“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
En bref
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 | Montée totale | Durée de l'accord | Difficulté | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winkworth Arboretum | 9.8 mi (15.8 km) | 2976 ft (907 m) | 3 hours | Intermédiaire |
| Circulaire d'Eynsford | 12.5 mi(20.1 km) | 1001ft (305 m) | 4 hours 15 min | Intermédiaire |
| Pluckley Circular | 12.9 mi (20.7 km) | 696 ft (212 m) | 4 hours 10 min | Intermédiaire |
| Epping Forest | 12.1 mi (19.5 km) | 885 ft (270 m) | 3 hours | Facile |
| Sydenham Hill Wood | 2.8 mi (4.6 km) | 223 ft (71 m) | 1 hour 30 min | Facile |
| Broxbourne Woods | 7.5 mi (12 km) | 157 ft (47.8 m) | 3 hours 5 min | Facile |
| Audley End | 7.5 mi (12 km) | 230 ft (70 m) | 3 hours 10 min | Facile |
| Alice Holt Forest | 3.8 mi (6 km) | 200 ft (61 m) | 1 hour 30 min | Facile |
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 Circulaire de Lewes 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 ici.
Logistics for the Winkworth Arboretum Walk
- Distance : 9.85 miles (15.85 km)
- Montée totale: 250 m
- Point culminant : 545 ft (116 m)
- Point le plus bas: 118 ft (36 m)
- Estimation de la marche: About 4 hours
- Difficulté: Intermédiaire
- Comment s'y rendre:
- 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.
- Ce qu'il faut emporter :
- Chaussures et vêtements confortables
- 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
- Vêtements de pluie si vous partez un jour de pluie
- Eau (au moins 2 litres recommandés),
- Snacks, lunch and money for a coffee at the Winkworth Arboretum and the pub at the end
- Informations complémentaires
- Public toilets are available at the Winkworth Arboretum
- Où manger et boire :
- 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
Téléchargez la carte de cette promenade en cliquant sur le bouton ci-dessous. Pour savoir comment télécharger la carte sur votre application de navigation, allez à la fin de cet article pour plus d'informations.
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 Ferme du château, 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: Marche d'Otford à Eynsford
Logistique de la marche circulaire d'Eynsford
- Distance : 12,5 miles (20,10 km)
- Montée: 1181 ft (360 m)
- Estimation de la marche: 5 heures et 15 minutes
- Difficulté: Intermédiaire
- Comment s'y rendre:
- Train de Londres Blackfriars à Eynsford. Le trajet dure 55 minutes en train direct.
- Train de Londres Victoria à Eynsford. Le trajet dure 45 minutes
- Train de Charing Cross à Eynsford. Le trajet dure 40 minutes ou 1 heure selon le train.
- Il s'agit d'une promenade circulaire, vous pouvez donc réserver un billet aller-retour à la journée.
- Ce qu'il faut apporter: Chaussures et vêtements confortables, en fonction de la météo, prévoir un vêtement de pluie ou un couvre-chef et de la crème solaire, des guêtres car le sentier peut devenir très boueux, de l'eau (2L recommandé), des en-cas (mais pas de déjeuner car vous finirez au pub), de l'argent.
- Informations complémentaires: Des toilettes sont disponibles au King's Arms à Shoreham où nous nous arrêterons pour une pause à mi-parcours.
Points forts de la promenade circulaire d'Eynsford
- Village d'Eynsford
- Viaduc d'Eynsford
- Castle Farm Shop
- Château de Lullingstone
- Rivière Darent
- Boisson(s) ou café au Kings Arms à Shoreham
- Rôti du dimanche à l'auberge Castle Inn à Eynsford
Carte de la promenade circulaire d'Eynsford
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)?
Logistique pour la promenade circulaire de Pluckley
- Distance : 12.86 miles (20.70 km)
- Montée totale: 696 pieds (212 m)
- Point culminant : 331 ft (101 m)
- Point le plus bas: 78,7 ft (24 m)
- Estimation de la marche: 5 heures 10 minutes
- Difficulté: Intermédiaire
Comment s'y rendre:
- Trains directs de Charing Cross à Pluckley.
- Le trajet dure 1 heure et 10 minutes.
