Things To Do In Autumn: UK Edition

Summer’s over and it’s time to start wrapping up warm! With many things to do in these next couple of months, here at HIP Hotels HQ, we’ve compiled a selection of our favourite autumnal events around the UK that may just tickle your fancy…

From light shows in Dorset and literature festivals in Gloucestershire, to indulging art exhibitions and the famous Oktoberfest, enjoy our personal recommendations and discover your perfect event and some of the best things about autumn!

BFI London Film Festival - London (2 Oct – 13 Oct)

Recognised as one of the most thrilling events of the year, the London BFI Film Festival is on this week, with bigger and brighter world cinema releases, IMAX specials, archive films and animated short films. From the latest feature films such as ‘The Lighthouse’, starring Robert Pattinson, and Oscar-tipped movies such as ‘Marriage Story’ starring Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver, be sure to end this cultural calendar event this Sunday 13th with Martin Scorsese’s political mystery, ‘The Irishman’, starring the iconic Robert De Niro and Al Pacino. There’s an array of things to do at this exciting event; with screenings, talks, workshops, Q&As and masterclasses with filmmakers all on offer, be sure to book your tickets now as there’s always a scramble for seats!

Cheltenham Literature Festival - Gloucestershire (4th - 13th Oct)

“The very first proper literature festival I’ve ever been to, and definitely one of my all-time favourites.” - Jacqueline Wilson

For all you bookworms out there, head on down to Cheltenham’s Literature Festival this autumn as it celebrates its 70th anniversary. This 10-day celebration of reading, writing and author meet-and-greets is penned to be the biggest yet! Every year, Cheltenham’s Literature Festival welcomes over 600 of the world’s greatest poets, writers, stars and politicians to help inspire us and also celebrate the joy of the written word.

Filled with many workshops, over 500 talks and an array of different performances, escape to the country and take part in one of the oldest and best loved literature festivals in the world in Gloucestershire. This year’s special guests include the likes of Louis Theroux, Jojo Moyes, Ian McEwan, David Cameron, Blondie’s Debbie Harry and so many more! If anything from music, film and travel, books, television and current affairs are your thing, book your tickets now and celebrate at this wonderful festival!

London Cocktail Week - London (4th - 13th Oct)

Get ready to get shaken and stirred at London’s annual celebration of the perfect cocktail. Taking over 300 of the city’s best bars and venues, London Cocktail Week is something you cannot miss! Entitling you to cheap cocktails throughout these bars, grab yourself a £10 ticket and discover your perfect mixed-spirited drink. The event is spread over 10 days and we’ve already sussed out our favourites. Be sure to visit the immersive ‘Cocktail Village’, a one-stop hub situated in the Old Truman’s Brewery on Brick Lane, and indulge in the mammoth of pop-up bars, street food vendors, masterclasses and DJ’s that take over the city – you can’t really get much better than that?! From London Bridge’s tropical Nine Lives to the funky Marylebone hotspot Fam, this event includes everything you could possibly imagine, from boats and bikes, to airport lounges and saunas — London Cocktail week truly is the biggest cocktail hub London has ever seen!

Floodlit Evening Walks (Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens) - Dorset (19th Oct - 3rd Nov)

This autumn, the Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens turns into a luminous wonderland. Recognised as one of Dorset’s best annual events, these mesmerising woodlands become ablaze with enchanting illuminations for you to truly enjoy the tropical plants that fill these gardens in an entirely different light. Embark on your floodlit evening walk through hidden paths and uncover the magic that only comes out at night. As you wander and explore, take in the glittering lights, become captivated by the wonderfully bright colours and revel in the candles that flicker in the garden’s many nooks and crannies. Whether you go along with friends, family or a loved one, Abbotsbury’s Subtropical Gardens has something for everyone.

OktoberFest - London (3rd Oct- 16th Nov)

From big steins of wheat beer and loud oompah bands to lederhosens and a hell of a lot of foot-long bratwursts, Germany’s biggest beer festival is fast approaching and you need to be prepared! Whether you’re looking for some traditional German beer or wishing to take part in the true celebration of Oktoberfest at a Bavarian beer hall party, be sure to celebrate in style at London’s Oktoberfest! Taking over many bars and venues across the city, we’ve decided our favourites so you don’t have to: the Electric Ballroom in Camden, Doktoberfest in Canary Wharf and Millwall Park in Isle of Dogs with each completely transforming into an energetic Bavarian party. You don’t need to go to Germany — here, you’ll feel like you’re celebrating like a local anyway.

P.S. Expect to see plenty of lederhosens!

Olafur Eliasson: In Real Life (Tate Modern) - London (Until 5th January 2020)

Gracing the walls of the magnificent Tate Modern, this monumental installation is rapidly grabbing the attention of everyone around the UK. Created by the Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson, ‘In Real Life’ is an outstanding art exhibition following his previous world-renowned ‘Weather Project’ back in 2003, and is his biggest and best work yet.

Exhibiting over 40 different works, almost all of which have never been seen in this country, including some created especially for the exhibition — Olafur Eliasson: In Real Life offers unmissable experiences and shows how Eliasson brings to our attention some of today’s most urgent issues. From walking down the 39-metre-long corridor filled with bright yellow fog at the centrepiece ‘Din blinde passager’ to dancing in colour at the ‘Your uncertain shadow (colour)’, every installation Eliasson has created captures the monumental power of nature and will take you on a breathtaking and eye-opening sensory experience. Do not miss this exhibition — it’s totally epic!

The Lion King (Bristol Hippodrome) - Bristol (Until 23rd November)

Set against the majesty of the Serengeti fields and to the evocative rhythms of Africa, Disney's multi award-winning musical has transformed into a spectacular stage production and is now gracing the stage of the Bristol Hippodrome. Nestled in the heart of the city centre, this magnificently grand old theatre is the perfect place to watch this incredible show, promising to be a unique theatrical experience you’ll never forget. Widely regarded as one of the most incredibly powerful and moving stories, embark on an epic adventure with Simba on his tumultuous journey to honourably succeed his father, Mufasa, and become King of the Pride Lands. As one of our top-favourite things to do, The Lion King is perfect for the whole family and will take you on a magical journey whilst keeping you at the edge of your seat — be sure to book your tickets fast!

Glow Wild 2019 - Wakehurst (21st Nov - 22nd Dec)

Escape to the gorgeous botanical garden of Wakehurst and let the magic begin. Returning for its sixth year running, discover the enchanting lantern trails throughout the gardens at Glow Wild and watch the trees, ponds and landscapes seemingly set ablaze with hundreds of glimmering lanterns, fire torches, projections and sound installations inspired by Wakehurst’s nocturnal world. Why not get creative in the cosy Mansion and create your very own lantern? From magical floodlit walks to festive activities, indulge in some delicious mulled wine or cider under the tallest living Christmas tree in the UK then toast some marshmallows over the giant fire pits. It’s the perfect activity for all!

We hope you enjoyed our HIP Edit this October and feel inspired to fill your days with a wonder of discovery and beauty! We’ll be back soon with more of our recommendations.