A riot of autumnal splendour is breaking out across the country – here are some of the best places in Britain to enjoy it.
“Summer’s end is eagerly anticipated in ever more gardens,” wrote Mark Griffiths in Country Life last year. “Between the garden and nature, autumn is becoming our most magical season of all.”
And after a cool, wet summer, autumn colour has come early to many parts of Britain so it’s already time to get out and enjoy the best on offer.
Mount Stewart (National Trust / Bernie Brown)
Many of the most spectacular trees are not native to British shores. The cellular processes by which leaves turn golden are more pronounced in North American and Asian trees, and it wasn’t until the flora explorers of the 18th and 19th centuries brought back specimens that many species were grown here.
Those pioneers brought an explosion of colour to British shores which persists even today: the species they planted continue to thrive, and have made autumnal Britain splendid in a way which would scarcely have been recognised a few hundred years ago.
Winkworth Arboretum (National Trust / James Dobson)
Autumn colours are normally at their height in November, but with some trees starting to turn already it’s time to start planning where best to get out and enjoy the show.
We’ve teamed up with the National Trust to pick out some wonderful places across the country where you can go and enjoy what Albert Camus once described as “a second Spring where every leaf is a flower.” Get more details, including opening times, prices and directions from www.nationaltrust.org.uk.
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Winkworth Arboretum, Surrey
During the autumn months the splendour of Winkworth Arboretum really comes to life with rich, blazing colour from the Japanese, American and Norwegian maples.
Credit: National Trust / John Miller
Stourhead, Wiltshire
The famous landscaped gardens include a walk up to King Alfred’s Tower, a folly from which there are wonderful views.
Credit: National Trust / Ian Shaw
Gibside, Tyne & Wear
Buzzing with wildlife, Gibside is home to red kites, roe deer and many other rare animals as well as striking foliage.
Credit: National Trust / John Millar
Belton House, Lincolnshire
A series of walks, a boating lake and an adventure playground are all bathed in brilliant colour.
Credit: Rika Gordon / National Trust
Brownsea Island, Dorset
Trees and fern in a forest near Poole Harbour.
Credit: National Trust / Chris Lacey
Dinas Island, Pembrokeshire
Dinas Island, Pembrokeshire: Not leafy foliage, but the browns and yellows of bracken together with purple heather on one of Pembrokeshire’s most beautiful spots.
Credit: National Trust / Joe Cornish
Dunham Massey, Cheshire
Long avenues of ancient copper beech trees throw down pathways of golds, reds and yellows.
Credit: National Trust / Paul Harris
Emmetts Garden, Kent
The Weardale walk links Emmetts Garden to Winston Churchill’s former home at Chartwell.
Credit: National Trust / David Sellman
Mount Stewart, County Down
Walks of all distances for all ages at a garden once voted one of the ten best in the world.
Credit: National Trust / Bernie Brown
Attingham Park, Shropshire
The Autumn Light walk takes in a deer park, riverbank and woodland.
Credit: Sean Hattersly / National Trust
