11 Perfect Day Trips from London This Autumn
The air carries a crisp bite, leaves paint the countryside in shades of amber and crimson, and that magical golden light bathes everything in a warm glow—autumn has arrived in England. While London’s parks transform into their own kaleidoscope of colors, there’s something irresistible about escaping the capital’s embrace for a day, trading underground tunnels for woodland trails and traffic lights for village greens.
This autumn, as the season works its annual alchemy across the English landscape, these eleven destinations offer the perfect excuse to venture beyond Zone 6. From dramatic coastal walks where white cliffs meet churning seas to ancient forests ablaze with color, each journey promises its own particular brand of autumn magic—and all within easy reach of the city’s grasp.
1. The Cotswolds: A Golden Tapestry of Stone and Leaf
Journey time: 1.5 hours by train to Moreton-in-Marsh
Picture this: honey-colored limestone villages wrapped in Virginia creeper that’s turned the color of burgundy wine, smoke curling from chimneys into crisp morning air, and woodland paths carpeted in copper leaves that crunch satisfyingly underfoot. The Cotswolds in autumn isn’t just beautiful—it’s almost obscenely picturesque, like Mother Nature decided to show off.
Start your day early at Batsford Arboretum near Moreton-in-Marsh, where over 2,500 tree species from around the globe put on a spectacular show. The Japanese maples here are particularly stunning, their leaves transitioning through every shade from butter yellow to deep purple. Time your visit for late October through early November when the autumn color reaches its crescendo.
From Batsford, make your way to the twin villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter. Yes, the names are unfortunate (derived from the Old English ‘slohtre’ meaning muddy place), but these villages along the River Eye are anything but. The two-mile walk between them becomes even more enchanting in autumn when summer crowds have thinned and fallen leaves float along the crystal-clear water like tiny golden boats.
End your day in Broadway, often called the “Jewel of the Cotswolds.” The wide main street, lined with galleries, antique shops, and tearooms, glows especially warm in autumn’s low light. Don’t miss climbing Broadway Tower if energy permits—the panoramic views across the Vale of Evesham are spectacular when autumn mist hangs in the valleys below. The Swan Inn here serves what many consider the best Sunday roast in the region, complete with Yorkshire puddings the size of soup bowls and gravy that could convert vegetarians.
Insider tip: Visit Daylesford Organic Farm Shop between villages for the ultimate posh farm shop experience. Their seasonal produce, from heritage apples to just-harvested pumpkins, makes for perfect autumn treats to bring back to London.
2. Richmond Park: London’s Wild Heart
Journey time: 30 minutes by tube to Richmond Station
You don’t need to venture far from London to witness one of nature’s most dramatic autumn spectacles. Richmond Park, London’s largest Royal Park at 2,500 acres, transforms into a theater of primal behavior each autumn during the red deer rutting season.
From late September through November, the park’s 630 red and fallow deer engage in their annual mating rituals. The sound carries first—deep, guttural bellows that seem to belong more to prehistoric times than modern London. Then you’ll spot them: magnificent stags with antlers like ancient candelabras, squaring off in parallel walks before clashing in battles that can shake the ground.
Early morning visits reward the dedicated with mystical scenes: deer silhouetted against sunrise, their breath visible in the cold air, autumn mist clinging to the hollows. The stags, pumped full of testosterone, can weigh up to 200kg and reach speeds of 30mph, so maintaining that recommended 50-meter distance isn’t just polite—it’s essential.
Beyond the deer drama, Richmond Park in autumn is sublime for walking. The ancient oak trees, some over 700 years old, turn bronze and gold, while the bracken transforms into a russet sea. From King Henry’s Mound, you can see St. Paul’s Cathedral through a protected view corridor—a vista that takes on extra magic when framed by autumn foliage.
Pack a thermos of something warming and some proper walking boots (it can get muddy), and remember: dogs should ideally be walked elsewhere during rutting season, but if you must bring them, keep them on leads and stick to the park’s perimeter paths near exit gates.
