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The arrival of autumn in the UK means that forests, gardens, woodlands, and national parks are transformed into vibrant tapestries of fiery reds, golden yellows, and warm ambers. And, following a rainy spring and scorching summer, Forestry England experts predict 2025’s autumn colours may be more spectacular than ever.
This makes it the perfect time to plan a woodland walk or scenic hike, with carpets of crisp leaves and fallen acorns and conkers underfoot. Plus, September-November is an exciting time for wildlife, too, showcasing everything from rutting deer to jays flitting above the trees.
So where can you see some of the UK’s best autumn colours? Here are 12 top spots to get you inspired.
If you’d like to turn the opportunity to see autumn colour into a staycation, you can explore hundreds of UK travel deals below. Our holiday itinerary tool can also help you plan your trip.
1. The New Forest, Hampshire
From mighty oaks to delicate birches and yellow-specked bracken, the New Forest is Europe’s best National Park, and a magical place to enjoy spectacular autumn colours.
Denny Wood, one of the New Forest’s oldest beech woodlands, is worth a visit. Many also consider Rhinefield Ornamental Woodland, home to the area’s tallest tree, to be the ultimate autumn colourburst.
If you enjoy exploring on foot or by bicycle, the New Forest has over 140 miles of tracks and footpaths to keep you busy. The Knightwood Oak Trail becomes a haven of golden leaves and rich bracken at this time of year. And its magnificent ‘Queen of the Forest’ Knightwood Oak Tree – over 500 years old and with an impressive 24 foot circumference – is a must-see. It won’t be long until you discover why Countryfile Magazine dubbed this trail one of the UK’s best destinations for autumn colour.
2. Westonbirt Arboretum, Gloucestershire
Westonbirt Arboretum is a beautiful spot to visit in autumn, largely due to its impressive collection of exquisitely shaped maples, which were planted in the 1870s. And, this year might be an extra special time to visit. Marking the 100th anniversary of its sister site, Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest, the Arboretum is hosting an exciting outdoor exhibition.
Encouraging visitors to grasp nature’s finer details and explore their artistic side, the Drawn to Nature Trail offers the chance to capture the shapes, textures, and stories of the surrounding trees. And on the Family Autumn trail, children and adults alike are encouraged to get hands-on with leaf art. Pick up your free sketchbook and let nature’s beauty spark your imagination.
If you can, don’t miss the cherry tree avenue at Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest, Westonbirt’s sister site. Watch as the over 100 ornamental cherry trees, poised above the visitors centre, turn a magnificent auburn during late September and early October.
3. Alice Holt Forest, Surrey
With the largest percentage of woodland cover in the country, the South East is an obvious destination for those seeking awesome autumn colour displays. And the wonderful woodland at Alice Holt Forest in Surrey, with its collection of mighty oaks, slender rowans, shiny beeches, and mature pines, is no exception.
Look out for the 20 different sculptures that line the route of Shipwrights Way, go wildlife spotting on the Willows Green Trail, or venture towards Lodge Pond in the heart of the forest, believed to have been created by Medieval monks. A slight detour off the trail will also take you to Glenbervie Meadow – a beautiful green expanse framed by towering autumnal trees.
4. Tollymore Forest Park, County Down
Surrounded by the towering Mourne Mountains and the sea beside the quaint town of Newcastle, Tollymore Forest Park embodies some of Northern Ireland’s most stunning natural landscapes. And, as forest leaves begin to change colour and carpet the ground, a visit here during autumn can be magical.
Admire giant redwoods and Monterey pines that sit alongside the forest’s unique collection of exotic shrubs, and enjoy a peaceful stroll beside the Shimna River, with its unique stepping stones and waterfalls. Photographers won’t want to miss Foley’s Bridge, which is renowned for its scenic beauty – particularly when the surrounding trees erupt with colour.
5. Lanhydrock, Cornwall
Cornwall might be famous for its craggy coastal paths and dramatically beautiful beaches. But it’s also home to beautiful woodlands, which burst into vibrant colour during autumn. And what better way to explore than with a visit to a historic home and garden?
The magnificent 900-acre wooded estate at Landhydrock House fills with vivid red Persian ironwood, scarlet yellow Japanese acers, and purple sweet gum trees at this time of year. And the estate’s collection of walking trails and cycle paths are perfect for wending your way through the woods.
Pass along the peaceful Respryn River and explore tranquil gardens before entering the house itself, which has a fascinating history encompassing wars, political scandals, and a devastating fire.
6. The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, Gloucestershire/Herefordshire/Monmouthshire
The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley area is known for its dramatic river scenery and outstanding natural beauty. Home of the UK’s largest ancient oak woodland, it’s considered a top spot for leaf peeping. Here, millions of trees transform into a stunning display of reds, golds, and yellows.
