“Autumn is the second Spring when every leaf becomes a flower,” said Albert Camus. And to make the most of the autumnal scenery nature offers, here is a selection of the best Autumn walks near London. From a rainbow of colours to a Halloween-themed walk, there are quite a few options near London to make the most of the Indian Summer!
Last updated: 30 September 2023
At a Glance
In a hurry? Not a problem. Here is a summary of the best Autumn walks near London sorted by difficulty, from the most challenging to the easiest hike. I go into more detail about them in this article.
| Distance | Total Ascent | Duration | Difficulty | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winkworth Arboretum | 9.8 mi (15.8 km) | 2976 ft (907 m) | 3 hours | Intermediate |
| Eynsford Circular | 12.5 mi(20.1 km) | 1001ft (305 m) | 4 hours 15 min | Intermediate |
| Pluckley Circular | 12.9 mi (20.7 km) | 696 ft (212 m) | 4 hours 10 min | Intermediate |
| Epping Forest | 12.1 mi (19.5 km) | 885 ft (270 m) | 3 hours | Easy |
| Sydenham Hill Wood | 2.8 mi (4.6 km) | 223 ft (71 m) | 1 hour 30 min | Easy |
| Broxbourne Woods | 7.5 mi (12 km) | 157 ft (47.8 m) | 3 hours 5 min | Easy |
| Audley End | 7.5 mi (12 km) | 230 ft (70 m) | 3 hours 10 min | Easy |
| Alice Holt Forest | 3.8 mi (6 km) | 200 ft (61 m) | 1 hour 30 min | Easy |
What to Look For in an Autumn Walk?
Before we dive into the list of the best Autumn walks near London, let’s take a closer look at what makes a good Autumn walk.
Covered Path
Well, we may have sunny and hot summers, but Autumn is touch and go when it comes to the climate. Because the weather can take a turn at any moment, and the rain starts falling, it is advisable to look for a walk with covered paths.
Avoid hill walks such as the Lewes Circular where it is windy and exposed. The last thing you need is a downpour when uphill unless you want to test the resistance of your waterproof gear.
Look for trails with low elevation and with forested areas to act as a shelter should the rain make an appearance. Stay dry, stay safe!
Colours
It seems logical to think that if you are going for an Autumn walk near London, you want to see some yellow, brown and red colours. And for that, well, you need trees!
So when looking for a trail for your Autumn walk, check for paths with forested areas.
It seems like I am repeating myself, but a nice forest walk in Autumn sounds like the way to go!
Theme
Autumn is not all about the colours of the leaves, but it is also the time of the year when we celebrate Halloween.
So when on a look for the perfect Autumn walk near London, you could also get into the Halloween spirit. From ghost hunting trails to pumpkins market, there are quite a few options around London which could make a great day out in the countryside!
Best Autumn Walks Near London
So now we looked at a few recommendations, let’s get to it.
1 – Winkworth Arboretum
Best for Autumn Colours
If there is a place where you need to go when Autumn comes, it is the National Trust Winkworth Arboretum. It is a kaleidoscopic show for your eyes with a rainbow of shades from brown to yellow passing by red and pink.
If you want to discover more of the surrounding area of the Winkworth Arboretum, here is a walk from Hambledon to Godalming you can do.
To learn more about this walk, check the full walking guide here.
Logistics for the Winkworth Arboretum Walk
- Distance: 9.85 miles (15.85 km)
- Total Ascent: 250 m
- Highest Point: 545 ft (116 m)
- Lowest Point: 118 ft (36 m)
- Walking Estimate: About 4 hours
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- How to get there:
- Train from London Waterloo to Witley. It takes 1 hour by direct train.
- Direct train from Godalming to Waterloo. The journey takes just under 1 hour.
- The inbound and outbound journeys are on the same train line so you can book a day return ticket.
- Please note that there is a train approximately every 20 minutes on Saturdays and twice per hour on Sundays.
