Where to See the Best of Autumn in London

F. Scott Fitzgerald wasn't one to mince his words. And his famous quote, "life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall," is most true when exploring the city of London. Tourists flee back home and nature's true golden colours finally shine through. Us city-dwellers love the frosty mornings and crisp afternoons, and welcome in the arrival of conkers, log-fires and mince pies. It's a true spectacle and one I'm sure you're happy to witness as much as me.

I've put together a list of pockets in London in which best to see the capital in its most picturesque form. Whether you're a Londoner in search of seeing the best of the city, or a tourist wanting to snap the perfect autumnal Instagram, there's an area here for everyone to enjoy. Just keep a brolly at hand...

Regent's Canal

Regent's Canal
How on earth I only managed to see this sight for the first time the other day, I will never know! Regent's Canal, or 'Little Venice', snakes through the heart of Maida Vale and Paddington in north west London and is home to many water-loving Londoners who live on it by boat.

Locals, undoubtedly reminiscing about long summer afternoons, dangle their legs over the edge, hugged by a cloud of mist. It's a charming, quaint and almost Parisian part of town that is not talked about nearly as much as it should be. But I guess that's the beauty of it all: unknown territory.

Regent's Canal

Regent's Park and Primrose Hill
I love these green spaces all year round but the forestry and foliage in their vibrant autumnal hues make for quite the sight, not to mention a beautiful view over London at the top of the hill.

Beforehand, head to Chiltern Firehouse on Chiltern Street, a stone's throw from the park, for a warming coffee by the outdoor log fire.

Richmond Park
There is nowhere more leafy or villagey than this borough in south west London. Richmond Park is one of the city's largest parks and is home to wild deer! Complete the day with a late-lunch at the exquisite Petersham Nurseries.

Regent's Canal

Maida Vale

Hampstead Heath
This 800-acre Heath offers a stunning view over the city, and despite being only 6km from Trafalgar Square, it feels miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Rich in wildlife and biodiversity, a walk around here is nothing short of awe-inspiring. To plan your visit, click here.

Kew Gardens
Another favourite green space of mine in London (though that said, Hyde Park is the only one I dislike for its trapping of tourists), Kew Gardens is the place to visit for nature-lovers. As a world-leading botanical garden, there is plenty to see and do here but it does come at a price. See here for more details.

Notting Hill

Chelsea Physic Garden
This is the only lush green space on this list I'm yet to visit - but my Instagram feed keeps luring me in! Chelsea Physic Garden, founded in 1673, feels oh so secret and like something straight out of a book. It was originally created as a way of training apprentices in identifying medicinal plants, but now plays host to regular walkers in need of quiet time. There's also a handy café and shop to visit.

London Fields
As one of Hackney's most beloved parks, London Fields is the perfect leafy spot to read a book on of the many park benches. Or do as many locals do come autumn and wrap up warm, bring a blanket and sip on homemade mulled wine under the trees.

Fulham

Regent's Canal

Just please don't grab a pumpkin spiced-latte...anybody else hate those?