A specially curated, unique Leaf Peeping Drive takes visitors through sweeping countryside, beside tranquil riverbanks, and toward famous viewpoints like Symonds Yat Rock and The Eagle’s Nest. There are also several walking and cycling routes, offering everything from leisurely strolls to long-distance hikes and mountain biking opportunities.
7. Salcey Forest, Northamptonshire
With its picturesque wood banks, unique building remains, and centuries-old trees, Salcey Forest in Northamptonshire offers a fascinating blend of nature and history. Home to mighty ash, oak, and hazel trees that cover the ground in spectacular autumn colours, this once medieval hunting ground isn’t one to miss.
From brisk strolls, perfect for blowing the cobwebs away, to long hikes that’ll take you around the whole forest, there are various ways to connect with nature here. Whilst kicking through the leaves, keep your eyes peeled for Salcey’s veteran oaks, some of which are over 600 years old. You might also see jays, buzzards, and woodpeckers flitting through the trees, as well as rare butterfly species like Wood Whites and Purple Emperors.
8. Grizedale Forest, Cumbria
The Lake District perfectly blends landscapes of lakes, mountains, and waterfalls with idyllic villages, quaint market towns, and Roman forts. A top spot to experience autumn in all its glory, picture vast stretches of wilderness where fallen gold, amber, and scarlet rest beside soothing waterfalls and towering mountains.
Grizedale Forest is particularly renowned for its autumn displays, making it many people’s favourite time of year to visit. Nestled between Coniston Water and Lake Windermere, Grizedale becomes an orange, red, and amber wonderland. The relaxed Millwood Trail, which guides you along the peaceful river, by some of the oldest trees, and beside a small waterfall, is a great way to explore before settling in for a hot chocolate at one of the cosy cafes.
For more inspiration, check out our article: 7 stunning places to visit in the Lake District.
9. Sheffield Park, East Sussex
Sheffield Park in East Sussex is considered of international importance when it comes to autumn colour – and it’s easy to see why. During the early 20th century, park owner Arthur Soames, introduced a collection of unique species, including Acer, Nyssa, and Taxodiums, and, today, they create a captivating spectacle of autumn shades.
Marvel at the bright red leaves of the 25 different species of Acer trees; admire the collection of Nyssa sylvatica trees (400 of which were raised from seed between 1901-1924); and stop by the park’s only golden larch tree – an incredibly rare and endangered species. The variation of native and non-native tree species here, all of which reach their peak at different times, also means there’s always something to see throughout the season.
10. Hamsterley Forest, County Durham
Hamsterley Forest is County Durham’s largest forest and a wonderful place to visit in autumn. This enchanting 2,000-hectare oasis showcasing oak, pine, and beech trees sprawls against a scenic valley that greets visitors with striking colours the moment they arrive.
Admire ancient oak trees on the Bedburn Valley trail, spot waterfalls and wood ant colonies on the Spurlswood Valley Walk, or stomp along the Three Becks Walk, where golden beeches and yellow birch trees add a touch of magic. If you’re lucky, early morning walkers may spot roe deer feeding, adders basking on rocks, or even salmon leaping upstream.
11. Delamere Forest, Cheshire
The extraordinary landscape at Cheshire’s Delamere Forest transforms into a spellbinding tapestry of orange, gold, and copper hues in autumn. Spanning 972 hectares, the dense woodland is a mixture of evergreen and deciduous trees, interspersed with marshy wetlands and vast, glittering lakes.
Delamere Forest boasts some of the best views in the country and, on a clear day, the popular Old Pale trail offers sights of seven different counties – reaching as far as Liverpool Harbour. The shady oasis is also a wildlife haven, with green woodpeckers, black-headed gulls, small tortoiseshell butterflies, and southern hawker dragonflies calling it home. The chorus of birdsong that accompanies your visit only adds to Delamere’s unique charm.
12. Cairngorms National Park, Scottish Highlands
The Cairngorms National Park is the UK’s largest national park, and arguably its most dramatically beautiful. While a visit here in every season is a treat, there’s no denying that autumn can be particularly special. Many local artists say it’s their favourite time to get creative, when the landscape is overcome by the golden, orange, and yellow tones of Scots pine, Scots birch, aspen, beech, and rowan trees.
Autumn is also a time of various wildlife spectacles in the Cairngorms – including the red deer stag rut, which can be heard from miles around. Ranger-led walks are available for those particularly keen to catch a sighting. For more inspiration, check out our article: 8 of the top beauty spots in the Cairngorms.
Final thoughts…
While we may feel reluctant to wave goodbye to summer, there are many exciting things to look forward to in this new season. As trees change colour and leaves begin to fall, there’s never been a better time to get outside and enjoy the spectacular landscapes sitting right on our doorsteps.
For more inspiration, you might like to head over to our travel section.
What are your favourite places to visit for autumn colour? Do you have any autumn travel plans that you’d like to share? We’d be interested to hear from you in the comments below.
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