The Best Autumn locations in England

Last Updated on October 26, 2023 by

Can you feel that crispy air and that pleasant smell of gingerbread latte? That’s the Autumn season coming!! After almost ten years living in the UK, I admit that autumn is absolutely my favourite season here. Not many people know but most of the UK has a spectacular foliage that has nothing less than other famous worldwide locations such as Vermont or New Hampshire. Picturesque small villages and beautiful parks around Great Britain paint themselves of a thousand golden shades, giving visitors the most amazing photo opportunities. This guide will focus only on a small part of the nation but will help you planning your autumn trip in the best way. Read below if you want to discover the best autumn locations in England for your perfect autumn adventures!

When I can see the foliage in England?

Usually, foliage in England is visible in the months of October and November. However, colours will be at their best between the last two weeks of October and the two first weeks of November. Therefore, if you have to plan a visit specifically for this reason, is better to plan accordingly. This year (2023), warm temperatures lasted longer than usual. Particularly in southern England. Therefore, foliage is a little later compared to previous years.

If you are planning a visit in different parts of the UK (e.g. Scotland, Wales etc.), you peak foliage might be a little earlier. This is specifically true for colder places like Scotland.

Why Autumn is a great season to explore England

Autumn is, most of the time, one of the best seasons to explore England (and the UK). Foliage is so intense that it appears almost fluorescent, the air is crisp but not freezing, and you can still enjoy being outdoors without a scarf and heavy boots. Shops are decorated for fall and look super cute, cafes always have special autumn treats, and the weather is generally good. Compared to other seasons, I’ve noticed that autumn weather is generally less rainy and humid, offering the best opportunities for local day trips.

Where I can see the foliage in the UK?

As the UK is a very green country, foliage can be observed all around the country. However, parks and countryside villages offer usually a more pleasant scenery than big cities. While foliage is abundant across the UK, the choice between big cities and countryside villages largely depends on your preference. Big cities offer a blend of green spaces and urban amenities. On the other side, countryside villages provide a tranquil escape into the heart of the UK’s natural beauty.

The Best autumn locations in England

Here is provided a small list of places which display stunning foliage during the autumn season in England. Please note this doesn’t intend to be an exhaustive list of all the places you can witness the foliage in England. Indeed, as I said before the UK is very green so foliage is almost everywhere in autumn. Therefore, I shortlisted some of my favourite places. This will give you some inspiration for your next days out in England during the foliage season. The map above, will give you an idea where these locations are around the country. In this way, you can comfortably organise your trip according to your preferred distance.

Stourhead Gardens in Wiltshire

Wiltshire is renowned as one of the best autumn locations in England. However, when I visited this place for the first time, about two years ago, I didn’t expect to encounter such beauty and intense colours.

I was completely captivated by the area and made a promise to return with a decent camera. The first time I went, I had only my phone with me, which was frustrating. It took me nearly two years to finally plan another weekend getaway, but I did it! The best place to witness autumn foliage in Wiltshire is undoubtedly Stourhead Gardens.

Stourhead is a historic estate situated in the Wiltshire countryside, located at the source of the River Stour. The property encompasses 2,650 acres and comprises a village, gardens, a mansion, and woodlands. These areas are now partially owned by the National Trust.

Stourhead history

Historically, the property belonged to the Stourton family for over 500 years. Since 1715, the property was owned by different families. The final buyer, Henry Hoare, acquired the estate in 1717. Notably, he demolished the old mansion to construct the first British villa in the Palladian style.

The garden, which first opened to the public in 1750, was entirely designed by Henry Hoare II. This was often referred to as ‘the magnificent,’ to resemble a scene from a painting. In fact, a brief ten-minute stroll through this park is all it takes to feel transported back in time.

Exotic trees and various architectural styles blend seamlessly to create a timeless atmosphere. Additionally, the lake serves as a focal point, offering different perspectives from which you can admire the Greek-inspired temples. The Stourhead estate’s beauty is ever-present throughout the year. However, during the autumn season, it becomes even more remarkable. Indeed, the garden showcases one of the most stunning displays of foliage in the entire country.

