Where to See Autumn Leaves in the UK

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

The wooded valley of Borrowdale is one of Cumbria’s most beautiful areas come autumn. This dense forest of trees turns a riot of reds, oranges, yellows and purples as mid-October rolls in. Plan to walk up to the Castle Crag hill to catch a glimpse of the display from above.

In Norfolk, in the east of England, head to the grounds of Blickling Estate to see oak, beech, lime and sweet chestnut trees turn golden brown, red and orange as late September arrives. This stately home, which has been in the care of the National Trust since 1940, covers almost 5,000 acres (2,023ha) of land – of which 500 acres (202ha) are woodland and can be explored on numerous trails.

Head to south Worcestershire in the Midlands to reach Croome Court, where beech trees, oriental plane trees and large horse chestnuts trees turn a glorious burnt hue by October. A popular walk to see this display begins at Croome Court’s Visitor Centre and lasts around two hours.

Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, which is about 4mi (6km) from Tetbury in Gloustershire, is known for having one of the most wonderful fall foliage displays in the UK. Between October and mid-November, you’ll discover gold and red leaves from more than 2,500 native and exotic tree species, like paperbark maple, incense cedars and Scots pine. Tickets to the arboretum cost £7.

Castle Coole in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland, is dubbed “one of the greatest neo-classical country houses in Ireland”, with its surrounding land considered an Area of Special Scientific Interest. It is here you can revel in the warm, golden hues of autumn – taking the Beech Trail, past the golden beech trees, before tracing its Lake Walk Trail.

For the best of autumn in North East England, Allen Banks and its 50-minute-long ancient woodland walk, called the Allen Banks Morralee Tarn walk, should be on the itinerary. Time your visit right around October and see beech and oak trees in yellows, oranges, reds and browns – and perhaps spot woodland creatures preparing to hibernate.

Fiery leaves and purple heather come out in full force when autumn descends in the New Forest, which covers 219sqmi (566sqkm) of the south of England. A 3mi (5km) walk around Wilverley Inclosure past ancient oaks, silver birch and evergreen pines will allow you to soak up this kaleidoscopic display.

Scotland’s leaves start to change colour at the beginning of September, meaning visiting Loch Lomond should be done early on in autumn. Enjoy the lake’s promise of rich reds and orange hues, thanks to its mature Scots pine, on a trail along a section of the West Highland Way.

Built around 1200, Powis Castle is a medieval castle set on a spectacular garden. “As the cooler air arrives,” writes the National Trust, “see the garden come alive in a dazzling array of reds, yellows, burnt oranges and golds.” The best way to do it is on an easy 2mi (3km) long walk around its multi-layered garden, within which you’ll discover 100-year-old apple trees and red, orange and yellow-tinged sumac tees.

On the border of England and Wales sits an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty called the Wye Valley. The whole area is breathtaking in the autumn months, but it is the Forest of Dean, in the village of St Briavels, that is a must-visit during October for its red, orange and yellow leaves.