3. Cambridge: Academic Autumn
Journey time: 45 minutes by train from King’s Cross
There’s something about autumn that suits Cambridge perfectly—perhaps it’s the way golden leaves complement ancient stone, or how the season’s contemplative mood matches the city’s scholarly air. This 800-year-old university town takes on a particular charm when autumn arrives, bringing with it the excitement of a new academic year and a warming of colors against medieval architecture.
Begin at the Backs, where the college gardens run down to the River Cam. In autumn, the carefully manicured lawns are scattered with leaves from ancient trees, and the river reflects the season’s palette like an Impressionist painting. The mathematical Bridge at Queens’ College looks particularly striking against autumn foliage, its geometric precision contrasting beautifully with nature’s chaos.
The Cambridge University Botanic Garden shouldn’t be missed. Its 40 acres showcase autumn beautifully, from the Autumn Garden specifically designed for seasonal interest to the glasshouses offering warm refuge when the weather turns. The garden’s collection of acers (Japanese maples) rivals any in the country, creating pools of scarlet and gold throughout October and November.
For the full Cambridge experience, try punting—yes, even in autumn. Wrap up warm and drift past the colleges as leaves fall around you. The river offers perspectives of the university you simply can’t get on foot, and autumn punters have the added bonus of far fewer crowds and a more peaceful journey.
When the inevitable autumn shower arrives (this is England, after all), duck into the Fitzwilliam Museum. This spectacular repository houses treasures from ancient Egypt to contemporary art, all free to explore. The museum’s opulent interior, with its marble columns and painted ceilings, provides a sumptuous contrast to the grey skies outside.
End your day at Fitzbillies on Trumpington Street, where their legendary Chelsea buns have been warming hearts since 1920. Their autumn menu often features warming soups and seasonal treats that pair perfectly with their excellent coffee—just what you need after a day of exploring.
4. The Seven Sisters: Where England Meets the Sea
Journey time: 1.5 hours by train to Seaford
If you thought the White Cliffs of Dover had the monopoly on dramatic chalk coastline, the Seven Sisters would like a word. These undulating white cliffs between Seaford and Eastbourne create one of the most spectacular coastal walks in Britain, and autumn adds its own particular drama to the scene.
The 13-mile walk from Seaford to Eastbourne takes you over seven distinct peaks (hence the name), each offering breathtaking views of the English Channel. Start early from Seaford’s charming esplanade, where colorful beach huts provide a cheerful send-off. The first climb gets your blood pumping, but the reward—views back over Seaford and ahead to the rippling white cliffs—makes every step worthwhile.
The highlight comes at Cuckmere Haven, where the meandering river meets the sea and those famous white cliffs pose for what must be Britain’s most photographed view. The coastguard cottages here, immortalized in films from “Atonement” to “Harry Potter,” look particularly atmospheric when autumn light catches their white walls.
At Birling Gap, the National Trust café offers welcome respite. Their homemade soups and cream teas provide essential fuel for the final push to Beachy Head. Here, at Britain’s highest chalk sea cliff, the autumn winds can be fierce but exhilarating. The red-and-white striped lighthouse far below looks like something from a children’s storybook.
The beauty of this walk in autumn lies not just in the crisp air and dramatic seas, but in the relative solitude. Summer’s crowds have departed, leaving you often alone with the wheeling gulls and the endless rhythm of waves against chalk. Pack layers—the weather can change quickly on this exposed coastline—and proper hiking boots are essential as the paths can be muddy and slippery after rain.
5. Oxford: City of Dreaming Spires and Golden Leaves
Journey time: 1 hour by train from Paddington
Oxford wears autumn like a well-tailored gown. The city of dreaming spires becomes even dreamier when October mists wrap around college towers and fallen leaves carpet ancient quads. While summer brings tourist hordes, autumn returns Oxford to the students and locals, making it perfect for unhurried exploration.
