How to Enjoy London in November: A Complete Guide

Edson Amorina Jr

1 year ago

How to Enjoy London in November: A Complete Guide

Explore London in November – a city brimming with history, culture, and diversity. Gain insights and trip-planning tips here.

London is one of the most popular destinations in the world, and for good reason. The city is full of history, culture, entertainment, and diversity. But what is it like to visit London in November? Is it worth braving the cold and the rain? What are the best things to do and see in this month?

In this blog post, I will answer all these questions and more. I will share with you my personal experience of visiting London in November, as well as some tips and practical information to help you plan your trip.

Read also our posts to plan your visit in London and England:

Why Visit London in November?

November is not the most obvious choice for visiting London. The weather is often chilly, wet, and windy. The days are short and dark. The crowds are still there, especially around the major attractions and shopping areas. However, there are also some advantages to visiting London in November. Here are some of them:

You can enjoy the festive atmosphere of the city as it prepares for Christmas. You can see the beautiful lights and decorations, visit the Christmas markets and ice rinks, and attend various events and shows.
You can take advantage of the off-season prices and deals. You can find cheaper flights, hotels, and tickets for attractions and tours. You can also avoid some of the queues and hassles that come with peak season travel.
You can experience a different side of London. You can explore the cozy pubs, cafes, and museums. You can admire the autumn colors in the parks and gardens. You can discover some hidden gems and lesser-known attractions that are not as crowded as the famous ones.

Find the best deals and options for flights and airport transfers to your hotel.

London Magical Christmas Lights walking tour – Marvel at the best of the Christmas Lights on this small-group guided walk • Discover London’s famous landmarks along the way • hear about the history of some of our best loved Christmas traditions

What to Do in London in November?

There is no shortage of things to do in London in any month of the year, but November has some special highlights that you should not miss. Here are some of the best things to do in London in November:

See the Lord Mayor’s Show. This is a traditional event that dates back to 1215, when King John granted a charter to the City of London to elect its own mayor. Every year, on the second Saturday of November, the newly elected Lord Mayor of London leads a procession of floats, bands, military units, and other performers from Mansion House to the Royal Courts of Justice. The show is followed by a fireworks display over the Thames.
Watch a fireworks display on Bonfire Night. This is another historical event that commemorates the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605, when a group of Catholic conspirators tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament and kill King James I. Every year, on November 5th or around that date, various locations across London host fireworks displays and bonfires to celebrate the survival of the king and the capture of the plotters.
Visit the Tower of London’s poppy installation. This is a poignant tribute to the fallen soldiers of World War I, which ended on November 11th, 1918. Every year, from late October to mid-November, thousands of ceramic poppies are planted around the Tower of London’s moat, creating a stunning visual effect. Each poppy represents a British or Commonwealth soldier who died during the war. Check the Tower of London and Crown Jewels Exhibition Ticket.
Enjoy a theater show or a musical. London is famous for its West End theater scene, which offers a wide range of shows for all tastes and budgets. November is a great time to catch some of the new releases or some of the classics that are always running. Some of the most popular shows include The Lion King, Wicked, Les Miserables, The Phantom of the Opera, Hamilton, and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
Shop at the Christmas markets. If you love shopping or just browsing for unique gifts and souvenirs, you will love the Christmas markets that pop up all over London in November. You can find everything from handmade crafts, jewelry, clothing, food, drinks, and more. Some of the best Christmas markets are located at Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland, Southbank Centre’s Winter Market, Leicester Square’s Christmas Market, and Greenwich Market.

The London Eye Entry Ticket – A trip on the London Eye is truly captivating. The attraction is one of the world’s tallest observation wheels and has been London’s number one visitor experience for over a decade.

