Things to do in London this week

Having just returned from a fabulous weekend in London at YALC, and with thanks to Country and Town House, I thought I would share some ideas of some things to do in London this week:

October 30, 2026   |    Weekly 30 October Dear Reader, When things are big, it's the little things that catch you and give you that spring in your step or that hug inside for humanity. And so it was at New Milton train station in Hampshire where I put my teenage daughter on the train so she could shoot back to her London friends and get Hallowe'en ready, fake nails and eyelashes at the ready. In the waiting room was a bookshelf (yes, we've become accustomed to them) but what tickled me here was that many of the books had been wrapped up in brown paper and tied with string with the first line written on the wrapping. The poster said, 'Are you brave enough to choose a book based on just the first line? Help yourself to a mystery book to enjoy on your journey today'. My heart gushed for the book elves who'd wrapped them so beautifully and so thoughtfully. Thank you. You made my day.   C&TH’s Top Reads Of The Week CULTURE The Trailer For Netflix’s Pride and Prejudice Is Here Here’s everything we know so far about Dolly Alderton’s adaptation of the Austen classic INTERIORS Interior Design Ideas For Your Townhouse Expert-approved interiors inspiration for your home STYLE Top Wedding Dress Trends For 2027 Getting married next year? Here’s some outfit inspiration CULTURE Blue Planet III Drops This Weekend David Attenborough’s landmark series is back for a hotly anticipated third season FOOD & DRINK Where To Celebrate Day Of The Dead The capital's best menus and celebrations for Día de los Muertos TRAVEL What Is The Impact Of Antarctic Tourism? Should we be visiting the world's last great wilderness at all? We asked leading polar scientist Professor Steven Chown Juergen Teller, Young Pink Kate, London 1998 © Juergen Teller CULTURE Every Exhibition To See In London This Autumn From 15th century portraiture to queer fairies, these are the shows not to miss Spotlight: A Nutritionist’s Guide To Stockpiling Kim Pearson shares the foods and products worth having in your cupboards for an emergency As a nutritionist, I’m looking to prioritise nutrient-dense foods that provide protein, fibre and healthy fats, as well as essential micronutrients like vitamins and minerals. Ideally, these should also be easy to prepare and things you genuinely want to eat. The idea is to be prepared for situations like power cuts, severe weather or temporary disruption to water supplies, without filling your cupboards with food you would never normally buy and that will likely go to waste if there is no emergency. You can build up supplies gradually, adding a few extra items to your weekly shop.  Tinned sardines, salmon, mackerel and tuna are excellent emergency protein sources that don’t require fridge storage before opening. Oily fish such as sardines and mackerel provide omega 3 healthy fats. Chickpeas, lentils, butter beans, cannellini beans and kidney beans are also useful things to have in your cupboard – they have a long shelf life and provide a combination of plant protein, fibre and micronutrients. And don’t forget: a stockpile of nutritious food is all very well, but if you’re like me, you also want to enjoy what you’re eating. A few good condiments can transform basic ingredients into something more appetising.  Being prepared for an emergency doesn’t mean you need to panic buy huge quantities of foods you’d never normally eat. Start by checking what you already have, then gradually build a small reserve of foods you will enjoy regardless of whether there is an emergency situation.   Read the full piece here C&TH Partnership: Tavo Pets Everett is the very latest in crash-tested pet travel solutions from premium pet brand Tavo. This dog crate is designed specifically for travel in the car boot, combining R129 EU child car seat level safety with unrivalled comfort and style. Everett has been expertly engineered to protect dogs up to 100lbs/45.4kg, with key features including crash‑rated anchor straps and strong forged aluminum carabiners for a stable, reliable setup every time you travel. Inside, all‑around 360° airflow, a peek‑a‑boo rear window, and a supportive, scratch‑resistant mattress pad (with a removable washable cover) help create a comfortable, connected environment both at home, and in the car. tavopets.com House Guest Podcast: Max de Rosée and Claire Sá This week, Carole’s House Guests are husband-and-wife architects Max de Rosée and Claire Sá, founders of architecture and interior design studio De Rosée Sá. ‘There is a value in trying to create a little bit of mystery and not revealing everything at once,’ says Max. ‘As you go through and move from space to space, things reveal themselves.’ Speaking from their newest project – a four bedroom apartment at 60 Curzon in Mayfair which they designed for developer Valouran – the pair discuss character-driven interiors, why a little mystery matters, and how to create homes that just feel good. Listen here Staying In Forever… Property of the Week Fancy living like a king – specifically King Henry VIII? Now’s your chance. Allington Castle, where the Tudor playboy once dined with his wife Anne Boleyn, is on the market for £5m. The property, which has also been the filming location for a number of films and TV shows including Horrible Histories, has the potential for up to thirty rooms, and also boasts a whopping nine extra lodgings in its grounds.  On the market for £5 million, knightfrank.co.uk Competitions Win a three-night treehouse escape for two people with Bainland Lodge Retreats  Win a £200 Phase Eight gift card Win A Pacific Rock Swell perfume capsule from Goldfield & Banks, worth over £380 Good News For a decade, Persephone Books on Lamb’s Conduit Street in London showcased books by neglected or lesser known female writers of the 20th century – helping reintroduce readers to names like Katherine Mansfield and Dorothy Whipple. It garnered a cult following, so fans were devastated when the store closed its doors in 2021, but now it’s back in a new Fitzrovia location. It will open at 10am on 4 November in the building that formerly housed Pollock’s Toy Museum. Subscription Offer Sign up for 12 print issues and instant access to every digital edition for only £39

