12 Day Trips from London to See Stunning Autumn Foliage

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Quite frankly, autumn in England can be a little underwhelming compared to so many other countries in Europe. However, when you haven’t got time to go jet setting all over the place, you’ve gotta work with what you got. So for those looking to escape the city and immerse themselves in the season’s beauty, these 12 day trips from London will help you make the most of autumn’s breathtaking landscapes. From ancient woodlands to rolling hills and tranquil lakes, you’re sure to find some golden hues to enjoy the cosy season.

1. Richmond Park

• Distance from Central London: 30 minutes by train from Waterloo or tube (district line from Edgware Road/Tower Hill/Barking)
• Why Go: This iconic park is home to sprawling landscapes, golden leaves, and free-roaming deer. It’s one of the best spots near in London for a quick autumn escape.
• Tip: Don’t miss Terrace Gardens for the most beautiful views of the river. At certain points of the year, it also offers the best sunset view in town! (I’ve got an app called SunCalc that lets me check where the sun is rising and setting every day and I highly recommend it – it’s free!)

2. Box Hill

• Distance from London: just under 1 hour by train from Waterloo
• Why Go: Box Hill is famous for its sweeping views of the Surrey Hills and its walking trails that wind through beech woods and rolling chalk downs, which turn amber and gold in the autumn.
• Tip: Hike to the top for stunning views of the patchwork countryside below and enjoy a picnic amidst the autumn foliage. Around the end of the year, the cafe offers a delicious gingerbread latte to accompany you on your hike.
• Fun fact: legend has it that Box Hill was George Harrison’s inspiration for the song Here Comes The Sun. It’s also one of the settings in Jane Austen’s Emma.

3. Reigate Hill

• Distance from London: 1 hour by train
• Why Go: This National Trust site offers dramatic views over the Weald and surrounding countryside. Reigate Hill’s woodland walks and rolling fields are especially beautiful during autumn. It’s also a much easier, flatter walk than Box Hill
• Tip: Visit the Inglis Memorial for a panoramic view, and take the woodland paths to enjoy the vibrant foliage. And don’t forget to stop by the Junction 8 Cafe just by the car park for a seasonal drink and pastries.

4. Newlands Corner, St Martha’s Church & Chantry Woods

• Distance from London: 1 hour by train or car
• Why Go: Nestled in the Surrey Hills, Newlands Corner offers panoramic views over the surrounding countryside, especially vibrant during the autumn months. Combine it with a visit to St Martha’s Church, a hilltop gem, and Chantry Woods for a perfect autumn walk. Be warned, the path to St Martha’s Church can be quite steep at times but totally doable.
• Tip: Head to Chantry Woods for a quieter escape, where the trees turn vivid shades of red and orange. In peak autumn, it is THE place to go for that blanket or orange leaves just by the campsite.

5. Pewley Downs with Chantry Woods

• Distance from London: about 1 hour by train to Guildford
• Why Go: Pewley Downs is a picturesque spot with open grasslands and woodlands and stunning views of the Surrey Hills. The adjoining Chantry Woods is a hidden gem where you can enjoy autumn colours without the crowds.
• Tip: Take a circular walk from Pewley Downs through Chantry Woods and back for a peaceful, nature-filled day out. If you’ve got time, you can also explore a little of Guildford or stop by later for a bite before heading back to the city.

6. Virginia Water Lake

• Distance from London: 45 minutes by train to Virginia Water + a 30min walk through a straight, flat road surrounded by incredible houses or a train to Egham + a short bus ride
• Why Go: I absolutely love this place during any season! This serene lake, part of Windsor Great Park, is surrounded by a beautiful mix of tree species that burst into autumnal hues. The peaceful trails around the lake make it a perfect spot for a leisurely autumn walk.
• Tip: As you head left past the entrance, don’t miss the cascading waterfall, one of the most picturesque spots in the park, especially during the autumn months. It takes about 2 hours to go around the lake and there are various spots where you can stop for a picnic. Alternatively, especially if you’re keen on a longer adventure, at some point on your walk you can go up to the Savill Garden Kitchen where they serve food and delicious cake and they also have a shop and a bathroom! – very important. Once you’re all refuelled, you can continue on up to The Long Walk and head all the way up to Windsor Castle! (don’t worry, you won’t have to walk back…you can take the train back from there)

7. The Chiltern Hills

• Distance from London: 1 hour by train
• Why Go: The Chiltern Hills, with their rolling countryside and beech woodlands, are an autumn paradise. The trees turn a beautiful shade of copper, making it one of the best places to see autumn foliage near London.
• Tip: Explore the picturesque town of Henley-on-Thames nearby for a charming post-walk visit.

8. Epping Forest

• Distance from London: 1 hour by train or car
• Why Go: Epping Forest is home to thousands of ancient trees that transform into a golden woodland during autumn. It’s perfect for both casual strolls and more adventurous hikes.
• Tip: Visit the forest early in the morning or late afternoon for the best light, capturing the glow of the leaves.

9. The Cotswolds

• Distance from London: 2 hours by train or car
• Why Go: With its quaint villages and honey-colored stone cottages, the Cotswolds are even more magical in autumn. The region’s woodlands and countryside are awash in beautiful hues, making it a perfect day trip from London.
• Tip: I usually prefer train travel, but the UK countryside is not very public transport-friendly so I’d suggest going by car so you can hop from town to town. If you don’t drive, however, do not despair as there are various companies offering tours of this beautiful area such as Viator and GetYourGuide.

10. Ashridge Estate

• Distance from London: 1 hour by train
• Why Go: The Ashridge Estate, managed by the National Trust, is a vast area of woodland and parkland that bursts into autumn colors. With over 5,000 acres to explore, it’s an ideal spot for nature lovers.
• Tip: Bring your camera to capture the striking contrast between the golden leaves and the estate’s historic features.

11. Devil’s Punch Bowl

• Distance from London: 1 hour 30 minutes by train or car
• Why Go: This dramatic natural amphitheater in Surrey is surrounded by woodlands that turn stunning shades of red, orange, and yellow in autumn. The views from the rim of the bowl are nothing short of spectacular.
• Tip: There are several walking routes, but the rim walk offers some of the best views over the vibrant valley below. The cafe by the entrance car park has a prime cosy sitting area with reading chairs and books.

12. Winkworth Arboretum

• Distance from London: 1 hour 30 minutes by train or car
• Why Go: Winkworth Arboretum is renowned for its stunning autumn colors. The arboretum’s collection of maples, oaks, and other deciduous trees create a vibrant tapestry of autumn hues that is hard to beat. This is a paid one and it’s so popular during this season that they advise you to book your visit in advance (I always seem to book mine for rainy days…still so pretty though!).
• Tip: Climb up to the viewpoints for sweeping views over the trees, and don’t miss the boathouse on the lake for a tranquil autumn photo opportunity. Try going during the week to avoid crowds.

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London’s location makes it the perfect base for exploring some of the most breathtaking autumn scenery the UK has to offer. Whether you prefer gentle strolls in parks or more adventurous hikes in the countryside, these 12 day trips will give you a front-row seat to the changing colours of the season.

Let me know in the comments if you’ve been to any of these or if you’ve got other suggestions as I’ll do a part 2!

For the ultimate autumn day out, check out our list of pumpkin patches near London!

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