- What to pack:
- Comfortable footwear and clothing
- Gaiters as the path can be really muddy during the Autumn season
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and head cover, if you are going on a bright day as some parts of the hike, are exposed
- Rain gear if you are going on a rainy day
- Water (at least 2L recommended),
- Snacks, lunch and money for a coffee at the Winkworth Arboretum and the pub at the end
- Additional Information
- Public toilets are available at the Winkworth Arboretum
- Where to eat and drink:
- Arbor Tea Room, Winkowrth Arboretum, Surrey
- The Star Inn, Godalming, Surrey
The Highlight of the Winkworth Arboretum Walk
- Witley
- Hambledon
- Winkworth Arboretum
- Godalming
- The Star Pub and its amazing Halloween Decoration
Winkworth Arboretum Walk Map
Download the map of this walk by clicking on the button below. To learn how to upload the map on your navigation app, go to the end of this article for more information.
2 – Eynsford Circular
Best for Pumpkins
If you want to mix walking in the British countryside and pumpkin carving, then this is the walk you need. This circular hike around Eynsford in the Darent Valley takes you through the beautiful Lullingstone Castle and Castle Farm, a shop which happens to host a pumpkin market at that time of the year.
Take a look inside the shop. From locally made food to lavender-based products, passing by Halloween (of course) home decorations and treats, there is something for everyone.
I have been to Castle on quite a few walks, and the one described below is the one I did during Halloween. However, if you find it too difficult, or not enough, here are 2 other walks passing by the shop you could do:
- Easy: Darent Valley Walk
- Intermediate: Otford to Eynsford Walk
Logistics for the Eynsford Circular Walk
- Distance: 12.5 miles (20.10 km)
- Ascent: 1181 ft (360 m)
- Walking Estimate: 5 hours and 15 minutes
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- How to get there:
- Train from London Blackfriars to Eynsford. It takes 55 minutes by direct train.
- Train from London Victoria to Eynsford. The journey takes 45 minutes
- Train from Charing Cross to Eynsford. The journey takes 40 minutes or 1 hour depending on the train.
- It is a circular walk so you can book a day return ticket
- What to bring with you: Comfortable footwear and clothing, depending on the weather bring your rain gear or a headcover and sunscreen, gaiters as the path can get really muddy, water (2L recommended), snacks (but no lunch as you’ll end at the pub), money
- Additional Information: Toilets are available at the King’s Arms in Shoreham where we stop for a mid-way break
Highlights of the Eynsford Circular Walk
- Eynsford village
- Eynsford Viaduct
- Castle Farm Shop
- Lullingstone Castle
- Darent River
- Drink(s) or coffee at the Kings Arms in Shoreham
- Sunday roast at the Castle Inn in Eynsford
Eynsford Circular Walk Map
3 – Pluckley Circular
Best for Ghost Hunting
Autumn is the time of Halloween celebrations. And what could be better than a circular walk around the most haunted village in Britain? No kidding, Pluckley in Kent is in the Guinness Book of Records for having the most ghost sightings being reported. So will you dare go for a ghost hunt in Pluckley and the surrounding Screaming Wood (yes, for real that’s the name of the forest)?
Logistics for Pluckley Circular Walk
- Distance: 12.86 miles (20.70 km)
- Total Ascent: 696 feet (212 m)
- Highest Point: 331 ft (101 m)
- Lowest Point: 78.7 ft (24 m)
- Walking Estimate: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Difficulty: Intermediate
How to get there:
- Direct trains from Charing Cross to Pluckley.
- The journey takes 1 hour and 10 minutes.
- As it is a circular walk you can book a day return ticket
What to pack:
- Comfortable shoes and clothing
- Gaiters if you are going during the rainy season as the path can get really muddy
- Rain gear or sunglasses and headcover depending on the weather
- Backpack with water (2L minimum recommended), snacks and packed lunch
Additional Information
- There are no public toilets on this walk
Where to eat and drink:
- Black Horse, Pluckley, Kent
Highlights of Pluckley Circular Walk
- The haunted village of Pluckley
- St Nicholas’ Church
- Fright Corner
- The Black Horse haunted restaurant
- The Dering Arms haunted pub
- Screaming Woods
- Bethersden Village
Pluckley Circular Walk Map
4 – Epping Forest
Best to stay dry
Accessible by Tube on the Central Line, the Epping Forest, Essex, is the perfect covered path for rainy autumn days out to enjoy the beautiful autumn colours whilst staying dry. And what could be better than a Sunday roast in a local traditional pub to end the day? I’ve got you sorted!
