Autumn in London is a dream and if you are looking for inspiration, this guide brings you the best autumn walks in London, hidden gems to explore this autumn, and the most Instagrammable autumn spots in London, broken down by area: West, South, North, and East London.

Why Visit London in Autumn?

Autumn (September to November) transforms London into a warm-toned wonderland. The air turns crisp and the city’s parks and gardens explode with fiery colour – perfect for autumn photography locations in London. It’s also a season of cosy traditions like pumpkin spice lattes, Bonfire Night fireworks, and Christmas lights switch-ons.

Average temperatures range from 8°C to 15°C – so pack layers, a stylish umbrella, and your camera for those Instagrammable autumn shots.

Central London in Autumn

Must-Visit: St. James’s Park

One of the most picturesque autumn photography locations in London is St. James’s Park.

Hidden Gem: Lincoln’s Inn Fields

Often overlooked, Lincoln’s Inn Fields is the largest public square in London and a quiet retreat in the heart of the city. In autumn, the square is carpeted in russet and gold leaves, perfect for those seeking quiet parks and gardens in London this autumn.

Foodie Stop: Covent Garden

In autumn, Covent Garden transforms with seasonal floral displays, pop-up food stalls and mulled drinks, making it one of the most photogenic and family-friendly autumn activities in London.

Instagrammable Autumn Spots in Central London

• St. James’s Park
• Horse Guards Parade
• Covent Garden
• Lincoln’s Inn Fields
• St Dunstain in the East Church Garden

West London in Autumn

Must-Visit: Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens

If you’re wondering where to see fall foliage in London, start with Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. These parks offer some of the best autumn walks in London 2025, with tree-lined avenues glowing gold and the Italian Gardens making the perfect photo backdrop.

Insider Tip: Warm up at Serpentine Bar & Kitchen with a hot chocolate.

Hidden Gem: Holland Park & Kyoto Garden

This hidden gem in London this autumn feels like a secret retreat. Like you have stepped into a park far removed from the hustle and bustle of London. Kyoto Garden in Holland Park is especially stunning in October, with its Japanese maples turning fiery red.

Foodie Stop: Notting Hill – Stroll through pastel façades draped in autumn leaves, then cosy up at Farm Girl Café for a pumpkin spice latte or grab seasonal treats from Ottolenghi.

Instagrammable Autumn Spots in West London

• Kensington Gardens
• Portland Road
• Kyoto Garden
• Stanley Crescent
• Brompton Cemetery
• Hyde Park
• Albert Bridge

South-East London in Autumn

Must-Visit: Greenwich Park

This royal park offers sweeping city views framed by orange and gold leaves – easily one of the top autumn photography locations in London. Stand on the hill near the Royal Observatory for that iconic skyline shot.

Hidden Gem: Dulwich Village & Park

For quiet parks and gardens in London this autumn, head to Dulwich Park. Pair it with a visit to Dulwich Picture Gallery, the world’s first purpose-built art gallery.

Foodie Stop: Borough Market

A South London classic, especially for those cosy autumn vibes. Sip mulled wine or hot chocolate, snack on artisan cheeses, and sample game pies. Borough Market is also great for family-friendly autumn activities in London if you love food adventures.

Instagrammable Autumn Spots in South London

• View from Greenwich Park over Canary Wharf
• Dulwich Village lanes
• Battersea Park Peace Pagoda
• Borough Market

South-West London in Autumn (Richmond & Richmond Park in Autumn)

Must-Visit: Richmond Park

If you’re looking for the best autumn walks in London 2025, it doesn’t get more magical than Richmond Park. Famous for its roaming deer and wide-open landscapes, the park turns into a painter’s palette of russet, amber, and gold. Early mornings bring mist rising over the grasslands, making it one of the most atmospheric autumn photography locations in London.

Hidden Gem: Petersham Nurseries

Just a short walk from the park, Petersham Nurseries is a hidden gem. A popular spring location that transforms with the seasons and feels like stepping into a rustic countryside retreat. Sip tea in the greenhouse café surrounded by plants and twinkling fairy lights, or browse seasonal homewares and flowers.

Foodie Stop: Richmond Riverside

After your autumn walk, head to the riverside for cosy seasonal dining. Classic pubs like The White Cross are perfect for a hearty Sunday roast, while Scott’s Richmond offers elevated dishes with sweeping Thames views. For something truly unique, book a table at Peggy Jean by Daisy Green, a floating café-restaurant moored on the river. Their Aussie-inspired brunches and cocktails are even more magical when paired with golden autumn reflections on the water.

Instagrammable Autumn Spots in Richmond

• Richmond Park
• The view from King Henry’s Mound towards St Paul’s Cathedral
• Richmond Hill overlooking the Thames
• Petersham Nurseries

North London in Autumn

Must-Visit: Hampstead Heath

Another one of the best autumn walks in London 2025 awaits in Hampstead Heath. Climb Parliament Hill for a panoramic skyline framed by russet leaves. Go for a stroll around the Hill Garden and Pergola.

Hidden Gem: Highgate Cemetery

Not to state the obvious, but it is spooky season and Highgate Cemetery is the ultimate atmospheric experience for London autumn day trips off the beaten path. Explore ivy-clad Victorian tombs among the autumn colours.

Cosy Pubs

After exploring, duck into The Engineer, The Princess of Wales, The Holly Bush for hearty seasonal food and a fireside pint – a true cosy pub experience in London during autumn.

Instagrammable Autumn Spots in North-West London

• Little Venice
• Regent’s Park

Instagrammable Autumn Spots in North London

• Parliament Hill with London skyline view
• Highgate Cemetery’s
• Kenwood House
• Primrose Hill

East London in Autumn

Must-Visit: Victoria Park

Its tree-lined paths and reflective lakes make it one of the most photogenic autumn photography locations in London.

Hidden Gem: Columbia Road & Broadway Market

Sunday strolls along Columbia Road Flower Market are autumn perfection. For foodies, Broadway Market offers artisan treats and seasonal flavours – great for family-friendly autumn activities in London.

Art & Culture: Whitechapel Gallery

On rainy autumn days, head indoors to explore cutting-edge exhibitions at Whitechapel Gallery.

Instagrammable Autumn Spots in East London

• Victoria Park lake reflections
• Columbia Road Flower Market with seasonal blooms
• Shoreditch street art framed by autumn colours
• Broadway Market’s cosy coffee corners

Top Autumn Events and Festivals in London 2025

• Bonfire Night (5 November): Alexandra Palace fireworks for epic skyline views.
• Halloween: Halloween parties, haunted tours, fright nights and Halloween decorations in London.
• Christmas Light Switch-Ons: From early to mid-November.

Autumn Travel Tips

• Dress for the Weather: Layers, waterproof boots, and an umbrella.
• Plan Walks: Sunrise and sunset golden hours are best for autumn photography.
• Getting Around: Use an Oyster card or contactless payment for Tube and buses.

Autumn in London is all about cosy cafés, golden parks, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re taking the best autumn walks in London, hunting for Instagrammable autumn spots, or exploring quiet gardens off the beaten path, this season is a love letter to the city in gold and crimson.