A local’s guide to beautiful places to visit in autumn in London from Holly Village to Leicester Square, shops, cafes, and the Seven Magnificent cemeteries!
Autumn is, for me, the best time of the year; it might have to do with the fact that I was born in November, in the midst of falling leaves and cooling whether.
Despite the increasing rain in London from end of August, I seem to always find plenty of things to do to make myself feel less moody.
Historical sites, rustic coffee shops, fish and chips shops, free museums…
There are just so many places to visit in the fall, with that proper fall theme and a cozy atmosphere, that it’s hard to feel bored.
Whether you’re traveling to London for the first time or have been living here awhile, this guide is filled with beautiful places you’ll love to discover, embrace, and snap pics of!
Autumn in London: 20+ Beautiful Places to Visit in the Fall
Autumn is undoubtedly one of the best times of the year to visit London, what with all the Oxford Street shops filling up with cozy collections, autumn drinks sipped while walking around, and pretty mews dressing in fall foliage.
All around town, the areas that look like really cute villages boast an even moodier atmosphere, while immersive experiences and cozy dessert spots protect us from the rain and the cold.
Anyhoo, from cobblestone streets to secret gardens, abandoned stations, hidden churches and cute coffee shops, you’ll find here all you need to properly enjoy London in the fall!
Beautiful Places to Visit in Autumn in London: Mark Street Gardens, Shoreditch
Located in Shoreditch, only a few minutes’ walk from Boxpark and Brick Lane, Mark Street Gardens is one of East London’s best kept secrets.
It’s a wonderful garden to visit in the spring to see wisteria, but also great in autumn for photos in front of the arched windows and their gorgeous Dark Academia vibe.
Have some breakfast in one of Shoreditch’s coffee shops, make your way to Mark Street Gardens, and when you’re done, you have plenty of other spots to visit nearby:
- Brick Lane and its street art
- Bethnal Green and its hidden gems
- Liverpool Street and its historical sites
Beautiful Places to Visit in Autumn in London: Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park, East London
One of the Seven Magnificent cemeteries of London, the Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park is a Victorian graveyard that doubles as a park, and one of the quietest places in the city.
Tombstones in ruins, winding paths, faded names and sculptures – there’s definitely a fall vibe there that lingers all year round.
Beautiful Places to Visit in Autumn in London: Abandoned Tube Stations Around Town
There are over a dozen ghost stations in London that make for perfect spots to visit during the fall; especially if you’re into creepy places and things of the past!
London boasts a singular vibe around its abandoned sites; Tube stations, crypts, derelict churches and whatnot.
The easiest-to-access abandoned station is the Aldwych station just off The Strand, close to Waterloo Bridge, Covent Garden and Trafalgar Square.
Its peculiar glossy red brickwork is striking and a great stop before admiring the secret Milford Lane female bust sculptures down the road.
Beautiful Places to Visit in Autumn in London: Rustic Bakeries and Coffee Shops for Cozy Drinks and Cakes
It’s no secret: one of my favorite things to do is finding new aesthetic cafes in London, and rustic bakeries/coffee shops have been my jam ever since I can remember.
I’ve found quite a few rustic cafes over the years, one of them being Kahaila on Brick Lane, East London.
At this spacious cafe, you can not only have a taste of outstanding Red Velvet cake and rainbow cake, but also wonderful carrot cake – one of my favorite desserts to eat in London.
Closer to Central London, Press Coffee is a tiny rustic coffee shop that preps up some mean pink latte; neither too sweet, nor too bland – just perfect.
Their banana bread with crunchy walnut pieces is nothing short of amazing.
Plus, you’re close to the Temple area and the secret Elm Court, alongside plenty of historical sites that are filled with angles for perfect pictures, like Lincoln’s Inn Chapel’s columns.
Best Places to Visit in Autumn in London: Get a Tasty Fish and Chips at Poppies, Camden Town
Autumn generally means rich food meant to stick to the body; at least, that’s the vision I have and it will come as no doubt that it’s the season when I love eating fish and chips the most.
Poppies in Camden Town is one of my favorite spots for fish and chips in London, and they also cook their delicious crunch-clad halibut, cod and haddock in other branches, including Spitalfields and Soho.
