Winds blowing, rain chucking down and autumn leaves in every shade from lime green to burnt orange, autumn is making its presence felt in the UK. While duvet days look more enticing than ever, UK has also on offer amazing destinations where you can enjoy long walks in the crisp October weather and then warm your weary limbs with tea by the cracking fire.
The National Arboretum, Westonbirt, Gloucestershire
Ablaze with colour from late September to November. Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, situated in the heart of the Cotswolds, is internationally renowned for the fiery autumnal colour of its tree collection. The arboretum is home to the UK’s national collection of Japanese maples; a must-see display of vibrant oranges and reds.
Friston Forest
Take delight in the breathtaking views of Friston Forest and the Cuckmere Valley as the beech tree leaves start to turn from green to a dazzling blend of yellow and bronze. An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and part of the South Downs National Park, Friston has many walks and trails for mountain bikers and is well worth a visit on a clear and sunny autumn day.
Castell Coch, near Cardiff
A red and gold canopy of trees leads up to William Burges' fairytale cliff-top castle making this one of the most ethereal and stunning locations during autumn evenings. Imagine all your fantasies and enjoy the hues of reds and oranges with the stunning castle as the backdrop – it might just inspire your creative side.
The Wye Valley, Symonds Yat Rock in the Forest of Dean
Watch the forest change colour from the fantastic viewpoint at Symonds Yat. You may see Perigrine Falcons or perhaps the wild boar that roam the nearby woods, if you’re into your wildlife then this is the place for you.
Symonds Yat is run in partnership with the RSPB and Forest Holidays recently opened a new cabin site if you want to make the most of the season and stay a little longer.
Salcey Forest
Salcey Forest is an oasis of nature and history.Explore the amazing Tree Top Way and watch the trees change colour from above. A great place to see autumn-flying butterflies and dragonflies and home to many ancient oak trees hidden throughout the wood.
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London
One of London's most inspiring gardens, where you can see autumn-flowering crocuses, colchicums and hardy cyclamen, and some of the world's rarest plants, take the kids out with you, make it family day out of fun, adventure and discovery without having to leave the city to get your forestry autumnal fix.
Lydford Gorge, Devon
Follow one of the autumnal walks and discover the famous gorge and dramatic White Lady waterfall. Wander through the gorge, enjoy the wildlife, and lose yourself among the trees before heading to one of the tea rooms for some Devon cream tea.
The Pass of Killiecrankie, Perthshire
Renowned for its outstanding beauty and natural history, the pass has been gouged into the landscape by successive ice ages and melt waters.
The River Garry flows at the bottom while ancient mixed woodlands dominate the sides making this a stunning picturesque location.
Grizedale Forest
The variety of trees in Grizedale Forest makes autumn one of the most beautiful times to visit. Try the short Ridding Wood trail for lovely views down the valley or hike to the top of Carron Crag to look across the whole forest with its glorious mix of autumn colours.
Dawyck Botanic Garden, Scottish Borders
Autumn fruits take on an almost infinite variety of shapes, colours and textures, from acorns in cups and colourful crab apples to maple keys and fir cones.
If you are considering any of our suggested places to enjoy in the UK during the autumn months for your next vacation, why not drop us a line at info@roomsuggestion.com to help us book you your dream holiday with highly negotiated near-corporate rates? All you need to do is send us your ideal destinations, group size and preferences and we will take it from there to make this autumn the best ever yet.
