Autumn Colours Around UK

 

As the leaves start to turn, we reveal where best to see autumn colour in the UK.

Westonbirt

The National Arboretum, in Gloucestershire, is managed by the Forestry Commission and has collections of everything from oaks, to cherries, birches and limes.

The Japanese maples are particular colourful at this time, in a blaze of red, orange and yellow.

Grizedale

This Cumbrian forest has sculpture trails as well as glorious, rust-hued pines and broadleaf woodland. There are also plenty of walking and biking trails. 

Castle Coch

A dense swathe of copper beech trees surround a late 19th-century Gothic castle in Tongwynlais, near Cardiff. Their colours are at their most dramatic in the last two weeks of October.

Sheffield Park Garden

The rare trees and shrubs are starting to show their colours in this landscaped garden near Haywards Heath in Sussex, designed by 'Capability' Brown. It has four lakes in its centre and a cricket pitch. 

Batsford Arboretum

Close to the Cotswold hills, a wet summer has encouraged growth at this arboretum, where leaves are already turning golden. You can monitor their colour on the park's website. 

Meikleour beech hedges

The world's highest hedge is found in Perthshire, a wall of riotous colour during autumn. There is a programme of guided walks for those wanting to take in the changing colours, starting in late October.

Exbury Gardens

This 200 acre site in the New Forest is predicting a longer than usual colour spectacle this year with auburn and russet leaves expected on its maples, dogwoods and liquidambers, plus jewel lilies and autumn art in the coming months. 

Burnham Beeches

This nature reserve is filled with ancient woodland that once nearly covered the entire county of Buckinghamshire. It has many walking trails and is a good option for Londoners wanting to see one of nature's greatest, seasonal shows.