London’s parks are heaven-sent during the summer but as the arrival of autumn transforms them to an Instagram-worthy picture of fiery reds and burnished browns, there’s nowhere we’d rather be.
These are a few of our favourite spots in London during the autumn:
Kenwood and Hampstead Heath
Kenwood is one of our favourite places in the autumn when the grassy slopes and woodland are crowd-free and the thousands of trees present dazzling displays of yellows, browns and red. Highlights include the view from House towards the lake and the sight of the three magnificent copper beech trees which stand proudly in front of the 18th century Dairy Cottage. Walk from Kenwood, into the adjacent woods and on to Hampstead Heath and you’ll find it hard to believe you’re still in London.
Richmond Park
Almost three times the size of New York’s Central Park and popular with runners and cyclists, Richmond Park is London’s answer to the wild outdoors, with hills, grasslands and woodlands, in sharp contrast to the landscaped gardens of Regent’s Park. It’s best-known for its wild deer so worth bearing in mind that autumn is also rutting season – keep your distance! Be sure to include a visit to the Isabella Plantation, a 40-acre woodland garden which is spectacular in the autumn.
Kew Gardens
Just 30 minutes from central London, Kew Gardens are perfect for a crisp invigorating walk. With trees from all over the world, in autumn the Asian maples turn scarlet and the southern Australasian beeches fade to gold. Meanwhile along the Broad Walk and Pagoda Vista, glossy brown and black conkers, acorns and sweet chestnuts carpet the ground.
Hyde Park
With over 4,000 trees, this is one of London’s top places to catch the sights of the multi-coloured leaves before they fall. Visit the memorials, fountains and statues dotted around the park.