Best Places to See Autumn Foliage in London

London's parks turn spectacular in autumn, and it's worth carving out a few free afternoons to see it. Here's where to catch the best of the colour, from the obvious spots to a few locals-only corners.

It's also just a lovely season to be in the city generally – think roast dinners in cosy pubs, apple crumble, and the run-up to Bonfire Night.

Flame-colored leaves in the beautiful 150-year-old ornamental Italian Gardens on the north side of Kensington Gardens, near Lancaster Gate.

Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens

Hyde Park was originally Henry VIII's hunting ground, laid out in 1536, and it's still one of London's best spots for autumn colour thanks to over 4,000 trees – London plane, sweet chestnut, lime, and English oak among them. For a different angle on the foliage, rent a pedal boat on the Serpentine. It's well served by the Underground too, with Hyde Park Corner, Marble Arch, and Knightsbridge all close by, and Oxford Street just around the corner if shopping calls.

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Regent's Park

Regent's Park turns warm shades of orange, gold, and deep red each autumn, with fallen leaves carpeting the paths beneath a canopy of colour. The Avenue Gardens are especially good, with the colours reflected in the nearby water features, and Queen Mary's Gardens holds onto a few late summer blooms alongside its maple and horse chestnut trees. The Boating Lake is another quiet spot for a walk, and keep an eye out for the park's Japanese maples. If you're visiting during the annual Frieze Sculpture exhibition, the contemporary art against autumn colour is a nice combination – and it's a good time for wildlife-spotting, with squirrels gathering nuts and waterfowl busy on the lakes.

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Kynance Mews, South Kensington

This cobbled mews is known for its ivy-covered brick facades, which turn a deep red in autumn, and the low afternoon light suits its narrow streets particularly well. Look out for the seasonal touches residents add to their front doors – pumpkins, wreaths, and the odd late-blooming window box.

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Hampstead Heath

Hampstead Heath is the wilder option – rolling hills and ancient woodland rather than a manicured park. It's a good spot for a brisk autumn walk, with panoramic views over the city from Parliament Hill. Kenwood House, the Hill Garden and Pergola, and the ponds are all worth building a route around.

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Greenwich Park

Greenwich Park's older trees turn vivid red and gold in autumn, with views over the Thames and the London skyline to match. Combine your walk with the Royal Observatory, the Prime Meridian Line, and the park's flower gardens.

Little Venice

A short walk from Paddington, Little Venice's canals are lined with plane trees that turn beautifully in autumn, their colour mirrored in the still water. It's quieter here than in summer, and a canal boat ride is a nice way to take it all in, followed by a warm drink at one of the canalside cafes or pubs.

Richmond & Richmond Park

Richmond is easily reached on the District Line or the Overground. From the station, head to the Riverside via Richmond Green, then up towards Terrace Gardens and the hill beyond for some of the best views of the season.

Kew Gardens

Kew's autumn display is helped along by dahlias, chrysanthemums, and asters still in bloom alongside the changing leaves, and it's a good spot for birdwatching as migratory birds pass through. Between the colour, the wildlife, and the historic glasshouses in the background, it's an easy place to spend a full afternoon.

Kyoto Gardens & Holland Park

Holland Park is lovely in autumn, but the Kyoto Gardens within it are the real draw – a small, Japanese-inspired garden where the maple trees turn a striking red against carefully placed rocks and quiet water features. Both are a peaceful escape from the rest of the city.

Chiswick Park

Chiswick Park's Classic Bridge makes a good focal point for the surrounding autumn colour, and there are plenty of benches if you'd rather sit and take it in than keep walking. Best visited any time between early September and late November.

Southbank

The poplar trees lining the river along the South Bank put on a reliably good show each autumn, and it's an easy stretch to walk while taking in the colour along the Thames.

Gunnersbury Park

Gunnersbury's oaks and chestnuts turn a proper mix of red, orange, and gold, mirrored in the park's two lakes. Gunnersbury House, the park's historic building, makes a handsome backdrop for the season.

Walpole Park

Walpole Park in Ealing is a good, low-key choice for autumn photography, particularly around Pitzhanger Manor, which adds some historic character to the scene. The lake here is calm enough for good reflections, and there's a café if you want to warm up afterwards – or try your hand at conker collecting.

Brent Lodge Park & Brent Canal

The Brent Canal runs through Brent Lodge Park and is a quiet spot for an autumn walk, with narrowboats occasionally drifting past and the overhanging trees reflected in the water. There's open grass for a picnic too, and it tends to draw a friendly, local crowd.

Horsenden Hill

Horsenden Hill in West London offers some of the best panoramic views on this list, especially once the leaves start to fall and the vistas open up – on a clear day you can pick out London's skyline in the distance. It's quieter than the more central parks, and you might spot wildlife preparing for winter along the trails. Occasionally there are seasonal events here too, like harvest celebrations.

Photography Tips

For the best light, shoot during the golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset. A tripod helps with stability, and it's worth experimenting with angles rather than shooting everything head-on. The best window for autumn foliage in London is typically mid-October to early November.

*All photos were taken by Ina/WithinLondon, unless stated otherwise :)