© 2026 Country & Town House Studio 2, Chelsea Gate Studios 115 Harwood Road, London SW6 4QL, United Kingdom

October 29, 2026   |    Daily 29 October Staying In… Host The Ultimate Halloween Party Halloween lands on a Saturday this year, meaning we can expect plenty of parties over the weekend. If you find yourself laden with hosting duties, fear not: we have all the expert intel you’ll need to throw the best Halloween party on your street. It all starts with the decor. ‘My golden rule for Halloween hosting is to spend on things you’ll still use on 1 November, like candles, good lighting, table linen in autumnal colours – even a few home bar upgrades,’ says Anushka Mahanti, co-founder of B Corp homeware destination FableRoom. ‘Skip the plastic decorations that you’ll condemn to landfill a few days later.’ Read our guide for expert tips on hosting the ultimate Halloween party, plus our favourite decorations you can keep up all year round. Going Out… Join David Attenborough At Chester Zoo Did you manage to catch Our Story at the National History Museum? The immersive experience, created in collaboration with Sir David Attenborough, was a hit when it first landed in London – and now, it’s heading up north (for the very first time) to Chester Zoo. Visitors to the experience will be able to trace 4.5 billion years of our planet's history, with 360-degree digital screens and floor-to-ceiling projections dropping you right into the changing environment. Explore the origins of life, the evolution of our world and the challenges facing the natural world today, all narrated by our favourite naturalist. And if that’s not enough wildlife to fill up your visit, why not stay the night? The Reserve at Chester Zoo also offers overnight stays, meaning you can enjoy an evening showing of Our Story before bedding down beside the zoo’s giraffes. Until 31 January 2027, chesterzoo.org Staying In Forever Property of the Day Lady Gaga’s former New York penthouse, which sits above the recording studio where she made music history when she recorded Born This Way back in 2011, is on the market for $6.995m. With three bedrooms, three bathrooms, 3,700sqft of living space and a vast private terrace, the Hell’s Kitchen apartment is prime real estate for anyone looking to make waves in the music industry.  On the market for $6.995m, elliman.com Little Luxury Smythson’s cult leopard print collection is back for AW26. The range includes travel accessories, pouches, notebooks, keyrings and more – our top pick is this bold Cosmetic Case in Panama, perfect for transporting your daily staples and lined with oil-resistant, satin-finish lining for those inevitable spills. £275, smythson.com Competition Fancy a getaway in the heart of historic Cambridge? Enter now for your chance to win a two-night stay at The Varsity Hotel & Spa, including spa treatments, a dinner, and breakfast on both mornings.  Pssst… Celebrity Traitors comes to a close tomorrow night with a mammoth 80-minute finale – but will the traitors or the faithful claim victory? Here’s everything we know. Whatever You Do, Don’t… Leave your carved pumpkin on the doorstep this Halloween: pest control experts have warned it can attract rats and mice into homes. Find out what to do with it instead here. Subscription Offer Sign up for 12 print issues and instant access to every digital edition for only £39

