London’s Gorgeous Autumn Walks: Part 2 – The Magic of Greenwich Park
If Richmond is where Londoners go to escape into a deer-filled wonderland, Greenwich Park is where you go when you want the best of both worlds: countryside calm and jaw-dropping city views.
This is Part 2 of my London’s Gorgeous Autumn Walks series, and honestly? Greenwich Park is the perfect follow-up to Richmond. It’s different, but equally magical less wild, more manicured, yet with moments that still feel like you’ve stumbled into the countryside. And when autumn hits, with fiery leaves crunching beneath your feet and golden light bathing the skyline, Greenwich Park transforms into something truly unforgettable.
Let’s take this walk together, step by step.
Starting Your Walk: A Grand Entrance
I like to begin at the University of Greenwich Gate. The moment you step through, you’re greeted by a scene that feels both historic and cinematic. On one side, the National Maritime Museum. On the other, the Queen’s House, with its elegant symmetry and classical beauty. By the time you’ve taken ten steps, you’re already wrapped up in autumn’s colors the reds, golds, and burnt oranges spilling across the lawns.
It’s not just a walk; it’s a journey through history wrapped in autumn leaves.
Blackheath Avenue: The Golden Road
Next, make your way down Blackheath Avenue a tree-lined stretch that seems designed for autumn. The crunch of leaves underfoot, the crisp air, the sound of distant chatter it all blends into something peaceful.
Keep walking, and the path naturally leads you to the Royal Observatory. Standing here, you’ll see the General Wolfe statue, stoic and timeless, and just beyond him: that view. The sweeping panorama of the Thames, Canary Wharf, and London’s skyline.
In autumn, it’s even better. The leaves frame the city like a painting, and you get this surreal feeling of being in nature while staring straight at the heart of London. It’s one of those “this is why I love this city” moments.
A Detour Into Storybook Scenery
From the observatory, I like to wander back down Blackheath Avenue, then take a left into Great Cross Avenue. This part of the park feels softer, quieter, and full of little details you could easily miss.
There’s an ornamental fountain, elegant and peaceful. A bandstand that looks like it belongs in a classic British novel. In autumn, the whole area is surrounded by leaves that glow in the low evening sun it feels cinematic, like you’ve walked into a film set.
The Quieter Side: Vanbrugh Gate & The Lake
If you’re like me and enjoy escaping the crowds, head towards the Vanbrugh Park Gate. It’s less busy, more intimate. A sharp left and then a right brings you to one of my favorite parts of Greenwich Park the trail by the lake.
Here, ducks paddle quietly, and the water reflects the fiery canopy above. The soundscape changes too less chatter, more rustling leaves, quacking ducks, and the occasional dog bounding past. It’s countryside energy, right in the middle of London.
The Flower Garden’s Last Hurrah
Even though autumn is all about fiery leaves, the Flower Garden in Greenwich Park still puts on a show. Beds of late-blooming flowers brighten up the season, contrasting with the oranges and browns around them.
It’s a place to pause. To sit on a bench. To maybe sip a takeaway coffee. The kind of spot where conversations slow down and everything feels calm. If you’re into photography, this is where you’ll get some of the most striking shots color against color, season against season.
Ending With a Treat: Greenwich Market
After the walk, I always head down to Greenwich Market. It’s the perfect finish. The market itself is historic (dating back to the 14th century in some form), but today it’s a buzzing mix of food stalls, handmade crafts, and local treasures.
On a chilly autumn evening, nothing beats grabbing a mulled wine, a warm pastry, or even a steaming bowl of street food while wandering through the covered stalls. It’s cozy, vibrant, and a reminder that London’s magic doesn’t end when the sun goes down.
Why Greenwich Park in Autumn?
What I love most about Greenwich Park in autumn is the contrast. One moment you’re surrounded by countryside calm, the next you’re staring at skyscrapers. You can watch deer in Richmond, but here you’re watching the city itself through a golden autumn filter.
It’s a reminder that London isn’t just about the hustle. It’s about pauses, perspectives, and hidden corners of beauty. Greenwich Park nails that balance.
Part of a Bigger Journey
This is Part 2 of my London’s Gorgeous Autumn Walks series. Part 1 took us to Richmond, with its deer-filled wonder. Greenwich gives us something different a park that’s steeped in history, rich with scenery, and crowned with one of the best city views in the world.
And there’s more to come. London in autumn is full of surprises hidden gardens, riverside paths, and unexpected escapes. I’ll be sharing them all in the next parts of this series.
Final Thoughts (and a Little Invitation)
So, if you’re looking for the perfect after-work escape, a weekend stroll, or just a moment to reconnect with autumn, Greenwich Park has it all. History, beauty, serenity, and a skyline view that’ll stay in your memory.
And if you want to keep discovering London’s most magical autumn walks (and beyond), make sure you follow @london.yaar I’m sharing local secrets, cozy corners, and walks that make you fall in love with London all over again.
Until next time—lace up your shoes, grab a friend, and let the autumn magic guide you.