Well, the clocks have gone back, the temperatures are distinctly chilly and the nights are drawing in. With Autumn leaves almost all off the trees, winter’s around the corner and many of us are feeling sad (particularly because it wasn’t the most sunny of London summers).

But never mind, because there’s always something to do in the capital and as long as you put on your scarf, hat and gloves, and some comfy walking shoes, you can pound the pavements happily with all kinds of galleries, museums, theatre performances and restaurant openings just waiting for you.

And whilst there are fewer visitors in London in November than July, the city is welcoming, with its culture, food scene, green spaces (including our lovely, local Hampstead Heath) and - of course - an array of markets that never fail to enchant.

What’s on offer in London this November? Read on to find out…


1. Bonfire Night - 1st and 2nd November

We list it every year, but how could we not? “Remember, remember, the Fifth of November” is something every child learns in school and, indeed, gunpowder, treason and plot will, as ever, be on the menu at the beginning of the month to head out to firework displays and flaming effigies of Guy Fawkes, the man who almost blew up Parliament!

There are places to enjoy yourself all over the capital but two of the biggest displays will be in Wimbledon (south of the river) and Alexandra Palace (north London, and really not far from us in Hampstead). There are still tickets up for grabs and it really will be a fun evening, complete with ice skating and a live music stage. Wrap up warmly and get out there…


2. Armistice Day Commemoration - Sunday 10th November

Remembrance Sunday in the UK is an annual event that is held to remember - and honour - the heroic sacrifices that so many men and women gave in past wars. Traditionally held on the second Sunday of November - which this year falls on 10th of the month - there will be a moving ceremony held in central London, at which members of the Royal Family (including the Prince of Wales and possibly the King) as well as leading politicians will attend.

Wreaths will be laid, solemn music will be played and at 11am the nation will fall silent for two minutes to pay respect. This is a military parade that never fails to impress and anyone can attend - just make sure you arrive early to get a good spot. The route (from Whitehall, south towards Parliament Square, turning right into Great George Street then right again into Horse Guards Road) is always crowded…with good reason. Open to the public, no tickets or passes are required.


3. The Lehman Trilogy - at the Gillian Lynne Theatre, until January 2025

The riveting landmark National Theatre production of the Lehman Trilogy is back in the West End, for a limited season. Playing at the Gillian Lynne Theatre, this tremendous story of three generations of the German Lehman family - who established the eponymous bank that went bust in spectacular style in the financial crisis of 2008 - this is a marvellous tale of a ‘family business’ that went global and, even at three hours long, you’ll be glued to your seat.

John Heffernan, Aaron Krohn and Howard W. Overshown all star in this ‘tour de force’ and - without a doubt - give powerhouse performances. From humble beginnings as cotton brokers to an investment bank moguls that - at the end of the day - the Fed wouldn’t save, the Lehman Trilogy is a cautionary tale of the excesses of American capitalism. Tickets will sell fast so book now!

 

4. ‘Michaelangelo, Leonardo, Raphael’ at the Royal Academy - 9th November 2024 until 16th February 2025

Three of the greatest artists of the 16th century - Michaelangelo, Leonardo, Raphael - take centre stage at the Royal Academy of Arts, this November, and it’s bound to be astonishing. Presenting over 40 works, including Leonardo’s Burlington House cartoon, Raphael’s Bridgewater Madonna and Michaelangelo’s Taddei Tondo, this is something no lover of the Italian renaissance should miss.

Apparently, the exhibition has been exquisitely curated and, naturally will explore the rivalry between MIchelangelo and Leonardo and the impact both of their works had on Raphael. It promises to be as exciting as the British Museum’s ‘Michelangelo - the Last Decades’ of earlier this year and, in any case, who doesn’t enjoy a stroll along Piccadilly, past the grand Arcades, beautiful Fortnum and Mason and into lovely Green Park on a blue-skied afternoon?

 

5. ‘The Magic of Motown’ - New Wimbledon Theatre, 13th November

For anyone that loves to boogie on down to amazing artists, get yourself transported back to the 1960’s in south London at the ‘Magic of Motown’ concert. The sounds of a generation will be reverberating throughout the New Wimbledon Theatre, as some very talented artists perform famous songs by icons such as Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, the Four Tops, Smokey Robinson and so many more.

Motown, the African-American record label owned by Universal Music Group, wasn’t just about bringing people incredible music either. This soul music with a tremendous pop appeal, played an instrumental role in bringing black singers and songwriters to the fore - and the legend continues today. So if you feel like you can’t go on, and there ain’t no mountain high enough (sorry for the puns) then this is the show for you.

If you're coming to London and looking for a lovely place to stay, why not consider staying at La Gaffe Hotel Hampstead? Located in leafy Hampstead, our comfortable, family-run and family-owned guest accommodation. is just three minutes walk from the tube, a quick stroll both to the lush, green Heath and charming Hampstead Village. 

Our rates include a continental breakfast and our (famous) cappuccino and because we’re only three minutes walk from the Hampstead tube, you can be in the centre of the city in just 15 minutes, courtesy of London Underground.

For more information about our rooms and to make a reservation directly with us, contact us by phone or email - we’re looking forward to seeing you!