Autumn riverside walks Richmond: colour, workshops and paths

Autumn riverside walks Richmond are at their finest right now, with the Thames Path and Richmond Park edges offering vivid seasonal colour and a full programme of creative events through October. The Royal Parks team has scheduled photography workshops, foraging walks and Halloween family trails across Bushy Park and Richmond Park, timed to catch the peak of the leaf change.

The Royal Parks has published its autumn programme for 2026, with Richmond residents enjoying the closest access to two of the eight sites.

What's on in Richmond and Bushy Parks this autumn

Creative workshops and guided walks fill the October calendar.

Richmond Park is hosting weekend photography sessions focused on autumn light and composition, led by landscape specialists who know the best vantage points from King Henry’s Mound to Isabella Plantation. Bushy Park has scheduled foraging walks with qualified ecologists, teaching you to identify seasonal fungi and edible plants along the Longford River and woodland paths. Family Halloween trails run on weekends through late October, using the parks’ historic features as waypoints. All events require advance booking through the Royal Parks website, with sessions typically running 90 minutes to two hours.

The workshops are timed to the leaf-turn window, so book early if you want to catch the chestnut avenue at its bronze peak.

Best riverside routes for autumn colour

The Thames Path through Richmond offers dedicated autumn viewing.

Start at Richmond Bridge and walk downstream toward Petersham Meadows, where the plane trees along the towpath turn gold against the water. The Terrace Walk above the river gives you elevated views across to the Surrey bank, with benches positioned for the afternoon light. For a longer circuit, cross at Richmond Lock and return via the opposite bank through Marble Hill Park, where the landscape planting was designed for seasonal effect. The route is flat, well-surfaced and takes roughly 90 minutes at a steady pace, with several cafes at either end.

The combination of water reflection and tree canopy makes this stretch particularly photogenic between mid-October and early November.

What this means for you

Check the Royal Parks event calendar now if you want to join a guided walk or workshop, as popular sessions fill quickly. The photography and foraging events are suitable for beginners and include all necessary guidance, though you will need to bring your own camera or smartphone. For self-guided walks, early morning or late afternoon light works best for autumn colour, and weekdays are quieter than weekends. The Isabella Plantation within Richmond Park is free to enter and remains open during its autumn phase, though the famous azaleas will have finished. Wear appropriate footwear for potentially muddy paths after recent rain, and note that Richmond Park’s vehicle gates close at dusk throughout autumn.

Richmond’s riverside and park walks are reaching their seasonal best, with organised events adding structure if you want expert guidance. The leaf colour typically peaks in the third and fourth weeks of October, giving you a clear window to plan around.

Richmond Park alone covers 2,500 acres, making it London’s largest Site of Special Scientific Interest and giving you miles of varied autumn terrain within a single walk from Richmond Gate to Pembroke Lodge.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to see autumn colour in Richmond Park?

Peak colour typically arrives in the third and fourth weeks of October, though it varies slightly with weather. The sweet chestnuts and oaks turn first, followed by the beeches. Early morning light is ideal for photography, and weekday mornings are quietest.

Are the Royal Parks autumn events suitable for children?

The Halloween family trails are designed for children aged 5-11 and run as self-guided activities. The foraging and photography workshops are aimed at adults but older children with a genuine interest are welcome. Check individual event listings for age guidance.

Can I join a guided walk without booking in advance?

No, all official Royal Parks autumn events require advance booking through their website. Spaces are limited and popular sessions sell out, particularly at weekends. Self-guided walking is always available without reservation.

Is the Thames Path accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs?

The surfaced Thames Path between Richmond Bridge and Petersham Meadows is fully accessible, flat and well-maintained. Some park paths, particularly in woodland areas, can become muddy after rain and may be more challenging. The Terrace Walk has steps at certain access points but level entries are available.

Useful resources

• Royal Parks autumn events calendar
• Richmond Park walking routes and maps