Start with a morning walk through Christ Church Meadow, where college rowing crews slice through morning mist on the Thames and enormous plane trees drop leaves the size of dinner plates. The meadow’s paths, bordered by the rivers Thames and Cherwell, offer views of Oxford’s spires that have barely changed in centuries.
Many of Oxford’s 38 colleges open their doors to visitors, but in autumn, seek out those with the best gardens. Worcester College‘s gardens include a lake and woodland walk that becomes a tunnel of gold in October. New College (which, confusingly, dates from 1379) has a beautiful garden with an ancient city wall as backdrop—magnificent when covered in autumn ivy.
For lunch, escape to The Eagle and Child on St Giles’, where the Inklings—including C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien—held their literary discussions. Their “Rabbit Room” where the group met still exists, and ordering a pint while autumn rain patters against the windows feels like participating in literary history.
No Oxford visit is complete without the Bodleian Library. While the reading rooms require membership, the medieval Duke Humfrey’s Library can be visited on tours. Its ancient wooden shelves and chained books look particularly atmospheric in autumn’s soft light filtering through high windows.
For a uniquely autumnal experience, walk the Thames Path toward Iffley Lock. This lesser-known stretch takes you through water meadows where cattle graze and autumn colors reflect in the slow-moving river. The Isis Farmhouse pub at the lock serves excellent food with riverside views—perfect for watching the sun set over Oxford’s spires.
6. Windsor & The Great Park: Royal Splendor in Autumn Dress
Journey time: 30 minutes by train from Paddington to Slough, then 15 minutes to Windsor
While Windsor Castle draws crowds year-round, autumn brings a particular majesty to this royal residence and its vast parkland. The castle, the world’s oldest and largest occupied castle, looks especially imposing against stormy autumn skies, while Windsor Great Park’s 4,800 acres burst into flame-colored glory.
Begin at Windsor Castle itself. St. George’s Chapel, one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in England, takes on an ethereal quality in autumn light. The State Apartments, if you time it right, can be surprisingly quiet in autumn mornings. But the real autumn treat lies beyond the castle walls.
Windsor Great Park is where autumn truly performs. The Long Walk, that famous tree-lined avenue stretching nearly three miles from the castle to the Copper Horse statue, becomes a tunnel of gold in October. Walking its length on a crisp autumn morning, with deer grazing in the parkland on either side, feels almost ceremonial.
The Savill Garden, within the park, shouldn’t be missed. Its 35 acres were designed with autumn color in mind—the New Zealand garden blazes with southern hemisphere plants showing their autumn best, while the woodland areas feature native trees in their seasonal finery. The garden’s restaurant, overlooking the ornamental lake, serves warming seasonal dishes perfect for autumn appetites.
For the energetic, the Valley Gardens offer 250 acres of woodland walks. The Heather Garden here peaks in late summer but retains colored foliage into autumn, while the collection of acers (Japanese maples) rivals any in the country. Hidden throughout are follies and monuments that appear like surprises around corners.
End your day in Windsor town itself. The cobbled streets leading from the castle take on a cozy feel as shops light up in the early autumn dusk. The Two Brewers pub, supposedly dating from 1518, offers the perfect spot for a riverside pint while watching swans glide past on the darkening Thames.
7. Canterbury: Medieval Magic and Pilgrim Paths
Journey time: 1 hour by high-speed train from St. Pancras
Chaucer’s pilgrims had the right idea—Canterbury makes for a perfect autumn journey. This UNESCO World Heritage city, wrapped in Roman walls and centered on its magnificent cathedral, takes on a special atmosphere when autumn mists roll in from the Kent countryside and golden light illuminates ancient stones.
Canterbury Cathedral deserves your morning, when slanted sunlight through stained glass creates kaleidoscopes on stone floors. The cathedral has stood here for over 1,400 years, scene of Thomas Becket’s murder and end point of Chaucer’s tales. In autumn, when tourist numbers drop, you can actually hear the building breathe—ancient timbers creaking, stones holding centuries of whispered prayers.
