5 things to do in the UK this October

October is a great time to visit the UK. American friends over for the National Football League games this month will have plenty to do in the capital. There’s the London Literary Festival at the Southbank, and if you’re a Downton Abbey fan, then there’s our new Downton Abbey locations tour. If you are travelling out of London we recommend a trip to Manchester. Head to the People’s History Museum, which is running a commemorative exhibition to mark this year’s 200 year anniversary of the Peterloo Massacre.

Finally, we can’t mention October without mentioning Halloween! And what better place to get spooked than in a real castle.

Watch the NFL games, 6, 13, 27 Oct and 3 Nov

This month we welcome the National Football League (NFL) Games to London. Games take place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Wembley Stadium.

Welcome to all our American visitors who are over for the games. If you only have a short time in London then book our London tour which takes in all the major sites. Or come and see Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and the changing of the guards on our​ ​Royal London tour​. Here’s a full list of our​ ​London tours.

London Literary Festival 17-27 Oct

The Southbank Centre’s London Literature Festival returns for its 13th year this time exploring the timeless narratives of fairy tales, with prominent writers and thinkers.  Over 11 days the festival will include talks, poetry, readings and performances. The theme this year is disruption.

Whilst you’re at the Southbank why not take our private guided tour of the Tate Modern. Housed in the former Bankside Power Station, the Tate Modern was designed by architect Giles Gilbert Scott. This massive brick structure was converted into an art gallery in the year 2000 and the collection comprises the nation’s collection of international and British art dating from 1900 to the present day.

Take our Downton Abbey locations tour

Book a Blue Badge guide for a Downton Abbey tour – there are more than 80 locations for the committed fan to visit!  Your guide will take you to the heart of the series, with a visit to Highclere Castle – the country house in Berkshire that is home to Earl and Countess of Carnarvon and has been the location of Downton Abbey’s aristocratic stately pile since the series began.

Many of the new movie scenes were shot in London.  York Minster was filmed in the capital, and a naughty weekend at the fictional Grand Hotel in Liverpool features the transformed entrance to the former London HQ of a prominent political party. The distinctly upmarket Somerset House was transformed into the dingy side of York.

Visit Manchester 

2019 has marked the 200 year anniversary of the Peterloo Massacre in Manchester. As part of the national commemorations, the People’s History Museum (PHM) in Manchester is hosting an exhibition ‘Disrupt? Peterloo and Protest’ which tells the story of Peterloo and highlights its relevance today.

“The exhibition features objects, including original Peterloo artefacts, brought together for the very first time, alongside pieces telling more recent stories of protest. A short film commissioned especially for the exhibition brings to life the story of Peterloo, protest, and the road to democratic reform.”

Author and Green Badge Guide Ed Glinert recounts one of the most shameful events in modern politics.

If you’re looking for other things to see in Manchester then check our Guides guide to Manchester.

Celebrate Halloween at Dover Castle 19-27 Oct

Can you think of a better place to celebrate Halloween than in a real castle? At Dover Castle in Kent there’s a week of Halloween hands-on fun for kids including creepy crafts, a wicked witch-themed quest, a fancy dress competition every day plus snakes, spiders and more!

Masterful, imposing and storied, Dower Castle is one of the most important fortresses in Britain. Described as the “Key to England” due to its defensive significance and position guarding the narrowest section of the English Channel. Take our private guided tour of Dover Castle to discover the secrets of this mighty military bastion. We will lead you on a spooky underground trail to explore the darkly atmospheric 200-year old tunnels carved deep into the iconic white cliffs to Dover.