If you’re visiting London in October with a camera—or simply want lovely photos of the city in its autumn colours—this guide will help you plan your days. Discover where to find the best photo spots in London in autumn, when the light is kindest and how to make the most of a changeable forecast.
Where to find London’s autumn colour
Richmond Park: wide views and ancient trees
For sweeping landscapes, Richmond Park is hard to beat. Its broad grasslands, mature oaks and distant city views give you room to compose a scene beyond the usual close-up of leaves. In October, the bracken and tree canopies bring warm shades to the park’s open spaces.
Arrive early for quieter paths and soft light, especially around sunrise. Richmond Park is large, so choose one area rather than trying to cover it all: check the Royal Parks map before setting off and allow time to walk between viewpoints. Deer roam freely here. Keep a respectful distance, never feed them and use a longer lens rather than approaching for a portrait.
St James’s Park: colour with a landmark backdrop
For a classic London frame, try St James’s Park. Its lakeside paths, trees and views towards Buckingham Palace make it easy to combine autumn leaves with recognisable architecture. Reflections can add a second layer to your composition on a still morning.
The park is central and easy to pair with other sights on foot. Visit before the lunchtime rush for uncluttered paths, or return late in the afternoon when the low sun can warm the foliage. Keep an eye out for birds, but give them space and avoid blocking busy walkways while setting up a shot.
Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens: room to explore
Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens offer a mix of broad avenues, open water and quieter tree-lined paths. Serpentine views are particularly useful for reflection shots, while a low viewpoint can make fallen leaves feel like part of the foreground rather than a distraction.
These adjoining green spaces are extensive, so plan a short route around one area. Nearby Underground stations include Hyde Park Corner, Knightsbridge, Lancaster Gate and Queensway; the best option depends on where you want to begin. There is no admission charge for the parks, though cafés and other attractions may have their own prices.
Kew Gardens: carefully composed garden scenes
Kew Gardens is a rewarding choice if you want more than parkland. Its landscaped gardens, tree collections and glasshouses offer varied subjects in a single visit, from autumn colour to architectural details. Check the garden’s official website for current opening hours, ticket prices and any seasonal access changes before travelling.
Set aside several hours rather than treating Kew as a quick stop. A wide-angle view can show the shape of a path beneath the canopy; a longer focal length helps isolate leaf patterns and distant details. Be considerate around other visitors and follow any signs about photography or restricted areas.
How to capture the autumn glow
Work with October’s changing light
Autumn light shifts quickly in London, and cloud can be as useful as sunshine. Overcast conditions soften shadows and bring out rich leaf colour, while a bright spell can create striking highlights and reflections. Check the hourly forecast, but stay flexible: a shower may pass quickly and leave pavements or lakes beautifully reflective.
For warm, gentle light, aim for the first couple of hours after sunrise or the period before sunset. Exact sunrise and sunset times change through October, so check the date-specific forecast before you head out. In the middle of the day, look for shaded paths, architectural framing or close-up details rather than forcing a harsh-light landscape.
Compose with depth and a clear subject
Use a path, railing or line of trees to lead the eye into the frame. Include a foreground leaf, bench or patch of water to give a scene depth, and leave enough space around landmarks so the image feels intentional. If you’re using a phone, tap to focus on the subject and lower the exposure slightly when bright skies are washing out the colour.
A simple kit is often enough: a charged phone or camera, a spare battery, a microfibre cloth and a small umbrella. A polarising filter can help manage reflections and deepen colour, but it is not essential. Avoid changing lenses in rain or near water, and keep your equipment secured in crowded areas.
Best time to visit
October’s foliage is not on a fixed schedule. Colour depends on the weather, the tree species and the particular year, so no single week guarantees peak leaves across the whole city. Early October can still feel green in some locations; later in the month, more trees may turn gold, copper and russet.
For a better chance of colour, plan a few flexible photo sessions rather than relying on one park visit. Check recent local conditions, leave room to change your itinerary and make a second visit if a favourite spot is looking especially good. Weekday mornings are generally more peaceful than weekend afternoons.
Getting around and keeping costs manageable
London’s parks are spread across the city, so group nearby locations together instead of criss-crossing town with camera gear. The Underground and buses make most of these places accessible; use Transport for London’s journey planner for current routes, service updates and fares. Contactless payment and Oyster are commonly used for public transport, and fares vary by route and travel time.
Most of the parks mentioned here are free to enter. Kew Gardens is a paid attraction, with ticket prices and opening times subject to change, so check directly before you go. Bring water and a snack if you’re planning a long walk, and remember that transport, cafés and any optional attractions add to your day’s budget.
October can be damp and breezy. Wear comfortable shoes with grip, bring a waterproof layer and keep camera gear protected. Stick to marked paths where asked, respect cyclists and other park users, and avoid stepping into planted beds just to reach a composition.
Recommended PikaTour Experiences
Want help finding photogenic corners without spending your whole trip planning routes? The London Photo Spots Tour lasts 3 hours and starts from £45. It’s a natural option for visitors who would like to explore London with photography in mind.
If you’d rather combine city landmarks with a guided stroll, consider the London Highlights Walking Tour, also 3 hours, from £35. Browse more London tours, or explore PikaTour’s guided experiences in Istanbul and Bangkok when planning your wider travels.
FAQ
Where can I photograph autumn leaves in London?
Richmond Park, St James’s Park, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens and Kew Gardens are all worthwhile options. Choose Richmond for open landscapes, St James’s Park for central landmark views and Kew for a wider variety of garden scenes.
When is the best time to photograph autumn in London?
October is a good month to look for changing foliage, but the timing varies each year and between locations. Visit early in the day for softer light and fewer people, and check local conditions before travelling.
Are London’s parks free to visit?
The parks featured here are generally free to enter. Kew Gardens charges admission; check its official website for current ticket prices and opening information.
What should I bring for an October photo walk?
Wear comfortable shoes and bring a waterproof layer, a charged phone or camera, a spare battery if needed and something to protect your equipment from rain. A small umbrella and lens cloth can also be useful.
Can I visit several photo spots in one day?
Yes, but it is more enjoyable to group nearby locations and allow time for walking. Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens sit alongside one another, while central St James’s Park can be combined with nearby sights. Richmond Park and Kew are better planned as separate outings or as part of a carefully timed day.