The Westgate Gardens follow the River Stour through the city, and autumn here is particularly lovely. Ancient trees drop leaves into the clear water, where they float past medieval buildings like nature’s own confetti. The garden’s Victorian tower looks especially romantic when autumn Virginia creeper turns its walls crimson.
For a unique autumn experience, walk a section of the Pilgrim’s Way, the ancient route Chaucer’s characters would have followed. The path from Canterbury toward Chilham takes you through orchards heavy with apples and past hop gardens (though mostly harvested by autumn). The Woolpack Inn in Chilham, a perfectly preserved medieval village, serves Kentish ales and hearty food to modern pilgrims.
Canterbury’s medieval streets—Mercery Lane, Butchery Lane, Palace Street—take on extra charm in autumn. The timber-framed buildings seem to lean in closer as days shorten, and tea rooms with steamed windows beckon irresistibly. Don’t miss the Crooked House, a delightfully wonky 17th-century building that now houses a restaurant, looking especially fairytale-like against autumn skies.
Kent is England’s garden, and autumn here means apple harvest. Many Canterbury pubs serve local ciders, and the farmers’ market (Fridays and Saturdays) overflows with heritage apples you won’t find in any supermarket—Kingston Blacks, Dabinett, Foxwhelps—their names as evocative as their flavors.
8. The New Forest: Ancient Woodland in Autumn Glory
Journey time: 1.5 hours by train to Southampton Central
Created by William the Conqueror in 1079 as his personal hunting ground, the New Forest remains one of Europe’s most important wilderness areas. In autumn, these 219 square miles of ancient woodland, heathland, and grassland transform into a tapestry of russet, gold, and evergreen, where wild ponies wander through drifts of fallen leaves and autumn mists create scenes from fairy tales.
The forest is at its absolute best in autumn. Ancient oaks and beeches, some over 500 years old, create cathedral-like spaces where light filters through colored leaves. The famous New Forest ponies, actually owned but free-roaming, look particularly photogenic against autumn backdrops, their winter coats growing thick for the season ahead.
Start at Lyndhurst, the forest’s unofficial capital. From here, walking trails spider out in all directions. The Tall Trees Trail from Blackwater car park offers an easy introduction—a two-mile loop through magnificent Douglas firs and redwoods, their needle-carpeted floor soft underfoot. In autumn, fungi enthusiasts will spot dozens of species, from classic fly agaric toadstools to bizarre bracket fungi climbing ancient trunks.
For a longer adventure, the walk from Burley to Burley Ford takes you through classic New Forest scenery. The village of Burley itself, with its history of witchcraft and smuggling, feels particularly atmospheric when autumn mists roll in. The ford, where ponies often gather to drink, creates photo opportunities that look lifted from another century.
Bolderwood offers something special: a deer sanctuary where you can observe red, fallow, and roe deer from purpose-built platforms. Visit during late afternoon in autumn when the deer are most active, and the setting sun turns everything golden. The ancient trees here include the Knightwood Oak, over 500 years old and still growing.
No New Forest visit is complete without a proper pub lunch. The Royal Oak at Fritham, a traditional forest pub with ponies often grazing right outside, serves local ales and hearty food with no pretensions. Their game pie, when in season, is legendary among regular visitors.
9. Bath: Georgian Elegance Meets Autumn Splendor
Journey time: 1 hour 20 minutes by train from Paddington
Bath always looks good, but autumn adds an extra dimension to this UNESCO World Heritage city. The honey-colored Bath stone glows even warmer in autumn light, steam rises from the thermal springs into cool air, and the surrounding hills, dotted with deciduous woodland, create a bowl of autumn color with the city nestled within.
Start where Bath itself began: the Roman Baths. While summer visitors queue for hours, autumn mornings often allow you to explore these ancient thermal springs in relative peace. The Sacred Spring, where 1.5 million liters of 46°C water bubble up daily, becomes especially mystical when autumn mist mingles with steam.
