Autumn colours

Sheffield Park and Garden, East Sussex (c)National Trust Images, Andrew Butler

Head to an English garden to see all the golden majesty of autumn

Batsford Arboretum, Gloucestershire - Autumn (c) VisitEngland Batsford Arboretum

Gardens undergo an absolutely stunning transformation in autumn. See a myriad of colours as trees put on their most colourful foliage, and animals preparing for the winter. Autumn gardens are a beautiful place to unwind, or to play with children and pets. 

Hergest Croft Gardens, Herefordshire

Hergest Croft Gardens, Herefordshire - Kitchen Garden July (c) VisitEngland Hergest Croft Gardens

One of the finest collections of trees and shrubs in England creates a dazzling display of autumn colour in Herefordshire. Reds, yellows, purple and gold leaves glisten throughout the Azalea Garden, Maple Grove and Park Wood. The gardens extend over 70 acres with more than 5,000 rare trees and shrubs, perfect for an autumjn amble taking in the rich, earthy tones of the season.

Find out more about Hergest Croft Gardens

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew - Autumn (c) RGB Kew Kew Royal Botanic Gardens

Kew's arboretum comes into its own in the autumn with its vast collection of beautiful trees in the midst of seasonal change. If the weather is not being kind, head inside and experience the tropical climate of the glasshouses, followed by a well-earned coffee and cake at one of the on-site cafes. Look carefully and spot the dasylirion wheeleri making its way through the roof in the Princess of Wales Conservatory.

Find out more about Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Calke Abbey, Derbyshire

Calke Abbey, Derbyshire - Red deer stag during the run (c)National Trust Images, Gillian Day LRPS Calke Abbey

A designated National Nature Reserve and home to some of the oldest trees in England, Calke Abbey is an atmospheric place to watch autumn roll in. The park looks beautiful as the leaves gradually change colour to every shade of red, yellow and brown. Calke is also home to roaming red and fallow deer, providing a memorable autumnal sight as the bucks (male deer) lock antlers to compete for the does (females).

Find out more about Calke Abbey

Batsford Arboretum, Gloucestershire

Batsford Arboretum, Gloucestershire - Autumn (c) VisitEngland Batsford Arboretum

One of England’s largest private tree and plant collections with 56 acres of wild gardens, paths and streams, Batsford Arboretum is a treasure trove of wonders. It features a Japanese tea house, a gigantic Buddha, and a waterfall, providing a spectacular backdrop as the autumn leaves are gilded and the colours flare to life. 

Find out more about Batsford Arboretum

Harewood House, Yorkshire

Harewood, Yorkshire (Autumn) (c)Harewood House Trust, David Oakes Harewood

The Lakeside Gardens of Harewood House are particularly spectacular in autumn when the changing leaf colours can be seen reflected in ‘Capability’ Brown’s enormous 32-acre lake. Explore the rolling vistas and feel the leaves crunch underfeet on invigorating autumn walks. 

Find out more about Harewood House

Sheffield Park and Garden, East Sussex

Sheffield Park and Garden, East Sussex (c)National Trust Images, Andrew Butler Sheffield Park and Garden

Over 120 acres of historic landscape garden with meandering paths that take you through glades, along the edges of lakes, and over bridges. The Japanese maples, swamp cypresses and birches create an intense autumn colour in Sheffield Park and Garden. Marvel at the beautiful variation of golds and reds set in a beautiful landscape. 

Find out more about Sheffield Park and Garden

 

Cholmondeley Castle Gardens, Cheshire

Cholmondeley Castle Gardens, Cheshire (seasonal) (c) VisitEngland Cholmondeley Castle Gardens

The informal woodland of The Duckery is especially beautiful in autumn. A tranquil setting and the perfect spot to sit and relax to the sounds of nature, Cholmondeley Castle Gardens are full of autumnal magic. The towering backdrop of the castle is hauntnig and romantic, giving you the perfect excuse to cuddle up to someone you love.

Find out more about Cholmondeley Castle Gardens

Winkworth Arboretum, Surrey

Winkworth Arboretum, Surrey (c)National Trust Images, James Dobson Winkworth Arboretum

A hillside woodland with over 1,000 different shrubs and trees, many of them rare, is waiting for you to wander and explore. Enjoy the autumnal pallet of golds, browns, coppers, bronzes and reds, all reflecting in the ripples of the lake. Lose yourself in the majesty of the parkland, and then stop for a cup of tea in the Arbor Tea Room.

Find out more about Winkworth Arboretum

For more about English gardens, try our collection of Spring Gardens

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