Autumn is officially here. As the nights draw in and the leaves turn gold outside Globe HQ, it can only mean one thing: it’s time to buff up your walking boots and get out into nature.
As the National Trust reports a 39% surge in younger members (18 to 25-year-olds), research from Aviva confirms that Brits are increasingly turning to the great outdoors to boost their happiness. Some of the findings include:
- 80% reporting that time spent in nature improves their overall happiness
- 74% feeling lower levels of anxiety and stress after being in nature.
Keep reading for a look at some beautiful autumnal walks in and around Twickenham, including the best of our local National Trust properties.
1. Thames Path
The Thames Path follows the capital’s river from its source near Kemble in Gloucestershire all the way to Woolwich in the borough of Greenwich. That’s around 185 miles of riverside walks, taking in rolling water meadows, ancient woodland, and elegant manor houses – not to mention the high-rises of Canary Wharf and London’s Royal Docks.
Following the path of the river, this gentle trail is generally flat and well-signposted throughout its length. While the full route tackled at a leisurely pace with stop-offs for sightseeing might take two to three weeks, you could easily break it up into sections.
Pick the stretch – or series of stretches – that most appeals to you this autumn and enjoy wildlife and natural beauty with the soundtrack of gently running water.
2. Morden Hall Park, Surrey
The National Trust-owned Morden Hall Park is a self-styled “green oasis” situated in South London, incorporating a deer park that runs alongside the banks of the River Wandle.
Covering more than 125 acres of park, wetland, and meadow, the site includes preserved watermills and iron bridges. In the renovated stable yards, you’ll find a book shop, café, and the National Trust’s only garden centre.
Morden Hall Park provides a natural haven, surrounded by the city on all sides but rich in wildlife, perfect for a mindful stroll.
3. Osterley Park and House, West London
The Grade I-listed Osterley House, known as “Palace of Palaces”, was originally designed and built by Scottish architect Robert Adam.
The mansion is well worth a visit, but it’s the formal garden and surrounding parkland that will provide a beautiful setting for your autumn walk.
Acres of uninterrupted green space are a rare luxury in the heart of Greater London. Enjoy the rolling parkland, lakeside paths, and woodlands, which are home to wildlife ranging from red kites, buzzards, and sparrowhawks to butterflies.
4. Virginia Water Lake
Virginia Water lies at the southern edge of Windsor Great Park. The lake stretches for two miles, and a full walking circuit covers 5.25 miles, with shorter routes available.
These shorter strolls still take in some of the trail’s highlights, including the 30-foot-high Cascade waterfall and the Leptis Magna Ruins, a folly composed of material from an ancient Roman city.
Although a small pond already existed in the area, the idea of creating a lake and royal pleasure ground was only conceived in the 1750s.
The project took nearly 40 years to complete, and at one time, it was the largest man-made lake in England. It had to be drained during the second world war because it was feared its size would make it perfect for signposting the position of Windsor Castle to enemy planes.
Today, the site is popular among walkers and runners, but children will also find plenty to enjoy, making it perfect for a family stroll and even a day out.
5. Ham House and Garden
The 17th-century Ham House dates from the Stuart period and sits on the banks of the Thames in Richmond.
While the house itself features a wonderful collection of artwork, its gardens are perfect for a crisp autumn walk.
Explore the walled kitchen garden or the box hedges of the Cherry Garden, complete with 17th-century statues of Bacchus. Then head out into the wilderness along meandering paths that take in summerhouses and, for the hardy, beautiful picnic spots. Finally, the Plats offer gravel paths and vast lawns.
Get in touch
Please email hello@globeifa.co.uk or call us on 020 8891 0711 to discuss how Globe IFA’s expert financial advisors can help you manage your long-term financial plans this autumn and beyond.
