Best outdoor autumn attractions

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Great view: Kew Gardens' tree top walkway

Trees bedecked in blazing shades of golds, oranges and fiery reds are what you'll see. So where best to enjoy the autumn leaves?

ROYAL PARKS
Hyde Park
Walk through the 4,000 trees and it's easy to forget you are in central London. On 25 Oct, New You Boot Camp (newyoubootcamp.com) is organising a run in aid of injured servicemen and women in the UK. So you can enjoy the view and give to charity.

Regent's Park
Once used as a hunting chase by King Henry VIII, today's park has playing fields as well as beautiful gardens and secluded woodlands. It is also popular with bird watchers. RSPB Feed the Birds Day is 25 Oct. There are also sport events during the half-term holidays at the Hub --suitable for children aged between six and 12, cost £5 per day. For further info, tel: 020 7935 2458.

St James's Park
This park in the heart of historic London is one of the city's most beautiful. The lake, which is home to a wide range of wildlife, is its main attraction. There is a special Halloween walk on 31 Oct, during which you can listen to ghost stories and play spooky games.
To book, tel: 020 7930 1793.

Greenwich Park
Covering 183 acres, this is the oldest enclosed Royal Park, and home to a small herd of fallow and red deer. Enjoy the vista from the top of the hill, taking in Canary Wharf and St Paul's Cathedral. On 5 Nov there is a free Changing Landscape walk (meet at the Blackheath notice board, 10.30am) - a crisp autumn walk celebrating the park's historical features. While you are there, visit the Planetarium and the National Maritime Museum. Details at nmm.ac.uk For further info about events in these and other Royal Parks, visit royalparks.org.uk

WOODLANDS AND GARDENS
Epping Forest
At almost 6,000 acres, this is the largest open public space in London. On 26 Oct, you can enjoy the autumn scenery and take a guided tour (suitable for all ages) around the ancient forest in the company of artist David Milner (£2.50). To book, tel: 020 8508 0028. Learn all about Hallowtide folklore and the traditions of All Hallows' Eve on 27, 29 and 31 Oct. There are also children's safaris taking place on 29 and 30 Oct. For further info, visit fieldstudiescouncil.org/eppingforest or visit cityoflondon.gov.uk

Hainault Forest Festival
The forest's history dates back to the 12th century, but this is the first Hainault Forest Festival, with over 70 events (until 2 Nov). There is plenty for everybody to enjoy, including healthy walks and family treasure hunts. For singles, there is a speed dating walk (25 Oct) and the opportunity to meet other single dog walkers (1 Nov).
Visit treeforall.org.uk/essex/Hainault

Kew Gardens
What better place could there be to enjoy the autumn leaves than from on high - 59ft up on the Xstrata Treetop walkway, the new attraction for this year, as Kew celebrates the Year of the Tree? For half term, there are free children's activities in the Climbers and Creepers outdoor play area and a Children's Trail. If you are one of those who sometimes find you cannot remember the names of trees, join the free Tree Identification Tours every Sat. Entry £13, under-17s free. Visit kew.org.uk

Wilderness Wood
Throughout October, Wilderness Wood, in Hadlow Down, East Sussex, is holding a Chestnut Celebration - enjoy a chestnut trail through 61 acres of woodlands and gather sweet chestnuts to take home. Try delicious chestnut cake, soup and ice cream in the tea room. £3.40, under-16s £2.06.
Visit wildernesswood.co.uk

Other Woodland Trust walks where you can enjoy the autumn leaves include:
Penn Wood, Amersham, Buckinghamshire;
Lake Wood, Uckfield, East Sussex;
Stoke Wood, Stoke Lyne, Oxfordshire.

Visit woodland-trust.org uk

 

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