Logistics for the Epping Forest walk
- Distance: 12.12 miles (19.5km)
- Total Ascent: 886 feet (270 m)
- Highest Point: 380 ft (116 m)
- Lowest Point: 154 ft (47 m)
- Walking Estimate: 3 hours and 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Intermediate
How to get there:
- Central Line to Epping, fare zone 6
- It is a circular walk so you can get back to London the same way you came
What to Pack
- Comfortable clothing and footwear
- Gaiters if you are going during the rainy seasons because the path can get muddy
- The trail is through a forested area so you are protected from the sun or the rain for most of it. But don’t forget to pack your rain gear sunglasses and sunscreen depending on the weather on the day you are doing this walk
- Backpack with water and sacks. You can add a packed lunch or go for a roast in the below-recommended pub in Epping
Additional Information:
- There are no public toilets available at the station
- This is a stile-free walk
- This is a dog-friendly walk
Where to Eat
- George & Dragon, Epping, Essex
Highlights of the Epping Forest Walk
- Epping town
- Epping Forest
- Eat at the George & Dragon
Epping Forest Walk Map
Related Content: Spring Walks Near London
5 – Sydenham Wood & Cox’s Walk
Best for London aficionados
Let’s stay in London with a short walk through Sydenham Hill Wood near Forest Hill Station. The 24.7 acres (10 ha) of woodlands offer the perfect spot for dog walkers, local strollers and London hikers to find nature in the heart of the city. Escape from it all and take a walk through Sydenham Hill Wood, learn about the history of the place as you pass by the ruins of the Folly, and enjoy the autumn colours as you go down Cox’s Walk, an oak-lined avenue leading to the main gate of the park.
Read the full walking guide: Sydenham Hill Wood & Cox’s Walk
Logistics of the Sydenham Hill Wood Walk
- Distance: 2.84 miles (4.57 km)
- Total Ascent: 223 ft (71 m)
- Highest Point: 332 ft (101 m)
- Lowest Point: 167 ft (51 m)
- Walking Estimate: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
How to get there:
- Overground or Southern train to Forest Hill Sation
- The station is in fare zone 3
What to Pack
- Comfortable clothing and footwear. It is a city walk so a pair of trainers is sufficient
- A small backpack or a shoulder bag with some energy bars and a bottle of water
Additional Information:
- There are no public toilets available at the station
- Customer toilets are available at the Costa Coffee near the station
- This is a stile-free walk
- This is a dog-friendly walk
Where to Eat
- Costa Coffee near Forest Hill Station for a “wake me up” coffee before the walk
- The Honor Oak Pub for an after-walk drink and meal
Highlights of the Sydenham Hill Wood Walk
- Horniman Museum & Gardens
- Sydenham Hill Wood
- The Folly
- Cox’s Walk
Sydenham Hill Wood Walk Map
6 – Broxbourne Woods Walk
Best for Forest Walk
Feel the crack of the leaves under your hiking boots at each step you take through Broxbourne Woods. It’s a bit of a walk from the nearest station, but you will be rewarded with a show of autumn colours, from the green of the trees to the yellow & red of the fallen leaves. Venture on the various paths and lose yourself in the smell and sound of the season, with the crisp air sweeping across your face.
Read the full walking guide: Broxbourne Woods Walk
Logistics of the Broxbourne Woods Walk
- Distance:7.5 miles (12.2 km)
- Total Ascent: 157 feet (47.8 m)
- Walking Estimate: 3 hours and 5 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
How to get there:
- Direct trains from Liverpool Street station to Broxbourne. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes.
