As autumn rolls in, now may be the perfect time to get out into nature and enjoy the vibrant colours that the season has to offer.
Discover seven beautiful gardens to visit, where you’ll find spectacular trees, leaves and flowers in rich golds, reds and bronzes.
1. Dawyck Botanic Garden, Scottish Borders
Dawyck Botanic Garden is set in a visually spectacular glen, offering an abundance of plants and species from far-flung places, including Nepal, China and Chile.
Autumn at Dawyck is a riot of rich colours from the maples, rowans, beech and spindle trees. Plus, you’ll find beautiful autumn crocuses, an array of fungi and fruits, fir cones, and glorious conkers.
Here, you can follow themed tree trails and paths as you discover more about the trees and foliage which line the paths. The venue is also a sanctuary for endangered species, curated for the purposes of conservation, research and visitor enjoyment.
Registered assistance dogs only. Open March to October 10 am – 5 pm and February and November 10 am – 4 pm.
2. Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Gloucestershire
With 2,500 types of trees and shrubs from across the world, plus five national tree collections, Westonbirt is an especially beautiful place to visit in the autumn months.
You’ll be greeted by a vibrant array of autumn colours, with red, orange, yellow, gold and brown leaves lighting up the way. Follow the dedicated autumn trail “Perfectly Imperfect”, where you can explore the tree collections and discover the special collection of Japanese maples. Other sensory cultural concepts are on display, including haiku celebrating the magic of maples.
Dogs are welcome off the lead on the trail, which is in Silk Wood, but aren’t permitted in the old arboretum or at events.
Suitable for all ages but aimed at adults. Pre-booking is advised.
Open daily from 9 am to 4.30 pm. The Perfectly Imperfect autumn trail is running until 30 November.
3. Sheffield Park and Garden, Uckfield, East Sussex
This National Trust location features acres of Grade I listed landscaped gardens and lakes. Its planting has been specially designed for autumn and is recognised as being of international importance (hence its listed status).
Discover impressive swamp cypress, vibrant acers and showstopping golden larches, then wander through the largest collection of tupelo on one site.
As the venue boasts a large variety of native and non-native species, there are colours on show throughout most of the season, with the second half of October often a peak time.
Dogs are welcome on a short, fixed lead in the gardens, except Saturdays before 1 pm. The park and garden is suitable for all ages. Opening and closing times vary throughout the season so please check before you visit.
4. Bodnant Garden, Conwy, Wales
Discover 80 acres of gardens, woodland and spectacular mountain views at this Grade I listed National Trust location.
During the autumn months, crimson, amber and golds are in rich abundance as the leaves begin to change colour.
To mark the new season, keen photographers can gain exclusive access to the garden at sunrise, allowing them to capture the cacophony of colours as the garden starts to awaken. The next sessions are on 29 October (7 am – 10 am) and 7 November (7.30 am – 10.30 am), priced at £20.
Dogs are welcome on a short, fixed lead on specific days. Open daily from 9.30 am – 5 pm throughout October, with opening hours changing to 10 am – 4 pm from November.
5. Mount Stewart, County Down, Northern Ireland
The gardens at this delightful National Trust property are particularly beautiful in autumn as the leaves burst with fiery reds, oranges and golds. Meanwhile, the Shamrock Gardens feature over 20 types of eucalyptus trees, sparkling with deep shades of blue.
The lake walk is especially colourful from late September, and there’s a special self-guided walk you can enjoy during autumn. The garden team have selected their favourite specimens from around the world, and you’ll also find information points along the way to offer little insights and snippets.
Dogs are welcome. Opening hours are 10 am – 5 pm.
6. Benmore Botanic Garden, Argyll
Set in stunning mountainside, Benmore Botanic Garden spans 120 acres of grounds, with plants from the Himalayas, China, Japan, and the Americas. Visit in autumn and you’ll be treated to vibrant yellow and scarlet enkianthus, and stunning azaleas in red and orange hues.
Around the pond, the beautiful colours of the Japanese maples light up the sky and reflect in the water for an added burst of colour.
Behind the house, you’ll find the purples, reds, oranges and yellows of the Persian ironwood, with Britain’s largest Korean mountain ash sparkling with yellow and bronze leaves.
Dogs are welcome on a short lead. Open daily from 1 March until 31 October 10 am – 5 pm.
7. Chatsworth House, Bakewell, Derbyshire
Featuring 105 acres from 500 years of careful cultivation, the gardens at Chatsworth contain famous water features, such as the Cascade, the Willow Tree Fountain, and the gravity-fed Emperor Fountain.
Visit Chatsworth in autumn and you can enjoy a colourful array of late-season flowers and foliage in the two cut-flower glasshouses. Here, you’ll find zinnias, celosia, and chrysanthemums, all thriving in their protected environment.
You can also try to escape the Maze, which features a viewing platform in the middle, and lots of colourful, seasonal plants. Plus, there is over five miles of walks to enjoy, with rare trees and shrubs, streams and ponds along the way.
Dogs are welcome on a lead. Open daily 10.30 am – 5 pm.
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Please note
This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at individuals only.
All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.