Fall Colors in London 2024

During autumn, London becomes even more dreamlike

Best time: last week of October-first week of November

The capital of the United Kingdom isn’t just about Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square. London is also a wonderful destination for a leaf-peeping trip. There are many spectacular destinations around the city and its outskirts, and you’re about to discover what they are. But first, let’s see when is the perfect time to go to London for an autumnal adventure.

When do leaves change in London

The golden season in London starts a bit later than in other countries. Leaves start changing colors in mid-October, and by the end of the month, you can spot the whole city dressed up in yellow, orange, and red hues. This gorgeous period lasts for only about two weeks, ending approximately after the first week of November.

Best place to see autumn leaves in London

It may come as a surprise that London offers plenty of places to watch autumn leaves. We have picked the top spots so that you can get the full fairytale experience.

London's parks

During the golden season, you can enjoy all sorts of red and golden trees, visit ponds covered with mystic fog, take a bike ride along the fairytale lanes, or throw a picnic with your friends. If you ask a local for advice, they’ll suggest going to Richmond Park, Greenwich Park, Hyde Park, Holland Park, Regent’s Park, Primrose Hill, and many others. But it doesn’t matter which of these parks you end up going to because, in any case, you won’t be disappointed.

Richmond Park

Richmond Park is the largest of London’s Royal Parks, with 2,500 acres of landscapes, vivid foliage, and captivating wildlife to see. In the fall, visitors can stroll through the park, surrounded by maples and sweet gums in Isabella Plantation, various types of lichens, oak polypore, and parasol mushrooms. The best walking routes in Richmond Park to have the best fall foliage experience are Tamsin Trail and Beverly Brook Walk. Pedestrian gates are open 24/7, and vehicle gates are open from 7 am to 9 pm. Admission is free for all ages.

Greenwich Park

The hillside Greenwich Park, where King Henry VIII used to hunt deer, is home to the 750-year-old Queen Elizabeth Oak, 400-year-old Spanish sweet chestnuts, a diversity of trees and plants, gardens, ancient structures, the Royal Observatory Greenwich, the beginning of the Prime Meridian, and plenty of more. So, it's a magical place in fall to relish this season, walking through Wilderness Deer Park, The Observatory, and Flower Garden. Greenwich Park operates for visitors from 6 am to 9:30 pm.

Hyde Park

Hyde Park can be one of the best options for spending free time during the fall foliage season. The 350-acre park bursts with vibrant beech, chestnut, and lime trees in autumn colors. Kensington Gardens, Italian gardens, Rotten Ro, Peter Pan statue, and Princess of Wales Memorial Walk are some of the must-see places in the area. Hyde Park is open from 5 am to 12 am for pedestrians.

Holland Park

On Holland Park's 54 acres, visitors can stroll through the gardens, in the comfort of trees and woodland, making it the perfect place to enjoy the fall colors. Kyoto Garden is one of the places you should visit during your walk. Holland Park is open from 7:30 am to 9:30 pm.

St Dunstan in the East Church Garden

The bombed-out ruins of the church of St Dunstan in the East, which was destroyed during the Blitz, have been transformed into free public gardens. With trees growing through the windows and vines winding around the walls, and palm trees as a tropical addition, this place takes on a special atmosphere, especially at sunset.

Little Venice

Little Venice has got to be one of the most astonishing spots in London during the fall foliage, with its houseboats and stuccoed Regency architecture. The fall colors of oranges, yellows and reds adorn the canal embankment, making it perfect for great photos.

Chelsea Embankment

A stroll along Chelsea's Embankment in the fall is a great idea for those who like to explore the city at a leisurely pace. The oak trees near the river create a magical atmosphere when they change their color. After a walk along the promenade, you can explore the equally beautiful streets of Chelsea.

Hampstead Pergola

In 1906, Lord Leverhulme built the Hampstead Pergola in the estate garden to host extravagant garden parties. After his death, the place changed hands and fell into disrepair over time. The gardens were restored and opened to the public in 1963. Today, it is a wonderful place where bushes and various vegetation create amazing landscapes during the fall color season.

Winkworth Arboretum

Winkworth Arboretum is an ideal destination for a one-day family drip. The drive there takes only one hour, and you can get there by car, train, or bus. At Winkworth Arboretum, you can enjoy sunrise and sunset strolls with your family, attend local pumpkin carving events, or just go for an atmospheric autumn walk. During your promenade, you’ll have an opportunity to witness more than a thousand ancient oaks, maples, and other rust-colored trees and bushes.

The Cotswolds

This location is not in London, but it’s only a two-hour drive from the city. The Cotswolds is a real fairytale destination, which offers an English country vibe during autumn. You can take tours to one of the many castles, like Stratford, Warwick Castle, and others. And, on your way there through picturesque lanes, be sure to stop by the authentic villages of Bampton, Bibury, and Bourton-on-the-Water. You can see amazing views of the autumnal English countryside and take some amazing photos while you're there.

Practical info

When is the ideal time to visit London for autumn leaves?

The optimal period for observing fall foliage in London is from the end of October through to the beginning of November when leaf colors peak. During this two-week period, the leaves change color and display stunning amber and golden hues. It's essential to plan your visit accordingly to enjoy the best of London's fall foliage.

Where can one find the best autumn foliage in London?

Winkworth Arboretum is among the most favorable places to explore in and around London for autumn foliage. The spot features over one thousand ancient oaks, maple trees, and bushes awash with the characteristic rust color of the season. Other ideal locations include Bourton-on-the-Water, Bibury, Bampton, The Cotswolds, Stratford, and Warwick Castle.

What are the top parks in London to visit for fall colors?

St. James's Park, Holland Park, Regent's Park, Greenwich Park, and Primrose Hill are the best parks to visit during the fall season in London. During this time, nature's magnificence displays an array of golden and red hues as the trees and surrounding landscape transform. The scenery is breathtaking, complete with bike lanes, ponds filled with fog, and picnic spots for outdoor enthusiasts.

What are some recommended accommodations for a leaf-peeping trip to London?

If you plan to tour London during the fall season, it's advisable to book your accommodation in advance. Some of the recommended places to stay include Montcalm Royal London House, Thistle Trafalgar Square, The Hoxton Holborn, and CitizenM London Tower of London. Additionally, Stratford or Bampton could be a great accommodation consideration when exploring locations outside London.

Can you take day-trips to places outside London to see autumn foliage?

Taking day-trips to places outside London to view fall foliage is highly recommended. The Cotswolds, located just two hours from London, provides visitors with a picturesque English country experience during the fall. You can sign up for tours to castles like Stratford or Warwick, visit authentic villages like Bampton, Bibury, or Bourton-on-the-Water, and savor scenic views of England's autumnal countryside.

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