- Take the same train back to Liverpool Street station so you can get a day return ticket
What to pack
- Comfortable clothing and footwear
- Waterproof footwear is recommended for a forest walk
- Backpack
- Water (at least 2 litres)
- Snacks
- Rain gear if the weather forecast is not looking great
- A head cover, sunscreen and sunglasses if going on a bright & hot day
Additional Information:
- Public toilets are available at Barclay Park
- This is a god-friendly walk
- This is a stile-free walk
Highlights of the Broxbourne Woods Walk
- New River
- Barclay Park
- Broxbourne Woods
- Hoddesdonpark Wood
- Hoddesdon centre
Broxbourne Woods Walk Map
7 – Audley End Walk
Best for Historical Site
Take a walk in the charming park of the Audley End Estate. Located in Essex, the 6500 acres of park, farmland and a golf course are also the home of a magnificent manor built in the 17th Century. Roam through the garden, venture under tree tunnels in yellow and red, and cross over the stream using the stepping stones. After the visit, walk to the nearby village for a drink and a warm pub meal in a cosy atmosphere by the fireplace.
Read the full walking guide here: Audley End Walk
Logistics of the Audley End Walk
- Distance:7.5 miles (12 km)
- Total Ascent: 230 feet (70 m)
- Walking Estimate: 3 hours and 10 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
How to get there:
- Direct trains from Liverpool Street Station to Audley End Station. The journey takes just under 1 hour
- It is a circular walk so you take the same train back to London. You can book a day return ticket.
What to pack:
- Comfortable clothing and footwear
- Backpack
- Snacks
- The path can get muddy so you might want to make sure your footwear is waterproof
- Headcover, sunscreen and sunglasses if you believe it will be sunny
Additional Information
- There are public toilets in Audley End Park
- This is a stile-free walk
- Dog-friendly walk
Pub stop
- The Bell Inn, Audley End, Essex
Highlights of the Audley End Walk
- St Mary the Virgin Church, Wendens Ambo
- Audley End Garden
- Audley End House
Audley End Walk Map
8 – Alice Holt Forest Walk
Best for a family walk
Looking for the perfect autumn family walk? I’ve got just what you need! An arboretum, a den building site and a Gruffalo Trail, all in one place. Welcome to Alice Holt Forest! Take the whole family on a day out, play hide and seek in the wooden – sticks-built dens, and search for the Gruffalo and his friends in the woods. The site also offers a range of activities such as horse riding, bike hire and a Go Ape outdoor tree-top adventure trail. There is fun for the whole family!
Read the complete walking guide here: Alice Holt Forest Walk
Logistics of the Alice Holt Forest Walk
- Distance: 3.8 miles (6 km)
- Total Ascent: 200 ft (61 m)
- Highest Point: 413 ft 9126 m)
- Lowest Point: 275 ft (84 m)
- Walking Estimate: 1 hour and 30 min
- Difficulty: Easy
How to get there:
- Train from London Waterloo to Bentley in Hampshire (and not the Bentley in Yorkshire)
- The journey takes 1 hour and 15 min
- It is a circular walk so you need to take the same train back to London
What to pack:
- Comfortable footwear and clothing
- It is a forest walk so it can get muddy. Make sure you bring waterproof shoes/boots with you
- Backpack
- Snacks
- A packed Lunch or you can buy lunch at the Coffee Shop
- Bank Card as the site is cashless
Additional Information
- Coffee shop available on-site
- Toilets and accessible toilets
- Baby changing facilities
- Picnic Area
- Playground
- Dog Wash
- Visitor Cente
- This is a stile-free walk
- Dog-friendly walk
Highlights of the Alice Holt Forest Walk
- Alice Holt Arboretum
- Alice Holt Forest
- Gruffalo Sculptures Trail
- Shipwrights Way Trail
Alice Holt Forest Walk Map
Final Thoughts on the Best Autumn Walks Near London
Downloading the map might sound like a piece of cake, but if uploading it on your navigation app turns into a brain teaser, simply follow my step-by-step guide here.
If you are looking for other ideas for days out or weekends away this Autumn, you could also check the following posts:
Guildford Circular – Amazing autumn colours but some exposed hilltop paths. You can check the walk description, however, I do not have the map of this walk.
Hammock Camping in Princes Risborough – A hammock campsite in the middle of the forest, a bonfire, some roasted marshmallows, a couple of friends and bears, what else would you need for the perfect weekend away from the city to enjoy the late season? Check the weekend guide!
And you, what are your favourite autumn walks near London? Let me know in the comments below.
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