This is a post about autumn day trips from London.
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Planning an autumn day trip from London and not sure where the colours are actually worth the train fare? I get it! Autumn in England can feel a little underwhelming compared to New England or the Alps, but when you haven’t got time (or budget) to go jetting off to see the “proper” foliage, you learn to work with what you’ve got. And once you know where to look, London’s surroundings deliver some of the best autumn colours in the UK.
I’ve spent several autumns chasing golden leaves within a couple of hours of the city and these are the 12 spots I keep going back to, from ancient woodlands and rolling hills to quiet lakes. Whether you want an easy afternoon stroll or a proper hike, there’s an autumn day trip from London here for you.
Quick Guide
- Location: Surrey, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex and the Cotswolds (all within reach of London)
- Getting there: train from Waterloo, Paddington or Marylebone for most; car recommended for the Cotswolds
- Currency: GBP (£)
- Best time to visit: mid-October to early November for peak colour
- Don’t miss: the deer at Richmond Park, the waterfall at Virginia Water and the beech woods of the Chilterns
If you’d rather stay closer to the city, my guide to the most magical spots for London fall foliage covers the best park walks without leaving town.
Richmond Park
Distance from Central London: 30 minutes by train from Waterloo or by Tube (the slow District line from Edgware Road, Tower Hill or Barking)
Richmond Park is one of the easiest autumn escapes from London, and one of the only ones where you’re likely to spot free-roaming deer wandering through golden leaves. Head to Terrace Gardens for the best view over the river, and if you time it right, one of the best sunset spots in the city too. I use the SunCalc app to check exactly where the sun will rise and set before I go and it’s free!
I’d also recommend the lovely Hollyhock Cafe a few steps down from Terrace Gardens. I had the most delicious mandarin and dark chocolate cake there!
Box Hill
Distance from London: just under an hour by train from Waterloo
Box Hill is famous for its sweeping views over the Surrey Hills and its walking trails through beech woods and chalk downs that turn amber and gold from October. Hike to the top for the best views over the patchwork countryside below, and reward yourself with a picnic among the leaves.
The café at the top sells seasonal drinks too like the wonderful gingerbread latte in winter that’s worth the climb on its own.
Fun fact: Box Hill is said to have inspired George Harrison’s Here Comes the Sun and it’s also one of the settings in Jane Austen’s Emma.
READ MORE: Complete Guide to Celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th Birthday in 2025
Reigate Hill
Distance from London: 1 hour by train
This National Trust site has dramatic views over the Weald and the surrounding countryside and it’s a much flatter, easier walk than Box Hill if you want the views without the climb. Visit the Inglis Memorial for the panoramic view, then follow the woodland paths to take in the colour.
Stop at the Junction 8 Café by the car park for a seasonal drink and pastry on your way in or out.
We took our pup there recently for her first hike:
Newlands Corner, St Martha’s Church and Chantry Woods
Distance from London: 1 hour by train or car
Tucked into the Surrey Hills, Newlands Corner has panoramic countryside views that feel especially vivid in autumn. Combine it with a visit to St Martha’s Church, a hilltop gem and Chantry Woods for a full autumn walk (be warned, the path up to the church gets STEEP, but it’s doable). Chantry Woods itself is the quieter option if you’d rather skip the crowds and, in peak autumn, the ground beneath the trees near the campsite turns a proper carpet of orange.
Pewley Downs with Chantry Woods
Distance from London: about 1 hour by train to Guildford
Pewley Downs is all open grassland and woodland with views over the Surrey Hills and the adjoining Chantry Woods gives you the same fiery colours without the crowds of the bigger names on this list. A circular walk from Pewley Downs through Chantry Woods and back makes for a peaceful, nature-filled day.
If you’ve got time left, you can explore a little of Guildford or stop for food there before heading back into the city. Loads of options!
