London’s Gorgeous Autumn Walks: Part 5 – Battersea Park, Riverside, and Two Stunning Bridges
There’s something about London in autumn that makes you want to slow down. The air has that crisp bite, leaves crunch under your boots, and even the Thames seems calmer, reflecting the changing skies. For Part 5 of my London’s Autumn Walks series, I headed south of the river to one of my favourite corners: Battersea Park and its surroundings.
This route has it all peaceful parkland, riverside views, and two bridges that couldn’t be more different in style but are equally beautiful. And if that wasn’t enough, Battersea Power Station looms nearby, its huge chimneys reminding you that this is still London a city where history and reinvention sit side by side.
Starting at Sloane Square
I began at Sloane Square station, weaving through Chelsea’s elegant streets until the Thames came into view. Even before you reach the river, the walk feels autumnal — rows of trees turning gold, shop windows glowing a little warmer, and that slightly slower pace people fall into once the seasons change.
Crossing towards the park, the sound of traffic fades, replaced by the soft rustle of leaves. It’s one of those moments you realise just how restorative a simple walk can be.
Battersea Park in Full Autumn Mode
If you’ve never been to Battersea Park in autumn, you’re in for a treat. This isn’t just a green space; it’s a 200-acre patch of calm right on the river, first opened to the public in the mid-1800s. But the history fades into the background when you step inside and see what autumn does to this place.
The avenues of plane trees become golden tunnels. The lake mirrors the colours above, broken only by swans gliding silently across. Joggers slow down to take photos, kids kick up piles of leaves, and dog walkers stop for longer chats than usual. The whole park feels like it exhales at this time of year.
I stopped for a while by the Pump House Gallery and then wandered towards the boating lake. The air had that earthy smell you only get in autumn, a mix of damp leaves and woodsmoke drifting from somewhere nearby.
A Quick Pub Detour
No autumn walk feels complete without a pub stop, and Battersea Park has a good one right by the gate: The Prince Albert. It’s the kind of place where the windows glow orange as the daylight fades, and stepping inside feels like wrapping yourself in a blanket.
I didn’t stay long, but a half pint and the warmth of the fire made the rest of the walk even sweeter.
Battersea Power Station – Old Meets New
Not far from the park sits the hulking figure of Battersea Power Station. For decades it stood derelict, a symbol of London’s past, but now it’s been transformed into a gleaming destination — shops, restaurants, flats, offices, you name it.
I’ll be honest, I was sceptical about the redevelopment at first, but walking past in autumn light changed my mind. The four white chimneys look striking against a sky streaked with orange, and the riverbank around it has become a lively spot without losing that sense of grandeur. Standing there, you feel both the weight of history and the buzz of modern London.
Albert Bridge – A Fairytale Moment
Of the two bridges on this route, Albert Bridge is my favourite. Built in the 1870s, it’s painted in soft pastel colours pinks, greens, creams and looks almost delicate compared to London’s bigger crossings.
Walking across it in autumn is something special. The trees along the riverbanks are ablaze, the Thames glitters below, and the bridge itself feels like a piece of lace stretched across the water. At dusk, the fairy lights flicker on, turning it into pure magic.
I stood there for a while, watching the river carry fallen leaves downstream. It’s the sort of view that makes you fall a little more in love with London.
Chelsea Bridge – Bold and Beautiful
A short walk away is Chelsea Bridge, and the mood shifts completely. This one is bolder, cleaner, more modern (the current version opened in 1937). Where Albert Bridge whispers romance, Chelsea Bridge makes a statement.
Crossing it as the sky darkened, I could see Battersea Park glowing with autumn colour on one side and the Chelsea Embankment on the other. The traffic hummed steadily, but it didn’t disturb the peace of the moment. If anything, it reminded me that London’s beauty often hides in plain sight, even in the middle of the city’s noise.
Finishing by the Riverside
The riverside paths between the two bridges are wide, calm, and perfect for slowing down. Families wandered, dogs tugged at leads, joggers zipped past, and every so often a cyclist rang their bell. The Thames rolled on steadily, reflecting streaks of pink and gold from the sky.
By the time I wrapped up the walk, the city lights had come alive. Albert Bridge twinkled like something out of a story, Chelsea Bridge glowed in confident white, and the river mirrored it all back. Autumn in London doesn’t get much better than this.
Why This Walk Works
What I love about this route is the variety. Battersea Park gives you calm and colour. Battersea Power Station adds history and modern life. Albert Bridge offers romance, while Chelsea Bridge brings boldness. And the Thames ties it all together with its steady rhythm.
It’s one of those walks that shows off London’s layers nature, history, architecture, and everyday life all in the space of a couple of hours.
Wrapping Up – and What’s Next
So that’s Part 5 of my London’s Gorgeous Autumn Walks series. I’ve loved sharing this one with you, and I hope it inspires you to carve out an afternoon for Battersea Park and its surroundings. Bring a friend, grab a coffee, and let the city slow down for a while.
Next up, I’ll be exploring another corner of London where autumn works its magic in unexpected ways. Stay tuned.
And if you want to follow along as I uncover more of these walks — and see the photos that bring them to life — come join me on Instagram at @london.yaar . That’s where I share daily London snippets, hidden gems, and more autumn inspiration.
Until next time, happy walking. 🍂