Great Value Train Travel
Looking for things to do this October half term? Why not head to the capital this where you’ll find so many different things going on this Autumn. Or head up north to Hull for some more entertainment. With Halloween falling during half term for many school children this year, it’s a great excuse to travel by train. Read on to see some of the events that we’re most excited about – there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Where: Regent Street, London W1B 5SJ
From Piccadilly Circus to Oxford Circus, Regent Street will be pedestrianised to host the Regent Street Motor Show – the largest free motor show in the UK. It’s free to visit and family-friendly! The event will showcase a fantastic display of classic, vintage and modern cars along with entertainment, live music, period costumes and interactive displays from 10:30am until 4pm. Regent Street’s usual shops will remain open so what better time to get some Christmas shopping whilst you’re there?
Where: Multiple venues in London
Fanatical about film? From 4th to 15th October, the world’s best new movies come to London. The UK’s leading film festival is a celebration of the film industry and the talented individuals involved in the making. This festival runs for 2 weeks each year across venues in London as well as online via the BFI Player. There’s a huge selection to choose from showing at range of venues and cinemas - many of which are shown for the first time right here in the UK. Some special viewings even include cast and crew introductions, Q&As and even headline gala red carpets. Take a look at the official festival guide and how to book your tickets on the BFI website.
Where: Various locations across London
London Cocktail Week is back for 2023, and between 12th and 22nd October, you can enjoy all the cocktails in the capital. After purchasing a £15 wristband, you get access to unlimited £8 signature cocktails in hundreds of participating London bars. Not only this, but there will be a range of masterclasses, tastings and events going on! Sound like your kind of fun? Find out more and buy your wristbands here.
Where: Various locations across London
London Restaurant Festival runs twice a year, featuring a Summer Edition and an Autumn Edition. Kicking the festival off for Autumn will be a special event at Market Halls Oxford Street, an exciting street food hotspot. This event is taking place on 30th September from 6pm. For the rest of October, there are over 50 culinary experiences and events taking place showcasing masterclasses, tasting menus and much more. Find information and ticket details here.
Where: Walton Street, Hull HU3 6JG
If you’re a Hull local, you most likely already know about this annual event on Walton Street. Every year, thousands of people across the city gear up for the return of Hull Fair. It is one of the largest travelling fairs in Europe with all the favourites like the dodgems and the waltzers. From the adrenaline junkie rides and the smaller rides perfect for children to the stalls offering hook-a-duck and traditional fairground food, there’s something for everyone. The fair is open to visitors from 2pm until 11pm (12pm on Saturdays, closed on Sunday 8th) with the larger rides opening later at 5pm but some may open earlier. Entry to the fair is free with all rides individually priced. A trip to Hull Fair isn’t complete without bringing home some brandy snap and toffee apples!
Where: Hull New Theatre
London
Regent Street Motor Show
When: 4th November 2023Where: Regent Street, London W1B 5SJ
From Piccadilly Circus to Oxford Circus, Regent Street will be pedestrianised to host the Regent Street Motor Show – the largest free motor show in the UK. It’s free to visit and family-friendly! The event will showcase a fantastic display of classic, vintage and modern cars along with entertainment, live music, period costumes and interactive displays from 10:30am until 4pm. Regent Street’s usual shops will remain open so what better time to get some Christmas shopping whilst you’re there?
BFI London Film Festival
When: 4th – 15th October 2023Where: Multiple venues in London
Fanatical about film? From 4th to 15th October, the world’s best new movies come to London. The UK’s leading film festival is a celebration of the film industry and the talented individuals involved in the making. This festival runs for 2 weeks each year across venues in London as well as online via the BFI Player. There’s a huge selection to choose from showing at range of venues and cinemas - many of which are shown for the first time right here in the UK. Some special viewings even include cast and crew introductions, Q&As and even headline gala red carpets. Take a look at the official festival guide and how to book your tickets on the BFI website.
London Cocktail Week
When: 12th – 22nd October 2023Where: Various locations across London
London Cocktail Week is back for 2023, and between 12th and 22nd October, you can enjoy all the cocktails in the capital. After purchasing a £15 wristband, you get access to unlimited £8 signature cocktails in hundreds of participating London bars. Not only this, but there will be a range of masterclasses, tastings and events going on! Sound like your kind of fun? Find out more and buy your wristbands here.
London Restaurant Festival
When: 30th September to 31st OctoberWhere: Various locations across London
Queer Nature at Kew Gardens
When: 30th September to 29th October 2023
Where: Kew Gardens, Kew, Richmond, London TW9 3AE
Visit Kew Gardens this Autumn and see the iconic Temperate House decorated with suspended artwork by New York-based artist Jeffrey Gibson, all for the Queer Nature festival. The festival celebrates the connections between queer people, plants and fungi through exciting and vibrant installations and stories told by LGBTQ+ artists, gardeners, scientists, writers and more.
When: 6th – 14th October 2023Where: Kew Gardens, Kew, Richmond, London TW9 3AE
Visit Kew Gardens this Autumn and see the iconic Temperate House decorated with suspended artwork by New York-based artist Jeffrey Gibson, all for the Queer Nature festival. The festival celebrates the connections between queer people, plants and fungi through exciting and vibrant installations and stories told by LGBTQ+ artists, gardeners, scientists, writers and more.
