The seasons are turning, and London is coming into its own. As the air turns crisp and jumpers come out, the parks of the capital transform into magnificent tapestries of reds, oranges, and golds.
It’s the perfect time to pull on your walking boots and explore our green spaces as they shift into autumn.
From royal parks to woodland trails, London has dozens of routes where you can enjoy the changing leaves up close and personal.
Each one highlights a different side of the city – whether it’s history, a family-friendly stroll, or a quiet corner, there’s a route for everyone.
The Hampstead circular walk
Tucked away in north London, with cobbled lanes, cosy pubs and Georgian houses, Hampstead feels more like a quaint village than a part of bustling London.
Its charm draws you in long before you step onto the Heath – a vast landscape of woodlands, meadows, and ponds that provides welcome respite from the febrile energy of the Underground.
The best way to take it in is the Hampstead Circular walk, which starts in Hampstead village, just up from the Tube station, along Heath Street.
From here, it runs up Holly Hill and Hampstead Grove, passing the Holly Bush, an 18th-century pub that makes a tempting early stop, before reaching the entrance to Hampstead Heath.
Once on the Heath, the path takes you through a mix of oak-lined trails and open meadows. Make sure to take a breather at the ponds, watch the colours of autumn ripple on the surface, and look out for brave swimmers.
A highlight of the route is the climb to Parliament Hill, one of London’s best natural viewpoints, where you can catch a panoramic view of the city skyline.
You could also head north to Kenwood House, a stately home with landscaped gardens, and stop at the Brewhouse café for a matcha.
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The route then loops back towards Hampstead village, passing Keats House – a must for literature lovers – and Burgh House, before finishing on Flask Walk.
End with a well-earned pint (or even a full Sunday roast) at the Flask pub, the perfect reward after completing the trail.
Duration: Around 4km, taking most walkers 1–1.5 hours.
Difficulty: Moderate – a couple of steep hills, but nothing too demanding.
Getting there: Start at Hampstead Underground Station (Northern line).
Best stop-off: The Flask Hampstead, a gastropub at the walk’s end that claims to serve the best Sunday roast in North London – a worthy reward.
Little Venice to Camden Lock
Little Venice and Camden Lock have a distinct charm during autumn.
Flanked by the Regents Canal, the walk between them offers fresh air, picturesque houseboats and small businesses, before ending at Camden’s bustling food market.
Start your journey at Paddington station: Regent’s Canal and signs to ‘Little Venice’ should be in view immediately. If you’d like a coffee in hand, Darcy and May Green is a nearby brunch spot serving takeaway drinks.
You’ll find Little Venice at the junction where Grand Union and Regent’s Canal meet. From here, follow the path east all the way to Camden Lock.
Along the water, you’ll pass restaurants and bars worth the detour, as well as the Puppet Theatre Barge – always a hit if you’ve brought little ones along.
Keep going and you’ll come across Café Laville, an Italian spot on a bridge with views over the canal.
As you near Monkey Valley and London Zoo, you’re almost at your destination. A sharp bend in the canal signals Camden is just ahead, where terrace bars and street food stalls make the perfect place to refuel after your walk.
Duration: About 3.3km (2 miles), roughly 1 hour on foot.
Difficulty: Easy – an accessible, gentle stroll for all walkers.
Getting there: Start at Paddington Station and finish at Camden.
Best stop-off: The Puppet Theatre Barge for some mid-walk entertainment, or The Bridge House near Westbourne Terrace for a cosy pint by the canal.
The Tamsin Trail, Richmond Park
The Tamsin Trail is a walking and cycling route around the perimeter of Richmond Park, London’s largest royal park.
At 11km, it’s no quick stroll, but with ancient woodland, wide meadows and herds of deer, it’s worth the effort.
Most start at Richmond Gate, (a short walk from Richmond station) and head clockwise.
This takes you from Richmond Gate to Pembroke Lodge, where you’ll find views of the Thames Valley, and the Pembroke Lodge cafe.
From Pembroke Lodge, wander through the woodlands and meadows towards Kingston Gate, this stretch is a prime location for spotting red and fallow deer – residents of the park.
Richmond Park is also a great spot to catch birdlife – keep an eye out for woodpeckers and green parakeets.
Finish up this walk heading up to Richmond Gate, an uphill climb that will reward you with views of St Paul’s Cathedral.
Duration: 11km (7 miles), roughly 3-4 hours on foot.
Difficulty: Medium – generally accessible and well-marked paths, some hills along the trail.
Getting there: Head to Richmond Station for the closest access to Richmond Gate.
Best stop-off: The Puppet Theatre Barge for some mid-walk entertainment, or The Bridge House near Westbourne Terrace for a cosy pint by the canal.
The Diana Princess of Wales Memorial walk
Another longer walk through London’s Royal Parks, the 7-mile Tamsin Trail crosses four of the eight parks. It’s circular, so you can start anywhere, though Green Park is recommended.
From there, stroll towards St James’s Park and its lake, then circle back past Buckingham Palace and the Queen Victoria Memorial. Continue through Wellington Arch to Apsley Gate, an entrance to Hyde Park.
A broad walk down to the Four Winds Fountain makes a good resting spot before heading past the Old Police House and up Buck Hill, where you can take in the views of Kensington Palace.
Pass Queen Anne’s Alcove and the fountains of the Italian Gardens, then on to the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground – a perfect stop if you have little ones in tow.
Fancy a treat? The Orangery offers royal-inspired afternoon tea before you continue past Kensington Palace, taking in the Albert Memorial opposite the Royal Albert Hall.
Finish your loop along the Serpentine, stopping at the gallery if you’re an art lover, passing the Dell Restaurant, and closing your journey within the tranquility of the Rose Gardens, beautiful even in Autumn, and a peaceful end to a long journey.
Duration: 11km (7 miles), 3 hours.
Difficulty: Easy – Medium – mostly flat and paved, with the main challenge being the distance.
Getting there: Multiple stations around the route; Green Park or Hyde Park Corner Station are convenient starting points.
Best stop-off: For a treat, visit the Orangery; or for a quick coffee or sandwich, the Italian Gardens Café is ideal.
The Hampton Court Barge Walk
Heading southwest, the Barge walk takes you along the River Thames, from Kingston-upon-Thames to Hampton Court Palace.
This walking and cycling-friendly trail is named after the moored boats that line the riverside, passing Kingston’s lively waterfront, the Thames Sailing Club, and finishing with views of the Palace framed by autumn leaves.
Start near Bushy Park and head towards Kingston; just before the bridge, you’ll find the entrance to the Barge Walk. From there, follow the riverside path all the way down to Hampton Court. Keep an eye out for Ravens Ait and Thames Ditton islands, privately owned stretches of land with beautiful River Houses.
Near the end, you’ll reach Hampton Court Park. If you’re still full of energy, extend the walk for another angle on the Palace and its gardens, another way to peek into the Palace’s history.
Duration: About 4.5km (3 miles), roughly 1 to 1.5 hours on foot.
Difficulty: Easy – an accessible, gentle flat path suitable for all walkers.
Getting there: By train, head to either Hampton Wick station or Kingston station. You can also find parking near Bushy Park.
Best stop-off: The Pistachio Cafe is located in Bushy Park, near the Kingsfield Playground, or the 1910 Coffee House can be found just before the Kingston Bridge.
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