15 things to do in London this autumn: parks, coffee, books and a little spookiness

Autumn in London is short and very beautiful. Here are 15 ideas — most are free, the rest are worth it.

Parks and autumn walks

Regent's Park. One of the loveliest parks in autumn — avenues, a lake and formal gardens. Free entry.

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Deer in Richmond Park. Wild deer roam free here. Autumn is the rutting season and the animals are agitated: The Royal Parks ask you to stay at least 50 metres away and not approach for photos.

A stroll in Hampstead. Old lanes and Hampstead Heath, with city views from Parliament Hill. Perfect on a clear autumn day.

The Hill Garden and Pergola. An Edwardian covered pergola walk beside Hampstead Heath, draped in greenery — quiet and atmospheric. Free.

Stanley Crescent, Notting Hill. A curved street of pastel houses and trees — one of the best displays of autumn foliage in the city.

A South Bank walk. The Thames riverside: galleries, street performers, city views. Good in any weather.

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Little Venice. A quiet corner of canals and narrowboats near Paddington — especially cosy in autumn.

Coffee, books and comfort

Coffee at Café Laville. The café sits right over the canal in Little Venice — a water view from your table.

Queen's Wood Cafe, Highgate. A café in the middle of the ancient Queen's Wood — tea plus a walk along paths through golden leaves.

Daunt Books. The famous Edwardian shop in Marylebone, with galleries and a stained-glass window at the back; travel books are arranged by country. Free to browse.

Atmosphere, cinema and a little spookiness

A film at the Electric Cinema. One of the country's oldest working cinemas, on Portobello Road — with armchairs and sofas.

«Spooky» houses in Notting Hill. Around Halloween locals decorate the houses with pumpkins and cobwebs — an evening stroll through Notting Hill becomes a mini quest.

A pumpkin patch. Farms near London let you pick pumpkins straight from the field — a classic autumn photo and a treat for children.

London classics

Afternoon tea at The Milestone Hotel, Kensington. A classic English tea opposite Kensington Gardens — atmospheric and very London (paid, luxury level).

The Natural History Museum. A huge museum in South Kensington with dinosaurs and a whale — free entry, and a great option for a rainy day.

Tip: weekdays and early mornings mean fewer people and better light for photos. Warm clothes and an umbrella are essential in a London autumn.