If you’ve never seen London in autumn, you’re missing one of the city’s most underrated seasons. The air cools just enough, the sun sits lower, and suddenly the parks turn into warm shades of orange, gold, and deep red. I’ve spent years exploring these spots, and the places below consistently deliver the best colours, views, and overall fall vibes — whether you’re out for a walk, photos, or just a quiet moment.
If I had to choose one place in London for autumn colour, it’s Kew Gardens. It feels like walking through a giant painting — Japanese maples glowing red, tall trees turning bronze, leaves falling around the lake, and the Treetop Walkway giving you a view from above.
Why people love it:
Massive variety of trees from all over the world
Calm, clean, beautifully maintained
Dozens of photo spots (the lake looks incredible during golden hour)
- When to go: Late October to mid-November usually gives the richest colours.
- Don’t miss: The Arboretum, the lake near Sackler Crossing, and the maples around the Japanese Landscape.
- Official website: Visit here for tickets or hours → Kew Gardens
2. Richmond Park (Southwest London)
Richmond Park feels wild — like a mini countryside hidden inside London. In autumn, the huge oak and beech trees turn warm shades, and sometimes you’ll see deer grazing among the fallen leaves, which makes it look straight out of a movie.
Why people love it:
Huge open spaces
Free to enter
Deer roaming freely
Amazing morning light for photography
- Best month: Mid to late October.
If you go early in the morning, you might catch mist rising between the trees. - Tips: Stay a safe distance from the deer (especially in rutting season).
Visit Isabella Plantation if you want a more colorful, garden-like area. - Official website: More details here → Richmond Park – The Royal Parks
3. Hampstead Heath (North London)
If you want a mix of forest trails, big hills and city skylines in the background, Hampstead Heath is perfect. It’s less polished than other parks, which gives it a natural, “untouched” feel in autumn.
Why people love it:
One of the best views of London from Parliament Hill
Wooded areas that turn deep yellow and orange
Great for long walks and relaxed afternoons
- Best time to visit: Mid-October to early November.
- Must-see spots: Parliament Hill, Kenwood House area, and the wooded paths around the ponds.
- Official website: More info here → Hampstead Heath
4. Holland Park (Kensington) – Kyoto Garden
If you prefer something peaceful and elegant, Holland Park’s Kyoto Garden is one of the prettiest small gardens in London. The Japanese maples turn stunning shades of red and gold, and the koi pond reflects the colours beautifully.
Why people love it:
Quiet, calm, perfect for slow walks
Great photography spot
Japanese-style garden feels unique compared to other London parks
- Peak time: Late October.
- Best moment: Early morning when the garden is quiet and the water is still.
- Official website: Read about it here → Holland Park – RBKC
5. Greenwich Park (Southeast London)
Greenwich Park gives you the perfect mix: autumn trees and a hilltop view overlooking the Thames and the London skyline. The long avenues of trees look incredible when the leaves change, and the walk up to the Royal Observatory is full of colour.
Why people love it:
Free, huge, and easy to access
Dramatic views over London
Great for both casual visitors and serious photographers
- Best time: Mid-October to early November.
- Nice touches: The Queen’s Orchard and Flower Garden also show amazing fall colours.
- Official website: Check the park page → Greenwich Park
6. St James’s Park (Central London)
St James’s Park is one of those places that feels magical in autumn even though it’s right in the middle of London. The combination of tree-lined paths, the lake, and ducks swimming through golden reflections makes it incredibly photogenic.
Why it’s worth visiting:
Beautifully maintained flowerbeds
Quiet corners with benches facing the lake
Perfect for a slow morning walk or quick break during sightseeing
- Best moment: Late afternoon when the sunlight hits the lake and creates warm reflections of Big Ben and the surrounding trees.
- Official website: Learn more → St James’s Park – The Royal Parks
7. Battersea Park (Southwest London)
Battersea Park is one of London’s most underrated autumn spots. It’s spacious, calm, and filled with mature trees that explode into bright yellows and oranges.
Why people love it:
Great river views
Peace Pagoda area looks stunning with fallen leaves
Wide paths — nice for cycling or jogging in autumn weather
- Best time: Mid-October to early November.
- Don’t miss: The little bridges and lakeside spots — perfect for photos.
- Official website: More info → Battersea Park
8. Regent’s Park (North/Central London)
Regent’s Park combines royal-style landscaping with huge stretches of trees that change colour beautifully in autumn. The long avenues of London plane trees are especially striking.
Why it stands out:
Inner Circle is full of photogenic trees
Great for families, runners, and casual walkers
You can pair the visit with a stop at Primrose Hill
- When to visit: Mid to late October is usually the sweet spot.
9. Primrose Hill (North London)
Primrose Hill is famous for its skyline view — but in autumn, the foreground becomes equally beautiful. The trees around the hill turn warm amber colours, making the view twice as impressive.
Why visit in autumn:
Dramatic sunset views with fall colours
Open grassy areas for a peaceful walk
Close to cafés and colorful houses in Primrose Hill village
- Best time: Clear, sunny afternoons in late October.
- Local tip: Bring a light jacket — it gets windy at the top.
10. Victoria Park (East London)
Victoria Park is huge and full of character. In autumn, the long lines of trees along the boating lake and pathways look absolutely stunning. It’s a real community park, so you’ll see families, cyclists and dog-walkers enjoying the season.
Why it’s great for fall colours:
Lakeside spots with colourful reflections
Calm, spacious, and very walkable
Great coffee stalls and bakeries nearby
- Peak period: Late October to early November.
- Perfect for: Couples, families, photographers, and anyone exploring East London.
- Official website: Visit here → Victoria Park – Tower Hamlets
Final Thoughts
Autumn in London has a quiet charm that many visitors don’t expect — and even locals sometimes forget. Whether you’re wandering through the wide, golden avenues of Greenwich Park or catching reflections on the lakes at Kew and St James’s Park, each place offers its own mood and colour palette. What makes fall in London special is that you don’t need to travel far; a simple walk through any of these parks can feel like a small escape from the busy city.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. When is the best time to see fall foliage in London?
Most parks reach their peak colours between mid-October and early November. Some trees, like maples and chestnuts, start turning earlier in late September.
2. Is there an entrance fee for these parks?
Almost all the parks on the list are free to enter.
Only Kew Gardens requires a ticket, which you can book in advance via their official website.
3. Which place is best for photography?
It depends on your style:
Kew Gardens for variety and reflections
Richmond Park if you want deer and misty mornings
Primrose Hill for skyline + colourful trees
Holland Park for serene, Japanese-style autumn scenes
4. Can I bring my dog to these parks?
Yes, dogs are allowed in most parks except certain areas like Kyoto Garden in Holland Park. Always follow on-site signs, and keep dogs away from deer in Richmond Park.
5. What should I wear for autumn walks in London?
Layers are your best friend. Autumn here can be cool and unpredictable, so bring:
A light jacket
Comfortable shoes (paths can get slippery with wet leaves)
Optional: umbrella or waterproof coat
