Autumn in London: The Best Things to Do & See
Date post added: 29th September 2026
After the bright intensity of summer, autumn brings a softer, more mellow feel. London takes on a different kind of beauty. London draped in autumnal colours is truly spectacular.
London’s parks turn shades of red, amber, copper and gold. You notice that seasonal crunch of fallen leaves underfoot. And there’s the joy of spotting a shiny conker in your path.
The cooler weather’s ideal for a long walk followed by a pub lunch, a hot chocolate or a warm cuppa. Even the occasional rainy day has its charms. It’s an opportunity to visit London’s magnificent museums, galleries and undercover markets. Plus, there are diverse and uplifting cultural events on at this time of year too.
Looking for some inspiration for an autumnal visit to London? You’ll find it here.
What are the best parks to visit in London during autumn?
Some enjoy the warmth of the summer sun. Others adore the cold, crispness of winter. But we’re big fans of the autumn months. Yes, there’s a chill in the air, but you can easily overcome that with the right clothing.
It’s an incredibly beautiful time of year to enjoy London’s parks. Did you know that almost half of the capital is green space? And this is when those green spaces update their seasonal colour scheme to shades of yellow, orange and red. When the leaves begin to change colour, London’s parks put on the most wonderful show for all to see.
London’s parks are absolute jewels in its mighty crown. They have so much to offer at no cost. A few highlights include:
Hyde Park: Known as ‘The people’s park’, this is a very special space in the heart of the city. The Serpentine’s at its centre. Stop at one of the lakeside cafes and watch the leaves drift across the water. Wind your way along the paths and picturesque meadows in the north of the park. Beautiful.
Regent’s Park: Formal gardens combine with wilder, wooded areas. Over 120 species of bird flock here each year. Follow the tree-line Broad Walk (aka the Board Walk) through the park. And climb nearby Primrose Hill for a panoramic view of the London skyline. It’s one of London’s best natural lookouts.
St James Park: One of the eight royal parks in London, St James Park is unmistakably regal. With Buckingham Palace at one end and Horse Guards Parade at the other, St James Park packs an impressive amount into its 57 acres. Head to the Blue Bridge where you’ll get a sensational view towards Buckingham Palace framed by trees proudly displaying their autumnal colours.
Richmond Park: This magnificent London park spans 2,500 acres. You can easily forget that you’re so close to the city in this nature reserve. Its ancient oaks and wide grasslands are particularly striking in autumn. Its best-known residents are the herds of red and fallow deer who you may find rutting at this time of year. Give them space!
Holland Park: In the heart of Kensington, Holland Park comprises secluded gardens, woodland and leafy walkways. Its Kyoto Garden is especially photogenic in autumn. You must capture its vivid red and orange leaves glistening over the pond.
Kew Gardens: Just outside London, Kew Gardens puts on an impressive display at this time of year as 11,000 trees adorn their autumnal colours. Walk amongst it all via the Treetop Walkway and Arboretum. Then stop for a warming cuppa, some cake or even afternoon tea in the great Victorian glasshouses. Don’t miss its Halloween light trail too.
Are there any good places for autumn walks in London?
You’re spoiled for choice of good places for autumn walks in London. Our guided walks take place daily, exploring myriad places across our capital city. Join us and you’ll truly get to understand and discover different aspects of London.
Hampstead Heath: Hampstead’s a lovely village surrounded by heathland within very easy reach of Central London. Mr London Walks himself, David, has called Hampstead home for nearly 50 years. And his favourite London walk is the classic Hampstead Village one which takes in Hampstead Heath and the Northern Heights. It’s a beautiful place to look across autumnal London. Then tuck into warming comfort food in a cracking, traditional British pub.
Little Venice: Little Venice is a beautiful spot in which to spend time at any time of year. But in autumn, it feels even more serene. Canal walks show you a quieter side of London and Little Venice is the perfect place to start. Walk along the towpath through Maida Vale and alongside Regent’s Park before reaching Camden Lock. You’ll experience London at a slower pace and from a new perspective.
