November: Best things to do in London with friends or family

It’s still early days yet, this guide will be updated. 

1 Turn It Up: The power of music, Science Museum

This interactive exhibition explores the power music has over us. Specially commissioned interactive installations, unique instruments and pioneering inventions, as well as first-hand accounts from musicians and the public reveal why music plays on our emotions, while a look at AI and tech investigates the technological advancements that have made, and are making, music more accessible.

Dates: On until May 6

Tickets: £10

Address: Exhibition Road, South Kensington SW7 2DD

Website: sciencemuseum.org.uk

2 Peckham Levels’ new private karaoke room

A private karaoke room is a potentially ear-bleeding thing. With the threat of making a fool of yourself in front of a crowd removed, people tend to release what they think is their inner Mariah. Let your inner diva out at this new south London private karaoke room now installed in Peckham Level’s bar and food hall. Fits groups of up to 20 and the song catalogue has more than 80,000 bangers to choose from.

Cost: From £8

Address: 95a Rye Lane, Peckham SE15 4ST

Website: peckhamlevels.org

3 El Anatsui: Behind the red moon, Tate Modern

Installed in the Turbine Hall, this monumental installation is made up of thousands of metal bottle tops and fragments which have been stitched together into three expansive abstract pieces. Created by Ghanaian artist El Anatsui, the huge artwork reflects on the “expanse of human history and the elemental power of the natural world” and reference the artist’s interest in the movement goods and people during the transatlantic slave trade.

Dates: On display until April 14, 2024

Cost: Free

Address: Tate Modern, Bankside SE1 9TG

Website: tate.org.uk

4 Bonfire Night

The first weekend of November is going to go off with a bang as Bonfire Night celebrations take hold of London. Ally Pally puts on a spectacle, or go for one of the sustainably minded display in Walthamstow. Find the full Bonfire Night guide here.

5 L’Atelier Robuchon, Mayfair

Celebrating the culinary styles of Joël Robuchon, ‘Chef of the Century’ and the most starred chef of his time, L’Atelier Robuchon has relaunched in Mayfair, after closing in Covent Garden in 2018. Expect refined French cuisine with touches of Asian flourished, and attention to detail.

Address: 6 Clarges Street, Mayfair W1J 8AE

Website: robuchonlondon.co.uk

6 Fire and Fromage pop up, South Bank

South Bank’s Alpine-inspired igloos return for the festive season, along with a raclette bar and a winter street food kitchen. Boasting full après-ski vibes, the private dining snow globes fit up to 10 people, come heated and with views looking across the Thames. The menu focuses on dishes such as fondue and raclette, and there’s also sharing steaks, and vegan options are available. 

Date: November 2 – December 31

Price: From £35 per person

Address: Queens Walk, under Waterloo Bridge, Southbank SE1 8XX

Website: jimmyspopup.com

7 Ice skating

A winter activity staple, ice-skating season is now upon us and you don’t have to wait until December to get your skates on. Skate at Somerset House has a packed programme of fun to suit various ages, while Glide at Battersea Power Station sees you skating around a tree in a river-side setting. Greenwich’s ice skating rink makes the most of the splendid architecture in the area, and is another attractive rink. Find the full guide to ice-skating in London here.

8 Curling, King’s Cross and South Bank

If skating is not your jam, King’s Cross and South Bank will both host a curling pop up. Club Curling in King’s Cross comes with 90s vibes and DJs on Thursday nights. Over at South Bank, the Curling Club is part of the Southbank Centre’s festive programme, and you’ll find it among all the frivolity and festive street food vendors filling up South Bank this festive season

Date: November 9 – February 29/October 13 – February 11

Tickets: From £8 /from £24

Address: Coal Drops Yard N1C 4D; Queen’s Walk, South Bank  SE1 8XX

Website: kingscross.co.uk; thecurlingclub.com