Where to See Autumn Colours in London: 4 Favourite Spots

October brings with it a nip in the air and some of us are thinking longingly about sunnier days - but not here at UnderTheDoormat HQ! There’s no better time to enjoy the beauty of London than in the autumn months: from the reddish-brown hues of the leaves to misty mornings by the River Thames, this season offers many delights that are waiting to be discovered. Here are our favourite places to find autumn colours in the capital.

See the Autumn Colours at: Morden Hall Park

One of South London’s hidden treasures, Morden Hall Park is steeped in history. A former deer park and site of several prosperous snuff mills, this beautiful park is now the heart of its community – and the perfect place to enjoy a crisp autumn walk. Rise early to witness the atmospheric mists that hover over the River Wandle and accompanying wetlands, or simply take a pleasant stroll through the park’s well-preserved avenues. There is plenty of interesting flora and fauna to seek out, too: as well as the lime and horse chestnut trees that ring every path, visitors can track down some unusual swamp cypresses on the bridge lawn, or hornbeam trees in the famous rose garden.

Wherever you roam, it’s a delight to see the autumn colours burst into life – with the leaves turning from green to gold and, finally, a fiery red - as the seasons change.

Photo Credit: @pg_kensington

Kyoto Gardens, Holland Park

Find another world in Holland Park by visiting the charming Kyoto Gardens, which were donated by the Chamber of Commerce of Kyoto in 1991. Within the famous surrounds of Holland Park – a green space encompassing 55 acres and the remains of a Jacobean mansion, Holland House, which provides the backdrop to the park’s acclaimed outdoor productions – is an ode to Japanese design.

Visitors to the Kyoto Gardens will enjoy spectacular views at any time of year, as well as a stunning waterfall, bridge, and koi carp pond. It’s particularly relaxing and quiet in the autumn, though: take a moment to marvel at the gorgeous autumnal shades of yellow, orange and crimson and bask in the sound of the gently cascading waters, and you’ll find it hard to believe you’re only a few miles from the centre of town.

Fulham Palace

Once an important administrative centre and residence for the Bishops of London, Fulham Palace is a monument to the evolution of English design over a 500-year period (from Tudor times up until the 1970s). It’s also blessed with a number of gorgeous outdoor spaces – including some highly-recommended riverside walks – which burst into life during the autumn months.

Learn all about the architecture and previous inhabitants with a guided tour of the grounds, then head into the gardens to bask in the autumn colours; finally, buy some seasonal produce (including fruit and vegetables harvested from the palace grounds themselves) to take home and enjoy. An ideal day out for families, ramblers, and history buffs alike!

Photo Credit: @juus_goose

Isabella Plantation, Richmond Park

Richmond Park is worth a visit at any time of year; but in the autumn months, we like to escape the 4x4s roaming around the park (and the herds of deer – it is rutting season, after all!) and head into the beautiful, traffic-free Isabella Plantation.

A special 40-acre garden within the vast woodland of Richmond Park, the Isabella Plantation is full of beautiful foliage to admire: from the National Collection of Wilson 50 Kurume Azaelas, to the famous rhododendrons and camelias, to the many eye-catching trees and shrubs that flourish throughout the year. Thanks to the huge variety of flora and fauna that reside in the park, you’ll enjoy a diverse riot of autumn colours, as exotic and native species fill your eyes wherever you happen to wander.