Autumn activities in London
As the seasons shift and the air turns crisper, there’s something exciting about the chance to refresh how we dress and how we spend our time. Autumn brings with it new ways to enjoy nature, culture, arts and style. So for anyone living in London or visiting in the coming months, here are some of my recommended way to embrace the season in the city and surrounding area.
City Views
I'm always sad to see the daylight hours beginning to lessen as Autumn sets in, but this suggestion is a lovely way to enjoy the sunlight and last of the mild weather is by heading put to the top of the hill at Alexandra palace in North London and enjoying the view looking back over the city. I recommend timing it with sunset to see the view in daylight and nightfall.
Tranquil Sound Bath
Calm your senses with a Sound bath session in one of the many arts and wellness venues around the city. Beautiful places to experience these sessions include; The Barbican, one more place and my favourite is the other-worldly hotel ‘The Mandrake’. I f you have not yet tried this tranquil experience; Sound baths are an ancient technique that promotes wellbeing through vibrations, harmonising with our body’s natural rhythm. The sessions usually include guided meditation followed by to sounds created to instrumental something. The vibrations of the gongs and other instruments help promote relaxation, creativity, and natural healing by accessing deep Delta brainwave states, typically reached during daydreaming or deep sleep.
Woodland walks
Explore the woodlands within the city and get immersed in nature as the leaves begin to turn. There's many options for beautiful walks surrounded by nature and many include places stop for a cosy drink along the way. In the North, Hampstead heath is a huge expanse, so many wooded and also open areas to explore. Bushy Park has amazing wildlife such as the herds of deer which live peacefully there- West. Or over in the North East of London is the ancient, Epping forest, apparently over 6000 acres in size.
Edible treats at Coal Drops Yard
Canopy food market in Coal drops yard, King's Cross, is an amazing place to try delicious meals in a historic, industrial setting. Built in the 1850s as a Victorian industrial complex to transfer coal from rail to horse-drawn carts and canal barges for London's energy needs. After the decline of coal and the buildings fell into disrepair but now it’s been re-imagined and has become a lively multifunctional area with shops, galleries and restaurants. From Wed to sun, the food traders are serving flavourful, sweet and savoury food from all over the world. Honestly, its a tough choice to select from. You can also catch other markets and pop ups in the area regularly. Check out what's on here: https://www.kingscross.co.uk/whats-on
Canalside strolls
Walk along the tow path next to Regent's canal which has loads of unique and cosy places to stop to get food and drink while watching people and boats go by. The canal stretches across the whole of the city centre and is 8.6 miles long so you can join and leave in many different locations both quiet and busy. I often stop at ‘The Narrowboat’ pub which has a lovely balcony and serves really tasty small plates and apparently a great roast too!
The Floating bookshop
Discover the Book shop on a barge boat; ‘Word on the Water’. It's a bookstore upon a 100-year-old Dutch barge which holds events such as readings and book launches. Moored at King's Cross, you can reach it by passing by the Lighterman pub On the canal path, just a few staps along. Climb aboard to fully experience it’s quirky uniqueness.
You can see their updates here on FB: https://www.facebook.com/wordonthewater/