Looking for something to do this October? This month is full of spooktacular Halloween celebrations, half term activities and beer-fuelled Oktoberfest parties. So, find the best things happening across our network this autumn.
Oktoberfest London
Until 31 October
Oktoberfest in Munich is one of the top experiences on travel bucket lists, but if you can’t go then how about trying the next best alternative – Oktoberfest in London! Whether you’re a devoted beer enthusiast or simply want to join in with one of Germany’s most significant cultural celebrations, these are the best places to enjoy Oktoberfest in London. From bars, bierkellers and restaurants to large-scale events throughout the capital, you don’t have to go to Munich for an authentic Oktoberfest experience.
London Restaurant Festival
1-31 October
The annual autumn celebration of London’s finest restaurants returns for 2022 with a stellar line-up of experiences including, tasting menus, restaurant hopping tours, masterclasses, and films paired with food. Tickets for the London Restaurant Festival usually sell-out fast so make sure you get your hands on them before you miss out! Didn’t get your hands on some? Then read our guide to discover some of the best Michelin star restaurants in London and the South West.
International Coffee Day
1 October
Aromatic and flavoursome with the perfect harmony of sweetness and acidity, nothing beats a great cup of coffee. So whether you’re coffee connoisseur or need a cup to get you through your day, we’ve rounded up some of the best coffee shops in London. From quirky cafés to artisan espresso bars, you’ll find somewhere to get your caffeine fix in the capital.
World Vegetarian Day
1 October
Finding a vegetarian-friendly 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, all of which are easy to get to using the South Western Railway network.
London Marathon
2 October
As one of the planet’s truly legendary running events, the London Marathon returns. The race is the perfect opportunity to raise money for charity and with 40,000 people participating in the marathon each year, there’s plenty of action to get involved with whether you’re taking part in the race or cheering runners on from the side. Our London Marathon guide tells you everything there is to know including the best viewing spots and which pubs and restaurants you should visit while you’re in town.
Strike action has been announced for 1 October and it is likely to impact our services on 2 October. Check the London Marathon website to see how this could impact collecting your event pack on 1 October and getting to the start or travelling to watch on 2 October.
BFI London Film Festival
5-16 October
Now in its 66th year, the BFI London Film Festival just keeps getting bigger and better, and this year will show more than 500 movies, documentaries and shorts from all across the world. Showings take place across the capital, but with plenty on at the BFI Southbank – just five minutes' walk away from London Waterloo, so train-travelling film fans will find it easy to catch any of the great movies on offer. Our region is also home to many famous film locations, so why not grab the popcorn and go on your own railway movie trail.
London Cocktail Week
13-23 October
The capital’s annual city-wide celebration of cocktails and world’s original Cocktail Week returns. There are hundreds of cocktail events, special experiences, immersive pop-ups, and international takeovers that will get you exploring and discovering the London bar scene. And new for 2022, Little Cocktail Villages will be popping up around London that are the perfect place to start your night with specially curated bars and experiences. With so many to choose from, read our guide to the best cocktail bars in London and the South West.
Battersea Power Station opening
14 October
After years (and decades) in the making, the iconic Battersea Power Station will finally be opening its doors to the public as London's coolest new retail destination. The two Turbine Halls at Battersea Power Station have been sensitively restored and will be home to a unique blend of shops, bars, restaurants, entertainment venues, and so much more! Getting to Battersea Power Station by train with South Western Railway is easy, so make sure you add this as an after-work or weekend activity when you’re next in London.
Great South Run
15-16 October
With the Great South Run just around the corner on 16 October, plus the Great South 5k and Junior Mini Great South Run on 15 October, it’s time to decide where you’re going to be to cheer on your family and friends running this incredible race. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered with our guide to places to watch the Great South Run. As one of the world’s most famous 10-mile running events, it’s a not-to-be-missed experience for runners and watchers alike.
Diwali
24-27 October
If you’re getting together with family or friends for Diwali, we’ve got plenty of ideas to help you plan the perfect celebration. Discover the best things to do in London in the lead-up to Diwali and during the five days of festivities, including family-friendly activities, music events, fireworks displays and the best restaurants in the capital for an authentic Diwali feast.
Half term activities
24-28 October
Looking to keep your kids entertained this October half term? Look no further than our guide for things to do with ideas for kids aged under 6, aged 7-11, and teenagers. Whether you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, a thrilling theme park or something a bit more educational, there will be something to keep everyone entertained. From 22-30 October, the London Transport Museum will have activities to show the hidden side of London life that you don't get to see. And don’t forget Diwali and Halloween are also during the October half term giving you more ideas for days out with the kids.
Halloween
31 October
Colder weather, shorter days and darker nights can only mean one thing—Halloween is here. This spooky holiday can be celebrated in lots of different ways, so whether you’re a fan of trick or treating or would rather scare yourself silly at a haunted attraction, there’s plenty of Halloween activities to do on 31 October. We have plenty of ideas for a “spooktacular” weekend so read our guides on pumpkin picking, the UK’s top spooky attractions, how to celebrate Halloween in London, and learn about the London Necropolis Railway that used to run out of London Waterloo.
From the FA Cup Final and Chelsea Flower Show, to free outdoor activities like scenic bike rides, wildflower wandering and more, here’s what’s on in May in London and the South West.