- Comme il s'agit d'une promenade circulaire, vous pouvez réserver un billet aller-retour à la journée.
Ce qu'il faut emporter :
- Chaussures et vêtements confortables
- Des guêtres si vous partez pendant la saison des pluies, car le chemin peut devenir très boueux.
- Vêtements de pluie ou lunettes de soleil et couvre-chef en fonction du temps.
- Sac à dos contenant de l'eau (2L minimum recommandé), des en-cas et un panier-repas.
Informations complémentaires
- Il n'y a pas de toilettes publiques sur cette promenade
Où manger et boire :
- Cheval noir, Pluckley, Kent
Points forts de la promenade circulaire de Pluckley
- Le village hanté de Pluckley
- Église Saint-Nicolas
- Le coin de l'épouvante
- Le restaurant hanté The Black Horse
- Le pub hanté The Dering Arms
- Bois hurlants
- Bethersden Village
Carte de la promenade circulaire de Pluckley
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)
- Montée totale: 886 feet (270 m)
- Point culminant : 380 ft (116 m)
- Point le plus bas: 154 ft (47 m)
- Estimation de la marche: 3 hours and 30 minutes
- Difficulté: Intermédiaire
Comment s'y rendre:
- Central Line to Epping, fare zone 6
- It is a circular walk so you can get back to London the same way you came
Ce qu'il faut emporter
- Vêtements et chaussures confortables
- 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
Informations complémentaires:
- There are no public toilets available at the station
- Il s'agit d'une promenade sans marches
- Cette promenade est adaptée aux chiens
Où manger
- George & Dragon, Epping, Essex
Highlights of the Epping Forest Walk
- Epping town
- Epping Forest
- Eat at the George & Dragon
Epping Forest Walk Map
Contenu connexe: 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)
- Montée totale: 223 ft (71 m)
- Point culminant : 332 ft (101 m)
- Point le plus bas : 167 ft (51 m)
- Estimation de la marche : 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Difficulté: Facile
Comment s'y rendre:
- Overground or Southern train to Forest Hill Sation
- The station is in fare zone 3
Ce qu'il faut emporter
- 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
Informations complémentaires:
- There are no public toilets available at the station
- Customer toilets are available at the Costa Coffee near the station
- Il s'agit d'une promenade sans marches
- Cette promenade est adaptée aux chiens
Où manger
- Costa Coffee near Forest Hill Station for a “wake me up” coffee before the walk
- Les 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)
- Montée totale: 157 feet (47.8 m)
- Estimation de la marche: 3 hours and 5 minutes
- Difficulté: Facile
Comment s'y rendre:
- 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
Ce qu'il faut emporter
- Vêtements et chaussures confortables
- Waterproof footwear is recommended for a forest walk
- Sac à dos
- 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
Informations complémentaires:
- Public toilets are available at Barclay Park
- This is a god-friendly walk
- Il s'agit d'une promenade sans marches
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)
- Montée totale: 230 feet (70 m)
- Estimation de la marche: 3 hours and 10 minutes
- Difficulté: Facile
Comment s'y rendre:
- 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.
Ce qu'il faut emporter :
- Vêtements et chaussures confortables
- Sac à dos
- 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
Informations complémentaires
- There are public toilets in Audley End Park
- Il s'agit d'une promenade sans marches
- Dog-friendly walk
Arrêt pub
- 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)
- Montée totale: 200 ft (61 m)
- Point culminant: 413 ft 9126 m)
- Point le plus bas: 275 ft (84 m)
- Estimation de la marche: 1 hour and 30 min
- Difficulté: Facile
Comment s'y rendre:
- 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
Ce qu'il faut emporter :
- Chaussures et vêtements confortables
- It is a forest walk so it can get muddy. Make sure you bring waterproof shoes/boots with you
- Sac à dos
- Snacks
- A packed Lunch or you can buy lunch at the Coffee Shop
- Bank Card as the site is cashless
Informations complémentaires
- Coffee shop available on-site
- Toilets and accessible toilets
- Baby changing facilities
- Picnic Area
- Playground
- Dog Wash
- Visitor Cente
- Il s'agit d'une promenade sans marches
- 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 ici.
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.
Vous aimez ces promenades ? Épinglez-les !
