The autumnal equinox is taking place on September 22, marking the official beginning of the season.
From some of south east London’s largest parks like Greenwich Park – London’s oldest enclosed parkland – to small gardens like Red House, cared for and maintained by the National Trust, there are plenty of places to see the best of autumn colour this season.
We took to TripAdvisor to find out which parks and gardens are rated among the best to visit in the autumn and here are the five that came out on top:
Red House (National Trust)
Famously known as William Morris’ former home, Red House is especially pretty to visit during the autumn months, with its tended vegetable gardens in harvest and its Boston Ivy.
One visitor described it as a “lovely experience”, with another saying the gardens are a “treat” to visit during the autumn months, offering a quiet urban escape in the heart of Bexley.
Red House is especially pretty to visit during the autumn months. (Image: National Trust Images / Andrew Butler)
Petts Wood and Hawkwood (National Trust)
With its mixture of trees, open fields and heathland, this place is ideal to explore during autumn to see autumn colour.
One reviewer wrote: “autumn is a great time to explore the woodland…with so much variety, the colour lasts a long time.”
Scadbury Park
This historic park and woodland is brimming with history with its moated medieval manor ruins and offers quiet forest walks and trails to get out and explore the changing season.
Known for its family-friendly trails and natural beauty, one visitor described it as a “go-to area for daily walks… for the sounds of nature drowning out the nearby civilisation.”
Down House (English Heritage)
Formerly the home of Charles Darwin, Down house is a prime spot to visit during the autumn, with its woodland walks and views of the rolling Kent hills.
One reviewer wrote: “Walking around the grounds was wonderful, we were lucky enough to visit on a beautiful sunny autumn day.”
Guided tours add extra context about Darwin’s life, and visitors appreciate the tearoom and onsite facilities.
Greenwich Park
With its lines of trees turning shocking shades of orange, its conker and horse chestnut-baring trees, and views of the London skyline, Greenwich Park is a prime place to go for a walk to see the changing season.
One visitor wrote: “The autumn colours create a fabulous scenery, a mandatory visit for any tourist.”
Another highlighted the wildlife and trees: “Lovely park…plenty of space…ancient oaks…edible horse chestnuts to collect in autumn.”
