City Strolls: 6 autumn walks in London
There's nothing better than a good walk in London. When the weather is crisp, chilly and sunny, stepping outside and filling your lungs with fresh air feels oh-so-good.
We love a Sunday stroll around London, especially so during the autumn months. Watching the golden leaves cascade to the floor and being surrounded by glorious shades of orange and red makes for one of the prettiest seasons.
We wanted to share some of our favourite autumn walks in London, so grab your scarf and get strolling.
EPPING FOREST
A strolling spot close to our heart. Epping Forest stretches from Essex to Forest Gate (in London). It's a vast woodland (2.400 hectare to be precise!) and exploring it can take up a whole Sunday. It has over 50,000 ancient pollard trees and 100 lakes and ponds, which makes it of national and international conservation importance. It is a former royal forest and free to visit for 365 days of the year. If you drive and park up in one of the many car-parks we recommend you save your location down on your maps before you embark on your woodland adventure.
Warren Road, Wanstead, E11 2LS
HAMPSTEAD HEATH
Whatever the season, Hampstead Heath is a great spot to spend a Sunday. From Hampstead to Highgate it stretches over 791 acres of woodland, playing fields, swimming ponds and meadows. This North London grazing spot has provided inspiration for countless films, books and poems. The best way to enjoy the heath is to start is Parliament Hill Café, you'll roam past Kenwood House art gallery, Hampstead Grove and Burgh House. You can also brave the cold and take a dip in the famous swimming ponds too!
Parliament Hill Café, Highgate, NW5 1QR
VICTORIA PARK
We're real fans of East London and just so you know, it's not all pubs and clubs, there are some beautiful spots to chill and enjoy London's greenery too. Take Victoria Park, it's the city's oldest purpose-built park. It's full of fun play areas for little ones, two lovely cafes and plenty of ducks to feed at the various pond areas. It's also surrounded by wonderful pubs, our favourites include Royal Inn on the Park, People's Park Tavern and The Lauriston.
Victoria Park, Bow, E3 5TB
HYDE PARK
We have to pay homage to the parks located smack bang in the middle of the city. It still amazes us how London is so built up yet so green, offering you an unexpected way to escape the hustle and bustle without actually leaving the city. Nestled between Oxford Street and Kensington, Hyde Park is home to over 4,000 trees and features London's oldest boating lake, The Serpentine as well as Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain, a rose garden, a lido cafe and plenty of perfect spots of bike and horse riding.
Hyde Park, Kensington, W2 2UH
KYOTO GARDENS IN HOLLAND PARK
Holland Park is the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea’s largest park and comprises of 54 acres of gardens, children’s play areas, sports areas and woodlands full of wildlife. It's most famous spot has to be the Kyoto Gardens, donated back in 1991 by the Chamber of Commerce of Kyoto, you'll find a waterfall, pretty bridge, and a pond full of koi carp.
Holland Park, Kensington, W11 4UA