Gutted summer’s over? Never fear – now you’ve got an excuse to discover the UK’s most beautiful autumnal landscapes
Every year, everyone raves about summer. But if you’re in the UK, you’ll know that summer 2023 ended up letting us down like it always does (rubbish weather, interspersed with random unbearable heat waves. You know the drill).
So we’re here to pitch for autumn. Crunchy leaves. Cosy jumpers. Long, scenic walks through the park that make you feel like you’re in an episode of Broadchurch. If you really think about it, autumn wins every time. And there’s no better way to enjoy it than heading off in search of those spectacular autumn leaves. From Surrey to Northumberland, here are the best places to see autumn leaves in the UK.
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You can get a stellar view of the Chiltern Hills in all their autumnal glory from the crest of Coombe Hill. In fact, on a clear day you can see all the way to the Cotswolds. Once you’ve had your fill, tackle one of the many nearby walking trails taking you through a canopy of golden beech trees or the moss-covered Low Scrubs woodland at the foot of the hill.
Grizedale Forest becomes a patchwork of autumnal shades at this time of year. Backed by mountains and glassy lakes, the woodland in the Lake District National Park boasts an enticing array of walks that take in ancient beech trees, quiet valleys and crags with views of the ever-changing scenery.
Autumn goes way over the top at this Cotswold garden. Westonbirt Arboretum is home to thousands of tree species from all over the globe, and they put on an incredible display of golds, pinks, glowing reds and vibrant yellows as autumn hoves into view. Don’t miss Acer Glade or Maple Loop for extra eye-popping hues.
A nature reserve in the middle of the Cairngorms might just be the perfect place to soak up the season in Scotland. It’s the largest such reserve in Britain, and contains four of the five highest mountains in the UK. Mar Lodge Estate is also an autumnal wonderland, with lochs and evergreen forests framed by miles of glorious colour.
Seasonal events are off this year at Wisley but that won’t stop the trees and shrubs from showing off. Visit in October and November to crunch leaves underfoot and enjoy gaudy foliage in the garden’s Pinetum and Seven Acres sections.
Burnt orange and golden brown leaves are in abundance at Stourhead, a huge, historical landscaped garden dotted with follies, temples and rare trees. Find forest floors covered in leaves ideal for kicking and cosy spots for picnics on dry days.
The ancient woodlands of the New Forest National Park are spectacular all year round, but there’s something extra atmospheric about them in autumn. Take the Knightwood Oak or Bolderwood Radnor walking trails to see a dazzling panoply of orangey shades.
A vast woodland that runs along the border between England and Scotland, Kielder Forest is scored with walking trails that take in the area’s dramatic and vibrant scenery. Fancy staying after dark? Head to the Kielder Observatory to cop a look at the autumn night sky, free from light pollution.
Winkworth Arboretum is one colourful garden. Famous for its blaze of blooms in late spring, the landscape turns technicolour in the colder months as well. The liquidambar and maple trees are the boldest, but look out for bright berries and fungi too.
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