My favourite Ways to Enjoy Autumn in London

I opened my balcony doors this morning and was immediately greeted by that slightly chilly breeze you get during the onset of autumn. While I find myself enjoying summer more and more each year, I am always most excited to usher in autumn. All the usual things people love about this season are all the things I love about it, too -- warm drinks held in leather gloves, pumpkin spiced pastries & lattes, colourful leaves, cute jumpers and trench coats paired with chunky boots, and reruns of Gilmore Girls. Autumn is like the warmest, safest embrace. So, for me, it's the best time of the year, and it's made all the better with these autumnal activities:

Take a Stroll through Richmond or Greenwich Park

- These two parks look incredible with the colourful autumn leaves and are generally less crowded than the parks located more centrally. One year, I even stumbled upon a fun fair by Greenwich Park and it was so wholesome. I definitely got motion sickness on the rides, but it was fun.

Visit Hampton Court Palace

- Something about this palace in the autumn is just magical. Plus, they have themed events for Halloween, food and Christmas markets, etc.

Hampton Court Palace

Pub meal at The Mayflower

- The cosiest place to be during the cosiest season is a pub, and The Mayflower is my favourite one for a glass of red wine and Sunday roast with the girls.

The Mayflower Pub

Celebrate Guy Fawkes Night

- Find a neighborhood gathering for the best Bonfire/Guy Fawkes Night. Usually, they serve hotdogs and hot chocolate which is a bit of an odd combo, but it works.

Attend the Christmas Light ceremonies across the city (and just enjoy all the Christmas festivities, in general!)

- London starts sparkling a little more than usual in November. There's several streets and areas that host little ceremonies for their first night of turning on the christmas lights. In fact, both Oxford and Carnaby Street just had theirs. But if you miss the opening nights, don't worry. There's tons of opportunity to kickstart the holiday season in various ways including shopping around at the Christmas markets, caroling, ice-skating, card-making workshops and more.

A cheeky cocktail in a dimly lit bar

- I love a cosy, dimly lit bar any season (let's be real), but there's something about a dimly lit bar during the colder seasons that just feels right (I recommend Discount Suit Company in Shoreditch or Putney Wine Bar)

Discount Suit Company

Mid-morning farmer's markets

- I've recently discovered Barnes Farmer's Market, and I adore it. It's a cute little market held every Saturday with loads of local goods and produce. Grab a coffee and stroll around without snagging a pastry or bacon bap ... I dare you to try and resist. (You'll fail, I promise.)

Enjoy a cosy afternoon tea at Candella Tea Room

- Another activity that is great at any time of the year, but this spot in particular is so cosy and charming that it makes the perfect spot for an autumnal afternoon tea.

Candella Tea Room

Night strolls along the river and around the city

- Night comes verrryyy early in autumn/winter, but I urge you (as I have to urge myself) not to hole up at home every night, because there's a special something about experiencing the beauty of the city when the sun is down and air is chilled.

There's so much to do in this city, and each season offers a different experience, but I do prefer London during this time of the year. I feel like London was made for the -ber months. But as magical as these

months are, they do give us less sun, which notoriously causes seasonal depression and a significant lack in vitamin D (learned that the hard way during my first 2 years in London). So, I find myself wanting to sleep more and stay indoors as a result. But reminding myself of all the cool things available to me in this city helps me find the energy to put a coat on and rove around. So, rest when you need to, but don't miss out on the beauty of London during autumn.