Virginia Water Lake
Distance from London: 45 minutes by train to Virginia Water, then a 30-minute walk along a flat, tree-lined road past some seriously lovely houses or a train to Egham followed by a short bus
Virginia Water is one of my favourite spots in any season, but autumn is when it really shows off. Part of Windsor Great Park, the lake is ringed by a mix of tree species that turn every shade of gold and copper. As you head left past the entrance, don’t miss the cascading waterfall, one of the prettiest spots in the whole park. The full loop takes about two hours, with plenty of places to stop for a picnic or, if you fancy a longer day, walk up to the Savill Garden kitchen for food, cake, a shop and (importantly) a bathroom break. From there you can continue up The Long Walk all the way to Windsor Castle. No need to walk back, since you can get the train home from Windsor.
I can’t recommend Savill Garden enough…I had one of the most indulgent chocolate cakes there!
The Chiltern Hills: Some of the Best Autumn Walks Near London
Distance from London: 1 hour by train
The Chiltern Hills, all rolling countryside and beech woodland, turn a proper deep copper in autumn, making them some of the best autumn walks near London if you want distance and views over a quick stroll. Combine your walk with a visit to the nearby town of Henley-on-Thames for a charming stop afterwards.
Epping Forest
Distance from London: 1 hour by tube, train or car
Epping Forest is home to thousands of ancient trees that turn into a golden woodland every autumn, and it works equally well for a casual stroll or a proper hike. Go early morning or late afternoon for the best light on the leaves.
READ MORE: Best Day Trips from London by Train or Group Tours (2026)
The Cotswolds
Distance from London: 2 hours by train or car
With honey-coloured stone villages tucked into equally golden countryside, the Cotswolds are even more magical in autumn than in summer. I usually prefer the train, but the UK countryside isn’t the most public-transport-friendly, so I’d suggest a car if you want to hop between villages in a day. If you don’t drive, don’t worry; there are day tours that cover several villages for you.
If a single day feels too rushed, this is one I’d seriously consider turning into an overnight. See my cosiest weekend trips from London by train guide for where to stay.
Ashridge Estate
Distance from London: 1 hour by train
Ashridge Estate, managed by the National Trust, is over 5,000 acres of woodland and parkland that bursts into colour every autumn. Bring a camera for the contrast between the golden leaves and the estate’s historic features.
Devil’s Punch Bowl
Distance from London: 1 hour 30 minutes by train or car
This dramatic natural amphitheatre in Surrey is ringed by woodland that turns red, orange and yellow in autumn, and the views from the rim are spectacular. There are several walking routes, but the rim walk gives you the best view over the valley. The café by the entrance car park has a cosy sitting area with reading chairs and books if you want to warm up afterwards!
Winkworth Arboretum
Distance from London: 1 hour 30 minutes by train or car
Winkworth Arboretum’s collection of maples and oaks makes for some of the best autumn colour on this list, but it’s a paid site and popular enough in season that they recommend booking ahead. Climb up to the viewpoints for sweeping views over the trees, and don’t miss the boathouse on the lake for a quiet photo spot. Go midweek if you can, to avoid the crowds.
Getting the Most Out of Your Autumn Day Trip from London
Most of these are easy to reach by train, and booking ahead with the likes of Omio usually works out cheaper than turning up on the day. If you’re doing a full day of walking, a decent daypack and a flask will be really handy.
FAQ
Colours generally peak from mid-October to early November, though this shifts slightly year to year depending on the weather.
Most of them, yes. Richmond Park, Box Hill, Reigate Hill, Virginia Water, the Chilterns, Epping Forest and Ashridge Estate are all reachable by train. The Cotswolds and Devil’s Punch Bowl are easier with a car, but both have tour options if you’d rather not drive.
Reigate Hill is one of the flattest and most accessible walks on this list, with big views for relatively little effort.
Winkworth Arboretum recommends booking ahead in peak season and train tickets are usually cheaper booked in advance rather than on the day.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a long-haul flight to get a proper autumn fix. London’s location makes it a brilliant base for exploring some of the UK’s best foliage, whether you want a gentle stroll through a park or a proper hike across the hills. Start close with Richmond Park, then work your way out to the Cotswolds when you’ve got a full day to spare.
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 two.
For more ways to spend the season, check my pumpkin patches near London guide, or browse day trips from London by train.
This was a post about autumn day trips from London.
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