Though the summer might be over, London’s autumn draws out fiery foliage colours as well as crisp and refreshing afternoons. Though it can rain every now and again, autumnal London offers something truly seasonal, especially when you bear in mind that the English capital is a “green city”. This means that London is made up of at least 18 percent green spaces, which is more than its roads and railways combined. To sum up, an autumnal guest at hotels in the city of London truly has the world - or the city - as their oyster.
London’s proximity to the River Thames and its nippy rail network means that it’s easier than ever to enjoy vast green open spaces outside of your local park. From Epping to Sussex, some of the best walks in the South of England are not only easy to reach for guests at the Montcalm Royal London House but especially beautiful during the autumn season. This blog will outline some of the best reserves and walking trails in and around the city of London, giving you the chance to enjoy the fresh air and London’s vast panoramas.
Waltham Abbey
Waltham Abbey is a small market town about 14 miles outside of London’s city centre and is easily reachable from hotels near Old Street Station. About half an hour from London Liverpool Street Station, the canalside walks and beautiful nature reserves surrounding Waltham Abbey are part of the Lea Valley and its network of waterways.
Balcombe
Balcombe is easily reachable via Thameslink services into Sussex and is located just a few miles outside of Gatwick and Haywards Heath. Balcombe is well known for the beautiful nature reserve surrounding the Ardingly Reservoir, a manmade body of water that is now a prime location for bird watching and hiking. Visiting in autumn will mean you’re likely to set eyes on Kingfishers nesting and hunting for the winter months.
South Downs
The South Downs is the name given to the rolling hill surrounding the towns of East Sussex. With walks along the steep valley of the Devil’s Dyke and the stunning views from Ditchling Beacon, visitors from hotel packages London will no doubt enjoy the many country pubs after the cold sets in and the steep hills of the South Downs work you up a sweat.
Broadstairs, Margate and Botany Bay
With trains running through Central London taking just over an hour, the towns of Ramsgate and Broadstairs offer beautiful nature trails along the East Coast of England and a classic British seaside escape. Expect blustery Autumn promenades and salty sea air as you navigate the eight-mile hiking trail from Margate towards Ramsgate will whisk you past Viking landing sites that are part of the Viking Coastal Trail. If these trails were good enough for Charles Darwin and painter JMW Turner, then you’ll certainly be in for a picturesque, wildlife abundant treat.
Epping Forest
Easy to reach via the Central Line, Epping Forest is one of the oldest forests in the UK and is thought to have once been an encampment for the legendary Roman rebel Boudicea. The forest might have shrunk in size since the fourth century, but the autumn foliage and 6000 acres of woodland will no doubt make you forget that you’re just half an hour outside of Central London.
