Your London shortlist, twice a week
Thursday 8 October
This weekend in London,
picked for you
6 picks + one Londoner Perk.
Londoner Perk
£1 second main at PizzaExpress
Buy any pizza or main and get a second main for £1 at participating PizzaExpress restaurants. Terms and conditions apply.
Until 25 October
See the perk →
Free
Free to do, worth knowing about.
Hampton Court Palace Garden Open Days
Explore Hampton Court’s Great Fountain Garden, Privy Garden, Kitchen Garden, Pond Garden and Lower Orangery without paying for palace admission.
Hampton Court · 10–11 Oct 2026 · Free
Works in Conversation
Ten resident artists at the Camden Passage gallery show recent painting, print, textiles, photography and ceramics, with makers often on hand to talk about materials and process.
Islington · 17 Sep – 18 Oct · Free
This weekend
On this weekend and worth knowing about.
BFI London Film Festival
The festival’s 70th edition presents more than 250 films, series, shorts and immersive works from around the world, with premieres and screenings across London.
Across London · 7–18 Oct 2026 · From £10, £6 for ages 16–25
The Other Art Fair
More than 130 independent artists present thousands of original artworks alongside installations, performances, workshops and other creative experiences.
Brick Lane · 8–11 Oct 2026 · From £22
Date idea
For a memorable day (or night).
Richard Dadd: The Art of Bedlam
A major exhibition dedicated to Victorian artist Richard Dadd, showcasing his painstakingly detailed, fairytale-inspired paintings and drawings, many created while he was confined at Bethlem and Broadmoor psychiatric hospitals.
Piccadilly · Until 25/10/2026 · £15
Wildcard
A less obvious pick to try this weekend.
New Scientist Live
New Scientist Live showcases the latest breakthroughs and innovations in science, brought to you by the brightest minds shaping our world, with talks and immersive show floor experiences.
Custom House · 10–12 Oct 2026 · Tickets vary
Pick a side
Best kind of weekend plan?
Results in the next email
Last poll
What usually gets you out of the house?
- Something I’ve never seen before – 37%
- A genuinely good freebie – 28%
- Food. Always food. – 35%
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