Notting Hill: The colourful mews houses in Notting Hill absolutely ooze charm. The likes of Portland Road and Elgin Crescent are particularly pretty in autumn colours. The fallen leaves look striking against their pastel-painted houses, so this a favourite area for seasonal photography.
Southbank: There are so many landmarks to see on this walk along the River Thames. They look stunning in the softer, autumnal light which gives the river a golden glow. Start near the London Eye and you have views across the Thames towards Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Follow the river past the Southbank Centre, National Theatre, Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe before reaching Borough Market. It’s the perfect place to warm up with a hot drink and something delicious.
St Dunstan-in-the-East: A lesser known spot, you’ll find St Dunstan-in-the-East tucked away between London Bridge and Tower Bridge. It’s a gloriously atmospheric public garden. You’ll find a Wren church that was devastated in World War II. The remains are now covered in overgrown vines and branches. It’s a peaceful place to start or finish a walk along the Southbank.
What are the best autumn festivals to attend in London?
Autumn marks the beginning of an exciting cultural season in London. As the evenings draw in, cinemas, theatres and arts venues fill their programmes with festivals, talks and special events.
London Literature Festival: This year, Dua Lipa curates the London Literature Festival at the Southbank Centre. Taking place from 20th October to 1st November, you’ll be introduced to the Grammy-award-winning star’s favourite established and emerging writers.
BFI London Film Festival: This year marks the 70th year of this celebratory film festival. Some of the most highly anticipated new films get their premiere. But you can also encounter more obscure and experimental cinema too.
Oktoberfest: You don’t need to travel to Munich to join an Oktoberfest celebration. London hosts several Bavarian-inspired events featuring beer, bratwurst, pretzels, live bands and a considerable amount of lederhosen. For 2026, London Oktoberfest takes place in Finsbury Park from 1st to 3rd October. Between the Bridges on the Southbank hosts Oktoberfest from 25th September to 17th October.
Black History Month: Throughout October there are diverse events celebrating Black culture, history and communities across London. Sample sensational African and Caribbean food at the Black Culture Market in Brixton on 3rd and 4th October. At the National Gallery, you can join in a special talk and draw session marking Black History Month on 30th October. And that’s just for starters.
Halloween: Not restricted to 31st October, Halloween in London is celebrated for the whole month in some places. It coincides with school holidays, so you’ll find a wealth of family-friendly events and activities across the city.
Bonfire Night: Remember, remember the fifth of November… Bonfire Night/ Fireworks Night/ Guy Fawkes’ Night is a key date on the autumnal calendar. Join in the explosive fun of Bonfire Night in London.
Autumn food
One of the delights of autumn is that you’re expected to don a comfy, oversized jumper and tuck into comfort food. Autumn’s no time for a lettuce leaf and an iced spritz. This is the season for pies, stews, Sunday roasts and old school British puddings. And the best place for that is a cosy pub.
Fancy something more eclectic? Head to the likes of Borough Market or Portobello Road for global street food. Then there’s the legendary experience of a spicy curry on Brick Lane.
Take a gourmet food tour with our local gourmand, Ann:
What month is autumn in London?
In the United Kingdom, autumn runs from September to November.
What is the weather like in London in autumn?
September’s often still fairly warm. October’s when the temperature drops and the autumn colours are strong. By November, the days are noticeably shorter and many trees have begun to shed their leaves. Basically, it’s variable weather in autumn. You may experience sunshine, rain, hail and a chilly blast on the same afternoon. Wear layers and pack both sunglasses and an umbrella.
Be inspired by our guide to things to do in London when it rains.
Pippa Jackson
Pippa is a word nerd and content aficionado with a background of working in TV on both sides of the globe. She loves to discover and share the diverse and wonderful stories of her much-loved London. When she’s not writing blogs and articles, you’ll find her walking beside the Thames or even paddleboarding on it (in the finest of conditions only!) or enjoying a coffee in the sunshine with a good book.
David Tucker
David – the Seigneur of this favoured realm – broods over words, breeds enthusiasms and is “unmanageable.”* He’s a balterer, literary historian, university lecturer, journalist, logophile and lifelong thanatophobe. For good measure, he’s the doyen of London guides.