Autumn colours in a London park
September to November

UK in autumn: colour, city festivals and fire

Turning leaves, rutting deer and city festivals that fill the evenings.

Autumn mixes outdoor seasons with indoor festivals. The deer rut and the maples at Westonbirt are over within weeks. Cities run building open days, literature festivals and parades.

Dated events from our own events data appear below as cards. Everything else says when it usually happens, with a link to the organiser.

Dates: where a date is shown, it comes from the organiser's own page (last checked 25 Oct 2026). Where it says "usually", the date is not confirmed: use the official link.

Dated events

Outdoors: deer and leaves

  • Richmond Park, London

    Deer rut in Richmond Park and Bushy Park

    Usually from the end of September to early November.

    The Royal Parks article covers the rut in both Richmond Park and Bushy Park. Read its advice on keeping your distance before you go.

    The Royal Parks (opens in new tab) · checked 25 Oct 2026

  • Tetbury, Gloucestershire

    Autumn colour at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum

    Usually peak autumn from 1 October to 15 November.

    For autumn 2026 the Forestry England page advises pre-booking to guarantee entry from 25 Sep to 15 Nov. Check the page for the rule in future years.

    Forestry England: Westonbirt (opens in new tab) · checked 25 Oct 2026

City festivals

Clocks

Before you go

  • Leaf colour and the rut depend on the weather. Check the park or arboretum's own pages in the week you go.
  • Book timed entry where the organiser asks for it, as Forestry England does at Westonbirt in autumn 2026.
  • Light fades earlier once the clocks go back, so plan outdoor walks for the middle of the day.

Sources

Pages we opened to write this guide. Organisers change dates: check before you book.

More: All events · Walks · When to visit the UK · Edinburgh

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