Where to find the best autumn leaves in the UK
Crunchy leaves, crisp walks and cosy stays across the UK
Posted on 19-08-25, updated on 23-01-26By: Lauren M. | 7 minute read
Forests across the UK put on a breathtaking show in autumn, with glowing shades of amber, gold and deep crimson as the leaves turn.
Where to find the best autumn leaves in the UK
From golden forests to fiery red moorlands, autumn transforms the UK into a natural wonderland. Whether you're planning a cosy weekend away or a half term break with the family, this season brings the perfect excuse to wrap up warm and explore. Here are some of the most stunning spots where autumn truly comes alive.
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Places to visit for stunning autumn leaves
When can I see autumn leaves at their best?
September and October savings at Whitemead Forest Park!
Tucked into the Forest of Dean’s rolling hills, Whitemead Forest Park offers a magical mix of woodland calm and heart‑pounding fun. Whether you're after zorbing, archery or spa time in the indoor pool, there's something for every mood. It's the perfect relax, laugh, play, or explore this autumn.
Places to visit for stunning autumn leaves
Westonbirt Arboretum is renowned for its fantastic display of maples and acers, this arboretum bursts with vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows.
Westonbirt Arboretum, Gloucestershire
Renowned for its fantastic display of maples and acers, this arboretum bursts with vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. Walk through the Acer Glade or take the elevated Maple Loop for striking vistas.
Westonbirt Arboretum in Gloucestershire is one of the UK’s most beautiful places to experience autumn. Home to over 2,500 species of trees from across the globe, it bursts into a spectacular display of reds, golds and fiery oranges each October, especially in the famous Acer Glade, where Japanese maples put on a show like no other. With over 600 acres to explore, visitors can enjoy peaceful walks, wildlife spotting, or just soaking up the seasonal colours at their own pace. The accessible STIHL Treetop Walkway offers a sky-high view of the canopy, perfect for capturing the full drama of autumn from above.
It’s more than just a pretty place, too. Westonbirt is well-equipped for families, solo visitors and nature lovers alike, with a café, shop, woodland play areas and year-round events like wellness walks and nature workshops. Located near Tetbury in the Cotswolds, it’s easy to reach and makes a brilliant day out in any season, though it’s especially magical in autumn. Whether you’re after a moment of quiet, a burst of colour or just a good old-fashioned woodland wander, Westonbirt offers a calm, captivating escape into nature.
Ashness Bridge framed by golden leaves offers a picture-perfect slice of autumn in Borrowdale, Lake District.
Borrowdale, Lake District
Borrowdale’s wooded valley transforms into a mosaic of reds, oranges, purples, and golds by mid‑October. Pair your walk with views over Derwent Water for a truly magical experience.
Borrowdale, tucked into the heart of the Lake District, is one of the most picturesque valleys in the UK, especially during autumn, when the landscape turns into a rich patchwork of gold, amber and deep russet tones. The wooded valley surrounds Derwent Water, with reflections of ancient oaks and mossy hillsides mirrored in its still waters. It’s the perfect setting for peaceful walks, lakeside picnics and slow moments of calm, all set against the backdrop of dramatic Lakeland peaks.
This part of the Lakes is ideal for anyone looking to get closer to nature without straying far from comfort, and perfect for keeping pups happy too! There are well-marked trails for all abilities, cosy pubs dotted along the way, and endless photo-worthy spots, from stone bridges and hidden waterfalls to panoramic hilltop views. All of the details and more can be found in our dog-friendly guide to the Lake District.
Borrowdale feels timeless, with its mix of open fells, ancient woodland and charming villages like Grange and Rosthwaite. In autumn, it’s nothing short of magical, its a tranquil, soul-soothing place where every path leads to colour, stillness and a deeper sense of connection.
A view of the evergreen pines and bracken in the Forest of Dean, near Symonds Yat Rock.
Forest of Dean
Stretching across the border between England and Wales, this ancient forest offers 20 million oak, larch, and beech trees displaying spectacular colour in late October. Explore highlights like Symonds Yat Rock or the serene Cannop Ponds.
The Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire is a dream for autumn explorers, with its ancient woodland glowing in rich hues of orange, gold and deep crimson. As one of England’s oldest surviving forests, it offers an enchanting mix of mossy oaks, beeches and sweet chestnuts, making it a haven for walkers, photographers and nature lovers. The woodland trails are peaceful and varied, winding through fern-filled valleys, alongside rivers, and past viewpoints like Symonds Yat Rock, where the Wye Valley stretches out in all its seasonal glory. The Wye Valley is home to some of Wales' most beautiful waterfalls, so well worth a visit, especially with a stunning autumnal backdrop!
Autumn is the perfect time to visit, with crunchy leaves underfoot, crisp air, and the chance to spot deer or wild boar if you’re lucky. Whether you’re meandering through the trees, hiring bikes for a woodland ride, or taking a slow stroll to a cosy café, the Forest of Dean is a place where you can slow down, breathe deeply, and properly connect with nature. Add in charming villages, scenic picnic spots, and dog-friendly trails, and it’s a brilliant option for a relaxed autumn escape.
Golden leaves and silver birches bring a touch of magic to Brockenhurst in the heart of the New Forest.
New Forest
A woodland wonderland of oak, beech, and chestnut cloaked in golden and red hues, best enjoyed from September to late October. Keep an eye out for wild pigs and fascinating fungi underfoot.
The New Forest in Hampshire is one of the UK’s most beautiful places to experience autumn, where ancient woodlands, open heathland and roaming ponies create a landscape full of quiet magic. As the season turns, the beech, oak and sweet chestnut trees burst into shades of amber and copper, carpeting the forest floor in rustling leaves. With its mix of woodland trails, riverside paths and hidden clearings, the New Forest is ideal for relaxed autumn walks whether you're out for the day or planning a peaceful weekend break.
What makes the New Forest truly special is its sense of space and stillness. You might spot wild ponies, donkeys or even deer as you explore, and there’s no shortage of cosy pubs or tearooms to stop off at along the way. The forest’s compact size and well-marked paths make it great for families, dog walkers and first-time visitors alike. Come autumn, the New Forest offers a gentle, golden escape where you can take things slow and properly soak up the season.
An aerial glimpse of King Alfred’s Tower rising above a border of autumn colour in the Somerset countryside.
Stourhead Estate & King Alfred’s Tower, Somerset
The Stourhead Gardens offer picture‑perfect autumn walks around its lake, temples, and follies, with leaves fading through rustic tones over a 6–8 week window. Nearby, the King Alfred’s Tower walk is celebrated for its blazing foliage and cosy pubs.
Stourhead Estate in Somerset is an autumn showstopper, where landscaped gardens, classical temples and tranquil lakes come alive with vibrant seasonal colour. The estate’s sweeping paths lead you through groves of maples, oaks and sweet chestnuts, all glowing in fiery reds, golds and deep oranges. Reflections of the foliage dance across the central lake, creating one of the UK’s most photographed autumn scenes. Whether you’re after a gentle loop around the gardens or a more adventurous hike into the wider estate, Stourhead offers a truly cinematic way to enjoy the season. You'll find there's plenty things to do in wider Somerset too.
Just beyond the main grounds lies King Alfred’s Tower, a striking 160ft folly surrounded by dense woodland. Climb to the top for panoramic views over Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire, or stay grounded and explore the peaceful forest trails below. This area is especially beautiful in autumn, with soft light filtering through golden leaves and quiet paths perfect for slow strolls or nature-spotting. Together, Stourhead and King Alfred’s Tower offer a rich mix of natural beauty, history and tranquillity which is ideal for a mindful day out or an inspiring autumn escape.
Other autumn gems across the UK
London
Hampstead Heath and Petersham Meadows bloom with colour in the city, ideal for urban autumn strolls.
Cornwall
Coastal spots like Lanhydrock in Cornwall deliver tranquil foliage by the River Fowey.
Scotland
Highland hotspots such as Glencoe and Loch Ard Forest deliver rich autumnal hues in the lochs and valleys.
Staffordshire
Cannock Chase glows with autumn colour, from golden trails to fiery bracken, perfect for a crisp seasonal stroll.