Lord Mayor's Show
When: 11th November 2023
Where: The City of London
From 11am to 12pm, a spectacular 3-mile parade,
The Lord Mayor’s Show is a spectacular 3-mile parade through the streets of London, made up of over 100 floats and 7,000 performers. It’s a free event dating back to the 13th century where the newly elected Lord Mayor parades from the City of London to Westminster. More than half a million people are anticipated to attend and will see marching bands, dance troupes and ceremonial displays which will provide brilliant family entertainment all day long. More details will be available towards the end of September after the election of the new Lord Mayor. If you don’t get chance to visit, this event will also be broadcast live by the BBC.
Where: The City of London
From 11am to 12pm, a spectacular 3-mile parade,
The Lord Mayor’s Show is a spectacular 3-mile parade through the streets of London, made up of over 100 floats and 7,000 performers. It’s a free event dating back to the 13th century where the newly elected Lord Mayor parades from the City of London to Westminster. More than half a million people are anticipated to attend and will see marching bands, dance troupes and ceremonial displays which will provide brilliant family entertainment all day long. More details will be available towards the end of September after the election of the new Lord Mayor. If you don’t get chance to visit, this event will also be broadcast live by the BBC.
Hull
Hull Fair 2023
Where: Walton Street, Hull HU3 6JG
If you’re a Hull local, you most likely already know about this annual event on Walton Street. Every year, thousands of people across the city gear up for the return of Hull Fair. It is one of the largest travelling fairs in Europe with all the favourites like the dodgems and the waltzers. From the adrenaline junkie rides and the smaller rides perfect for children to the stalls offering hook-a-duck and traditional fairground food, there’s something for everyone. The fair is open to visitors from 2pm until 11pm (12pm on Saturdays, closed on Sunday 8th) with the larger rides opening later at 5pm but some may open earlier. Entry to the fair is free with all rides individually priced. A trip to Hull Fair isn’t complete without bringing home some brandy snap and toffee apples!
The Rocky Horror Show
When: 9th October – 14th October 2023Where: Hull New Theatre
Celebrating 50 years, this iconic show will have a special anniversary production just for 2023. It has now become the longest continuous run of a contemporary musical anywhere in the world! Book your tickets here!
Where: Various locations across Hull
HullBID brings the second Steampunk Festival to Hull, a weekend of events taking place around the city with a Halloween twist. Expect hundreds of people in Steampunk costumes and a range of events for all to enjoy! See more details here.
Hulloween Steampunk Festival
When: 20th to 22nd October 2023Where: Various locations across Hull
HullBID brings the second Steampunk Festival to Hull, a weekend of events taking place around the city with a Halloween twist. Expect hundreds of people in Steampunk costumes and a range of events for all to enjoy! See more details here.
A Great Halloween Adventure
When: 28th, 30th & 31st October 2023
Where: Hull Truck Theatre
If you’re looking for something to do to entertain your little ones, stop by Hull Truck Theatre this Halloween for arts and crafts sessions (2 per day) followed by an interactive play. The recommended age is 3-6 years old and children are encouraged to come in Halloween fancy dress! Book your tickets on the Hull Truck Theatre website.
Where: Hull Truck Theatre
If you’re looking for something to do to entertain your little ones, stop by Hull Truck Theatre this Halloween for arts and crafts sessions (2 per day) followed by an interactive play. The recommended age is 3-6 years old and children are encouraged to come in Halloween fancy dress! Book your tickets on the Hull Truck Theatre website.
Streetlife Museum: Clive Sullivan Exhibition
When: 28th, 30th & 31st October 2023
Where: Streetlife Museum, Museums Quarter, Old Town, Hull HU1 1NQ
A trip to the Streetlife Museum is always a great options for families. With free entry, it’s a great way to explore Hull’s history. See a new permanent exhibition in the museum celebrating Clive Sullivan and rugby in Hull. Explore Clive Sullivan’s achievements and see some of his possessions and rugby documents on display. Find out more here.
Where: Streetlife Museum, Museums Quarter, Old Town, Hull HU1 1NQ
A trip to the Streetlife Museum is always a great options for families. With free entry, it’s a great way to explore Hull’s history. See a new permanent exhibition in the museum celebrating Clive Sullivan and rugby in Hull. Explore Clive Sullivan’s achievements and see some of his possessions and rugby documents on display. Find out more here.
Minster History Tours
When: Throughout September - November
Where: Hull Minster
With over 700 years of history, Hull Minster offers 1 hour tours exploring the stories, history of Hull and the buildings’ architecture. You’ll see the intricate stained glass windows up, carved pew ends, the font where William Wilberforce was baptised and so much more. Book your tickets here.
Where: Hull Minster
With over 700 years of history, Hull Minster offers 1 hour tours exploring the stories, history of Hull and the buildings’ architecture. You’ll see the intricate stained glass windows up, carved pew ends, the font where William Wilberforce was baptised and so much more. Book your tickets here.
For the cheapest fares, no booking fees and free Wi-Fi on board, book your train tickets on the Hull Trains website or app today.
