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What's on in November

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South Western Railway October 26, 2026 12 min read
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The clocks may have gone back, and the nights drawing in but that doesn’t stop London and the South West from being must visit destinations as November brings a whole host of events and activities to warm you up for the festive season.

Dust off your winter warmers and head out to see fireworks light up the skies,  go to one of London’s Remembrance Day events, enjoy soothing sounds at the London Jazz Festival. And, if that’s not enough to keep you busy, the festive season gets into gear. Get your Christmas shopping done early (or treat yourself) on Black Friday and head to some magical Christmas markets.

Here’s your guide to what’s on in November in London and the South West - now, get those calendars filled!

World Vegan Day

1 November

Vurger

Finding a vegan restaurant just a few years ago may have seemed a real challenge – but now, the options are limitless! With more and more people opting for an environmentally kinder, plant-based diet, we have rounded up the best vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurants in London perfect for World Vegan day, all of which are easy to get to using the South Western Railway network.

Celebrate Día de Muertos

1-2 November

Not to be confused with Halloween, Día de Muertos (also known as Day of the Dead) is a Mexican holiday dating back 3,000 years. The two days are for family members who have passed away as they get to visit the land of the living and reunite with loved ones for the day. Rather than being a sad day, it is celebration filled with music, food, dancing, and stunning decorations to welcome back their dearly departed.

There are events going on across London including  Camden Market Day of the Dead Festival on 1 November, Horniman Museum Day of the Dead Festival & Evening Fiesta on 31 October, and Tate Modern Day of the Dead Procession on 1 November. 

If you would like to join in the celebrations, why not visit one of these places for the best Mexican food in London.

Watch the skies light up on Bonfire night

5 November

Fireworks display at Battersea Park

5 November marks bonfire night. Make the most of it and go to a display with family and friends. Big and small, there are events to suit every taste. 

Experience the capital’s displays, which include huge bonfire lights, fairground rides, ice rinks, and food and drink at the likes of Battersea and Wimbledon Park.

There are also events outside London in Winchester and some with stunning sea backdrops such as Bournemouth and Poole. Or, take a train to Devon, to the small town of Ottery St. Mary. To celebrate bonfire night, men, women and children of all ages run through the town carrying flaming barrels of tar on their backs!  

Head to the Lord Mayor’s Show

14 November

Lord Mayor's Show

The Lord Mayor’s Show, the oldest and longest civic procession in the world, will set off from Mansion House on 14 November at 11am.

More than 6,000 people take part in the procession that includes floats, inflatables, marching bands and military detachments. You can watch the outward procession from 11am to 12pm in the area between Bank and St Paul's.

We suggest getting trains to London at least 45 minutes early for a good view from the roadside.

Make a day of it and grab a bite to eat after. Save money on your food bill with SWR Rewards, including 2For1 on pizza and pasta at Azzurro Italian Bar & Kitchen, or 20% off your food bill at bbar. 

Join in on Remembrance Day events

8 November

11 November marks Remembrance Day - held in recognition of Armistice Day, when the Allied forces and Germany signed a treaty ending World War I. It was first celebrated on 11 November 1919. Members of the Commonwealth use this day to commemorate the lives lost in all wars since.

The nation takes part in a two-minute silence at 11 am to pause, reflect and remember those who died fighting. Remembrance Sunday 2026 is on 8 November.  

Local remembrance parades, church services, and road closures take place across UK towns and cities. In London, the primary national event occurs in Whitehall, which opens to the public at 8 am. There'll be a 2-minute silence at 11 am, followed by the official wreath-laying ceremony and the Royal British Legion veteran march-past.

Get into the groove at London Jazz Festival

13-22 November

The London Jazz Festival events take place in some of London's most iconic venues. 

Here's a snippet at some of the top events this year. 

Jazz Voice 2026 takes place on 13 November, hosted by Jumoké Fashola with arranger and conductor Guy Barker, the EFG London Jazz Festival Orchestra, and guest soloists including Lizz Wright, Rita Wilson, Marvin Muoneké, Emma Smith, and Liv Wharfield.

Goldie Live with Orchestra & Guests takes place on 14 November at Royal Festival Hall - A special crossover performance with a live band, orchestra, and guest artists, tied with a weekend Metalheadz pop-up shop and a six-month run of Beyond the Streets II at the Saatchi Gallery.

There'll also be gigs happening across the capital at the like of the Jazz Café, South Bank, Ronnie Scott’s, and KOKO.

Go to a Christmas Market

Crowds of people at Christmas market huts

Christmas markets are returning to London and the South West this November! Fill up on mulled wine and mince pies, grab your stocking fillers, and soak up the magical festive atmosphere at markets across our network.

From the world-famous Hyde Park Winter Wonderland and vibrant Leicester Square Market to one of Europe’s best - Winchester Cathedral market and much more, check out our guide to the best Christmas markets. Here, you’ll learn what they offer, how to get there, and other festive activities to try while you’re in town.

Check out an exhibition

November is the perfect time for indoor activities - and these exhibitions won't disappoint. 

Our top pick for this month is Frameless - an immersive and interactive take on fine art, showcasing no less than 42 different digital interpretations of 29 of the world’s most iconic artists, including masterpieces from Cezanne, Kandinsky, Monet, Dalí, Van Gogh and Rembrandt, to name just a few. Set to a score of classical and contemporary music, Frameless uses state of the art projection technology, creating a must-see experience to excite and inspire visitors of all ages. A truly magical experience right in the heart of London. Save with SWR Rewards with 20 % off.

Other exhibitions to check out include: 90s: Art and Fashion at Tate Britain, featuring 1990s British art, fashion, photography, and pop culture with works from Damien Hirst, Alexander McQueen, and Juergen Teller, and Renoir and Love featuring iconic French impressionist pieces, including Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s Bal au Moulin de la Galette shown for the first time in the UK at the National Gallery. 

Head to a theatre show

Dancing scene from Hamilton the musical

Going to the theatre is a great shout for an evening out with family and friends.  Check out our roundup of West End show offers with SWR Rewards. Highlights include family favourites like Paddington the Musical, Oliver, and Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean: The Immersive Adventure. 

Plan your travel with South Western Railway

Now you’ve filled your November calendar, it’s time to plan your travel. Find cheap train tickets by travelling off-peak and enjoy further discounts with a Railcard. If you’re travelling in a group, you could benefit from GroupSave.

We’ll catch you next month with ideas for what to do across our network in December.

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