’s visit to London a memorable one with a personal visit to Santa Claus. They will also be able to hear Christmas tales, take a picture with Santa, and receive gifts.

Southbank Centre Winter Festival

Date: November 8 — January 5

Ticket Prices: Free Admission

Though London hosts many events during the winter, Southbank is the most diverse festival. Adults will be able to enjoy mulled wine and seasonal treats at the annual Winter Market, whereas children can enjoy a puppet musical “Black Beauty”. Other highlights include:

  • Retro Circus Show
  • Christmas Themed Orchestras
  • LGBTQ+ Events: Burgerz, A Very Polari Xmas, Drag Syndrome at Christmas

Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park

Date: November 21 — January 5

Ticket Prices: Free Admission

With this year’s theme of “A Christmas Carol”, Hyde Park’s Christmas celebration is filled with hundreds of attractions. It includes the world’s tallest Observation Wheel, Paddington on Ice, Comedy Club, the United Kingdom’s largest ice rink, Circus MegaDome, London’s Biggest Christmas Market, and more.

Tip: It is recommended for families to visit during the day to avoid large crowds.

You can also read: Unique, timeless and out of this world — shopping experience in London

Things To Do

Given that November is an awkward month between Halloween and Christmas, there are also seasonal events that you can attend. Most of these celebrations only last for a day, so plan accordingly.

Regent Motor Show

Time: November 2, 10:30 AM — 4 PM

Location: Regent Street

Specifically for car enthusiasts, this event showcases over 125 years of motor vehicles. It also has fun activities and entertainment for the family to enjoy. For those who aren’t interested in cars, the motor show is conveniently located along one of the biggest shopping streets in London.

Diwali on Trafalgar Square

Time: November 3, 12:00 PM — 7:00 PM

Location:

Holding the title of Europe’s largest outdoor performance show, the celebration spreads cultural and spiritual awareness of the Hindu, Sikh, and Jain festival of lights.

Diwali is traditionally celebrated to symbolize positive aspects like joy, love, and forgiveness. Enjoy delicious Indian cuisine, musical performances, and activities.

Bonfire Night/Guy Fawkes Night

Time: November 5, 7:30 PM — 9:00 PM

Location: Bitts Park

Named after the revolutionary who attempted to blow up the House of Parliament in protest to the government, a statue of Guy Fawkes is often burned in a bonfire to celebrate his arrest. However, the significance of the event has worn off over time and has been renamed as Bonfire Night.

Traditional food to eat during Bonfire Night is Parkin cakes, which are made of oatmeal, ginger, syrup, and treacle. There are sausages and marshmallows that you can toast over the flames.

The Lord Mayor’s Show

Time: November 9, 11:00 AM — 3:30 PM

Location: Around the City of London

Experience a taste of London’s culture through witnessing the appointing of the Lord Mayor. The procession is filled with extravagant floats and carnival elements. There are also two festival zones that have food stalls, rides, and live entertainment.

Accommodation

Taking visits to London are fun, but they can be pricey. With budget chain hotels, such as the Palm Hotel which is also one of the best party venues in London, you’ll be able to have a comfortable stay at an affordable price. It is ideally located near attractions and shopping areas.

Stays at the Palm Hotel’s come fairly priced with a nightly rate of £99 per room. Each room has a bathroom, cable television, hairdryer, and tea/coffee maker. Daily room services are provided to make sure you come home to a comfortable clean bed.

Best Places for Dining and Shopping

Because London is diverse in culture, there are different cuisines to choose from. For a fine dining experience, the Peninsula Restaurant offers a variety of European cuisine. It also offers dishes for vegetarians. If your pallet desires Asian cuisine, you can opt for Sushi Tetsu - a traditional Japanese restaurant that specializes in sushi and sashimi.

To get a taste of local cuisine, dine at The Golden Chippy (one of London’s famous takeaways). They have perfected England’s timeless meals: fish and chips.

For those on a tight budget, Companero is known for its high ratings, cheap prices, and great service. They have Spanish, North African, and Mediterranean cuisine that is also vegetarian-friendly.

Because London ranks highly as an international fashion center, you might want to do your shopping there. Some remarkable places to visit are:

Westfield London

If you’re looking for a regular shopping experience, Westfield has a range of designer stores, retail stores, and a cinema to get through a normal day.

Hamleys Toy Store

With over seven floors, Hamleys is a toy paradise that everyone can enjoy. Almost every toy imaginable can be bought here. There are also several demonstrations you can try out.

Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 3/4

One of the best places to buy souvenirs for your inner Potterhead is at the official shop. Purchase your favorite wizard’s wand or even a shirt to remember your visit.

Harrod Department Store

Internationally recognized as one of the largest department stores, Harrods has nearly everything you can think of. Similarly, with Hamleys, it has over seven floors of designer fashion, food, accessories, and luxury gifts.

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