Discover more in London
From thriving wetlands to sprawling estates, intimate spaces and modernist masterpieces, London has it all, if you know where to look.
Gardens and parks in London
The days are getting cooler but National Trust parks and gardens across London are still full of colour, with beautiful leaves, bark and fungi creating a rainbow of autumnal shades. Immerse yourself in the riches of the season on an autumnal walk through formal gardens, across parkland and along river banks. Where will you visit to feel that autumn glow?
Autumn gardens and parks in and around London
When warm autumn days are followed by cold, frosty nights, you can expect a sensational spectacle of dazzling autumn colour. Garden lovers can seek out the Shagbark Hickory with its soft buttery tones in the grounds of Osterley Park and House or swathes of colour from Morning Glory, phlox and Russian Flag in the cross borders at Fenton House and Garden.
Things to see and do in the garden at Ham House
The productive Kitchen Garden at Ham House is in full flow during autumn, keeping the garden true to its 17th century origins. Look out for pumpkins and squashes nestled amongst sunshine-coloured nasturtiums and dusky-red amaranthus.
The garden at Osterley Park
Even in late September a myriad of colour can be found in the gardens of Osterley Park. Swirling flowerbeds radiate out from a recently restored central Garden House and in the walled garden, neat, square plots brim with life.
Explore the garden at Fenton House
A small 300 year old orchard of 28 apple trees comes into its own during autumn, with a harvest of shiny bright apples and heritage pears adorning the trees. Pumpkins and sweetcorn add colour to the Kitchen Garden and late flowering blooms stud the gardens with spiky seed heads, like mini sculptures.
Morden Hall Park
See the lime tree lined avenues burst into fiery shades bathed in beautiful autumn light and hear birds bustling around among burnished tones of copper.
Runnymede and Ankerwycke
Dig out your wellies and head on a walk through the meadows at Runnymede, spotting colourful fungi and crunching through golden leaves.
Rainham Hall
As the cooler months take hold in Rainham Hall's community garden, this three acre spaces starts to shift towards harvest. The orchard will be in full fruit with cherries, damsons, mulberries and apples. Whilst on the ground vegetable beds contain chard, pumpkins, leeks and onions.
Red House
Step into the secluded shade of the garden at Red House and discover rich reds and glimmering golds. See the asters and crocossima in bloom around the Bowling Green as damsons, mulberries and quince ripen in the vegetable patch.
Winter gardens and parks in London
Enjoy the pared back beauty of winter gardens and parks across London, with the low winter sun creating plenty of photo opportunities. See topiary shimmering with frost in the Cherry Garden at Ham House and wander through the Winter Garden at Osterley Park & House, with its colourful bark, berries and blooms.
Things to see and do in the garden at Ham House
See the topiary of the Cherry Garden twinkle as your family explore the extensive outdoor spaces at this historic estate on the banks of the River Thames near Richmond.
The garden at Osterley Park
The Winter Garden comes into its own at this time of year, with seasonal trees, shrubs, herbaceous perennials and bulbs all chosen for their interesting leaves, bark, stems or flowers in the winter months. Meanwhile in the wider parkland, delicate snowdrops start to appear from early February, while bluebells give the woodland a colourful wash of colour in late March into April.
Things to do at Morden Hall Park
Peaceful frosty mornings in the park are the perfect antidote to a busy day in south London. Explore the wide open spaces of the South Park or head to the wetlands to spot winter birds before warming up with hot drinks from the Potting Shed.
Things to see and do at Runnymede and Ankerwycke
With riverside walks and open meadows, art installations inspired by history, and a series of moving memorials, there’s lots to see and do at Runnymede and Ankerwycke. For a deeper dive, why not listen to our audio guides.
Things to see and do at Rainham Hall
As the cooler months take hold in Rainham Hall's community garden, this three acre spaces starts to shift towards harvest. The orchard will be in full fruit with cherries, damsons, mulberries and apples. Whilst on the ground vegetable beds contain chard, pumpkins, leeks and onions.