Best photo spots at the Stourhead Gardens

The vivid colors of the park, almost fluorescent in their intensity, span a range from strong yellow to deep purple, creating a mesmerizing spectacle throughout the garden. These striking colors provide a stunning backdrop against the backdrop of the main lake. Here are the main points of interest and best photo spots in the garden:

• The Upper Garden Gate: The Upper Garden Gate serves as the welcoming entrance to the enchanting landscapes of Stourhead. It’s an ideal starting point for your exploration, offering a promise of the beauty that lies ahead.
• The Gothic Cottage: Nestled within the garden, the Gothic Cottage is a picturesque structure that exudes a sense of romanticism. Its architecture, surrounded by lush greenery, makes for a delightful and whimsical setting for photographs.
• The Temple of Apollo: Adjacent to the serene lake, the Temple of Apollo stands as an iconic feature of Stourhead. Its neoclassical design, accentuated by the reflection in the water, provides a captivating backdrop for photographs.
• The Turf Bridge: The Turf Bridge is a unique and intriguing photo spot. This rustic stone bridge, adorned with a lush grass covering, creates a visually striking effect. It offers a different and captivating perspective for capturing the garden’s beauty.
• The Pantheon: The Pantheon, a classical temple nestled amidst the verdant foliage, adds an air of grandeur to the landscape. With the picturesque lake as a backdrop, this spot offers a breathtaking setting for photographs, with stunning reflections on the water.

Stourhead Gardens Practical Information

Getting to Stourhead Gardens

Reaching Stourhead without a car can be quite challenging. This because the park is far from any inhabited centre, and the nearest stations are Warminster or Gillingham. From there, you’ll likely need to take a bus. We drove from the East Midlands, and it took slightly more than 3 hours to reach it. If you are driving from London, this is a 2-hours drive via the M3.

Entrance Fee

If you are not a member of the National Trust, there is an entrance fee of £20.90 plus £4 for parking. National Trust member have their entrance included in their annual pass.

Tips for photographing the foliage at Stourhead

The best time to visit during the autumn period is probably in the mid-afternoon because the sunlight is less intense, and the foliage is more vivid. I particularly enjoyed the golden hour around 5 pm, which, in my opinion, offers the best opportunities for amazing fall shots. However, after 5 pm, you’ll experience a drop in temperatures, and it can become a little chilly.

One of the best ways to complete your day trip is to warm yourself with a delicious afternoon tea at the Spread Eagle Inn, which you can find just after the exit gate. The tea costs around £5, and the scones are very good! If you want to capture the foliage, the best period to visit Stourhead in autumn is from the last week of October to mid-November.

Attingham Park in Shropshire

If you’ve never considered visiting Shropshire before, think twice. Indeed, this less-popular destination in the UK actually offers some lovely autumn spots. Attingham Park is one such gem. This expansive park, located less than 20 minutes from Shrewsbury, spans about 4,000 acres. These encompass a woodland area, a deer park, an apple orchard, and a historic mansion. The mansion itself dates back to the 18th century. However, archaeological studies suggest that the property once included a small village and a different mansion that, unfortunately, did not survive.

This is currently administered by the National Trust, and the deer have been ‘permanent residents’ of the park for over 200 years. The mansion also houses a beautiful collection of Italian art pieces that belonged to Thomas, the 8th Lord Berwick.

One of the things I liked most is the peculiar staircase born from the genius of John Nash.

The unique and intriguing staircase at Attingham Park is indeed a standout feature. John Nash, who is renowned for his work on the magnificent Royal Pavilion in Brighton, brought his creative vision to Attingham Park as well. The staircase is a piece of architectural artistry, and it’s a must-see for visitors exploring the mansion.

What not to miss at Attingham Park

The Deer Park

As I said before, deer inhabited Attingham Park for over 200 years. Living in the UK has given me the opportunity to observe these beautiful animals in different seasons and parks. However, Attingham Park was one of the places where I watched them in the most peaceful way. Autumn, in particular, is a great season to watch deer. In fact, some of the species, like the Fallow deer (pictured), are in their rutting season. Therefore, they are very active as they pursue their females. You can also witness spectacular fights among the stags with large antlers in competition.

