Travelling into London by train unlocks more than just the city’s buzz, it also gets you access to some of the capital’s best and newest exhibitions, shows and experiences at a fraction of the price.
Here are some of the most exciting picks and new attractions in the capital this October.
The Paddington Bear Experience
County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, SE1 7PB
Nearest Thameslink station: London Blackfriars
Step inside the world of Paddington in this brand-new immersive adventure at County Hall. Families are invited to join Paddington and the Brown family as they prepare for the Marmalade Day Festival, with storytelling, live performances and beautifully designed sets that recreate Windsor Gardens and beyond.
It’s part theatre, part interactive play, and a must for children and anyone with a soft spot for the bear from Peru. What’s more, you can get 20% off your booking when you travel by train, just grab a voucher from National Rail. Make sure you book in advance, and note that the special offer is not valid from 27 - 31 October.
‘A Night of Theatrics’ London Cabaret Show
Phoenix Arts Club, One Phoenix Street, WC2H 8BU
Nearest Thameslink station: London Blackfriars
Take your seat at the legendary Phoenix Arts Club for ‘A Night of Theatrics’, a glittering showcase of cabaret and variety entertainment. Expect an irresistible mix of comedy, burlesque, aerial artistry and surprise performances that change with every show.
No two evenings are alike, and the anything-goes atmosphere means you never quite know what’s coming next. It’s the West End at its most playful, bold and unpredictable. When you travel by train, you can get a third off your entry ticket.
Emily Kam Kngwarray at Tate Modern
Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 9TG
Nearest Thameslink station: London Blackfriars
This landmark exhibition celebrates Emily Kam Kngwarray, one of Australia’s most significant contemporary artists. Her vast, expressive canvases - many painted in the final years of her life - reflect her cultural heritage and connection to her country.
The works are bold, rhythmic and deeply rooted in Aboriginal traditions, yet strikingly modern. Seeing them in Tate Modern’s monumental galleries is an unforgettable experience, and you can get two exhibition tickets for the price of one when you travel by train.
Jeff Wayne's The War of The Worlds: The Immersive Experience
56 Leadenhall Street, EC3A 2BJ
Nearest Thameslink station: London Bridge
This award-winning adventure drops you right into a Martian invasion. Using live actors, virtual reality and jaw-dropping 5D effects, you’ll race through full-sized sets, from Horsell Common to the banks of the Thames, all to Jeff Wayne’s legendary score. It’s like theatre and a theme park in one, and totally unlike anything else in the UK.
Bring friends or family and get ready for an unforgettable experience. Afterwards, kick back with themed food and drinks in the steampunk Spirit of Man bar, complete with a towering Martian Fighting Machine. Advance booking is essential, and with Thameslink you can save 20% when you buy at least two tickets (Wednesday-Sunday).
‘A Terrifying Night in Soho’ Halloween Cabaret
Phoenix Arts Club, One Phoenix Street, WC2H 8BU
Nearest Thameslink station: London Blackfriars
According to London Theatre, this is “one of the hottest nights out in Soho”, so leave the kids at home and venture into London’s haunted West End for a cabaret like no other. Set within the eerie dressing rooms of an iconic theatre, the night promises a line-up of star cabaret performers, from daring aerialists to dazzling drag acts, all presented in a spine-tingling Halloween theme.
With themed cocktails, ghoulish décor, hair-raising stunts and prizes for the best costumes, it’s an unforgettable evening of thrills, laughter and frights. This event is on for one weekend only, from 31 October - 2 November, so make sure you book in advance to avoid disappointment. When you travel by train, you can get a third off your ticket.
Secrets of the Thames at Museum of London Docklands
West India Quay, Canary Wharf, E14 4AL
Nearest Thameslink station: Deptford
The Museum of London Docklands explores the city’s history through its relationship with the river. Hailed by Londonist as “a treasure of an exhibition”, Secrets of the Thames uncovers hidden stories of trade, myth and engineering along London’s most famous waterway.
Visitors can expect rare objects, archaeological finds and tales of how the Thames shaped London’s identity. The museum itself is free, and you can get two adult tickets for the price of one for this special exhibition when you travel by train.
The Painted Hall at Old Royal Naval College
Old Royal Naval College, King William Walk, SE10 9NN
Nearest Thameslink station: Greenwich
Step into the Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College and prepare to be wowed. Known as Britain’s very own “Sistine Chapel”, this masterpiece covers walls and ceilings with epic scenes of kings, queens, myths and legends. Your ticket gets you more than just jaw-dropping art too. Explore the elegant Chapel of St Peter and Paul, roll a ball down the Victorian Skittle Alley, and join expert-led tours that bring 500 years of history to life.
The Old Royal Naval College is also one of the world’s most recognisable film sets, starring in The Crown, Bridgerton, Les Misérables and plenty more. Don’t miss the Blockbuster Film Tours on Thursdays and Sundays for behind-the-scenes secrets included in your ticket. Kids go free, and you can get two adult tickets for the price of one when you travel with Thameslink.
