“Autumn is the second Spring when every leaf becomes a flower,” wrote Albert Camus, and nothing captures the spirit of this season better than a walk through nature’s changing palette. To celebrate the golden light, crisp air, and fiery displays of red, orange, and yellow, I’ve gathered a selection of the best autumn walks near London. Whether you’re looking for a trail drenched in colour, a family-friendly pumpkin patch adventure, or a Halloween-inspired route with a hint of mystery, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the magic of autumn without straying far from the city.
Last updated: 24 September 2025
At a Glance
In a hurry? No problem. Here’s a quick list of the best autumn walks near London, sorted by difficulty from the hardest to the easiest. Pick the one that suits your mood, and if you want more details, keep reading—I cover each walk further down 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 |
Autumn Walks Near London Maps
Download the GPS maps of the walks for free. 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.
What to Look For in an Autumn Walk?
Before we dive into the list of the best autumn walks near London, it’s worth pausing to consider what truly makes a walk stand out at this time of year.
Covered Path
While summers can be reliably sunny and hot, autumn in the UK is far less predictable. The weather can turn in an instant, with rain clouds rolling in before you know it, which is why it’s wise to choose a walk that offers some natural cover along the way.
Hill walks are best avoided at this time of year, as they can be exposed and blustery. The last thing you want is to be caught in a sudden downpour on an open ridge—unless, of course, you’re keen to put your waterproof gear to the ultimate test.
Instead, opt for trails with gentle elevation and plenty of tree cover. Forested paths not only provide shelter from unexpected showers but also let you enjoy autumn’s colourful canopy overhead. Stay dry, stay comfortable, and let the season’s beauty do the rest.
Colours
It goes without saying that if you’re planning an autumn walk near London, you’ll want to be surrounded by those rich shades of yellow, brown, and fiery red. And of course, the best way to find them is by heading to areas with plenty of trees.
When choosing a trail, look for routes that weave through woodland or follow paths shaded by tree-lined avenues. These spots not only guarantee a generous splash of colour but also let you fully immerse yourself in the changing season.
Yes, I might be stating the obvious—but there’s something undeniably magical about a forest walk in autumn, and it really does make all the difference.
Theme
Autumn isn’t just about golden leaves and colourful landscapes—it’s also the season of Halloween. This time of year brings a different kind of atmosphere, where misty paths and early sunsets add a touch of mystery to the countryside.
When searching for the perfect autumn walk near London, why not embrace the Halloween spirit too? From ghost-hunting trails and spooky legends to pumpkin markets and family-friendly farms, there are plenty of seasonal experiences just outside the city. These walks not only showcase autumn’s beauty but also add a festive twist, making them an ideal 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
If there’s one place you simply must visit when autumn arrives, it’s the National Trust’s Winkworth Arboretum. This stunning landscape turns into a living kaleidoscope, with a dazzling rainbow of colours—from warm browns and golden yellows to fiery reds and even soft pinks—creating a spectacle that feels almost otherworldly.
For those who want to extend the day and explore beyond the arboretum itself, there’s a wonderful walk from Hambledon to Godalming that lets you soak in even more of Surrey’s autumn scenery.
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.
- The journey takes 1 hour by direct train.
For the return
- 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.
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
2 – Eynsford Circular
If you’re looking to combine a scenic walk in the British countryside with a touch of pumpkin carving fun, this is the route for you. This circular hike around Eynsford in the Darent Valley takes you past the historic Lullingstone Castle and through Castle Farm, where the on-site shop transforms into a pumpkin market during autumn.
It’s well worth stepping inside the shop. From locally made foods and lavender-inspired products to seasonal Halloween decorations and sweet treats, there’s something to tempt every visitor.
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. The journey takes 55 minutes.
- Train from London Victoria to Eynsford. The journey takes 45 minutes
- Train from Charing Cross to Eynsford. The journey takes 40 minutes to 1 hour.
For the return
- Direct train from Eynsford to a London station
- It is a circular walk so you can book a day return ticket
Additional Information:
- Toilets are available at Eynsford station
- This is a dog friendly walk
Where to eat
- King’s Arms, Shoreham
- Castle Inn, Eynsford
3 – Pluckley Circular
Autumn and Halloween go hand in hand, and what could be more fitting than a circular walk around the most haunted village in Britain? Believe it or not, Pluckley in Kent holds a place in the Guinness Book of Records for the highest number of reported ghost sightings. From phantom horse-drawn carriages to mysterious figures on the lanes, the stories are endless.