This also means that you have to take extra precautions and stay as far away as possible. Indeed, because of the rutting season, deer can be very aggressive, especially around the female individuals. Please note that for the pictures above I used a 300mm zoom lens and I wasn’t actually close to the animals. When going deer watching, it is of utmost importance not to approach or feed deer in any way. Deer are in their natural environment, and human intrusions can disrupt their group dynamics and, potentially, be harmful to both the animals and humans. Therefore, it is advised to maintain a safe distance and consider investing in a quality telezoom lens for a closer view. This approach allows for a respectful and safe wildlife-watching experience while preserving the well-being of the deer and the integrity of their habitat.

The Mansion

The centerpiece of Attingham Park is the magnificent mansion, a true architectural gem that dates back to the 18th century. The mansion is a stunning example of Georgian architecture and offers a glimpse into the region’s history. Visitors can explore its elegant rooms, which are beautifully preserved and provide insights into the lifestyle of the Berwick family who once resided here. Inside the mansion, in addition to the Nash staircase, you’ll find a remarkable collection of Italian art pieces that once belonged to Thomas, the 8th Lord Berwick. These exquisite artworks add an extra layer of cultural richness to the estate and provide a glimpse into the family’s appreciation for art and culture.

The Orchard and walled garden

During the Autumn season the apple orchard comes to life when the apple trees are laden with fruit. This time of year is particularly beautiful, with the apples providing vibrant pops of colour amidst the lush greenery. In the autumn months, Attingham Park may invite visitors to participate in apple picking as part of their seasonal activities. This can be a delightful hands-on experience for visitors of all ages. It’s an opportunity to connect with nature and take home some delicious and locally grown apples. When we visited, trees were still full of apples but we were not sure if we were allowed to take some home with us. Don’t forget to pay a visit to the lovely walled garden for some display of autumn flowers. We even found some roses!

Practical Information

If you are not a member of the National Trust, there is an entrance fee of £ 16,50.  National Trust member have their entrance included in their annual pass.

Castle Combe, Cotswolds

Visiting the Cotswold in Autumn is probably one of the best things you can do in the UK! Castle Combe, in particular, becomes even more photogenic thanks to the vivid colours of the foliage.

The village of Castle Combe is very small. It is located on a picturesque area of the Wiltshire region, not to far from Chippenham. If you are wondering if there is a castle to visit, well there is not. However, its name comes from the fact that a castle was actually there in the middle ages. Some surviving masonry dates this back to the 12th century.

One of the things you will notice when arriving in the main street is a peculiar monument at the main cross road. This is the “Market Cross” and was granted to Castle Combe in the 14th century, (standing there since then!), when the city gained the privilege of holding a weekly market.

Despite being a small village, Castle Combe has about 107 listed buildings. For my non-British readers, a building is listed when it is considered of special architectural or historic interest and therefore worth protecting. As the term implies, a listed building is actually added to a list: the National Heritage List for England. There are 3 listing grades. Grade I, Grade II* and Grade II. Grade I is used for buildings of the highest significance.

Things to do in Castle Combe

Despite being small, Castle Combe is a great place where to spend half a day. Among the things you shouldn’t miss when visiting (aside from the famous Market Cross), there is a stop at the famous Manor House, a tour of the Old Rectory and a deserved lunch stop at the Castle Inn.

Experience the Diagon Alley’s vibes in York

York, with its medieval streets, charming shops, and warm colours, is one of the best places to visit in England during autumn. Moreover, its quaint street called “The Shambles,” which famously inspired JK Rowling for Diagon Alley, is possibly one of the most photogenic places in all of Britain.

Visiting York during the last week of October offers a unique experience as you witness the transition of seasonal decorations from Halloween and autumn to Christmas and winter. It’s not uncommon to see both Halloween pumpkins and Christmas lights coexisting in the city during this time. York’s streets may also feature Christmas trees patiently waiting to be adorned as part of the city’s festive decoration. This combination of holiday decor creates a distinctive and magical atmosphere, making York a delightful destination for those who enjoy the spirit of both seasons.

