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What's On 26 October 2025

What's On 26 October 2025

Ellie Smith
October 26, 2025

Dear Reader,

Now that I’m 50, my cohort and I have decided it’s all about upping the weird hobbies. At some stage (not for decades I imagine but still), time might gape open before us without a deadline to meet or 250 emails a day to mentally sort through. Before Christmas therefore I will be a) going to my first line-dancing class in Chiswick, revisiting Arc Community Sauna for its After Dark session (I count hot/cold therapy as a hobby) and doing my third Ceilidh of the year at the home of English Folk Music. After a recent Studio 54-style 50th birthday party, I also have decided I’m not too old for short spangly dresses, high heels (within reason) and high ponytails. This decade is turning out pretty sweet already (although my children probably think I’m a Hallowe’en horror show).

Have a great week.

WHAT’S EXCITING ME THIS WEEK

Women Take The Field

Is 2026 shaping up to be the year for women in farming? From regenerative pioneers to festival founders, female farmers are leading the green revolution – and changing the face of British agriculture in the process. Read how they’re cultivating a more equal (and sustainable) future.

A Grave Affair

Get your spook on this week with a wander around London’s most atmospheric cemeteries. From Highgate’s gothic grandeur to the wild romanticism of Abney Park, these resting places reveal as much about the city’s history as its haunted myths. Are you ready to meet London’s most beautiful ghosts?

Screen Time

From Regency rebels to political thrillers and sci-fi escapism, the small screen is set for some serious sofa-time. We round up the eight new British TV shows still to come in 2025 – including star turns from Emma Thompson, Bill Nighy and Matt Smith.

C&TH SHOPPING EDIT

BUNCHES
Autumn Brights XL, £38.50

CHAPMAN
The Chapman Weekender, £730

GAÂLA PARIS
Angelina Faux Fur Coat, £745

CELLCOSMET
Active Tonis, £115

FIVE THINGS NOT TO MISS

Kicking off London’s winter terrace season is Fire & Fromage, the pop-up which sees fairy light-bedecked igloos arriving on the Southbank riverside.

Photograph by Fred Odede, courtesy of IAMISIGO

The Barbican’s latest exhibition Dirty Looks: Desire and Decay in Fashion explores how brands and designers use ‘dirty’ aesthetics as a means of rebellion, romanticism and regeneration. Until 25 January 2025

Home House

Marylebone members’ club Home House is being transformed into an otherworldly space to host one of London’s biggest Halloween parties. Can you get on the list?

Staying in? Down Cemetery Road is the latest Apple TV detective drama to add to your watchlist, based on a book by the man who brought us Slow Horses, Mick Herron.

If you’re thinking about having Christmas away from home this year, we’ve rounded up the UK’s most festive hotels to book – from Cornish retreats to London stalwarts.

WHAT'S TRENDING ON C&TH

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Are diamonds just a girl’s best friend?

Raph_PH, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

An apartment in Cher’s old building is up for sale

Britain’s top family-friendly hotels

Netflix/Ben Blackall

What to expect from Harlan Coben’s new thriller

Win A Year’s Supply Of Gin

Gin lovers this one’s for you. Enter now to win a year's supply of Renais Gin, plus a bundle of goodies including a 70cl bottle of Renais Grand Cru Cask-Aged Gin, an art print, drink glasses and a tea towel.