If you’re going to focus on cheap eats while visiting London, you’ll find that Poppies is on the slightly higher end of the budget spectrum, but worth every penny.
Then, you can visit the nearby markets for the vibes, or simply to get cute souvenirs from the stalls and shops around, like Sknfed or Skinny Dip, or artisan/vintage bits from Buck Street Market closer to Camden Town Station.
Beautiful Places to Visit in Autumn in London: Taste Cinnamon Buns in London’s Pretty Bakeries
Eating cinnamon buns in London makes for the ultimate foodie indulgence; and there are many beautiful bakeries and cafes to get them from!
Some of my favorites are Nest Deli in Willesden Green, Bageriet in Covent Garden, and Bread Ahead Bakery, which notably has branches in Borough Market and Wembley Park.
I just love when cinnamon buns are freshly baked and still warm, as they so often are in Covent Garden’s Bageriet, a tiny Scandinavian bakery with the most rustic, cutest decor you could think of, and only a couple of tables!
Beautiful Places to Visit in Autumn in London: Discover Rinkoff Bakery, Stepney Green, East London
I can’t stress enough that you need to pop by Rinkoff Bakery in Stepney Green, East London, if you’re into artisanal baked goods: this bakery has been around for over a century!
Whether you’re into fresh bagels, Danish pastries, or willing to try a new pastry like Rinkoff’s famous crodough (croissant doughnut), you’ll find plenty to relish there.
There’s a terrace with a few tables outside, where I love sitting for some people-watching (although Rinkoff Bakery is tucked away from Mile End Road) while enjoying a delicious chai latte – the perfect autumn drink.
Beautiful Places to Visit in Autumn in London: Try a Red Velvet Doughnut at Colairo’s, Crystal Palace Area
Red Velvet cake is one of my favorite desserts in London; also a favorite for breakfast whenever I come across a good, bright red slice in a pretty cafe, to be honest.
There are several American bakeries and mainstream cafes that bake a wonderfully tasty Red Velvet cake, but I’d never heard of Red Velvet doughnut before visiting Colairo’s in Crystal Palace.
We’re technically just outside of Crystal Palace, in Upper Norwood; the Triangle, which Westow Street is part of, bursts with shops, cafes and restaurants.
It’s an absolutely different vibe from places like Oxford Street, Covent Garden or Tottenham Court Road.
I’d definitely recommend you have breakfast at Colairo’s before discovering all the vintage shops and hidden gems of the Westow Hill area – this is one of the cutest villages in London!
Find here my review of Colairo’s Cafe Deli for gorgeous floral and vintage vibes, red velvet doughnuts and delicious chai latte.
Beautiful Places to Visit in Autumn in London: Discover Shakespeare Sculptures and Other Bookish Locations
There are a handful of Shakespeare locations that I feel are perfect to visit in autumn in London.
The Globe Theatre on Southbank is one such place, but I’d also recommend the medieval Southwark Cathedral, in London Bridge, just off Borough Market, with its two Shakespeare sculptures (one of them is in the church garden).
You could start with a filled doughnut at Bread Ahead Bakery or a proper brunch in London Bridge, then make your way to the Southwark Cathedral before moving on to other Shakespeare spots.
One of my favorite – also a stunning literary location for bookish peeps – is the Shakespeare statue and the Romeo and Juliet mural in Shoreditch, East London.
Beautiful Places to Visit in Autumn in London: Walk Around Secret and Historic Neighborhoods
Secret neighborhoods are plenty in London, and it figures: the city is large, wide, bustling, and filled with corners that even locals don’t know.
There are also lots of historic areas; Spitalfields, Liverpool Street, Bethnal Green, if we’re going to talk about East London neighborhoods.
Higher up in North London, Highgate and West Hampstead are two of my favorite village-like areas to walk around, just to see beautiful architecture and quaint shops.
All these neighborhoods have that breath of the old feel to them, and that’s also where you’ll find some unexpected, independent shops from times past, including beautiful bookshops.
Beautiful Places to Visit in Autumn in London: Ragged School Museum, Mile End
The Ragged School Museum in Mile End is one of the lesser-known London museums, located only a few minutes’ walk from where I used to live, and while you have to pay a 5-pound fee to enter, I’d visit again and again.
We’re right next to Regent’s Canal and its winding pathway near the water; a place I love recommending for overthinkers in London.
