Girl Just Gotta Live

I always forget how much I actually love November until it arrives. The air starts to smell a bit colder, the light gets softer, and London suddenly feels slower. It’s the month where staying in finally makes sense again.

This year, I’ve been trying to do more things that feel grounding — things that make me feel warm and calm instead of rushing through the days or spending my weekends recovering from another late night. No hangovers, no guilt, just small cosy moments that make the month a little gentler.

Here are a few of my favourite things to do in London this November.

1. Board Games Night In
Invite a few friends over, tell everyone to bring a dish, and just play. It’s simple and easy but somehow always ends up being the best night. There’s something really comforting about laughing over Uno or Codenames with a table full of snacks and tea instead of cocktails.

2. Pottery Painting or Arts & Crafts Night
You can head to a pottery café like Social Pottery or Token Studio, or just get some supplies at home and make it your own. I love how doing something creative instantly quiets your mind — no screens, no noise, just you and whatever you’re making. It doesn’t even have to be good, that’s kind of the point.

3. Bake or Cook Something Warm
If you’re staying in, make it a bit of an event. Bake cookies, banana bread, or throw together a big earthy soup that fills your whole place with the smell of garlic and herbs. It’s such a simple way to feel cosy, and sharing it with friends or family makes it even better.

4. Long Autumn Walks
There’s nothing like an autumn walk when the air’s crisp and the leaves are that perfect mix of orange and gold. Take yourself to somewhere like Virginia Water, Richmond Park or Hampstead Heath. Bring a flask of coffee and just wander — no rush, no agenda, just the sound of leaves under your feet.

5. Hot Chocolate Dates
Hot chocolate really has its moment in November. Take your nieces or nephews for a cosy café date, or just treat yourself one afternoon. The more whipped cream the better. Sometimes sitting in a café and watching the world go by is exactly what you need.

6. Go to a Seasonal Afternoon Tea
There are so many beautiful spots in London that do themed afternoon teas this time of year — think spiced cakes, pumpkin macarons, and warm scones. Places like The Connaught, The Lanesborough or Sketch always go all-out for autumn and winter. It’s such a lovely treat and feels festive without diving straight into Christmas mode.

7. Read a Murder Mystery
There’s something about November that makes me want to curl up with a good mystery book. Rain outside, blanket on, maybe a candle burning. It’s such a nice way to spend an evening without a screen in sight.

8. Cosy Bath Evenings
Run a warm bath, light a candle, add something that smells like vanilla or sandalwood and just stay there for as long as you want. It’s such a small thing but it really resets you.

A few other little ideas:

• Try a candle-making workshop (there are loads around London and they smell amazing)
• Have a themed film night at home — rom-coms, 90s classics, or comfort movies only
• Visit Columbia Road Flower Market and bring home something autumnal
• Take a mini day trip to somewhere nearby like Windsor or Rye
• Try knitting or crocheting — it’s weirdly soothing once you get into it

November doesn’t need to be loud or busy to be fun. I think this month is all about slowing down, finding warmth in small moments, and actually enjoying the quiet before the Christmas chaos begins. Light a candle, grab a blanket, make yourself something warm, and just let London feel cosy again.