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After an unexpected September heatwave, it’s time to resurface the warm clothes as the autumn-season kicks off.
The days may be getting shorter and colder, but sights of red, orange and gold leaves splashing parks and gardens, spooky-season fun, beer-fuelled Oktoberfest parties, food festivals and more across our network are sure to brighten up your days.
Read on for our top picks for things to do this October in London and the South West.
Get your caffeine fix on International Coffee Day
International Coffee Day takes place on 1 October to promote and celebrate coffee as a beverage.
What better way to celebrate than in our capital, which is gifted with plenty of aromatic and flavoursome speciality coffee all around.
From quirky cafés to artisan espresso bars, we’ve rounded up some of the best coffee shops in London to help you decide where to go.
Dine out on World Vegetarian Day
Also on 1 October is World Vegetarian Day. Established by the North American Vegetarian Society in 1977 and endorsed by the International Vegetarian Union in 1978, its aim is to “promote the joy, compassion and life-enhancing possibilities of vegetarianism".
If you’re heading out for it, we’ve rounded up the best vegan and veggie restaurants in London to help you decide where to celebrate.
Have a Bavarian ball at Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest in Munich is one of the top experiences of the month, with heaps of people travelling there to take part. Can’t make it? No worries! Plenty of venues bring Oktoberfest home to celebrate one of Germany’s biggest cultural celebrations.
From bars, bierkellers and restaurants to large-scale events throughout the capital, check out our guide to the best places to enjoy Oktoberfest in London.
If you’d rather celebrate outside London, the South West boasts plenty of events to try.
Bournevaria Oktoberfest, which takes place between 20-21 October, is the South Coast’s largest indoor Oktoberfest celebration. Set in a Bavarian-themed beer hall in Bournemouth International Centre, Bournevaria Oktoberfest is laced in German tradition. It features long tables, live entertainment and traditionally dressed waiters and waitresses serving you and your friends at your seats. Get to Bournemouth with South Western Railway.
Other ones to try include Southampton’s Oktoberfest on 27-28 October at The Guildhall Square, and Weymouth’s Oktoberfest on 7-8 of the month at Weymouth Pavilion.
Indulge on scrumptious food at London restaurant festival
The London Restaurant Festival returns this October to celebrate the capital’s diverse dining scene. It takes place throughout the month, but kicks off on 30 September at Market Halls Oxford Street with the Food Fest event.
There are over 50 culinary events to enjoy. At the Food Fest event, your £15 ticket will get you a signature dish, and welcome cocktail. Other activities include restaurant hopping tours in Islington on 4 October, Belgravia on 24 October and Kings Cross on 31 October.
All locations are easily reachable from London Waterloo.
Cheer on family and friends at the Great South Run
Watch one of the world’s most famous 10-mile running events - the Great South Run - on 15 October, plus the Great South 5k and Junior Mini Great South Run on 14 October.
We’ve put together a guide which details top locations to watch runners pass by, including landmarks on the route.
It’s not too late to sign up to run. Visit the Great South Run website to enter.
London Transport Museum Late: ‘London Calling’
Calling London-based students! Get to know the capital and your fellow Londoners at this London Transport Museum Late event on 6 October.
Explore London through a scavenger hunt, games and activities including sashaying down the catwalk as your favourite tube station. If you’re feeling peckish, head to Mr Burrito at the museum where you can enjoy tacos, quesadilla, burritos and other Mexican cuisine, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and halal options.
London Transport museum is just a 15-minute walk from Waterloo Station. If you want to learn more about the museum on another visit, remember to get 2For1 tickets from SWR Rewards.
Enjoy half-term activities with the kids
Take the kids out this half term. There are plenty of activities to choose from. Here are some of our top picks, suited for all tastes and budgets.
The Lookout - Head to this free viewing spot to see London’s historic landmarks and modern skyscrapers from the 50th floor gallery.
Hampshire activities - Visit Hampshire where you’ll find a whole host of things to do including 1940s Week at Milestones Museum in Basingstoke, Mysteries & Mayhem at Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium, and a must-see family attraction - Paultons Park near Southampton.
Free exhibitions - Keeping the teens entertained can be slightly trickier, especially on a budget. Try this one - a free exhibition that explores notions of beauty across time and cultures, starting on 26 October at Wellcome Collection in London. You could also try the Design Museum's Skateboard exhibition, which maps the design evolution of the skateboard from the 1950s to today.
These are just a few examples of many things you can do with the kids during October half term. For more ideas, take a look at our October half term guide which includes visits to Kew Gardens, SEA LIFE centre in London, LEGOLAND®, and more.
If you’re looking to extend a day trip, our top South West staycations and 48 hours in London guides are worth a look in.
Don’t forget to check SWR Rewards for money-off stays, activities, food and more when you travel with us.
Have some spooky Halloween fun
No matter your age, there are plenty of things to do around Halloween across the region.
Halloween for kids
Head to a pumpkin patch in the South West, where you’ll find gardens or farmlands filled with pumpkins of all shapes and sizes. There are plenty to choose from on the network, including Pickwell Farm in Southampton, Sopley Farm Shop & Bakery in Christchurch, and plenty closer to the capital. Read our dedicated pumpkin patch guide to learn more.
If your little ones are Harry Potter fans, this one’s bound to impress them: Dark Arts. Running until 5 November, you can step into the iconic sets from the Harry Potter film series in a spookier setting especially for Halloween, and experience the holiday as if you’re a Hogwarts student.
Across the region, plenty of top attractions get involved with hosting Halloween-themed fun. Head to Chessington World of Adventures on select October weekends to see live dance shows and meet and greets to kid-friendly shows and scare attractions for those a little braver. Get your tickets.
Between 13-31 October, a Halloween-themed fun-fest takes place at Paultons Park. Every October this thrilling theme park gets a spooky makeover complete with horror shows, creepy meet and greets and a whopping 4,000 pumpkins!
The Winchester Science Centre will host a spooky science Halloween experience from 7-30 October, which includes a trick or treat trail, monster mini disco, free live science show and more.
See our top spooky attractions guide for more inspo.
Halloween for adults
If you fancy a night out on the town, London has plenty of Halloween-themed events to choose from, including some close to Waterloo station so you can enjoy a hassle-free train ride home.
Before we get into it be sure to read our guide to safe train travel, especially if you’re planning on staying out late.
Try El Dia of the Dead at London Cabaret Club. Just a 5-minute walk from the station at Bloomsbury Ballroom, this one’s a Romeo and Juliet inspired Halloween show, where 2 familial rivals go on a doomed mission to destroy each other to win the heart of their lover.
Trapped In Wonderland is another fun-filled option for over 18’s. Taking place on 31 October, this one’s an Alice in Wonderland-themed Halloween experience. there will be DJs, spooky decor, confetti showers and more. The event is just a 5 minute walk from Waterloo station.
If you fancy something a little more low-key then head to a London pub or cocktail bar where you’re bound to join plenty of people dressed up in spooky Halloween-themed outfits enjoying the Capital’s nightlife.
See our guide on how to celebrate Halloween in London for more inspo, and while you’re here, learn about the London Necropolis Railway that used to run out of London Waterloo.
Plan your travel with South Western Railway
Now you’ve filled your October 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 November.