If you’re into historical places, you’ll love discovering the Ragged School Museum, a former Victorian school and home to impoverished children from the Mile End area.
Beautiful Places to Visit in Autumn in London: St Pancras Church Gardens, City of London
I love all types of medieval sites in London, and if you look closely, you’ll find many of the churches in the City of London were damaged during the Great Fire of London of 1666.
Some were redesigned and rebuilt by the likes of Christopher Wren, some even boast hidden church coffee shops.
Some, like the St Pancras Church Gardens, were turned into secret gardens that you can stumble upon while treading the alleys and passageways of the City of London.
The St Pancras Church Gardens are a peculiar place dressed with carved wooden benches that take their inspiration from medieval religious drawings and symbols; there’s no greenery there, but rather a fascinating, eerie feeling.
Beautiful Places to Visit in Autumn in London: Industrial and Maritime Neighborhoods
London’s industrial neighborhoods, where old trades used to happen on the daily, are some of my favorites to walk around when I live in London.
Namely, the area around Bermondsey and Shad Thames, near Tower Bridge, offers plenty of wonderful photo spots, and rich maritime history.
Warehouses are many in these areas, as they are in the Rotherhithe area, and you can definitely feel a breath of the old when discovering its industrial buildings, for the most part private residences today.
You’ll find many remnants of the textile industry around East London, too.
From Spitalfields to Aldgate and Liverpool Street, many old shops still bear names of their past owners, and fabric shops around Brick Lane and Banglatown are still plenty.
Beautiful Places to Visit in Autumn in London: Shopping Arcades and Christmas Shop Windows (From End November)
Autumn in London means more than just creepy, eerie places – it also means the build-up leading up to Christmas is strong.
Why not discover the city’s beautiful shopping arcades, even if you’re visiting London on a budget?
From Princes Arcade to Burlington Arcade, these historical arcades are wonders of architecture and luxury, with many clothing, shoe, and even high-end perfume brands.
Admiring Christmas shop windows is something I love doing from end November; from Carnaby Street to Regent Street, the lights and decorations always blow me away.
The prettiest of them are to be found on London’s department stores; again, even if you’re not going to go luxury shopping, they’re definitely a breathtaking part of Christmas time in London.
One specific shop I love spending time at is Maison Assouline, a beautiful bookstore on Piccadilly, a few minutes’ away from Hatchards, the oldest bookshop in town, and The Ritz with their delicious breakfast.
Beautiful Places to Visit in Autumn in London: Get a Filling Halal Full English Breakfast at Grounded
For something a little more budget-friendly, but still one of the best breakfast spots in East London, you have Grounded in Bow and Aldgate (the latter is smaller).
It’s truly hard to think of a better spot for a Full English breakfast.
If I’ve told you about halal breakfast spots in the past, Grounded in Bow, East London, is still one of my top picks, and doubles as a rustic coffee shop and a work cafe; literally a faultless place in my book.
Sourdough bread, halal turkey bacon and beef sausages, perfectly-cooked eggs, and tasty chai latte: I cannot recommend Grounded enough.
Beautiful Places to Visit in Autumn in London: The Vaults Collective, Crystal Palace Area
I love concept stores; London’s filled with them, and beyond that, I enjoy cafes hidden in shops, like The Vaults Collective.
Located in the Crystal Palace area, The Vaults Collective is a plant shop, homeware shop, and a fully vegan cafe that caters mostly to locals.
I’d never heard of it before I actually took time to walk around Westow Hill, which I’ve mentioned earlier in this guide.
If you’re looking for quirky, unique things to buy in London, looking to redecorate, or just want to try their outstanding rainbow blondies, The Vaults Collective is just an it-place to visit during autumn in London.
Read my review of The Vaults Collective to discover their wonderful atmosphere and offering, between gardening books, vegan pastries and drinks, artisan homeware and plants.
What to Do in Autumn in London: St Bartholomew the Great Church Garden and Cloth Fair
One of the oldest and prettiest churches in the City of London, St Bartholomew the Great is a towering medieval structure which elbows Barbican and Cloth Fair.
Cloth Fair is the oldest house in town is still standing, a true survivor of the Great Fire of London and the WWII Blitz!
The secret church garden adjoining the church is one I love spending some time at.
