The best ways to spend fall in London

There's nothing quite like fall, a season of wrapping up warmly and enjoying the changing colors of the leaves. London has plenty of green spaces where you can stroll and observe the transforming of the season, and plenty of opportunities to spend time indoors if the fall chill gets too much. Pick from several parks, such as Richmond, where the deer who wander freely here are getting ready to impress a future mate, or Hampstead Heath, where you can cozy up in a traditional pub after a romp through piles of fallen leaves. Set a spooky scene in the run-up to Halloween with a wander around one of the city's magical Harry Potter activities or most atmospheric cemeteries, Highgate, or attend an evening play or musical in the West End as the temperatures drop. Here are the best ways to enjoy London in the fall.

1. Go deer-spotting in Richmond Park

Richmond Park is the largest of London's Royal Parks and is internationally important for wildlife conservation. It's home to over 630 red and fallow deer who have roamed freely here since 1637.

Why do it in fall?

Fall is deer mating season, when red stags and fallow bucks compete for the attention of the females. From a safe distance, you can observe these magnificent creatures roar, bark, and clash antlers in an attempt to fight off rivals and attract as many potential mates as possible. Afterward, enjoy one of the park’s many hiking and biking trails. Richmond Park is a magical place to see in London during the winter too, as when it does eventually snow, it often settles here.

2. Explore Hampstead Heath's natural splendor

This ancient, rambling, grassy heathland spans 790 acres and encompasses ponds, woods, a lido, playgrounds, and a training track.

Why do it in fall?

The Heath makes for a beautiful, even romantic, setting all year round, but it comes into its own during fall when the trees turn different shades of red, orange, yellow, and gold. Make sure you walk to the top of Parliament Hill to be rewarded by a striking vista across the city. Afterward, seek out a traditional, cozy pub with a roaring fire, such as the 16th-century Spaniards Inn, said to have been frequented by highwaymen such as Dick Turpin.

3. Soak up the culture at the British Museum

Documenting the story of human history, art, and culture from its very beginnings to the present day, the British Museum is one of the most-visited museums in the world.

Why do it in fall?

If London's fall weather is not cooperating, this is the perfect place to escape indoors. The British Museum has a permanent collection of over 8 million artifacts, including the Rosetta Stone, which helped unlock ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics, and a moai, or statue, from Easter Island. On entering, marvel at the Great Court, a two-acre space enclosed by a spectacular glass roof with the museum's world-famous Reading Room in the middle.

4. Indulge in seasonal treats at Borough Market

One of London's oldest and largest markets, it offers over 100 stalls, stands, bars, restaurants, and shops selling produce from around the world.

Why do it in fall?

The market is partially covered, bringing respite on a rainy day, and fall also brings seasonal British produce such as pumpkins, parsnips, pears, plums, and corn. Browse the stalls, taste as many samples as possible, and stock up on delicious specialties such as sourdough bread, pies, or fruit chutneys.

5. Enjoy the River Thames' charm with an evening cruise

Set sail along the river and enjoy the enchanting glow of London's landmarks all lit up.

Why do it in fall?

The fall backdrop adds a touch of magic to your journey, creating a romantic and serene atmosphere along the river. Enjoy a multi-course dinner as you sail by famous sights from the monumental Tower Bridge to the historic Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, St Paul's Cathedral, and the London Eye. Heated interiors ensure you won't feel chilly.

6. Visit Kew Gardens for fall botanical beauty

Experience the changing colors of fall here, where the natural wonders of this large and diverse botanical park take on a different allure.

Why do it in fall?

With around 14,000 trees representing more than 2,000 species, including rare and ancient varieties, Kew Gardens is the perfect place to observe beautiful, blazing fall colors. Climb the 118 steps to the Treetop Walkway to watch nature's greatest art show, then enter the Temperate House — the world's largest Victorian glasshouse — to see over 1,200 plant species from Asia, Australasia, the Americas, and Africa.

7. Attend a West End show

London's world-class West End theaters always have plenty to offer, from plays to musicals and comedies.

Why do it in fall?

Warming up on a fall evening with a West End show is a great London experience. Theaterland was born in the 18th and 19th centuries when an increasing number of theaters opened in the neighborhood. Shaftesbury Avenue is home to six of these, but you'll find more in Covent Garden and around Tottenham Court Road. Long-running shows include "Les Miserables," "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child," and Agatha Christie's "The Mousetrap."

8. Take a spooky stroll around Highgate Cemetery

Listed on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens, this atmospheric, Victorian-era cemetery is the final resting place of over 170,000 people.

Why do it in fall?

Fall is time for Halloween, and what better way to honor it than a stroll around a cemetery? Highgate's grounds are full of trees, shrubbery, and wildflowers, creating a beautiful backdrop to somewhere traditionally associated with sadness. You'll find sinuous paths winding up a steep, wooded hill, ivy-clad monuments, and crumbling headstones. Look out for the graves of the author of the Communist Manifesto, Karl Marx, musician George Michael, poet Christina Rossetti, and sculptor Henry Moore.

FAQs

What are the best parks to visit in London in the fall?

Hyde Park and Greenwich Park offer a picturesque setting with leaves turning vibrant hues. Discover hidden gems like Hampstead Heath for a more serene fall experience.

Are there any unique fall festivals or events happening in London?

From the Diwali celebrations in Trafalgar Square to the London Jazz Festival, the city comes alive with diverse festivals and events that capture the essence of fall.

Where can you eat the best fall cuisine in London?

Explore food markets like Borough Market for seasonal treats or cozy up in traditional pubs, where hearty stews and pies showcase the best fall fare.

What off-the-beaten-path activities capture the essence of fall in London?

Take a scenic walk along the canals, explore the autumnal landscapes of Richmond Park, or hop on a River Thames cruise to witness the city's golden fall transformation and its famous landmarks.

How can you immerse yourself in London's cultural scene during the fall?

Attend performances at the West End, explore museums and galleries for captivating exhibits, or join guided walking tours that delve into the city's history, allowing you to experience London's cultural richness amid the fall ambiance.