As temperatures drop, and russet leaves scatter the pavements, it seems everyone needs a little lift to prepare themselves for autumn. And what better way to rejoice in the coming season than by taking in some of the beauty of what makes autumn so great. That’s right, I’m talking leaves, millions of them in fact, each as lovely and golden as the next. So if you want to appreciate the real beauty of autumn, why not consider a holiday in the UK? With fewer tourists, milder temperatures and cheaper prices, you couldn’t choose a better time to plan an autumnal getaway. Here are some of the top leafy destinations across the UK where you’ll be able to witness the true colours of autumn in all of their seasoned glory.
Grizedale Forest, Lake District
As if it wasn’t diverse enough, the Lake District in North West England also contains one of the UK’s most beautiful forests. Grizedale Forest is nestled in the heart of this magnificent region, close to the popular towns of Windermere and Coniston. Its mixture of ancient native oak and 19th century pine trees stand alongside rare alpine vegetation, some of which has thrived here since the ice age. Come autumn, the forest boasts a mosaic of enchanting autumnal hues, which can be enjoyed along one of the forest’s numerous walking and cycling trails, making Grizedale a great destination for those looking for a little colour this season.
Exbury Gardens, New Forest
Often labelled the finest gardens in England, the Exbury Gardens are the perfect place to spend a day among the many tints and shades of autumn. At around 200-acres, the gardens are relatively small compared to the other leafy delights that we’ve included in our list. But what Exbury lacks in size, it certainly makes up for in variety. The gardens play host to an astounding multitude of rare fauna, including maples, dogwoods and liquidambers, which scatter their golden leaves all over the charming, winding paths when autumn comes a-knocking. But if size does matter, don’t fret, because the gardens are only a short drive away from the New Forest, one of the largest wooded areas in England, where you’ll find all the golden leaves you could ever need.
Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire
Retrace the steps of the famous man in tights this autumn with a trip to the UK’s most famous forest, Sherwood Forest. Take a walk under the canopy of this ancient woodland and you’ll soon realize just why Robin and his men were so merry. Home to 900 ancient Oaks and 800 Major Oaks, as well as handful of other fine English trees, Sherwood Forest is sure to impress with its striking montage of autumnal hues. What’s more, the forest houses some fantastic walking trails that criss-cross for acres beneath the forest’s leafy golden covering, making it ideal for those looking to get out, stretch their legs and blow out the cobwebs this autumn.
I love Fall and feel revitalized by the changing colors and crisp air. I imagine hiking through Sherwood Forest at this time of year would be lovely, especially surrounded by the ancient oaks and other flora.