Things to do in London in Autumn 2012

Apples in the Orchard at Fenton House, Hampstead

It's already September, and autumn is just around the corner - time to enjoy London outdoors before it gets cold and uncomfortable. Several London parks and gardens have special events lined up for our favourite "season of mists and mellow fruitfulness", including autumn walks and apple and pumpkin days.

Autumn Events

At the National Trust's Fenton House in Hampstead, the annual Apple Weekend will be held on 15 and 16 September, from 11:00 to 17:00 on both days. (Fenton House website)

Another National Trust property, Red House in Bexleyheath, will be holding its Apple Day on Sunday, 14 October, from 11:00 to 17:00. (Red House website)

Osterley Park in West London won't be celebrating apples, but pumpkins - Pumpkin Festival will be taking place on Sunday, 28 October, from 12:00 to 16:00. (Osterley Park website)

The Hampstead Heath Heritage Festival and Conquer Championship is a free event, which will take place on Sunday, 17 October, from 11:00 to 16:00, at Parliament Hill Bandstand.

Later in the year, Syon Park in Isleworth will open its gates in the evening for the Enchanted Woodland again - on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, from Friday 16 November to Sunday 02 December, from 17:00 to 21:00. (Syon Park website)

Walks and Tours

At Syon Park, there'll be an Autumn Tree Walk with the Head Gardener on Sunday, 14 October, with tours at 11:00 and 14:00. (Syon Park website)

Kew Gardens are also showcasing their trees' glorious autumn colours with a Tree Identification Tour every Wednesday and Saturday from 03 October to 31 October. (Kew Gardens website)

On Friday, 19 October, and Saturday, 27 October, there'll be two "Ramble in the Park" Autumn Walks in Hyde Park. (Royal Parks website, 19 October event and 27 October event)

Don't miss before they close for winter...

English Heritage's Eltham Palace and Gardens, glorious in autumn, will remain open during the winter, but on Sundays only; the last chance to visit on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays as well, will be 31 October. (Eltham Palace website)

Fenton House and Garden will stay open for longer than normally this year, before they close for winter - the last day to visit will be Sunday, 4 November.

The garden at Osterley Park will be open until 4 November, Wednesdays to Saturdays 11:00 to 17:00.

For an overview of these events, and more, also see my blog's calendar here.