The walk even takes you through the ominously named Screaming Wood—yes, that really is its name—where many of the village’s eerie legends come to life. So the real question is: will you dare to go ghost hunting in Pluckley this autumn?
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 train from Charing Cross to Pluckley.
- The journey takes 1 hour and 10 minutes.
For the return
- Direct train from Pluckley to London.
- This is a circular walk, so you can book a day return ticket
Additional Information
- Toilet are available at Pluckley Station.
- This is a dog friendly walk.
Where to eat and drink:
- Black Horse, Pluckley, Kent
4 – Epping Forest
Easily accessible on the Central Line, Epping Forest in Essex is the ideal destination for a rainy autumn day. Its dense woodland offers plenty of sheltered paths, so you can still enjoy the vibrant colours of the season without getting soaked.
And to top it all off, what could be better than rounding off your walk with a hearty Sunday roast in one of the area’s traditional pubs? Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with all the details.
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
For the return
- It is a circular walk so you can get back to London the same way you came
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
5 – Sydenham Wood & Cox’s Walk
Let’s stay within London with a short yet rewarding walk through Sydenham Hill Wood. Just a stone’s throw from Forest Hill Station and spanning 24.7 acres (10 hectares), these woodlands provide the perfect escape for dog walkers, casual strollers, and London hikers alike—proof that you don’t have to leave the city to immerse yourself in nature.
As you wander through Sydenham Hill Wood, you’ll discover layers of history, from the atmospheric ruins of the Folly to the remnants of old pathways. Don’t miss Cox’s Walk, an elegant oak-lined avenue that blazes with colour in autumn and leads you straight to the main gate of the park.
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
For the return
- This is a circular walk, coming back to Forest Hill Station
Additional Information:
- There are no public toilets available at the station
- There is a Costa Coffee near the station with customer toilets
- 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
6 – Broxbourne Woods Walk
Feel the satisfying crunch of leaves under your hiking boots with every step as you wander through Broxbourne Woods. Although it requires a bit of a walk from the nearest station, the effort is more than worth it—you’ll be greeted by a dazzling display of autumn colours, from the last greens still clinging to the trees to carpets of yellow and red leaves scattered across the forest floor.
Take your time to explore the many winding paths, letting yourself get lost in the atmosphere. The earthy scent of fallen leaves, the rustle of branches overhead, and the crisp autumn air on your face all combine to make this walk a true seasonal escape.
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.
For the return
- Train from Broxbourne Station to Liverpool Street station
- It is a circular walk coming to the same station so you can get a day return ticket
Additional Information:
- Public toilets are available at Barclay Park
- This is a god-friendly walk
- This is a stile-free walk
7 – Audley End Walk
Take a stroll through the picturesque grounds of the Audley End Estate in Essex. Spanning 6,500 acres of parkland, farmland, and even a golf course, the estate is also home to a magnificent 17th-century manor that dominates the landscape with its grandeur. As you wander, you’ll pass through elegant gardens, slip under tree tunnels glowing in shades of yellow and red, and cross a stream by hopping over charming stepping stones.
Once you’ve explored the estate, continue on to the nearby village, where a cosy pub awaits. Warm up by the fireplace, enjoy a well-earned drink, and tuck into a hearty meal—the perfect way to end an autumn day outdoors.
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
For the return
- Train from Audley End Station to London Liverpool Street Station
- We are coming back to the same station so you can book a day return ticket.
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
8 – Alice Holt Forest Walk
Looking for the perfect autumn family walk? I’ve got just the place! With an arboretum, a den-building site, and even a Gruffalo Trail, Alice Holt Forest has something for everyone. Take the kids on an adventure-filled day out—play hide-and-seek in wooden dens made of sticks, follow the Gruffalo and his friends through the woods, and let their imaginations run wild in this magical setting.
Beyond the trails, the forest offers plenty of extra activities to keep the fun going, from horse riding and bike hire to a Go Ape treetop adventure for those feeling brave. Whether you’re after gentle exploration or high-energy excitement, Alice Holt promises a day full of family fun.
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
For the return
- Train from Bentley to London Waterloo
- It is a circular walk, so you can book a day return ticket
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
Final Thoughts on the Best Autumn Walks Near London
If you’re looking for even more inspiration for autumn days out or weekend getaways, you might enjoy this post:
Hammock Camping in Princes Risborough – Imagine a campsite tucked away in the forest, with hammocks strung between the trees, a crackling bonfire, roasted marshmallows, and good friends for company. It’s the perfect late-season escape from the city. Check out the full weekend guide here!
Now I’d love to hear from you—what are your favourite autumn walks near London? Share your ideas in the comments below!
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