The Best Places To See Stunning Autumn Colours In The UK

The vibrant hues of autumn are with us for the next couple of months, and it would be a shame not to plan a trip out to one of these scenic spots and experience the full beauty of the season. If you are organising a group outing, why not hire a coach so that everyone can sit back and enjoy the wonderful scenery. 

Stourhead, Wiltshire

Stourhead Gardens are famous for their blaze of autumn colour, as the mixture of rare and exotic species and ancient woodlands come into full glory. The park was landscaped by Henry Hoare in the 18th century, who was inspired by his extensive travels in Europe and beyond. 

The park features classical Roman style architecture set around a tranquil lake and gentle hillsides planted with beeches, acers, oaks, tulip trees and limers. All the trees, shrubs and plants were strategically placed with an artist’s eye, so the colours meld beautifully together to create a wonderful display, particularly at this time of year. 

Tintern Abbey, Monmouthshire

The densely wooded Wye Valley and the River Wye meander along the border between England and Wales, and at this time of year it is particularly delightful as the greens mellow into tawny golds and auburn tones. Take a walk or a cycle ride along the many public paths to enjoy this tranquil and special place. 

The awe inspiring Tintern Abbey stands close to the banks of the River Wye. It was founded by Cistercian monks in 1131 as a simple wooden church, but by 1269 the transformation was underway to create a Gothic stone masterpiece. However, the Abbey was partially dismantled in 1535 during the English Reformation. 

During the 18th century, the dramatic ruins began to attract the attention of artists and poets, laying the foundations for the historical monument’s transformation into a tourist attraction. 

New Forest, Hampshire

The New Forest is stunningly beautiful at this time of year, with its mix of centuries old oaks, sweet chestnuts and beeches in full autumn leaf of red, yellow and orange. Take the Knightwood Oak Trail, where you will encounter the Queen of the Forest, a majestic oak with a girth of 7.4m. Keep an eye out for the Pannage pigs, who forage for acorns in the autumn. 

Grizedale Forest, Lake District

Lying between Windermere and Coniston Water in the Lake District, Grizedale Forest covers ten square miles with natural mature oaks, elder, larch and beech trees. At this time of year, the mixed foliage creates a glowing tapestry of rusty golds, vibrant reds, and coppery oranges. 

As you walk the forest trails, you will encounter sculptures made from natural materials such as stone and wood, which are a mixture of temporary and permanent installations by acclaimed artists. Take a scramble up one of the nearby peaks such as Carron Crag for a spectacular view of the whole forest in full autumn colour. 

Glen Affric, Scottish Highlands

The Scottish Highlands are a very special place to visit at this time of year, as the mountainsides are a patchwork of purple heather and rusty brown bracken. Glen Affric in the heart of the Highlands contains the largest area of ancient Caledonian pinewood in Scotland, and the evergreen trees are interspersed with rowans and silver birches.

This creates an enchanting mixture of greens, golds, and reds in the autumn, offset by wild moorlands and misty lochs. Walk the forest trails and keep an eye out for wildlife such as red squirrels and the roar of rutting red deer. Nearer to the lochs, you may be lucky enough to spot an otter or a majestic osprey. 

Biddulph Grange Gardens, Staffordshire

This unique Victorian garden in the small Staffordshire town of Biddulph was created in the mid 19th century by James Bateman, who employed staff to collect plants from around the world. He used the exotic plants to build up a collection of topiary, pools, shrubs and woodland, which are integrated with quirky garden buildings.

As you tour the grounds, you will walk through the China Gardens, Italianette structures, and even encounter an Egyptian sphinx. The garden also contains the oldest surviving golden larch in Britain, and a Pinetum, which contains a fine collection of monkey puzzles, cedars, spruces, firs, and cypresses.