Best Places to See Autumn Colours
Calling all leaf peepers, garden lovers, leaf kickers, conker collectors and happy hikers!
Here's our pick of the best places to soak up autumn colours in Herefordshire. Tour woodlands, open gardens, arboretums and the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for glorious seasonal walks (or even a paddle).
1) See the National Collection of Maples at Hergest Croft Gardens
Enjoy a fiery blaze of autumnal colour at this 70-acre garden near Kington in North Herefordshire which holds the National Collection of Maples.
Stroll around the dazzling Maple Grove, which has been created over 120 years by four generations of the Banks family, and features many maples which cannot be found anywhere else in the UK. Here in the heights of North Herefordshire, soak up stunning views across the Malvern Hills and the Black Mountains. Visit the tearoom for a locally-sourced lunch and call by the conservatory to buy unusual plants.
Open through to 31st October, from 11am to 4.30pm
Dogs on leads are welcome
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2) Follow the International Autumn Tree Trail at Queenswood Country Park & Arboretum
Queenswood’s incredible kaleidoscope of colour comes from around the globe with zingy yellows and bright reds glowing from October to November. The season starts with Japanese Maples, then berry-bearing Rowans, exotic Oaks, American Maples and then Maples from the Caucasus and Asia. Later, the Californian Redwoods and our native woodlands take centre stage. Grab an Early or Late Autumn Tree Trail leaflet from the visitor centre to help identify your favourites. Children will also love roaming the woods on the Gruffalo trail and exploring the adventure playground, followed by a hot chocolate in the cafe.
Open every day, from dawn til dusk. The gift shop and toilets open from 10am to 4pm
Dogs are welcome
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3) Roam Historic Woodland at National Trust Croft Castle & Parkland
Planted in the heart of historic woodland, Croft Castle & Parkland is a lovely location for colourful autumn walks. The Fishpool Valley is especially atmospheric - follow the winding paths, surrounded by stunning oaks, beeches and chestnuts. Along the way, the trails pass pools, small dams and cascades. Whilst the adults admire the views and the Gothic Pumphouse, children will find plenty to amuse, from kicking up leaves and building dens to hunting for conkers and visiting the natural play area.
Don't miss the chance to join in the Ancient Trees Trail known as 'Ghost Trees: A walk through time and art at Croft Castle,' for daily walking trails celebrating the beauty of the ghostly decaying trees on the estate. Alongside this is a series of artistic workshops running throughout September and a gallery in the stables. The walk is roughly 4 miles / 2 hours. There is also a half mile East Park walk, allowing visitors to view ghost trees in 15 minutes mostly on level terrain, with more accessible paths.
Open through to 3rd November, from 9am to 5pm (park), then 11am to 5pm (castle), with the park continuing to be open from 9am to 4pm throughout November and December
Dogs on leads are welcome (in park)
4) Soak Up Iconic Autumn Views at Symonds Yat
As you might imagine, this designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty puts on a spectacular show every autumn. Head to Symonds Yat Rock to soak up the iconic view over the River Wye and the surrounding ancient woodlands. Keep an eye out for the resident peregrine falcons, they are a magnificent sight. Other favourite spots to enjoy the blaze of seasonal colour include: Goodrich Castle and Coppett Hill, both perfect vantage points to look out upon the glowing mass of sweet chestnuts, beeches, oaks, hawthorns and ash. Stroll to the iron-age hill fort or enjoy the display from a different perspective by taking a paddle downstream in a canoe. Afterwards, warm up over lunch in one of the cosy riverside pubs.
Open every day, from dawn til dusk
Dogs are welcome
5) Enjoy the Fruits of Autumn at National Trust Brockhampton
Autumn at Brockhampton is magical. The season starts with the damson harvest, picked from the mature trees surrounding the pretty half-timbered historic house. Then as the apple branches become heavily laden with fruit, the trees start to gently fade from green. Myriad reds, oranges, yellows and browns transform the woodland. Take a way-marked walk through the glorious 1700-acre estate, through woods, into dingles and beside streams. Walk further into the estate to see the farmers harvesting wheat and barley for a truly seasonal experience.
And don't miss the chance to join a guided ranger walk through the woodland on September 26th or October 24th, from 11am to 1pm.
Open until 3rd November, 10am - 5pm or 10am - 4pm November & December (grounds & estate)
Dogs on leads are welcome
More Info
6) Gaze at Gorgeous Blooms at Brobury House Gardens
Situated on the banks of the River Wye, by the picturesque Bredwardine Bridge, Brobury House Gardens is designed to be enjoyed in all seasons. The Victorian terraced garden offers a profusion of colour which extends from the striking stand of paper birches to spectacular late-flowering blooms. Michaelmas daisies are an autumnal favourite as well as dahlias, herbaceous shrubs, cornus kousas and late roses. Enjoy panoramic views across the Black Mountains and relax in the Walled Garden Café all year round.
Open daily & year-round from 10am - 5pm or 10am - 4pm during December to March
Dogs on leads are welcome
