Living Your Best Autumnal Life in South East London
Alright, Londoners – autumn is here, and it’s time to level up your cosy game. Whether you’re hyped for hot drinks, leafy parks, or spooky season vibes, this is your go-to guide for making the most of those crisp mornings and golden-hour sunsets. Whatever the weather (and let’s be real, it’s probably gonna rain), YourTRIBE has your back to help you live your best autumnal life.
Cosy Spots to Hit Up for Those Instagrammable Autumn Vibes
Before we dive into all the fun stuff, let’s talk about one of the most important things in autumn: staying warm and finding your fave cosy corners in South East London.
Café Culture: Peckham and the surrounding areas have some of the best low-key cafés in London. Head to Blackbird Bakery on Peckham Rye for top-notch pastries and proper cosy vibes. Or, if you’re after a more artsy vibe, try Old Spike Roastery, which serves great coffee and has a feel-good mission (they help train homeless people to become baristas). Both are perfect for sipping a hot drink and catching up on your studies on a crisp autumn day.
Parks & Nature Walks: South East London is spoilt for parks, especially when the leaves start to turn. Peckham Rye Park is a gem, and it’s ideal for autumn strolls with beautiful gardens and hidden corners to explore. If you want to take in some views, head up to Telegraph Hill Park for stunning autumn scenes across London. And if you’re in the mood for a full-on nature escape, Nunhead Cemetery is a gothic, peaceful place to wander, especially as the leaves change.
Pub Vibes: Nothing says autumn like a cosy pub. In Peckham, The Montpelier is perfect for those cold evenings with a fireplace and a cinema room in the back (yes, you read that right). Or head to The Rye by Peckham Rye Park for hearty food that’s proper pub grub. Both are great spots to unwind with friends as the evenings go dark.
Must-Do Autumn Activities in South East London
Autumn is the perfect mix of spooky, festive, and wholesome fun. Here’s what you’ve gotta do to soak up the season:
Autumn Markets: South East London’s market game is strong, and it gets even better in autumn. Peckham Farmers’ Market on Sundays is perfect for picking up seasonal goodies – grab some locally grown veggies or artisan snacks to cook up a storm at home. If you’re feeling festive, pop over to Greenwich Market later in the season for mulled wine and unique Christmas gifts.
Bonfire Night: 5th November – save the date! For Bonfire Night, head to Southwark Park where they put on a brilliant fireworks display. They’ve got great food options too, making it the perfect flatmate outing that doesn’t involve a club night.
Pumpkin Picking: While Peckham might not have pumpkin patches on its doorstep, a quick trip out to Severndroog Castle in Eltham gives you a fun autumn day out. It’s a gorgeous woodland setting, and while they don’t grow pumpkins, they’ve got amazing views and perfect autumn trails for a mini escape from the city.
What to Do When It’s Rainy (aka Most of Autumn)
Let’s be real, South East London + autumn = rain. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with indoor plans that are just as fun:
Movie Marathons: Rainy days are the perfect excuse to hibernate and binge-watch your favourite films with your flatties. If you’re in Peckham, check out Peckhamplex, where tickets are always affordable. For something more indie, head to The Ritzy in nearby Brixton – it’s cosy and perfect for watching something a bit artsy.
Museum Hopping: Stay dry while exploring some culture! Head over to The Horniman Museum in Forest Hill. It’s a bit of a hidden gem, with quirky exhibitions, a butterfly house, and lovely views across the city. You can easily spend hours here and forget about the rain.
Board Game Cafés: If you’re after something interactive and indoors, Four Quarters in Peckham has you covered – it’s more arcade than board games, but who’s complaining when you’ve got retro gaming, drinks, and snacks all in one place? A guaranteed good time on a rainy day.
Autumn Self-Care, Because You Deserve It
As the days get shorter, it’s super important to look after yourself – physically and mentally. Autumn is perfect for slowing down and embracing some serious self-care vibes.
Mindful Walks: Even if it’s just a quick lap around your block, getting outside and soaking up those autumn feels can do wonders for your mood. Peckham Rye Park or Brockwell Park are perfect for a mindful walk, focusing on the autumn colours, the crisp air, and the satisfying crunch of leaves underfoot.
Stay Active Indoors: Not a fan of outdoor workouts in the cold? Swap those park runs for indoor classes at Frame in Shoreditch (a short trip) or hit up YouTube for some at-home yoga or fitness routines. Keeping active is a great way to fight off those autumn blues.
Autumn Wellness Routines: Time to perfect your cosy routine. Light a seasonal candle, wrap up in your fave blanket, and spend time journaling, reading, or binging your go-to Netflix show. And don’t underestimate the power of a hot cup of matcha – it’s basically a hug in a mug.
Conclusion
London in autumn is an absolute vibe. From cosy hangouts to festive must-dos, the area is buzzing with autumnal goodness, and there are so many ways to make the most of it. Whether you’re grabbing coffee with your flatmates, wandering through parks, or chilling out on rainy days, living your best autumnal life comes easy when you’ve got a little inspiration.
And remember, at YourTRIBE, we’re all about giving you that perfect home base to return to – whether it’s after a full day of exploring or a cosy night in.
Before You Go
Need somewhere to call home this autumn? YourTRIBE’s got the perfect spot for you to settle in and embrace all the autumn feels.
Find your place in our community-focused student accommodation and start living your best South East London life.
For more details, click here.