Six of the best spontaneous things to do this autumn in west London

Nearest stations: Goldhawk Rd Tube/Shepherd’s Bush Overground and Tube

This popular spot is a year-round destination for al fresco hangouts, thanks to its covered outdoor terrace space. As things begin to cool down, The Hawk’s Nest closes up the open rooftop with large glass windows, creating an intimate yet outdoorsy feel to the space. Tuesday nights are a particular highlight, as you and your pals can hunker down under the twinkling fairy lights and London’s night sky while answering head-scratching quiz questions. The prize is a whopping £150 bar tab, so it’s well worth swotting up! 
Goldhawk Rd, Shepherd’s Bush Market, W12 8DF. Every Tue, 7pm. Free to book a table, £3 quiz entry.
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Nearest Tube: South Kensington

Digital art is now woven intrinsically into much of the creative work we consume – and this autumn, the V&A is delving into this diverse realm with a series of exhibitions, talks, workshops and more. Catch the free exhibition ‘Jameel Prize: Moving Images’ – an international award with works spanning photography, film, virtual reality and more, inspired by Islamic culture. While you’re there, don’t miss ‘Speculations on Capture’: a poetic film by Morehshin Allahyari about astronomical instructions made in Iran and Pakistan dating from the 1200s to the 1700s. 
Victoria & Albert Museum, Cromwell Rd, SW7 2RL. Until Sat Nov 30. Exhibitions free, some events ticketed. 
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Nearest bus stop: Hutton Walk (182)

Get stuck into a full 18-hole course that’s perfect for friends, family and pets. But watch out, You’ll also have to contend with near-life-size dinosaurs! This quirky mini golf course also has you putting your way through waterfalls, lagoons, and of course, alongside dinos of all shapes and sizes. Better yet, the free Rainy Day Return Guarantee Policy protects your online booking from rainy days (perfect for autumn).
Dinosaur Escape Adventure Golf, UB5 6QZ. Various dates and times, starting at £8.75 per person.
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Nearest station: Hatton Cross, Tube

One of London’s lesser-known farmsteads, Hounslow Urban Farm is a wholesome day out for all to enjoy. Both adults and children will love this day out, which includes petting and feeding barnyard animals such as the resident goats, cattle and pigs. The main draw though? That has to be some of the more unusual residents such as the various breeds of snake and water dragon.
Hounslow Urban Farm, TW14 0LZ. Open daily. Adults £7.50, kids £6.
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Nearest station: Hyde Park Corner, Tube 

Music-heads will be familiar with Holly Herndon’s AI interests; she did, after all, release an album inspired by the technology. Now, she’s teamed up with artist Mat Dryhurst to present an audio-visual experience that proposes new rituals for art in the age of AI. Here, visitors will hear an organ made of computer-cooling fans and a choir of computer-generated voices in a chapel-like setting, before allowing them to sing and have an AI choir respond.
Serpentine North Gallery, W2 2AR. Oct 4- Feb 2, 2025. Free.
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