The summer months may be behind us and the promise of rain and snow building as we roll towards autumn and deeper into winter, but that doesn’t mean that all fun needs to go out of the window.

This doesn’t mean that a long weekend or extended trip up to London presents a dearth of things to do. Far from it; the capital excels in indoor and outdoor winter activities, accustomed as we now are to expect the worst and hoping for the best in terms of the climate.

We’re taking a look at some of the great opportunities for indoor entertainment, daytime snoozing, and kids’ activities in and around London. One great event in October is Photomonth – which is actually more than a month, all told, taking place across the East of the City, taking in some of Hackney’s cafes/art spaces like Long White Cloud on Hackney Road, as well as huge art galleries such as Whitechapel Art Gallery.

As well as exhibitions, Photomonth also offers some great workshops, walks, talks, and other events, including a talk by James Burns on London from the Rooftops – which is sure to present some breathtaking and intriguing images.

For art fans, there are plenty of other indoor activities that should keep the weather interesting. A trip up to London with a bit of forward planning can see you find some great value central hotels – the Southbank is an excellent spot to try.

Whilst there, why not cower from the rain and snow by visiting the Tate Modern, where the William Klein/Daido Moriyama exhibition opens in mid-October, running all the way through to mid-January, providing a fresh perspective on the role of photography and film in transmitting urban experience and political protest.

To really escape from the outside world, go down to the newly opened Tanks in the basement of the Tate Modern, where ongoing live projects and smaller, experimental events take place through the arches and dark spaces of the lower reaches of this former power station.

Nevertheless, there are also some great ideas for a clear day in a colder month in London, and many of these are excellent activities for kids. From visiting Hackney City Farm, with its host of animals and a lovely restaurant, to enjoying one of central London’s best playing areas at Coram Fields in WC1, children will have plenty to do outside in the colder autumn months of 2012.

Those looking to find some family-friendly entertainment that pleases adults and kids alike may be intrigued by Frantic Assembly’s adaptation of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, based on Mark Haddon’s best-selling book.

Playing in repertory at the National Theatre on the Southbank, the show has enjoyed very popular success; booking is highly recommended as the majority of the run is already sold out – but it’s definitely worth swinging by in the hope or returns if you are already up in the capital on a Saturday.

Looking for a hotel in London this autumn? Consider a stay at the Holiday Inn London-Bloomsbury hotel for a central, great-value accommodation option during your family trip to the U.K.