What not to miss in York

A favourite activity of mine while in York is just stroll around the lovely photogenic streets. Indeed, York historical centre is relatively small and can be easily walked all in a afternoon. However, if you want a more culturally-engaged visit be sure not to miss some of York’s most important historic attractions. The York Minster, the city’s impressive Gothic cathedral, is a must-visit and you’ll need a very good extra-wide lenses to fit it all in a picture!

Explore also the ruins of St. Mary’s Abbey and its serene gardens. In Autumn, many squirrels runs around the garden a lot as they collect as many branches and leaves as possible for their winter house. Visit Barley Hall, a reconstructed medieval townhouse, and step into the Treasurer’s House to journey through history. Of course, don’t miss a slow walk into the Shambles to savour all the magical atmosphere and find a treasure in the many Harry-Potter inspired shops.

Godalming, Surrey

If you never heard about Godalming before, I don’t blame you. I discovered this little village in Surrey just last year after my annual pumpkin patch visit.

The lovely town of Godalming is located at just one hour from London, presenting itself as a perfect place for a day trip! The town exists since 899 AD and it’s located on a crucial point in between Portsmouth and London, which contributed to its importance as market town, particularly regarding the textile industry. In 1881, Godalming became worldwide famous for being the first town in the world to install a public and private electricity supply.

Now, it’s a vibrant city with some lovely photogenic streets and lively atmosphere. I felt very happy to discover this place in the autumn season as the atmosphere of the colourful foliage made a great difference in my perception of the city. Everything looked so colourful and nice that I was just “Wow! Why I never heard of this place before?”.

I would probably lie to you if I tell you there are tons of things to do in this town. However, if you are like me, and just like a stroll in a different place and taking pictures, Goldaming is a perfect spot. I particularly enjoyed to photograph the famous 18th-century Pepperpot (that used to be the town’s hall) and a little side street called “Church Street” where most of the photogenic half-timbered houses are located.

South Kensington, London

South Kensington is one of my favourite districts of London. Indeed, here are some of my favourite stops in the City like the National History Museum, the V&A museums, Hyde Park and Kensington Palace. If you are touring London in between October and November, stopping at South Kensington will allow to see some beautiful foliage right in the centre of London!

Where to spot the foliage in South Kensington?

Hyde Park is my “go to” when it comes to Autumn colours in London. It’s pleasant to walk and there are a lot of beautiful spots for pictures and romantic strolls. The National History Museum is a great photo stop. Indeed, all the trees surrounding the building turns into the most amazing shades of orange. Moreover, if you are traveling with children (as we do) the museum is always a great source of entertainment! Lastly, my favourite not-so-hidden gem anymore is the Kynance Mews. This is a very photogenic mews street that include a listed Grade II arch always in full foliage display during the months of September and October. And, if you are a You fan, this is where Joe’s London apartment is located in season 4.

Newstead Abbey, Nottinghamshire

If I think about Nottinghamshire, there is no better location to spot the foliage than Newstead Abbey. A medieval abandoned Augustinian Priory that lately belonged to Lord Byron in person and now has even its own romantic tea room. What’s more British than this?

Newstead Abbey is located in a vast and unexpectedly beautiful country park that encompasses more than 300 acres including 16 different “oases”, a fort and a walled garden. As you can expect, during the Autumn season the park boasts some of the most spectacular foliage I’ve ever seen in the UK.

Newstead Abbey is the perfect location for a day trip, particularly if the weather is good. You can spend the day wandering around the main garden, maybe even reaching the Fort of Lord Byron, then have a picnic out, take an afternoon walk in the beautiful Japanese Garden and end your day with a perfect afternoon tea.

Practical information

Newstead Park is open all year round during the week, while the Historic House is open weekends and school holidays. The last entry in the park is at 4 pm.

The entry fee for the park is £6 per car while the House has a separate fee of £12. Tickets are purchased at the House shop.

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