© 2026 Country & Town House Studio 2, Chelsea Gate Studios 115 Harwood Road, London SW6 4QL, United Kingdom

October 28, 2026   |    Daily 28 October Staying In… Watch Celebrity Race Across The World We first watched five pairs of families, friends and colleagues race their way from London to Singapore back in 2019, glued to our tellies as the courageous contenders trekked across continents, contending with typhoons, political unrest, and gruellingly tight budgets along the way. With just a handful of cash and a physical map to guide them (the rules of the game also ban any air travel whatsoever), the duos battled to travel 12,000 miles and be the first to reach their destination in just 50 days. Since then, the BBC reality TV show has gained a cult following, as well as sparking a celebrity version, which is back for a fourth series tonight. This year’s line-up includes Eurovision entrant Sam Ryder with his tour manager Kaz, British singer Ella Eyre with childhood pal Nana, and Princess and Junior Andre, children of Katie Price and Peter Andre, among others. They’ll be starting off in Borneo, and making their way to Melbourne, Australia – each armed with just £26 per day. 8pm tonight on BBC One and BBC iPlayer Going Out… Celebrate Halloween In London Spooky season is officially upon us. While you could always stay at home, carving a pumpkin and half-watching a horror flick behind a cushion, if you fancy going out this year, there’s a whole host of Halloween events to choose from in the capital. For something a little more wild, there are parties at Sky Garden, Home House, Bacchanalia, The Mandrake and the Natural History Museum. And for those looking to avoid a Halloween hangover: Jack the Ripper ghosts tours, rooftop horror screenings, Halloween light trails, and some more PG pumpkin painting are also on the cards. Find our complete guide to London’s best Halloween events here.  Staying In Forever Property of the Day A design-lover’s dream has just come onto the market: nestled in a leafy corner of Westbourne Green, in the heart of west London, the six-bedroom, four-story townhouse pairs immaculate interiors with a familial warmth. Restored sash windows and marble fireplaces preserve its historic charm, while full-length sliding doors between the kitchen and garden create a thoroughly modern sense of indoor/outdoor living.  On the market for £7,950,000, knightfrank.co.uk Little Luxury C&TH Partnership Looking to give your bedroom a little refresh this autumn? Check out the latest collection from British interiors brand Rowen & Wren, characterised by woven textiles, artisan ceramics and handcrafted oak furniture. We’re particularly loving this pink striped headboard, finished with a piped detailing for a refined, tailored look – available in single, double, king and super king. £868, rowenandwren.co.uk Competition This competition gives you the chance to win your choice of Abode boiling water tap and create a wash zone that’s designed around you. Whether you’re making a morning coffee, filling a pan, preparing food or tackling the washing up, instant filtered boiling water is always on hand. Pssst… We’ve had an update on casting for The Gentlemen season 3, with eight fresh faces set to join returning stars Theo James and Kaya Scodelario. Among the newbies are Elijah Wood, Orlando Bloom and Robert Carlyle (no Meghan Markle, as previously rumoured), with the series now in production. Here’s everything we know. Whatever You Do, Don’t… Cycle or drive down Oxford Street, as London’s most famous shopping spot has been made traffic-free between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street. Subscription Offer Sign up for 12 print issues and instant access to every digital edition for only £39