The Royal Crescent and Circus, Bath’s architectural crown jewels, look magnificent against autumn skies. The Crescent’s 30 houses, united behind one of the greatest facades in European architecture, face Royal Victoria Park, where 57 acres of botanical gardens burst into autumn color. The park’s collection of champion trees—including Britain’s largest false acacia—creates a spectacular seasonal display.
For the ultimate Bath experience, book a session at Thermae Bath Spa. The rooftop pool, with views across the city to the surrounding hills, becomes magical as autumn dusk falls and the city lights begin to twinkle. Floating in naturally heated thermal water while autumn leaves swirl past feels deliciously decadent.
A walk along the Kennet and Avon Canal from Bath to Bradford-on-Avon (about 9 miles) showcases autumn at its best. The towpath, lined with trees that arch overhead, becomes a tunnel of gold and orange. Stop at the Cross Guns at Avoncliff for lunch—this 16th-century pub’s garden overlooks a spectacular aqueduct.
Don’t leave without trying a Sally Lunn bun from the original Sally Lunn’s House. These brioche-like buns, served warm with butter melting into their fluffy interior, have been warming Bath visitors since the 1680s. Jane Austen was a fan, and on a crisp autumn day, you’ll understand why.
10. St Albans: Roman Ruins and Cathedral City Charm
Journey time: 20 minutes by train from St. Pancras
Often overlooked for flashier destinations, St Albans offers the perfect autumn day trip when you want maximum exploration with minimum travel time. This cathedral city, with Roman ruins, medieval architecture, and gorgeous parks, becomes especially appealing when autumn paints Verulamium Park in shades of amber and gold.
Start at St Albans Cathedral, one of England’s oldest Christian sites. The longest medieval nave in Europe stretches before you, and autumn light through ancient windows creates an atmosphere of profound peace. The cathedral’s architecture spans nearly every period from Norman to Victorian, telling England’s story in stone.
Verulamium Park, site of Roman Britain’s third-largest city, offers 100 acres of parkland perfect for autumn walks. The ornamental lake reflects colored trees, and the Roman remains—including the only Roman theater in Britain open to visitors—look particularly atmospheric when autumn mists roll across the grounds. The park’s ancient trees, some predating the cathedral, create spectacular seasonal displays.
The medieval city center, with its clock tower dating from 1405, becomes especially cozy in autumn. The Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, claiming to be England’s oldest pub (though this is hotly disputed), offers refuge with its inglenook fireplace and low beams. Their Sunday roasts are legendary among locals.
For something unique, visit the Museum of St Albans. Housed in the old town hall, it tells the city’s story from Roman times through medieval prosperity to Victorian grandeur. The museum’s café, overlooking the park, serves excellent homemade cakes—perfect with tea while watching autumn leaves dance past windows.
The twice-weekly market (Wednesdays and Saturdays) has run for over 1,000 years and in autumn overflows with local produce: heritage apples, just-pressed juices, and vegetables still wearing morning soil. It’s the perfect place to gather picnic supplies or treats for the journey home.
11. Kew Gardens: The Ultimate Autumn Garden
Journey time: 30 minutes by tube to Kew Gardens station
Saving perhaps the best for last, the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew transforms into a 330-acre canvas of autumn color that rivals anything nature produces. With over 11,000 trees from around the globe, Kew offers autumn colors you simply won’t see anywhere else in Britain.
The Arboretum, containing one of the world’s largest living tree collections, reaches peak autumn color from mid-October through November. The Tulip Trees near the Palm House pond turn butter-yellow, while American species like Sweet gum and Hickory blaze in colors that would make New England jealous. The collection includes 2,700 oak trees, many showing spectacular autumn displays.
The Treetop Walkway offers a unique perspective on autumn. At 18 meters high and 200 meters long, it takes you through the canopy where you can touch leaves usually seen only from below. The 360-degree views from the top show Kew’s autumn tapestry spreading to the Thames and beyond—on clear days, you can see the London skyline framed by autumn foliage.
