Grab your woolly jumper and explore London’s loveliest places to watch the seasons change
The Halloween decorations are out, the mince pies have already snuck onto supermarket shelves, and there have definitely been one-too-many mentions of pumpkin spice lattés for anybody’s liking. Autumn is here, so grab your woolly jumper and explore London’s loveliest autumnal locations. From watching the leaves turn to cozying up by the fire, you’ll be falling for autumn with these gorgeous seasonal spots.
Richmond Park
Home to more than 600 deer, Richmond Park is London’s most picturesque area to enjoy the beauty of London’s autumn weather. This time of year is when the deer start feeling frisky, so don’t be alarmed if you spy a few stags barking and roaring at each other in an attempt to impress the ladies - a bit like Infernos on a Friday night then. While you leave Bambi to his bravado, bask in the beauty of London’s largest Royal Park and stare in awe at the wonder of nature’s paintbrush. For stunning views of the city, climb up either King Henry’s Mound or Sawyer’s Hill where you’ll be able to spot St Paul’s Cathedral, the London Eye, and the Gherkin.
Borough Market
Borough Market is a London treasure all year round, but we think it’s at its best when there’s a nip in the air and colourful produce falling out of every crate and barrel in sight. So grab a gourd and pluck out a pumpkin, your soup game is about to get real. If squeezing squashes isn’t floating your boat though, use the chill in the air as an excuse to indulge in some hot apple cider from New Forest Cider or some mulled wine from French culinary connoisseurs Le Marché du Quartier. Alternatively, mosey over to Rabot 1745 where you’ll go nutty for cocoa with their rich, delicious hot chocolates. There’s something for everyone in this foodie paradise, so forget the bikini and start storing for winter.
Borough Market is located at 8 Southwark St, London SE1 1TL. Open everyday except Sunday. For opening times and a list of vendors, visit the market online.
Regent’s Canal
Autumn is the perfect time of year to explore the quiet waters of Regent’s Canal, the 9-mile waterway that winds through our capital from the Paddington Arm of the Grand Union Canal to the Limehouse Basin in East London. If you’re feeling energetic, why not cycle down the beautiful tree-lined path, or for those wanting a more leisurely experience, stroll along the water and take in the gorgeous changing of the leaves. Either way, this lovely towpath is a London gem that will let you escape the hustle and bustle of the busier surrounding neighbourhoods. While you’re in the area, why not pop into the Towpath Café for a gorgeous grilled cheese sandwich and a warm brew. Heed the Regent’s Canal swans though; they love cheesy bread almost as much as you do.
The Wells Tavern in Hampstead
The Wells Tavern is just one of countless pubs in the Hampstead area that is perfect for cozying up by the fireside with loved ones or friends. Hampstead is known to be a yummy mummy stomping ground, so it’s no wonder the place is crawling with cute and cozy nooks to pass a day in. The Wells in particular is the perfect spot to grab a delicious meal or enjoy a quiet glass of wine by the fireside. Your pet pooch is more than welcome too as the pub offers organic dog food for your precious pet, because nothing’s too good for Hampstead hounds. Of course, while you’re in the neighbourhood, spend an hour or two on the Heath where you’ll fall in love with autumn and its beautiful colours over and over again. When you’re done, scope out another cozy pub and feel free to hibernate until springtime.
The Wells Tavern is located at 30 Well Walk, London NW3 1BX.
Nunhead Cemetery
Arguably the least known but the most attractive of all the great Victorian cemeteries that surround the outskirts of London, Nunhead Cemetery is a beautiful spot for a brisk morning stroll. With the leaves falling off the tress, you’ll be able to see the wonderful monuments erected in memory of notable Victorians, which will stand out in stark contrast to the simple headstones of the common burials alongside them. Venture down the cemetery’s Victorian paths and you’ll feel like you’re in a bygone era. Break the spell though by whipping out your phone and taking a “no filter†pic on a misty morning - #naturegram won’t know what hit it.
Nunhead Cemetery is located at Linden Grove, London SE15 3LP. Open everyday 8:30am - 7pm.