Crisp air. Colourful leaves. Cosy nights in. Ah, autumn – it can be a spectacular time of year. Where better to enjoy the bright, chilly days of the season than in one of the UK’s many gardens. If you’re stuck on which one to visit, though, don’t worry.
Let’s go through the top British outdoor spaces for this time of year.
England
Like anywhere in the UK, we’re often spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing an English garden to visit. If you’re after deep autumnal shades, we strongly suggest heading to Sheffield Park in Sussex. Its many trees boast varying colours – set against a 10-foot pond, its main area offers the perfect seasonal image. At Studley Royal in North Yorkshire, you’ll be able to roam where stags do. You may even catch a glimpse of these magical creatures during your walk! For a truly warming scene, head to Stoneywell in Leicestershire, where a historical cottage sits amid golden trees. If you don’t want to go far from the capital, you could always explore Welwyn Garden City, with its charming autumnal views. Reliable services make it easy to reach it from inner city London – afterwards, take a train from Welwyn Garden City to Finsbury Park and you’ll be home in no time.
Scotland
Scotland boasts a wealth of splendid gardens, all of which dazzle in autumn. As with England, the ideal one for you and your family will likely depend on your preferences. Do you seek wildlife, for example? If so, how about a trip to Inverewe garden in the Highlands? Here, you can spot red squirrel, red deer, otter and potentially a golden eagle, making it highly popular among families. If you’re based in the lowlands, why not venture to Dr Neil’s Garden in Edinburgh? Situated near Arthur’s Seat, it offers peace and quiet – and it’s especially magical at dusk in autumn. To see the season in all its colourful glory, look no further than Johnston Gardens in Aberdeen, with its characteristic red acer trees and array of seasonal plants.
Wales
Famed for its dramatic landscapes, Wales looks beautiful throughout the year. To many, however, it’s particularly exquisite in autumn – visit any one of its gardens, and you’ll see why. But which is best? Ask almost Welsh resident, and they’ll likely say Bodnant Gardens in Colwyn Bay. Awash with reds and yellows it offers a stunning autumn’s day out – and its waterfall bridge provides opportunities galore for avid photographers. Or you may want to surround yourself in both history and golden trees at Dinefwr in Carmarthenshire. Tredegar House and Gardens in Newport also gifts its visitors with sprawling autumn scenes. Likewise, you can walk through golden leaves in the supreme Plas Newydd gardens.
Northern Ireland
It may be renowned across the globe for its lush fields, but Northern Ireland wears autumn beautifully, as its several gardens illustrate. Take Mount Stewart and Rowallane Gardens in County Down, for example. From their trees to their wildlife, both play host to the delights of the season. Ballyrobert Cottage Garden in Ulster also presents a wealth of alluring colours and charms. Likewise, you can enjoy endless visual appeal at either Antrim Castle Gardens and Tollymore Forest Park in Newcastle.
Britain brims with stunning gardens – which ones will you choose to explore this season?
No Comments