Best Places to See Autumn Colour in London

At The Belgrave, we love seeing the changing landscape of London as we enjoy watching the city go through the seasons, and we have to say, autumn might be our favourite. It’s time to kick up fallen leaves with the kids, stroll gently through the park hand-in-hand with a loved one or just find a quiet spot and read your book. Autumn has never looked so good. 

To get the best effect of the classic autumnal colours, then head down between mid-October and early November. This is the ideal time to get those Instagram-worthy photos and enjoy the scenery as you go for a walk. 

Kyoto Garden

35 minutes via Circle Line from Victoria to High Street Kensington or a 20-minute drive from The Belgrave

Holland Park boasts this stunningly serene Japanese-inspired haven, originally built in 1991 to celebrate the 1992 Japan Festival that took place in London. In 2012, the Fukushima garden was added as a commemoration from the Japanese to the British for their support after the natural disaster that struck Fukushima in March, 2011. 

Here you’ll see the famous waterfall that trips into the koi carp pond. It’s a very calming place and one that will provide some peace and tranquillity as you walk along the cobbled pathways. 

Wandering through the gardens in autumn will allow you to see the amazing colours and shades of the trees and bushes which dominate the park. There is plenty to see as you weave through the garden and let’s not forget that there are peacocks that roam freely throughout the park. Getting a photo of one of those fantastic birds against the backdrop of autumnal trees is going to look incredible. 

The park is beautiful all year round, but we think in autumn, it is simply beautiful. 

Chelsea Embankment

31 minute walk or 9 minute drive from The Belgrave

Dating back to 1874, the gardens were created after the embankment of the Thames by Sir Joseph Bazalgette and boast some pleasant surroundings just off the Thames. 

Take a walk through the gardens which have a host of different plants, shrubs and trees which will be a great distraction from the hustle and bustle of the Chelsea Embankment. Nearby is the St Thomas More Gardens, which houses a statue of St Thomas More which was erected in 1969. In the Embankment Gardens, there is also a statue of the artist James McNeill Whistler which was put up in 2005. 

From the Embankment Gardens, as well as the scenery of the changing leaves, you can also see other statues and historical monuments along the embankment, such as the Battersea Park Pagoda and Bazelgette’s Battersea Bridge. It’s a fantastic little green space that really comes to life in autumn. 

Kynance Mews

25 minutes via District/Circle Line from Victoria Gloucester Road or a 17-minute drive from The Belgrave

Originally known as Cornwall Mews, until the name changed in 1924, it was the original stabling block for the Cornwall Gardens development. Now the mews is part of the De Vere Conservation Area. 

The residents in the houses on the mews have put plenty of plants, small bushes and shrubs outside, including a lemon tree and even one house covered in Lavender. It may be a simple walk through London but it will take your breath away during October and November. 

As well as attracting tourists throughout autumn to take photos along the Mews, it has also been filmed in series such as You, The Big Sleep and of course, Star, starring Julie Andrews. 

Despite being a very small green space, it is a wonderful part of London to go to and walk down in October.

Little Venice, Grand Union & Regent’s Canal

29 minutes via Victoria and Bakerloo Line

Located just north of Paddington, this is where the Grand Union and the Regent’s canals meet. With trees that arch over the walkway, it is a lovely walk along the canal. 

Starting out at Little Venice and ending in the Docklands, passing London Zoo and Camden Town, your walk down the canals will show you just how beautiful London can be in autumn. It’s difficult to understand that a busy City is nearby as you walk along the canal seeing all the houseboats and interesting, quirky cafes that are dotted along the way. 

Little Venice is a great place to go for an afternoon, have a bit of brunch or take in one of the independent theatres that are in the area.

Kew Gardens

48 minutes via District line from Victoria to Kew Gardens from The Belgrave

Kew Gardens is the place to go in London to see the changing landscape of green spaces. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site with over 50,000 plants and is such an incredible place to go with loads of things to do throughout. 

With 4 separate areas, the colours during October and November will be beautiful to look at, especially in the Great Broad Walk Borders and the Mediterranean Garden and King William’s Temple. 

It does get busy, and you will need to book in before you go but tickets are available all year round. 

Once you’ve taken a wander around the gardens, you can head to the shops at Kew to pick up some gifts or books and then grab a bite to eat at one of the garden’s cafes or restaurants. It is a full day out and one you won’t want to miss.

Royal Parks (St James’ and Regent’s Park)

St James’ Park is 21 minutes away and Regent’s Park is around 35 minutes away from The Belgrave. Both will provide stunning scenery during autumn and are definitely worth a look. For more information and other parks in London to visit, check out our guide on Top London Parks to Visit.

To fully enjoy autumnal walks in London and get the full experience of watching these amazing parks changing colour, book your stay at The Belgrave today.