Essentials for Visiting London in November

Before you pack your bags and head to London in November, here are some essential things you should know:

The weather in London in November is unpredictable. It can be sunny one day and rainy the next. It can be mild or freezing cold. The average temperature is around 10°C (50°F), but it can drop below zero at night. The average rainfall is around 64 mm (2.5 inches), but it can vary from year to year. The average daylight hours are around 8 hours per day.
The best way to get around London is by public transport. London has an extensive network of buses, trains, tubes (subway), trams, boats, and bikes that can take you anywhere you want to go. You can buy an Oyster card or a contactless card to pay for your fares or use a travelcard or a pass for unlimited travel. You can also use apps like Citymapper or Google Maps to plan your routes and check the timetables and prices.
The best way to save money on attractions is by using a London Pass or a London Explorer Pass. These are cards that give you access to over 80 attractions and tours in London, including some of the most popular ones like the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral, the London Eye, and more. You can choose how many days you want to use the card (from 1 to 10) and how many attractions you want to visit (from 3 to 10). You can also get discounts on restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues with the card. Check the Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing-Tour.
The best way to stay safe in London is by using common sense and being aware of your surroundings. London is generally a safe city, but like any big city, it has its share of crime and scams. You should avoid walking alone at night, especially in unfamiliar or poorly lit areas. You should keep your valuables close to you and avoid flashing them in public. You should also be careful of pickpockets, especially in crowded places like the tube or the markets. You should also be wary of strangers who approach you with offers or requests that seem too good to be true.

Natural History Museum Entry Ticket and Guided Tour – Get the most out of your visit to the London Natural History Museum on a guided tour with pre-reserved entry tickets. Journey through the wonders of the natural world from volcanoes to earthquakes.

Tips and Practical Information for Visiting London in November

To make the most of your trip to London in November, here are some tips and practical information that you should know:

Book your flights and hotels in advance. November is not the busiest month for tourism in London, but it is still popular, especially around the holidays. You can find some good deals and discounts if you book early, especially online. You can also compare prices and reviews on sites like Booking.com.
Pack layers and waterproof clothing. As mentioned before, the weather in London in November can be unpredictable and changeable. You should pack clothes that you can layer up or down depending on the temperature and the occasion. You should also pack a warm coat, a hat, a scarf, gloves, and an umbrella or a raincoat. You should also pack comfortable shoes that can withstand the rain and the walking.
Check the opening hours and days of the attractions you want to visit. Some attractions may have shorter opening hours or be closed on certain days in November due to maintenance or special events. You should check their websites or call them before you go to avoid disappointment. You should also check if they require advance booking or have any restrictions due to COVID-19.

Take advantage of the free attractions and activities in London. London is an expensive city, but it also has a lot of free things to do and see. You can visit some of the world-class museums and galleries like the British Museum, the National Gallery, the Tate Modern, and more. You can also enjoy some of the parks and gardens like Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, Kensington Gardens, and more. You can also watch some of the ceremonies and parades like the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace or the Remembrance Day Service at Whitehall.
Try some of the local food and drinks in London. London is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, so you can find something for every palate and budget. You can try some of the traditional dishes like fish and chips, pie and mash, roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, or afternoon tea. You can also try some of the ethnic foods like Indian curry, Chinese dim sum, Turkish kebab, or Italian pizza. You can also sample some of the local drinks like ale, cider, gin, or tea.

Afternoon Tea Cruise on the River Thames – Indulge in one of England’s best traditions and enjoy a 1.5-hour Afternoon Tea cruise along the River Thames. See some of the city’s most historic buildings, while enjoying a pot of tea, served alongside a selection of delicate sandwiches and cakes.

Find the Best area to stay in a hotel or hostel in London, England

Find the best hotel, hostel and B&B accommodation option in London, England, United Kingdom.

Booking.com Booking.com

Guided Tour and Tourist Attractions in London, England

Offers and ticket purchase options for tourist attractions and guided tours in London.

London is a wonderful city to visit any time of the year, but November has some special charms that make it worth considering. You can enjoy the festive atmosphere, the off-season prices, and the different side of the city. You can also do and see a lot of things that are unique to this month. I hope this blog post has given you some inspiration and information for planning your trip to London in November.

Where to travel next?

General international travel tips

For general travel tips, be sure to check out: