At this time of year, there’s a special kind of magic in the air in St. James’s as the area comes alive with vibrant arts and culture. Read on as we explore the best spots to soak in autumnal beauty, indulge in seasonal delights, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural offerings that St. James’s has to offer in our autumn activities guide.
OUTDOOR AUTUMNAL DELIGHTS
St James’s Park is one of the most regal of the Royal Parks, boasting incredible views of Buckingham Palace, The Mall and Admiral Arch. At this time of year, the park transforms into a vibrant tapestry of crimson and golden colours. A top autumn outdoor activity is to take a stroll along the serene lakeside path and keep an eye out for the famous pelicans. These giant birds have been a feature of the park for almost 400 years, when a Russian ambassador donated them to King Charles II in 1664.
WEST END THEATRE AND MUSICALS
Lucian Msamati from Game of Thrones and Paddington’s Ben Whishaw star in the hotly anticipated new West End show and production of Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot. Directed by the award-winning James Macdonald, this witty, absurd, and deeply moving play explores what it means to be human. Waiting for Godot is now playing at the historic Theatre Royal Haymarket for a limited season from now to December. Don’t miss your chance to see the groundbreaking masterpiece that changed theatre forever.
The iconic musical Phantom of The Operawill celebrate its 38th anniversary at His Majesty’s Theatre on the 9th October. Since its debut in 1986, the tragic love story with an unforgettable score by Andrew Lloyd Webber has become one of the highest-grossing shows of all time, winning 70 major awards and captivating over 140 million people worldwide. Don’t miss your chance to experience this legendary West End production!
From Tony Award nominee Sarah Ruhl, Eurydice reimagines the classic myth and puts the heroine at the centre of her own story. It’s Eurydice’s wedding day, but after tripping and falling, she plunges into the Underworld, losing all her memories, including those of Orpheus. In a strange world of talking stones, a tyrant on a tricycle, and her father in a room of string, Eurydice must find a way to defy the rules of the Underworld. Can love conquer death? Don’t miss this fresh and surreal take on a timeless love story from the 3rd of October to the 9th of November at Jermyn Street Theatre.
Get ready for a fright-filled October at Vue Cinema Piccadilly. This autumn, they’re bringing you the best in horror, including bone-chilling movie classics like The Evil Dead 2 and Carrie, family-friendly film thrills like Hocus Pocus and A Nightmare before Christmas and spine-tingling new releases including Salem’s Lot and Joker: Folie à Deux. Grab your popcorn and book your tickets for a Halloween movie treat.
FOOD AND DRINK
Get ready to raise a glass, London Cocktail Week is back in St James’s from the 3rd to the 13th of October. Some of our favourite bars are shaking up £8 signature cocktails exclusively for wristband holders. This year, don’t miss out on delicious cocktail creations at Brumus Bar, Swans Bar at Maison Assouline, The Rooftop at Trafalgar St James, Caviar House, andSt James Bar at Sofitel St James. It’s the perfect excuse to sip your way through St James’s finest cocktail bar spots.
This October, St James's is serving up something special as a partner of The London Restaurant Festival throughout the whole of October. Discover a culinary journey through some of the area’s best restaurants, offering exclusive menus and unique dining experiences. Whether you're in the mood for gourmet dining or something more casual, now’s the perfect time to explore the vibrant food scene in St James's. Limited tickets are still available for an evening at Toba on the 30th of October to experience an authentic Indonesian restaurant in the centre of St James’s Market. Expect a sharing-style menu bursting with flavour and featuring dishes that have been known to draw a crowd, including a mouth-watering Minangkabau lamb shank curry. Curate your next visit to St James’s by browsing through our guides or create your own personalised day out with our interactive tool.