Best Free Things to Do in London This October (2025 Guide)
October in London is a little bit magical. The air feels crisp, the leaves in the parks turn shades of gold and orange, and the city slowly shifts from late-summer vibes into cosy autumn mode. Cafés swap iced lattes for spiced chai, coats start appearing on the Tube, and London feels alive with events and traditions.
But here’s the thing most visitors (and even many locals) don’t realise: you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy it. Some of the best October experiences in London are completely free — no tickets, no pricey tours, just you and the city.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor trying to stretch your budget or a Londoner looking for something fresh, here’s your guide to the best free things to do in London this October.
1. Soak in London’s Autumn Parks
London in autumn is basically nature’s theatre. Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, and St James’s Park all put on a show this month, with crunchy leaves, crisp air, and those postcard-worthy reflections on the lakes. Richmond Park is another must — not only do you get fiery autumn colours, but it’s also deer rutting season. Watching stags clash antlers at sunrise is something you’ll never forget.
If you fancy a quieter moment, head to Hampstead Heath. Grab a takeaway coffee, wander up to Parliament Hill, and watch the skyline framed by autumn trees. October sunsets from up there are unreal.
2. Free October Festivals & Street Celebrations
London doesn’t slow down in October — if anything, it picks up.
Diwali on Trafalgar Square is one of the most beautiful free festivals of the year. Expect traditional dance, live music, and a glow of lights as the square turns into a giant celebration of South Asian culture.
Black History Month is marked across London with free exhibitions, talks, and walking tours. Keep an eye on local libraries, museums, and community centres — they often host fascinating events.
And then there’s the London Literature Festival at Southbank Centre. Not every event is free, but many pop-ups, readings, and installations are open to the public without a ticket.
These festivals are brilliant not just because they’re free, but because they give you a real sense of London’s cultural mix.
3. Explore London’s Markets (Without Spending a Penny)
Markets in London aren’t just about buying — they’re about atmosphere.
Wander through Borough Market in October and you’ll be hit with the smell of mulled cider and fresh bread. Even if you don’t buy a thing, it’s a sensory feast. Columbia Road Flower Market is another autumn favourite, especially when the stalls overflow with pumpkins, autumn blooms, and dried flowers.
And of course, Camden Market is always buzzing. Street art, buskers, quirky stalls — you could easily spend hours here just exploring.
4. Cultural Fix Without Spending a Penny
London’s world-class museums and galleries are free year-round, but October adds a different charm.
The Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall usually hosts massive, thought-provoking installations, perfect for ducking into on a chilly day. The National Gallery feels cosier in autumn — wandering through Renaissance masterpieces while rain falls outside just feels right.
And don’t sleep on the Museum of London Docklands. It’s one of the city’s most underrated free museums, and with Halloween vibes in the air, its dark dockside history feels even more atmospheric.
Pro tip: go during weekday mornings if you can. You’ll get whole rooms to yourself.
5. Seasonal Quirky Free Things
Some of the most memorable moments in October aren’t “big attractions” — they’re small, seasonal things.
Street performers around Covent Garden piazza feel extra magical this time of year, especially as dusk falls and fairy lights start twinkling. Southbank is another favourite — buskers, pop-up art, and riverside walks all come alive in October evenings.
Even window shopping is fun. Wander around Oxford Street and Regent Street and you’ll start spotting the early stages of Christmas window displays being built. It’s like watching the city slowly dress itself up for the festive season.
6. Walks That Feel Different in October
October is the perfect walking month in London. The air’s cool but not freezing, and the city feels cinematic.
A Thames Path walk at golden hour gives you those moody autumn skies over Tower Bridge and St Paul’s.
For something artsy, head to Leake Street Tunnel near Waterloo — it’s a constantly changing graffiti gallery, and totally free.
And if you’re into spooky vibes, do your own DIY Jack the Ripper trail through Whitechapel. You don’t need a paid tour — just wander the streets where the stories happened. On a chilly October evening, it’s atmospheric in all the right ways.
7. Big London Landmarks (With an October Twist)
Don’t overlook the obvious — they’re free too.
The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is still a must, and October means slightly smaller crowds. Sky Garden offers incredible city views for free, but you’ll need to book ahead. And if you’re near St Paul’s, just walking around the cathedral grounds with autumn leaves falling is a mood in itself.
One more hidden gem: head to Greenwich. The views from the top of Greenwich Park in October, with the city skyline behind fiery autumn trees, are postcard-perfect.
Final Thoughts
London in October proves that you don’t need to spend big to have a great time. The city gives so much away for free — from its culture and history to its parks and seasonal celebrations. The trick is to slow down, take it in, and let yourself get lost in the atmosphere.
So grab a scarf, wander into a park, catch a festival, and let London show you how special autumn can be.
And if you want more insider tips like this — not the touristy copy-paste stuff, but the real local finds — make sure you follow me on Instagram @london.yaar I share weekly guides, hidden gems, and seasonal updates to help you experience London in the best (and smartest) way.