As summer turns into autumn, September in London offers a fantastic mix of warm sunshine and cooler, clearer days – perfect for exploring during your stay. This month also brings a rich programme of exciting new exhibitions, theatre productions and events that we can’t wait to explore. Read on for our top picks for September.
BBC Proms (Until 12 September)
This annual series of classical music concerts offers a fabulous variety of music performed in the historic Royal Albert Hall. This month’s shows include John Wilson Conducts the Sinfonia of London Strings, Weyes Blood and the Jules Buckley Orchestra, Mahler’s Ninth with the Mahler Academy Orchestra, and the iconic Last Night of the Proms 2026.
Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum (10 September – 11 July)
Lauded as one of the biggest exhibitions in the history of the British Museum, the Bayeux Tapestry will be on display from 10 September – a historic event as it’s the first time it will have been in display in England since it was created here 1,000 years ago. This precious and much-studied piece was made to commemorate the activity which led to the Battle of Hastings and the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. It documents aspects of English life from the time, recording buildings, people, clothing and diet. As you can expect, demand for tickets is high so plan your visit in advance.
Open House Festival (12 – 20 September)
The Open House Festival is a fantastic opportunity to see buildings which aren’t usually open to the public, attend talks and or go on tours. This year’s programme highlights for the Westminster area include the tours: Piccadilly Rocks!, Soho – forever changing, London – adored and explored, Fruit to Fashion: how a kitchen garden became a world famous piazza and Classical Composers in London. You can also visit 10 Downing Street, Two Temple Place, BBC Broadcasting House and Rudolph Steiner House. Please visit the website for full listings and to purchase tickets.
Nature & Us Gallery at the Natural History Museum (from 16 September)
Formerly used as a herbarium, the Nature & Us Gallery is opening its doors to the public for the first time in 80 years. On display will be an eclectic mix of natural and human-made objects. Highlights include a miniature model of one of the Crystal Palace dinosaurs, and the skeleton of Jenny, a monk seal who’s known as ‘the talking fish.’
The Burberry Trench: Crafting an Icon at V&A (21 September – 3 January)
This free exhibition will chart the development of the Burberry Trench, from its beginnings as a practical garment to the iconic piece it’s better known as. Display highlights include Hardy Amies’s 1979 Burberry car coat, a men’s pink metallic silk trench coat (2013) and a 2025 women’s fringed trench coat.
The Standard of Living at Theatre Royal Haymarket (21 September – 12 December)
Written by three-time Olivier Award winner James Graham and directed by Nicholas Hynter, The Standard of Living explores the politics and personal life of economist John Maynard Keynes as he begins a relationship with Russian ballerina Lydia Lopokova. This world premiere is running for just 12 weeks and will star Rory Kinnear and Natalia Osipova.
Hay Fever at Wyndham’s Theatre (22 September – 12 December)
We are very much looking forward to Noel Coward’s comedy Hay Fever, which will be performed over a 12-week period. The 1924 play follows the eccentric, bohemian Bliss family over a weekend at their country retreat. Starring Christine Baranski in her West End debut, and Academy Award nominated Richard E. Grant, it’s sure to be fabulous!
Richard Dadd: Beyond Bedlam at the RA (until 25 October)
This fabulous retrospective includes over 100 pieces of Dadd’s work which were inspired by literature, legends, fairies and his imagination. A Victorian artist, he studied at the Royal Academy Schools and was a founding member of the Clique group of artists.
Autumn Colours
By late September, London’s autumn palette begins to emerge. These can be enjoyed at the Royal Parks (Richmond Park in particular) and amongst the atmospheric ruins of St Dunstan in the East.