Yorkshire
Towns like Hebden Bridge combine leafy streets and woodland scenery reminiscent of fairytale autumns.
An autumnal tree-lined avenue glows with colour, its golden canopy stretching high above the path.
When can I see autumn leaves at their best?
Autumn colour in the UK typically peaks between late September and mid‑November. The transformation starts earliest in Scotland and the Highlands, often from mid‑September, while southern England usually hits its stride in October and can hold onto its colour well into November.
Ever noticed how some years the leaves seem extra vibrant? That glow comes down to the weather. The most dazzling displays follow a warm, wet spring, a mild summer, and a stretch of sunny days with cool, crisp nights in early autumn. These conditions help preserve the green chlorophyll while enhancing the reds and oranges, especially in trees like acers and sweet gums. For the best show, aim for a calm, dry spell, as wind and rain can cut the season short.
Best tree types for autumn colour
Katsura
Katsura trees have heart-shaped leaves that turn to shades of yellow, apricot and pink in autumn. They're known to release a candyfloss-like scent on warm days.
Acer
Acer trees stand out in autumn with their vibrant, fiery leaves in shades of red, orange and yellow. Look for their distinctive pointed, hand-shaped leaves and smooth, often greyish bark.
Sweet Gum
Sweet gum trees have star-shaped leaves in shades of red, orange, yellow and deep purple. Their corky bark and spiky seed balls make them easy to identify.
Beech
Easy to spot with their smooth, silvery-grey bark and broad, oval leaves that turn rich copper or golden brown in autumn. Look out for slightly toothed papery leaves.
Rowan
Also known as mountain ash trees, Rowans stand out in autumn with their feather-like leaves turning yellow to deep red, and bright clusters of red or orange berries.
Tulip Tree
In the autumn, their large, tulip-shaped leaves turn bright yellow, standing out against their tall, straight trunks and smooth grey bark.
Silver birch
Silver birch trees are easy to spot in autumn with their papery white bark and delicate, triangular leaves that turn a clear, bright yellow.
Persian ironwood
Persian ironwood trees light up in autumn with a mix of crimson, orange, and purple leaves. Their smooth, mottled bark and rounded shape make them a striking feature.
Oak
Oak trees are easy to spot in autumn with their rough bark, lobed leaves turning gold and russet, and acorns scattered beneath wide, spreading branches.
Autumn leaves are perfect for seasonal crafts with every generation.
Activities with autumn leaves
Collecting autumn leaves is a beautiful way to capture the feeling of a special holiday. Each leaf, with its unique shape and colour, becomes a natural keepsake, reminding you of crisp morning walks, golden woodland trails, and that unmistakable sense of slowing down. They’re a gentle, tangible reminder of the season, and holiday memories you'll want to hold onto. Collecting leaves is fun, free and makes for the perfect October half-term holiday activity!
Make leaf art or collages – Use leaves of different colours and shapes to create framed art or seasonal cards.
Press and preserve – Flatten leaves between heavy books or use a flower press, then use them for scrapbooking or decorating gift wrap.
DIY lantern jars – Stick pressed leaves onto clean glass jars with modge-podge, add a tealight, and enjoy a warm glow.
Leaf rubbing – Place a leaf under paper and rub with crayons to reveal its shape and veins.
Make a leaf garland or wreath – String colourful leaves together with twine to decorate windows, mantelpieces or doorways.
Autumn crowns or masks – Glue leaves onto paper headbands or masks for fun dress-up play.
Make the most of autumn colour
Whether you’re following a forest trail, admiring a tree-lined avenue or soaking up the view from a scenic lookout, autumn is one of the most magical times to explore the UK’s woodlands. From the vibrant reds of acers and sweet gums to the golden hues of beeches, birches and oaks, each tree adds its own splash of colour to the season. With so many beautiful places to visit and simple ways to enjoy the season, autumn offers the perfect excuse for a nature-filled getaway. Make sure to explore our lodges and holiday parks across all the regions mentioned here, and it's always a good idea to use the chill in the air as a good excuse for some luxury! Explore our lodges with hot tubs, and don't forget to make room in the car for anyone who might enjoy a woodland walk - holidays aren't the same without four-legged friends!
Inspiration for your next break
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