If you’re ever looking for quiet places to write or read in town, that’s one I would recommend over and over again.
Read: 15 Themed London Itinerary Ideas Off the Beaten Path
What to Do in Autumn in London: Crystal Palace Park, South East London
In South East London, Crystal Palace Park is a huge park in which I love to stroll to enjoy some of London’s nature, especially when the weather is nice and I can admire the dinosaur sculptures.
However, when the trees turn burning shades of red and orange, it’s a park very much worth visiting – especially when you remember that the Crystal Palace area is filled with hidden gems too.
What to Do in Autumn in London: Camden Passage, Angel
The secret and historic Camden Passage in Angel is a lively alley almost only known by Londoners.
There, you will find antiques shops, restaurants and cafes, and some really good angles for pictures.
The Badiani’s ice cream shop is a place you should definitely visit if you’re visiting London in the summer.
And, as soon as fall comes around, my other go-to is Buns from Home, an amazing spot to pop by for cinnamon buns.
Read: Paris in London: An Unusual Itinerary to French Places in London
Where to See Autumn Colors in London: St Dunstan in the East
Another one of the best things to do in autumn in London is to visit the famous ruins of St Dunstan in the East.
This historic place is one of the most beautiful churches in London, and was originally built in the 12th century.
The church had several modifications and additions over the centuries, and the structure we know today dates back to the 17th century.
Unfortunately, this Gothic architecture beauty got severely damaged in the Great Fire of London, in 1666, and during WWII.
The ruins were repurposed into a public garden in the 20th century.
Until today, this place blooms with its greenery background that mixes fauna and flora with the ruins of a stunning Gothic church.
This is one of the most instagrammable places in London and happens to be a picturesque garden adored by many photographers!
Read: London’s Most Gorgeous Palaces & Castles
Where to See Autumn Colors in London: St James’s Park
St. James’s Park, one of the most important historic royal parks in London, is located a stone’s throw away from Trafalgar Square, and offers a peaceful setting if you’re ever looking for cool places to write in London.
One of London’s best hidden gems, Duck Cottage Island, is built inside the park, and is a really cute sight, especially if you’re looking for date ideas.
The park’s history dates back to the 17th century and was originally created as a royal hunting ground.
It also offers gorgeous viewpoints like the famous blue bridge, with its panoramic views over the park and the London Eye at a distance.
Read: The Best Nontouristy Things to Do in London
What to Do in Autumn in London: Holly Village, North London
Holly Village in North London is one of the most Dark Academia places you’ll ever be given to find in London, aside from, maybe, free museums like the Natural History Museum or the V&A.
Dating from the 19th century, this gathering of Gothic mansions is a place you rarely see on social media, and one true hidden gem in North London – one you can’t miss if you’re ever in town.
Read: Morocco in London: An Unusual Itinerary to Moroccan Places
Where to See Autumn Colors in London: Oxford Street
One of the best things to do in London is usually to venture on a shopping spree, and honestly, what better time to do it, if not in autumn?
I absolutely love the sweater weather.
Even if you’re not into spending extra coins on clothes, my suggestion is to walk into Flying Tiger on Oxford Street, getting a snack, and wandering around Oxford Street.
There are lots of cool things to do in Oxford Street that do not necessarily involve shopping, but if you wish to, one of London’s biggest TK Maxx shops is located there.
That’s where I have bought most of my exquisite DW Home candles, and there are lots of amazing autumn scents to try for a really low price.
The small parks around Oxford Street and the trees on the street dressing in brown and orange are enough to make you feel like cozying up at home!
Where to See Autumn Colors in London: Bridge Arch Photo
Whilst this one may sound like nothing new, it is indeed magical and a way to see London through the eyes of a tourist once again.
Cross the beautiful Westminster Bridge and explore various angles at the famous Bridge Arch Photo viewpoint.
It’s a favorite of many couples for proposals, and while there are lots of people taking pictures there, it’s also a top spot to see autumn colors in London.
Taking pictures is one of the coolest things to do in London at night, in my opinion, and if you manage to capture the ethereal vibes of Big Ben, that will have been a good evening!
Read: Why Are There Colorful Streets in London?
Where to See Autumn Colors in London: Camden Town
Camden Market, Camden Lock and Camden Town – all make up one of the trendiest neighborhoods in London.
