an autumnal shot of richmond park with the sun streaming through the trees
Photo: Simon Wilkes, Unsplash

The days are getting shorter, the leaves are beginning to fall, quite literally no item is safe from being pumpkin spice-ified. I think we all know what time it is. That’s right, folks: autumn is officially here.

Summery shenanigans are being traded in for autumnal antics as we speak. And for those of you who are unsure of where to head in order to soak up the season in all its crisp, crunchy, golden glory; you might want to listen up.

The outdoor aficionados over at Go Outdoors have been scouring the length and breadth of the country, scoping out the best spots to take an autumnal amble. They analysed Tripadvisor reviews and average rainfall data, crunching the numbers like autumn leaves beneath their feet to reveal the top ten places for an autumn walk. And two lovely London parks have earnt themselves a comfy spot on the list, so we thought we’d better let you know.

A group of deer in Richmond Park during AutumnCredit: Magdanatka, Shutterstock

Richmond Park was named the UK’s fifth best place to take a walk this autumn, and we’re certainly not surprised. London’s largest Royal Park is breathtakingly beautiful in every season, but it truly comes into its own during autumn. From the free-roaming deer to the sweeping scenery; Richmond Park is filled to the brim with gorgeous things to gawp at. And with 2500 acres of woodlands, wetlands, and ancient trees to explore; be prepared to rack up that step count.

Regent’s Park A row of trees in Regent's Park with orange autumnal leaves in the branches and the floor beneath themCredit: I Wei Huang, Shutterstock

Regent’s Park also managed to make the top ten, being named the UK’s tenth best place to take a stroll this autumn. The horticultural haven is filled to the brim with things to see and do, making it pretty easy to wander around it for hours. Boasting 5,000 varieties of trees, stunning meadows, historic grasslands, secret gardens, and a whole host of wildlife; Regent’s Park is utterly irresistible all year round. But it’s especially stunning in the cosy season.