Best Autumn Walks in London

Best Autumn Walks in London – Parks, Gardens & Hidden Trails

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Where to See Autumn Colours in London

London in autumn is magical. Crisp mornings, golden trees, and quieter streets create a wonderful backdrop for exploring on foot. For overseas visitors, September and October offer perfect walking weather. You can enjoy sunshine without summer crowds or winter chill. The city’s parks and gardens showcase spectacular autumn colours. Think amber oaks, crimson maples, and sweeping vistas over the Thames.

A guided walk is one option. You can also explore independently with easy transport links and digital guides.

Travel Tip: Book your London hotel in advance with Booking.com to stay near these iconic parks.

You’ll also want to sort transport early. Download our free Essential London Transport Guide for Oyster card and travel app tips.

From deer-filled meadows to riverside markets, these walks reveal a slower, more authentic side of London in autumn.

Deer at Richmond Park — An elegant male fallow deer looks onwards as he walks across a meadow in Richmond Park, UK. The morning light showcases the early morning mist. And rays of light shine between the leaves of trees.

Richmond Park – Deer & Autumn Landscapes

It’s London’s largest royal park. It’s especially stunning in autumn, when ancient oak trees glow with fiery colour.

September and October also bring the deer rutting season. Stags clash antlers in misty fields, creating unforgettable autumn scenes for visitors.

Walkers can follow wide open paths, wooded trails, and hidden ponds. Each route offers quiet moments and beautiful seasonal views.

The highlight is King Henry’s Mound, a viewpoint with a clear sightline to St. Paul’s Cathedral, framed by autumn trees.

We recommend: Join a guided nature walk with GetYourGuide to learn about wildlife and autumn traditions.

Getting here is simple. Richmond is a quick train ride from Waterloo, or book a private car with GetTransfer.

After your walk, enjoy a hearty Sunday roast in one of Richmond’s historic riverside pubs.

Hampstead Heath & Kenwood House

Hampstead Heath feels like countryside, yet it’s only minutes from central London. Autumn adds rustic charm, with trees painted gold and red.

The Heath offers a mix of woodlands, meadows, and hidden ponds. It’s ideal for leisurely walks and quiet photography stops. Climb Parliament Hill for one of London’s best skyline views. The city shimmers in autumn light, framed by falling leaves.

At the northern edge, visit Kenwood House. This stately home displays fine art and elegant interiors, surrounded by sweeping gardens.

We recommend: Entry to Kenwood House is free. Book a skip-the-line ticket for other attractions with Tiqets.

Reaching Hampstead Heath is easy by Northern Line Tube. Prefer comfort? Book a private transfer with Welcome Pickup.

End your walk with tea in Hampstead Village. Its cosy cafes and pubs are perfect for autumn afternoons.

Old Royal Naval College with Greenwich Park in the background — Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich with Queen’s House, Greenwich Park and Royal Observatory in the background

Greenwich Park – History with Autumn Colour

Greenwich Park is one of London’s oldest royal parks. Autumn transforms its tree-lined avenues into a golden, picture-perfect walkway.

The park is steeped in history. You’ll find the Royal Observatory, Queen’s House, and sweeping views over the River Thames.

From the hilltop, the autumn skyline is breathtaking. Canary Wharf’s modern towers rise above fiery red and amber treetops.

Visit the Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College nearby. It’s often called Britain’s “Sistine Chapel” and dazzles in any season.

Smart Tip: Book a combined Greenwich ticket with GetYourGuide to include the Painted Hall and Observatory.

Reaching Greenwich is simple. Take the DLR, a Thames Clipper boat, or book a guided walking tour with us at London Adventures.

Finish with a riverside lunch or explore Greenwich Market, perfect for autumn food and crafts.

Kew Gardens in autumn — Kew Gardens in Autumn

Autumn Colours & Glasshouses at Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens is London’s most famous botanical garden. Autumn is one of the best times to visit its 300-acre grounds.

Leaves blaze in shades of amber, crimson, and gold. The Japanese Garden and Arboretum are especially beautiful in September and October.

The Treetop Walkway gives a bird’s-eye view of the canopy. It’s magical when autumn colours stretch out beneath your feet.

Rainy day? Explore the Temperate House, the world’s largest Victorian glasshouse. It’s warm, lush, and filled with exotic plants.

We recommend: Skip the line with fast-track tickets from Tiqets to save time on busy weekends.

Kew is only 30 minutes from central London by Tube. Prefer convenience? Arrange a private car with GetTransfer.

After your visit, stop in nearby Richmond for tea or a riverside stroll.

Regent’s Park & Primrose Hill

Regent’s Park is a peaceful retreat in central London. In autumn, its ornamental gardens and tree avenues glow with seasonal colour.

The park features elegant bridges, boating lakes, and wide open lawns. Early mornings bring mist over the water, perfect for photography.

Stroll through the Avenue Gardens with fountains and flowerbeds. Even as roses fade, autumn colours brighten the surrounding trees.

Climb to Primrose Hill, just north of the park. From here, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of London’s skyline in golden light.

We recommend: Combine your walk with a theatre evening. Book shows in advance with Tiqets for a perfect autumn day.

The park is easy to reach by Tube, just a few stops from Oxford Circus.

End your walk in nearby Marylebone. Its cafes and boutique shops are welcoming spots for a warm drink.

South Bank by Tower Bridge — South Bank at Tower Bridge

South Bank to Tower Bridge – Riverside Autumn Vibes

The South Bank is perfect for an autumn riverside stroll. Start near the London Eye and follow the Thames eastward. This route is alive with culture. You’ll pass the National Theatre, Tate Modern, and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.

Street performers and seasonal markets add colour. Autumn evenings bring glowing lights reflecting on the river, a truly magical scene.

Cross the Millennium Bridge for a view of St. Paul’s. Then continue toward Borough Market for cosy autumn food stalls.

We recommend: Book market and food experiences with GetYourGuide for a guided taste of London flavours.

Finish your walk at Tower Bridge. The bridge looks spectacular at sunset, with autumn skies painting the city orange and pink.

Prefer a relaxed pace? Try the Thames Clipper boat back west with your Oyster card or contactless payment.

London in autumn is unforgettable. Parks and riverside paths burst with colour, while crisp air makes walking a joy.

These routes suit every style. You can spot deer in Richmond, climb Primrose Hill, or admire Greenwich’s historic skyline.

Kew Gardens shines with seasonal foliage. The South Bank offers culture, food, and riverside sunsets. Each walk shows a unique side of London.

Plan ahead. Book tickets for attractions and tours with Tiqets to avoid queues.

For stays near London’s best parks, check Booking.com hotels for easy access to these autumn walks.

Want insider support? Try our Itinerary Planning Service or join a Bespoke Tour.

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