From pink pumpkins to Big Ben: London’s prettiest autumn-to-winter walk

There’s a special kind of London day that sits right between pumpkin spice and Christmas sparkle where the air feels crisp, the trees are golden, and cafés start bringing out their fairy lights. This is that kind of day.

Join me (and my friend Fatinah!) for a beautiful autumn walk through Belgravia, past Buckingham Palace and St. James’s Park, all the way to South Bank. We’re talking pink pumpkins, cosy cafés, royal views, and golden leaves reflected on the Thames.

📍 Start: Belgravia – TomTom Coffee House
📍 End: South Bank, near the London Eye
☕ Perfect for: A crisp October or early November morning
🚶‍♀️ Steps: Around 12,000 (3–4 hours with café stops)

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☕ Belgravia Mornings & Pink Pumpkin Magic

We started our morning at TomTom Coffee House, a true Belgravia staple with perfect pastries and outdoor seating for people watching. I had a Nutella croissant (highly recommend), and we admired their autumn décor: warm oranges, leafy garlands, and that perfect morning light.

From there, it’s a short stroll to Peggy Porschen, the iconic pink café that never misses a seasonal theme. This year, their Halloween display was filled with pink pumpkins and floral witches’ hats, created by Dickens & Doris. Inside, the cakes and coffees are just as photogenic, and yes, the cupcakes have little ghosts on top.

Even if you’ve been before, Peggy’s always looks different every season and Elizabeth Street is one of London’s most beautiful streets to wander, lined with boutiques, florists, and pastel façades.

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👗 What to Wear for an Autumn Walk in London

London weather at this time of year is transitional chaos, part sunshine, part drizzle. Fatinah layered a suede red cape from a trip to Morocco over a wool jumper and pink skirt, with flats for comfort (we walked 20,000 steps after all). I wore my favourite Valentino flats (comfortable when teamed with a sock) with a pink skirt, pink cashmere jumper and my favourite wool coat.

My advice? Layers are key — sunglasses and an umbrella are essential, and a pop of colour (or a witchy hat) makes every photo more fun. Click here to find out how to make your own Pink Witches Hat.

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💐 Floral Arches & Hidden Corners

From Belgravia, we stopped by Neill Strain Floral Couture on West Halkin Street which is famous for its seasonal floral archways. Their autumn design was spectacular, bursting with warm orange and gold tones.

You’ll find another boutique of theirs in Mayfair, but Belgravia’s is larger and a true showstopper. The shopfront smells incredible and honestly, if autumn had a perfume, this would be it.

We carried on through Motcomb Street, a chic pocket of Belgravia filled with independent shops and cafés, before crossing into Knightsbridge.

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👻 A Haunted Pub & Royal Views

Next stop: The Grenadier Pub, tucked down narrow Georgian alleyways. It’s said to be one of the most haunted pubs in London and perfect for spooky season. Legend has it the ghost of a young soldier lingers here after being caught cheating at cards. Inside, you’ll spot old banknotes pinned to the ceiling as “offerings” to pay off his debt.

From there, it’s a 15-minute walk through Green Park and past Buckingham Palace, one of the loveliest autumn walks in London. The trees around the Queen Victoria Memorial turn the most stunning golden shades, and if you cross The Mall, you’ll soon arrive at St. James’s Park.

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🍂 St. James’s Park: Golden Leaves & Lakeside Views

This park is one of London’s most cinematic in autumn and fiery foliage, swans on the lake, and the famous Blue Bridge offering postcard views of both Big Ben and Buckingham Palace.

As you cross, you’ll see 1,200 trees and bursts of colour that look straight from a painting. Even in late autumn, there are still flowers with pink, orange, and burgundy  blooming around the paths.

It’s peaceful, romantic, and the perfect midpoint of the walk.

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🌉 Across Westminster Bridge to South Bank

Leaving the park, we passed through King Charles Street and along Whitehall, before crossing Westminster Bridge. It’s one of the busiest bridges in London, but also one of the most iconic — especially with the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben glimmering in the background.

Once across, the vibe changes completely. Welcome to South Bank, where London feels buzzy and creative again. On our visit, there was a temporary art trail of red roses near the London Eye, marking the Women’s Rugby World Cup.

The walkway here, lined with plane trees, is beautiful in every season but there’s something magical about it in autumn.

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🍷 Where to End: Riverside Cafés & Views

End your walk with a drink or hot chocolate at Riverside Terrace Café or Giraffe Southbank, both offering views of the Thames and city skyline. Or, if you’re staying late, the Skylon Bar is a fabulous spot to toast your day as the lights come on across the river.

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🎥 Watch the Full Video

Watch the full autumn walk — from pink pumpkins to royal parks — on my YouTube channel:
Claire and the City on YouTube

If you’re planning your own autumn London adventure, you might also like:

• 🎃 Best Halloween Displays in London

• 🍁 Most Instagrammable Autumn Spots in London

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🧭 Quick Route Summary

Route: Belgravia → Knightsbridge → Buckingham Palace → St. James’s Park → Westminster Bridge → South Bank
Distance: ~12,000 steps (3–4 miles)
Highlights: Peggy Porschen, Neill Strain, Grenadier Pub, Buckingham Palace, St. James’s Park, Parliament, South Bank
Best for: Golden foliage, Instagrammable cafés, royal views, autumn-winter vibes

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