The 8 most charming autumn spots to enjoy London in the fall

Start listening to Dreams by the Cranberries—that opening sequence for You’ve Got Mail. It’s time to soak in the autumn colour in London.

London is a perfect autumn city. The drizzly weather calls for all things cosy and there are plenty of magical spots to enjoy London in the fall.

From vistas of autumnal colours to crunching leaves underfoot, here are the best places to go in autumn in London.

1. Autumn walks at Greenwich Park

I spent my first year in London living in Greenwich, and I remember that autumn feeling so clearly. I was lonely and everything was new, and I would walk around the park listening to Fleet Foxes and the Paper Kites. The autumn colour that year was one of the best I’ve experienced here and it still brings back feelings of sweet melancholy. Greenwich park offers sweeping views over London’s skyline and the autumn colours suit it so well.

Originally belonging to the Royal Manor of Greenwich, the park was initially used for hunting by the monarchy. It wasn't until the 17th century that it was transformed into a public recreational area, opening its gates to the public for the first time.

The park's rich history is reflected in its breathtaking landscapes, elegant architecture, and remarkable landmarks like the iconic Greenwich Observatory.

One of the most iconic features of the Greenwich Observatory is the Prime Meridian Line, also known as Longitude 0°. This imaginary line divides the Earth into the Eastern and Western Hemispheres, providing the standard reference point for mapping and navigation across the globe.

While in Greenwich Park, don’t miss Ranger’s House or the Queen’s House, two amazing stately homes in London.

2. Richmond Park and Richmond Hill with fall foliage

The view from Richmond Hill which overlooks the Thames is a classic, and a protected view. I think autumn is when it is at it’s best, and every time I’m here I feel like I’m in a Turner painting.

As you make your way up the hill, you'll pass through enchanting residential streets lined with elegant Georgian houses. Once you reach the top, the stunning vista below will catch your attention for a while.

The Richmond Hill viewpoint owes much of its fame to the 18th-century landscape painter J. M. W. Turner, who painted the scene several times in watercolour and oil. Turner lived nearby in Twickenham. It’s easy to see why it captured his attention with its picturesque romance.

While the view at Richmond Hill is undoubtedly the highlight, the area offers much more than just a stunning panorama. Nearby is Richmond Park, an expansive royal parkland that is home to herds of majestic deer. It’s a perfect place to continue on a long autumn walk with a flask of tea in hand.

Richmond Hill is just a short walk away from Richmond Park, and down the hill are Petersham Nurseries and Ham House which also excellent autumn spots.

Have a look at my Richmond Guide for more tips on visiting the neighbourhood.

3. Autumn at Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court’s gardens look particularly pretty in autumn and it fits the slightly creepy vibes of the palace, where the guides capitalise on ghost stories of beheaded wives of Henry VIII!

There’s lots to discover inside the palace, from the enormous kitchens used to serve up the King’s meals to the small and sumptuous chapel. The palace tour traces the history of the place as it changed over centuries and is of course focused on the legacy of Henry VIII.

The gardens are the best part of Hampton Court Palace, in my opinion. The formal gardens on the river side of the palace are stunning in every season, and become framed with golden leaves during the autumn months.

My favourite bit is the little dahlia garden tucked in the corner of the formal gardens—keep going up the path past this view until you find it. The dahlias are planted in a colour gradient from white to red which I’ve never seen before.

Hampton Court Palace has a few free entry days during the year. In the autumn of 2023, Hampton Court has free entry days on the 16 - 17 September and 18 - 19 November.

4. Regent’s Park

Regent’s Park is an autumn utopia. The avenue lined with yellow trees is a classic London autumn view, but I also love the planting in the formal gardens.

Regent’s Park was designed by the Georgian architect John Nash who transformed much of London in the early 19th century.

The park was named after George IV, at the time the Prince Regent, as he commissioned the park to complement the royal residences that surrounded it. The impressive architecture in this area is still a central element of the park experience.

Every October the park features Frieze Sculpture, a free sculpture trail linked to Frieze Art Fair. This is one of my favourite autumn traditions in London.

Frieze Sculpture is completely free (unlike Frieze Art Fair) and so is accessible to the public to enjoy intriguing contemporary sculpture. The installations are set up throughout the English Gardens in Regent’s Park and each year is different, bringing a fresh new experience to the park each autumn. Visitors can engage with the sculptures on a tactile level, as many of the artworks are designed to encourage interaction and exploration.

After exploring this area of Regent’s Park, don’t miss London’s beautiful secret garden within the park, St John’s Lodge.

5. St John’s Lodge, Regent’s Park

St John’s Lodge Garden is tucked away inside Regent’s Park, across the street from Queen Mary’s Rose Garden. This spot is truly a hidden gem, and I always feel like I’ve discovered something secret and magical when I visit. It’s beautiful in all seasons and special when the leaves are changing.

St John’s Lodge itself is a Grade II listed historic home part of the crown estate and is not accessible to the public. The beautiful gardens are however, accessed through a narrow entrance gate and planted archway.

The garden is filled with beautiful corners, from the sculptural fountain at the centre to the lawn with a view of the lodge. It’s small but a wonderful place to stop, especially with autumn colour.

6. Regent’s Canal

From Regent’s Park it is easy to find Regent’s Canal and follow it to Camden, or to walk along at any other point. The changing autumn trees lining the canal with colourful houseboats wandering up and down is a charming scene.

Regent’s Canal was built in the 19th century to connect Paddington Station to the Thames in a major development of London’s transportation infrastructure.

The narrowboats on Regent’s Canal are mainly residences, some which are moored permanently and some which move around the canal system on a regular basis. You can rent small boats to ride around the canal in, or take a boat between Little Venice and Camden.

There is a little cafe that sits above this particular view on the canal called Cafe Laville. It’s not amazing food, but offers a prized autumn view as you can sit on a balcony that looks directly over the canal.

7. Chiswick Mall

Walking along the river path from Hammersmith to Chiswick Mall (and even further to Chiswick House) is one of my favourite London walks. This darling scene is in front of Mari Deli & Dining, which I have not tried yet but intend to this year!

The history of Chiswick Mall dates back to the 18th century when it became a fashionable promenade for London's upper class, who enjoyed strolling along the riverbank to enjoy the idyllic scenery. Many elegant Georgian and Victorian houses line Chiswick Mall, showcasing the architectural styles of the past and offering a glimpse into the area's affluent past.

Also along this walk is William Morris’ studio and Emery Walker’s house, an Arts & Crafts destination, which is also on my autumn to-do list.

8. Autumn in Belgravia

Elizabeth Street in Belgravia is one of the most cheerful streets to visit during fall in London. I think it has quite a bit of American influence, and around the time of Halloween most shops decorate with an autumnal theme.

Wandering the streets in the area and stopping at the beautiful shops and cafes is one of my favourite autumn walks in London. Peggy Porschen is always charming with its pink facade and seasonal treats, as is Chestnut Bakery, one of the best bakeries in London.

Having grown up in America, I sometimes miss the distinct fall atmosphere that happens in October in the states. Pumpkin patches, apple cider, trick-or-treating, all of that. This particular area in Belgravia feels nostalgic to me and ticks that box the best it can be in London!

London in the fall

As the days shorten and crisp leaves begin to fall, make sure to savour London’s autumn aesthetic by getting out and enjoying the picturesque scenes across the city. From parkland and vistas to contemporary sculpture parks, autumn is a wonderful time to be in London. There’s so much to explore in London in the fall.

---