Epic things to do this autumn along the Elizabeth line

Nearest Elizabeth line station: Whitechapel

You don’t need to be an art expert to know the names Gilbert and George. The legendary London duo have their own museum, which carries a collection spanning the artwork they’ve been releasing since 1967. This autumn, you can catch ‘The Paradiscial Pictures’, a free exhibition channelling the likes of Alfred Hitchcock and early Walt Disney via their landmark heightened and saturated colours to create works that are almost hallucinogenic in nature.

5a Heneage St, E1 5LJ. Free entry. Thu-Sun 11am-6pm.

Nearest Elizabeth line station: Paddington

There is no better way to get excited about the festive season than skating. You know it’s a fact. And this autumn, you can lace up your skates and hit the ice for under a tenner. Just swing by Queens Skate Dine Bowl on Mondays and Tuesdays, where you’ll find a cracking deal with kids and adults able to skate for just £8. And it’s available all day. Winner. Just make sure to book in advance and you’ll be all set to practice your ‘Dancing on Ice’ audition.

17 Queensway, W2 4QP. From £8. Mon-Thu 10am-11.30pm, Fri and Sat 10am-midnight, Sun 10am-11pm.

Nearest Elizabeth line station: Tottenham Court Rd

This Christmas festival is found in the middle of the West End, running from November 8 until January 7. Expect the bustling city centre destination to be transformed into a wonderland of festive happenings, including a European-style festive market. It’s the perfect spot to pick up your stocking fillers and presents. Oh, and it’s totally free to visit so your money can go that little bit further.

Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square. Free entry.

Nearest Elizabeth line station: Stratford

This popular panto in east London is full of original music and outrageous characters (‘Oh no it isn’t!’ etc.). Hear classic stories with a special Stratford East twist at ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’, where the idea is to help convince Jack that ordinary boys can do extraordinary things. With one odd shepherd, a handful of beans and an unexpected beanstalk, the story is one of a hero going on a life-changing journey and you can be there with him.

Gerry Raffles Square, Theatre Square, E15 1BN. From £10. Nov 18-Jan 6.

Nearest Elizabeth line station: West Ealing

It doesn’t matter whether you’re looking for a weekend activity with the kids, a fun date idea or a group hangout, this is sure to be a great experience. The Ceramics Café offers you the opportunity to work on a ceramic creation that is uniquely yours. You’ll start with a plain white bisque shape, paint on your design and then get it fired up in a kiln, before collecting it a few days later. It’s the quintessential indoor creative activity when the weather isn't behaving.

6 Argyle Rd, W13 8AB. £2 per decorator plus the in-studio cost of items painted, which starts at £10. Mon-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-6pm.

Nearest Elizabeth line station: Woolwich

Fancy yourself as somewhat of a trivia mastermind? Head to Woolwich Works, where the Visitors’ Book Café hosts a top quality quiz on Sundays at 7pm. Rounds include an amazing picture round, a music round and a mystery voice question – whether you’re doing this or it’s being played to you, you’ll have to go to find out – which is open to teams of all sizes. Head over with your mates and you’ll walk away ready to take on ‘The Chase’, not to mention potentially £50 richer.

The Fireworks Factory, 11 No 1 St, Royal Arsenal, SE18 6HD. £2.50 entry, 7pm.