Love autumn
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
We love autumn! Wildlife wakes from its summer siesta, we watch the start of nature’s colourful transformation and cooler temperatures mean more time can be spent exploring the 26 miles of Lee Valley Regional Park – and we have a packed schedule of free and low cost activities to keep you busy this season.
Water Vole Girl looking through binoculars at the Wildlife Discovery Centre Bittern on a fence
Join our autumn wildlife events
We’ll kick off with our Discover Bats, Moths and More event happening this Friday 4 September. Uncover the secrets of the Park’s nocturnal creatures with our conservation team at our Wildlife Discovery Centre. There’s just a few spaces left.
Discover the Hidden world of the Water Vole on Sunday 20 September by joining a walk at one of their favourite wetland habitats in the Park - Silvermeade in Broxbourne. In decline across Britain but here in the Lee Valley, thanks to ongoing efforts, we have a thriving population of water voles. Join our experts on a Water Voles and Wetlands walk and learn about these charismatic creatures.
With the return of autumn, the series of Bird Walks returns to Wildlife Discovery Centre. Join a expert birder for a walk around Seventey Acres Lake on 24 September, 22 October, 26 November to see the visiting winter wildlife and learn about them.
Can’t make our events but want to immerse yourself in nature? Take a walk around one of our many lakes or wetland habitats and catch the first glimpses of our over wintering birds as they begin to arrive. The illusive Bittern has been seen as early as September on Seventy Acres Lake. Our Autumn wildlife blog provides lots of tips on what to see where.
Winter learning offer – Book now for 20% off
It’s back to school for teachers and students this week. If you’re looking for opportunities to enrich learning this autumn and winter we’ve got a special offer on our winter learning programmes.
Book now and get 20% off sessions between 1 November 2026 – 28 February 2027. We have a huge variety of outdoor learning experiences tailored for KS1 – KS4 plus adult learning and community groups and bespoke SEND sessions.
Find out more on our Learning and Engagement page.
Open House Day – Step inside Myddelton House
You may be familiar with his beautiful gardens, but a once a year opportunity to step inside Myddelton House – the lifelong home of esteemed botanist Edward Augustus Bowles – will be on offer to visitors on Saturday 19 September.
The Grade II listed house that stands at the centre of Myddelton House Gardens in Enfield will be open to visitors as part of the National Open House scheme. Take a free tour with the E.A.Bowles Society who will be on hand to share its history and fascinating facts.
Try Thai Chi for free
Our Get Active programme of free health and wellbeing sessions that take place daily throughout the park has just added Thai Chi, Qigong and Qi Wu to its schedule.
These ancient health and movement classes are open to all levels and abilities and are taking place every week at locations in the north and south of the park (outside at Lee Valley White Water Centre and Lee Valley Ice Centre).
Delivered by our partners at Dao Lu CIC, sessions are around 60 minutes and followed by a hot drink for those also looking for social interaction. Find out more about classes, dates and times on our Lee Valley ‘What’s On’ page.
The Park’s Get Active programme has dozens of opportunities every month to take part in free health and wellbeing activities – including walks for all levels, cycle rides, group exercise sessions, Nordic walking and open water swimming. Find an activity that’s right for you here.
Walk, run or cycle
Of course, you don’t need a specific reason to visit Lee Valley Regional Park. Autumn is the perfect season to take a walk, run or a bike ride and discover new areas or revisit favourite spots. There are hundreds of trails to meander and if you need some inspiration, here’s some of our favourite walks and runs and bike rides.