Don’t miss the Japanese Landscape, where acers have been carefully positioned to create pools of scarlet and gold reflecting in water. The recently extended Winter Garden begins its show in November, proving that gardening interest doesn’t end with autumn. Early flowering snowdrops might already be appearing, offering hope through winter’s approach.
The Mediterranean Garden might seem an odd autumn choice, but olive trees against autumn skies and late-flowering salvias and agapanthus extend the season beautifully. The garden’s gravel paths and drought-tolerant plants offer textural interest when deciduous trees are losing their leaves.
Time your visit for late afternoon when low sun turns everything golden. The Victorian glasshouses—Palm House, Temperate House, Princess of Wales Conservatory—offer warm refuge and tropical escapes when autumn showers arrive. End your visit at the Orangery or Pavilion restaurants, where seasonal menus celebrate autumn’s harvest.
From October 18 through November 3, Kew hosts special Halloween trails featuring illuminated woods, fire gardens, and family activities that transform the gardens into an autumn wonderland after dark.
Making the Most of Your Autumn Adventures
When to Go
October typically offers peak autumn colors across all destinations, though this varies yearly depending on weather. Late September can be glorious for early color and warmer weather, while November offers starker beauty and far fewer crowds. Check foliage reports online—many destinations now provide autumn color updates.
What to Pack
- Layers: Autumn weather changes quickly. Start with a base layer, add a warm middle layer (fleece or wool), and top with a waterproof outer shell
- Proper footwear: Many paths become muddy in autumn. Waterproof hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes are essential
- Rain gear: A compact umbrella and waterproof jacket are non-negotiable
- Accessories: Gloves, scarves, and hats for early mornings and late afternoons
- Camera: Autumn light is photographer’s gold—even phone cameras capture magic in this season
Money-Saving Tips
- Railcards: If you’re taking multiple trips, a Network Railcard (for Southeast England) or Two Together Railcard can save 30% on off-peak fares
- Advance booking: Train tickets booked weeks ahead can be dramatically cheaper
- Off-peak travel: Avoid Friday evenings and Sunday late afternoons for better prices and fewer crowds
- Pack lunch: Many destinations have gorgeous picnic spots, and autumn picnics have their own charm
- National Trust/English Heritage membership: If visiting multiple properties, membership quickly pays for itself
Weather Wisdom
Autumn weather in England is notoriously changeable. A morning that starts with brilliant sunshine can turn to driving rain by lunch, only to clear to a spectacular sunset. This isn’t a bug—it’s a feature. The dramatic skies and changing light create photography opportunities summer never offers. Check forecasts, but be prepared for anything.
The Joy of Autumn Travel
There’s something deeply satisfying about autumn day trips. Perhaps it’s the primal urge to gather experiences before winter, or maybe it’s simply that England looks its absolute best when dressed in autumn colors. The crowds have thinned, the light has that special quality photographers call the “golden hour” all day long, and there’s always a cozy pub with a fireplace waiting at journey’s end.
These eleven destinations offer just a taste of what awaits beyond London’s boundaries. Each provides its own particular autumn pleasure, from the adrenaline of coastal walks to the contemplative peace of cathedral cities, from the drama of rutting deer to the simple pleasure of kicking through leaves in an ancient forest.
So when London’s autumn arrives—when morning commutes become arctic expeditions and sunset arrives before you’ve properly digested lunch—remember that escape is just a train ride away. Pick a destination, pack your layers, and set off on an autumn adventure. The city will still be here when you return, but you’ll come back enriched by England’s autumn glory, carrying a little of that seasonal magic back into urban life.
After all, as the poet John Keats knew when he penned “To Autumn” after a walk along the River Itchen near Winchester, this “season of mists and mellow fruitfulness” offers rewards that no other time of year can match. The only question is: which adventure will you choose first?
