ondon is beautiful in every season, but autumn has a quiet magic of its own. From crisp walks in Green Park to sunsets over the Serpentine, the city wears its most flattering colours now. As the leaves turn and London’s parks glow gold, there is no better moment to explore.

A golden stroll through Green Park and St James’s Park

From your base at The Athenaeum Hotel, slip beneath the branches of Green Park and you will feel the hum of Piccadilly fade almost instantly. Leaves blanket the paths, horse chestnuts crack open to reveal glossy conkers, and between the trees Buckingham Palace flickers into view. It offers a quiet reminder of London’s grandeur just beyond the leaves.

Continue into St James’s Park and the rhythm shifts again. The lake mirrors the season’s colours, swans skim the surface, and flowerbeds hold the last of summer’s warmth. From the Blue Bridge, Buckingham Palace is perfectly framed by trees glowing in late afternoon light. It is a simple loop and takes less than an hour, yet it feels like a hidden pause in the heart of the city.

Returning to The Athenaeum

Long autumn walks feel even sweeter when they end in warmth and comfort. Head back to The Athenaeum and enjoy the quintessential British tradition of afternoon tea. The ritual was started by the Duchess of Bedford in 1840. Settle in at 116 where pastries and sandwiches echo the colours of the season. 

Here are some of our favourite afternoon tea myths

When drinking your tea, some people say sticking your little finger out creates a perfect balance when handling your tea cup. This is a myth, albeit a funny one. All fingers should be kept on or near the teacup when drinking your tea.

Afternoon tea is often thought to be the same as high tea and cream tea. In fact, high tea is a more substantial savoury meal consumed in the evening. Cream tea only includes tea and scones.

Tea is good for your health, full of catechins, a form of antioxidant. Some say adding milk to tea reduces the health benefits, but this is completely false. If you like your tea milky, pour away. 

Order of eating

When deciding what order to eat your afternoon tea goodies in, think savoury first and progress to sweet.

Finger sandwiches served at afternoon tea always have their crusts cut off and are served in small squares, rectangles or triangles – ideal for eating by hand.

Next move onto the scones and cakes. Scones should break into two halves easily without the need for using a knife. They should be eaten in two halves, rather than being sandwiched back together.

Preparing your tea

There are hundreds of types of tea on offer during afternoon tea experiences. The most traditional tea to choose is English Breakfast, a blend of black teas originating from Assam, Ceylon and Kenya. Allow the tea to brew for between three and six minutes; leave it any longer and you risk ‘stewing’ the tea, damaging the flavour.

When pouring the tea, don’t forget to put the tea strainer on your cup first,to avoid tea leaves floating in your cup.

There’s even a correct way to stir tea, which is up and down from about the 6 o’clock position to the 12 o’clock position, without clinking the spoon on the side of your cup.

Suite stay 

Our new Penthouse Suites on the 10th floor offer elevated residential-style retreats with sweeping views across Buckingham Palace, Green Park and the unmatched London skyline. A beautiful vantage point to watch the changing seasons. 

Creating a private haven above the hustle and bustle of Piccadilly, the 10th floor rooms feature luxury British fabrics, exclusive Paul Smith toiletries and a fully stocked mini-bar, all on us. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the expanse of royal parkland with binoculars to enjoy the unique panorama across London from sunrise to dusk.

Direct access to your own personal concierge. Let us help sourcing and book unique experiences, arrange transfers, and ensure a smooth stay, your personal concierge will be on hand 24/7 to handle  requests.

Our top tips for autumn in London

• Calmer parks and quieter streets with locals not yet caught up in festive plans
• Golden light that photographers chase all year
• Leaves at their turning point, revealing a richer palette each week
• Get insider tips from our doormen
• Choose comfortable shoes and pick up an umbrella from our doorman. Autumn showers pass quickly and it keeps the day carefree
• Look up when you walk. The branches often create golden arches overhead
• Carry a small bag if you enjoy collecting conkers. It is impossible to resist a few
  In autumn, The Athenaeum becomes both a launchpad into London’s parks and the cosiest sanctuary to return to.

Contact your local travel professional to find out how you can help.