Exciting things to do close to the capital in October 2025, all easily accessible in a day trip. Browse our Beyond London section for ideas for other day trips and weekends away.
PUMPKIN PICKING: Embrace the Halloween spirit and go pumpkin picking in one of these fields and patches close to London. Slip your wellies on and pick your gourds — some venues offer special Halloween events and carving sessions too.
BRIGHTON WELLNESS FESTIVAL: The inaugural Brighton Wellness Festival pitches up in the Sussex seaside town, with hundreds of workshops, talks and experiences designed to make the wellness industry inclusive for everyone. Breathwork, nutritional therapy, massage, therapeutic journaling and decluttering are among practices covered. 1-8 October (East Sussex)
HASTINGS WEEK AND BONFIRE: To mark the anniversary of the Battle of Hastings (14 October, FYI), and to celebrate the local people and culture, the seaside town of Hastings hosts Hastings Week. Events include live music, a classic car show, a Battle of Hastings reenactment, a tractor run and guided walks. Also in town that week is the Hastings Bonfire (18 October), complete with torchlit procession and fireworks on the beach. 3-19 October (East Sussex)
BLENHEIM DOGFEST: There's loads going on at Blenheim Palace this autumn, giving you the chance to experience the grounds in their autumn finery, as well as going on new tours and getting involved in fresh experiences. The first weekend of this month is DogFest, a canine-centric festival of shows, advice, activities and shopping. You're welcome to bring your own dog along, natch. 4-5 October
MAIDSTONE LIT FEST: Celia Imrie, Cally Beaton, Lucy Manhan, Gill Hornby and TM Logan are some of the authors taking part in the third edition of Maidstone Lit Fest, held at venues in the town including Fremlin Walk shopping centre and Maidstone Museum. There are events for children too, including rhyme and storytelling sessions. 4-11 October (Kent)
SOUTHEND JAZZ FESTIVAL: Live performances, workshops and film screenings form Southend Jazz Festival, taking place at various venues around the Essex seaside city. Louise Clare Marshall, the Dan Parker Trio and the Essex Youth Jazz Orchestra are among the big names. Some events are free. 6-12 October (Essex)
PLOT TO PLATE: RHS Wisley on the London-Surrey border celebrates home-grown food at week-long festival Plot To Plate. Take a guided tour of the World Food Garden, get tips from experts on cultivating your own seedlings, and get a taste of other people's hard work at the food and drink market. 8-12 October (Surrey)
HARWICH SHANTY FESTIVAL: Yo ho ho! Enjoy three days of hearty singing in an historic seaport for Harwich Shanty Festival. Performances, barge trips, walks, talks and workshops are all part of the salty fun, taking place across boats, pubs and other historic buildings. 10-12 October (Essex)
CLIVEDEN LITERARY FESTIVAL: One of the biggest events on the UK book calendar, Cliveden Literary Festival 2025 pulls in a seriously impressive roster of speakers including Ian Rankin, Salman Rushdie, Elif Shafak, Alain de Botton, Anthony Horowitz and dozens more — all packed into two days. 11-12 October (Buckinghamshire)
JANE AUSTEN STATUE: The Jane Austen 250 celebrations continue across Hampshire, including in Winchester where a statue of the author is unveiled this month. The outdoor memorial, by figurative sculptor Martin Jennings will be located in the Inner Close, near to the cathedral building where she is buried. From 16 October (Hampshire)
GIANTS OF STEAM: The Bluebell Railway pulls out the big guns for its Giants of Steam autumn gala. Special guest locomotives 60163 Tornado, 6880 Betton Grange and 2999 Lady of Legend are on show, along with Bluebell's own fleet, with a chance to ride them between Sheffield Park and East Grinstead. 17-19 October (East Sussex)
SPECTACLE OF LIGHT: This year's festive light shows get under way properly in November, but Welford Park in Newbury kicks things off early with Spectacle of Light, an illuminated trail through woodland and gardens accompanied by a soundtrack. 17 October-9 November (Berkshire)
ZOG: Get the kids out in the fresh air this half term, at Kew Gardens' sister site, Wakehurst in West Sussex. A trail themed on Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's character Zog leads you through the gardens, with five activities based on the story, and plenty of autumn colour to see as you stroll around. 18 October-2 November (West Sussex)
TRANSPORTFEST: The London Bus Museum (which is not quite in London) hosts Transportfest, a gathering of all manner of vehicles — remember, this is the museum with a real-life Concorde outside. Buses, taxis, military and emergency vehicles dating from different periods are on display, along with live music, a collector's market and family-friendly entertainment. 19 October (Surrey)
CHICHESTER 950: Light art specialists Luxmuralis seem to be everywhere at the moment — including at Chichester Cathedral this October for Chichester950, marking the building's 950th anniversary. 30,000 images from the cathedral archives feature in the light and sound show. 24-31 October (West Sussex)
Further ideas for trips from London this October
Fancy an autumn walk? Head to High Rocks, just outside Tunbridge Wells, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest which boasts Stone Age shelters and graffiti dating back to the 1700s, and looks particularly fantastic in the autumn. Then head to the pub/restaurant across the road for some warming food and drinks.
Planning ahead for October half term? If the weather's on your side, treat the kids to a trip to the real life Hundred Acre Wood. The village of Hartfield in Sussex is where AA Milne wrote his children's books, with many local sites dedicated to his work, including the Pooh Sticks Bridge, and Pooh Corner, a charming tea room and museum themed on all things Winnie the Pooh.