The markets are amazing and whether you’re looking for cool charity shops or street food, you’ll find everything you need there.
Some of the best budget shops in London are located in Camden.
Poundland, Savers, and TK Maxx allow Londoners on a budget to be able to shop and actually enjoy their shopping.
The area often features live entertainment, live music and artistic displays to go with the vibrant atmosphere – it’s a must visit, especially when it comes to street art in Camden, too!
Read: The Best Things to Do in Camden Town
What to Do in Autumn in London: Leicester Square
While the Art Trail in Leicester Square is one I will gladly pop by even during spring and summer, I love when the whole square is covered with orange fallen leaves.
There’s a vibe in Leicester Square, something lively, something that makes you feel like anything can happen that I love, and as soon as the weather starts cooling down seriously, it’s a place I love visiting in London.
Of course, it’s even better of a place to visit for Christmas decorations, but from September, Leicester Square is a must-visit!
What to Do in Autumn in London: Reflection Garden, St Paul’s
One of the most secret gardens in Central London, the Reflection Garden, with its pond and views of St Paul’s Cathedral, is a place I love spending time at whenever I have the chance.
The entire St Paul’s area, including Paternoster Square, is a beautiful spot to visit during the fall.
And, just a stone’s throw away, you have the Millenium Bridge and the Tate Modern – great if you’d like to include some London museums on your bucket list!
What to Do in Autumn in London: Postman’s Park
Lost somewhere in the City of London, close to many historical sites and gorgeous buildings which make for the perfect itinerary for architecture lovers, the Postman’s Park is a garden that offers striking details.
First, the buildings surrounding the small park are utterly gorgeous, and fit the Dark Academia vibe that London thrives on.
Then, in a corner of the Postman’s Park, you can also find a self-sacrifice memorial, with names of people who have given their lives to save someone else: touching, and perfectly fitting with the fall vibe.
Read: Marylebone’s Hidden Gems: A Quick Itinerary in Central London
What to Do in Autumn in London: Temple Area, City of London
The Temple neighborhood, with its legal buildings and secret gardens (Pump Court and Fountain Court, for instance), is a place I always make a point to spend time at when I’m in London.
The historical buildings, the medieval Temple Church, and the proximity with the historical Fleet Street are all reason enough to add Temple to your bucket list, especially if you’re a dreamer.
Read here my guide to the historic Temple area and its hidden gems, from Fountain Court to the secret poetic sundial in Elm Court, photogenic columns facing Temple Church and more.
What to Do in Autumn in London: Holland Park and Kyoto Garden
Whenever I want to feel a nature vibe, the Kyoto Garden and the Dutch Garden are two places I make a point to visit.
I just love the structure and colorful vibe of these two small gardens hidden inside Holland Park.
A park that looks more like a forest than a park, if I may, and hence makes for a great place to visit to admire autumn colors.
Read: Fitzrovia’s Hidden Gems: A Quirky Itinerary in London
Where to See Autumn Colors in London: Highgate Cemetery, North London
Whilst many may find it weird or peculiar, visiting a beautiful cemetery in London is actually not just a history lesson but an actual trip to the past.
There are even tours in some cemeteries, including the Magnificent Seven, which are the most famous cemeteries in London.
Whether you choose to visit Abney Park Cemetery or Tower Hamlets Cemetery, you’ll understand why these are so famous.
This is one of the best things to do in London in autumn as the ever-changing foliage gives an extra spice of moody to greyish days.
A favorite when it comes to places to see autumn leaves in London is Highgate Cemetery, which also hosts some of the most beautiful sculptures in London.
Its Victorian architecture and serene atmosphere will get you hooked, and there are several very distinct parts of the cemetery which are worth a visit.
Perfect to enjoy spooky vibes while breathing in the beautiful autumn colors in London!
Read: The Must Have Apps to Survive in London
Autumn in London: 20+ Beautiful Places to Visit in the Fall
There you have them, all the best places to see autumn colors in London!
As summer is quickly waving us goodbye, we won’t really have the need for spots to swim in London, or other fountains and lakes.
Now, we’re getting close to cozy chocolate scented candles, hot drinks, and cinnamon buns – and that’s precisely the vibe that the spots mentioned in this guide offer!