7 Of The Best Autumnal London Walks With Pubs Along The Way
If autumn in London calls for one thing, it’s long strolls through parks and hikes to scenic viewpoints to be ended with well-earned pints and hearty roast dinners. We have rounded up seven of the best routes to save for your next free afternoon in the city.
Barnes Riverside
The walk: Barnes Riverside & Lonsdale Road
Start your stroll along the sweeping Thames Path near Barnes Bridge, tracing the quiet riverbank. The path cuts through one of London’s greenest and most peaceful villages, taking you past historic boathouses and tree-canopied lanes before leading you directly onto Lonsdale Road.
The destination: The Waterman’s Arms
Stepping into this beautifully restored pub, you’re greeted by warm exposed brick, dark timber benches, and glowing candlelight, offering a cosy refuge designed for lingering over produce-led food cooked over coals. Rather than standard pub fare, the kitchen delivers an ever-changing, elevated sharing menu that leans heavily into seasonal British and European flavours.
Where: 375 Lonsdale Rd, London SW13 9PY
Website: www.thewatermanarms.com
Richmond
The walk: Richmond Park to the Thames Path
Begin with a crisp autumn trek through Richmond Park, winding through ancient oak trees and sweeping grasslands as the park’s famous deer herd roams. From the park, descend through Richmond Hill, taking in the iconic view over the Thames Valley, and follow the foliage-lined Thames Path along the river directly to the pub’s front door.
The destination: The White Cross
Inside, this classic Young’s pub offers a warm, wood-panelled sanctuary filled with cracking fires, cosy leather seating, and expansive bay windows overlooking the water. It’s the ultimate spot to warm up after a chilly seasonal hike, serving up elevated British comfort food with a focus on seasonal quality.
Where: Surrey, Riverside House, Water Ln, Richmond TW9 1NR
Website: www.thewhitecrossrichmond.com
Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens
The walk: Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens
Start your loop around the serpentine waterways and tree-lined avenues of Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, making sure to pop into the galleries while you are there. As the crisp October air sets in, the sprawling estate transforms into one of the city’s finest displays of autumnal foliage. Skirt past the Italian Gardens and the golden grandeur of the Albert Memorial before ducking just off Queen’s Gate, where a discreet entrance leads into The Gore.
The destination: 190 Queen’s Gate & Bar 190
Rather than squeezing into a crowded pub, head straight into 190 Queen’s Gate, the Gore’s celebrated British restaurant. Head Chef Frederick Forster delivers a refined take on the classic Sunday Roast, relying on weekly-changing menus that mirror the exact rhythm of the season with locally sourced meats and native produce.
Where: 190 Queen’s Gate, South Kensington, London SW7 5EX
Website: www.thegore.com
Hampstead Heath
The walk: Hampstead Heath to Holly Mount
Start with a scenic stroll across Hampstead Heath and perhaps a dip in the ponds, taking in the woodland trails and panoramic views of the London skyline from Parliament Hill. After wandering past Kenwood House or through the secluded Pergola gardens, descend through Hampstead Village’s winding lanes until you reach the quiet, gas-lit alleyway of Holly Mount.
The destination: The Holly Bush
Beloved London institution, The Holly Bush is the perfect spot to stop for a well-earned pint or bite to eat post-walk. It’s an authentic neighbourhood treasure where historic character meets high-end pub fare, offering a thoughtfully elevated menu alongside classic, comforting favourites.
Where: 22 Holly Mount, Hampstead Gate, London NW3 6SG
Website: www.thehollybush.com
The Berkshire Countryside
The walk: The Thames Path & Berkshire Countryside
For those looking for a walk that feels like you have truly left London without having to hop on a train out of the city, this is the perfect solution. Set out along the iconic Thames Path, the surrounding Berkshire countryside provides a gentle, scenic backdrop for a brisk stroll, with the path winding right alongside the water before leading you straight to the doors of this historic riverfront haven.
The destination: The Boathouse Pub & Bar
Once you’ve clocked your steps, settle into The Boathouse Pub & Bar, a beautifully restored, historic space that effortlessly marries modern comfort with classic waterside charm. Whether you choose a table inside to escape the crisp chill or wrap up with a drink on the river-view terrace, the menu caters to every autumn craving.
Where: Streatley – On – Thames Nr, Reading RG8 9HR
Website: www.theswanatstreatley.com
Greenwich Park
The walk: Greenwich Park & The Old Royal Naval College
Kick off your walk in Greenwich Park, climbing up to the Royal Observatory for one of the most breathtaking views in the city. Descend through the crisp autumn foliage past the iconic colonnades of the Old Royal Naval College and the historic hull of the Cutty Sark, before taking the cobbled river path directly to the tavern’s grand entrance.
The destination: The Trafalgar Tavern
This is hands down one of my favourite pubs in the city, and is a failsafe option year-round. Stepping through the doors feels like entering a museum dedicated to naval history, complete with dark mahogany panelling, brass fittings, oil paintings, and statues of Lord Nelson. The expansive dining spaces offer front-row seats to the Thames, making it an extraordinarily atmospheric refuge as the autumn sky turns amber.
Where: Park Row, London SE10 9NW
Website: www.trafalgartavern.com
Chiswick to Hammersmith
The walk: Chiswick Eyot & Lower Mall
Begin your walk at Chiswick Mall, strolling past grand Georgian townhouses and tree-lined riverbanks as amber leaves fall onto the towpath. Pass the serene nature reserve of Chiswick Eyot and follow the river east along Lower Mall, where historic rowing clubs dot the bank and the iconic suspension cables of Hammersmith Bridge loom just ahead.
The destination: The Rutland Arms
Positioned right along the river path, The Rutland Arms offers an inviting pitstop whether you prefer sitting outside on the waterside benches with a crisp afternoon breeze or heading inside to the cosy, traditional bar. Expect classic British hospitality paired with a crowd-pleasing menu, complete with all your pub favourites.
Where: 15 Lower Mall, London W6 9DJ
Website: www.rutlandarms.com