© 2026 Country & Town House Studio 2, Chelsea Gate Studios 115 Harwood Road, London SW6 4QL, United Kingdom

October 27, 2026   |    Daily 27 October Staying In… Watch The One About Matthew Perry Having spent over $7m trying to get sober, in October 2023, Friends star Matthew Perry tragically died from a ketamine overdose. Now, nearly three years on from his death, Netflix has made a documentary in commemoration of the beloved comic and actor. While his Friends co-stars declined to participate, the three-parter includes testimonials from his sister, Mia Perry Bowick, his best friend of over 40 years, Roger Castillo, his friend and fellow actor David Pressman, and many more, including past colleagues, former girlfriends, castmates, and friends he met in rehab. Directed by Mary Robertson – who was inspired to tell Perry’s story after reading his 2022 memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing – the documentary takes a behind the scenes look at how Perry’s addiction affected him and his loved ones, alongside how he used his platform to help support others struggling with the same debilitating disease. Out today, netflix.com Going Out… Find Unique Experiences On City O’Clock Making memories is quickly becoming a preferred luxury to objects and possessions, yet finding a truly special experience can be overwhelming. A new digital platform, City O’Clock, does the work for you. It is setting the standard for unique days and nights out with its curation of England’s finest experiences: think VIP evenings at the Royal Albert Hall, dinners at Beaverbrook’s Wild Kitchen and shooting at Holland & Holland. Or if heritage houses are your thing, there are intimate workshops with brands like Moyses Stevens and Floris London. Rooted in British craft, culture and quiet discovery, each experience is handpicked. Whether it’s to mark a big occasion or a reason to slow down, City O’Clock will give you the inspiration needed to create a host of new memories. cityoclock.com Staying In Forever Property of the Day Quirky home lovers, listen up: now’s your chance to live in a Grade II-Listed converted Granary under Britain’s tallest surviving windmill. Set in the heart of Norfolk Broads National Park, this spacious six-bedroom family home includes a sitting room, playroom and home gym. It also comes with a separate three-bedroom cottage that’s perfect for hosting guests, or even renting out as a holiday let. On the market for £1.5m, sowerbys.com Little Luxury There was a big buzz about Our Place’s Wonder Oven when it first came out in 2024, offering an aesthetic alternative to the majority of bulky air fryers on the market. And now the brand is back with an updated version, the Wonder Oven Pro. There are eight different modes, meaning you can air fry, bake, roast, toast or grill your dish of choice, reducing the need for multiple appliances and freeing up worktop space. Better still, it’s made without PFAs (forever chemicals). £295, fromourplace.co.uk Competition Looking to put a spring in your step? Enter this competition now for your chance to win two pairs of trainers from Notting Hill favourite Sans Matin, worth over £750. Pssst… Twenty-five years ago today Elle Woods first graced our screens in the iconic comedy, Legally Blonde. But aside from the sartorial inspiration, Reese Witherspoon’s character went on to inspire the next wave of female lawyers and solicitors. In contrast to when the film was released, women now outnumber men in the legal industry. What, like it’s hard? Whatever You Do, Don’t… Miss the Freddie Mercury Splendid Things trail at South Kensington’s V&A. Celebrating what would have been the superstar’s 80th year, eight of his most iconic outfits are now on display. Developed with his former fiancé and close friend, Mary Austin, the exhibition commemorates a career filled with charisma and flamboyance, shown through his most memorable costumes and accessories. vam.ac.uk Subscription Offer Sign up for 12 print issues and instant access to every digital edition for only £39

© 2026 Country & Town House Studio 2, Chelsea Gate Studios 115 Harwood Road, London SW6 4QL, United Kingdom

October 26, 2026   |    Daily 26 October Staying In… Wellness Swaps To Make For The Clock Change The clocks went back yesterday morning, giving us an extra hour in bed. But while a Sunday morning lie-in is always welcome, the change in daylight can impact our circadian rhythms, which help regulate sleep, energy levels and metabolism. So what can we do to support our health during the darker months? Our contributing health editor, nutritionist Kim Pearson, suggests three key swaps. Firstly, start supplementing Vitamin D – our ability to produce it is reduced when there’s less sunlight, so the government recommends taking it throughout autumn and winter. The next important thing is light exposure: consider a light therapy lamp, and be sure to get outside for a morning walk, regardless of the weather. And finally, keep up a consistent sleep and mealtime routine. ‘Sleep and meal timing both influence the hormones and biological processes involved in appetite regulation and metabolism,’ she says. ‘Poor sleep can increase hunger and cravings, while inconsistent sleep and wake times and eating late at night can compromise sleep quality and metabolic health.’ Try to keep your bed and wake time consistent, Kim suggests, and aim to eat dinner at the same time each evening – ideally at least two hours before bed. Going Out… Book The Christmas Cotswold Fair C&TH Partnership Christmas may feel like it’s a while away, but it’s creeping closer – and tickets are already dropping for some of the hottest festive events on the calendar. The Christmas Cotswold Fair, for instance, returns to Todenham Manor Farm in Moreton-in-Marsh from 9 – 12 November for its 41st year, and tickets are on sale now. A much-loved Cotswold Christmas tradition, the four-day fair brings together more than 220 independent brands, offering everything from gifts and homewares to fashion, food, artisanal products and festive treats. This year sees a fresh new look, alongside workshops, demonstrations and delicious food. Having started in 1985 with just a handful of stalls, the festival has now raised more than £1.5 million for charity, with a percentage of event profits supporting WellChild, the national charity for seriously ill children and their families. Book at cotswoldfair.com  Staying In Forever Property of the Day With nine bedrooms, six bathrooms and two kitchens, this huge Warwickshire country house is now for sale. Sunrising House, fittingly built atop Sunrising Hill, has over 400 years of history, dating back to when it was a coaching inn – the date 1613 is still inscribed above the former brewhouse door. Today, it’s beautifully designed with a mix of traditional and modern British furnishings, and boasts a swimming pool, a pool house/spa, and a self-contained two bedroom apartment.  On the market for £4.5m, bluebookagency.com Little Luxury Looking for a lunchtime pick-me-up? Treat yourself to one of the new wraps from London favourite atis, launched as part of an autumn menu shake-up. Enjoy the same fresh ingredients and flavour combinations as the beloved salads and bowls, but this time in wrap form: choose between Blackened Chicken Caesar, Lemon Herb Chicken Avo, Tahini Sweet Potato Avo and Chicken Satay Crunch. Be sure to pop some of the pitta chips and dip on the side for a moreish 4pm snack. From £7.50, atis.life Competition Win a one-night stay for two at One Aldwych, a five-star hotel perched on the edge of Covent Garden in London. Your prize will include dinner at Indigo and breakfast the following morning – enter the competition here. Pssst… Has the new James Bond been decided? Several sources have reported that the screen tests took place this weekend, with Jack Lowden (Slow Horses) and Callum Turner (The Capture) said to be in the mix. And fans think they’ve spotted a clue as to why Lowden has nabbed the gig… Whatever You Do, Don’t… Throw away your Halloween pumpkin: there are many ways to repurpose jack-o’-lanterns. You could use the flesh to blitz into a warming soup or hummus, and save the seeds to add to crackers, brownies or salads. Alternatively, why not compost it? As pumpkins are 90 percent water, they’re great composting material. Find more ideas here. Subscription Offer Sign up for 12 print issues and instant access to every digital edition for only £39

© 2026 Country & Town House Studio 2, Chelsea Gate Studios 115 Harwood Road, London SW6 4QL, United Kingdom