Ten top places to enjoy the Autumn colours in South East England

5th October 2021

Autumn is a second spring, when every leaf is a flower….Albert Camus 

Autumn offers the chance to head out and experience a wonderful world of colour, when the leaves change from green to golden yellow, orange, and ruby red before heading to the ground for their winter sleep.  These amazing colourful displays can be enjoyed across South East England, so why not head to one of our top ten places to experience nature in action and see why we think autumn is the best season ever! 

Stanmer Park, Brighton, East Sussex 

Located just on the outskirts of Brighton by the University of Sussex, Stanmer Park’s 495 hectares offers a mix of woods and chalky grasslands.  Designed in the 18th century, this grade II registered landscape is both historically and nationally significant. Head out on the ‘monument trail’, a 3 mile walk which combines the great woods, the old orchard, and some fantastic hilltop views.  Keep an eye out for towering Cedars of Lebanon behind Stanmer House which were planted over 200 years ago. Why not make a stop at One Garden Brighton, a brand-new visitor garden, with its own One market and One Café to refuel before your next adventure. 

Click here to find out how to reach Stanmer Park and here for more information on visiting Brighton.

Windsor Great Park, Windsor, Berkshire 

Head out this autumn and enjoy the rust-coloured canopies, the autumn hues, and the crisp leaves crackling underfoot as you take on the 3.5 miles (6km) walk to the top of the historic Long Walk and the Copper Horse. Experience the impressive views of Windsor Castle, listen out for the deer herds rutting and when you reach the Copper Horse statue you will be greeted with wonderful views across the tree canopies and Windsor rooftops.  Head off road here if you wish and discover the ancient forest of the Deer Park, through stunning woodland, filled with some of the Park’s oldest oaks. However long you decide to make your walk, the Pavilion at Virginia Water Lake or The Savill Garden Kitchen will always be ready and waiting to greet you with a welcome coffee and a snack afterwards. 

Click here to find out how to reach The Savill Garden and here for some top tips for exploring the Royal Borough this autumn. 

Goodnestone Park Gardens, Sandwich, White Cliffs Country

Full of autumn colours, the beautiful woodland area and Golden Arboretum at Goodnestone Park Gardens offers the chance to follow in the footsteps of Jane Austen this autumn. This was one of her favourite places to visit, where you can walk along the reinstated 18^th centre Serpentine walk, visit the rear of the house and explore the terrace with its parterre and wide lawn offering panoramic views over the estate.  Look out for the magnificent southern beech, the largest beech tree in the UK, along with sweet chestnuts and oaks.  One of only three gardens in Kent to be awarded the coveted two stars in the Good G

arden Guide, the garden has a formal area, a gravel garden leading to the woodland area and the arboretum.   Make a stop at The Old Dairy Café for a delicious lunch made from local produce, or what about mouth-watering cakes for an extra treat! 

Click here to find out how to reach Goodnestone Park and Gardens.

Bedgebury Pinetum and Forest, Goudhurst, 1066 Country 

Home to over 12,000 trees and shrubs, the 320-acre pinetum located on the East Sussex, Kent border has 1,800 species from five continents.  Follow the ‘Presenting the Pinetum trail’, this 1.6 mile walk which takes you on and off the paths so that you can truly enjoy the stunning vista. The walk includes views over the house, the chance to see some of the oldest English Oaks on the site, experience the grandeur created by statement planning and understand how the pinetum has changed and developed overtime. Make sure you take time to stop and look around you, you will realise this is no happy accident. There is a visitor information point, shop and café on site if you wish to indulge during your visit.  

Click here to find out how to reach Bedgebury Pinetum and Forest or here to discover a host of things to do in 1066 country this autumn.

Osborne House, Isle of Wight 

Osborne's gardens are where Queen Victoria and Prince Albert enjoyed private time together, where they could take walks, grow vegetables with their children and develop a home and garden that they loved, by planting hundreds of trees.  The extensive grounds with stunning views over the Solent, offer the chance to enjoy the autumn colours on a grand scale.  Gaze down over the woodlands from the terrace, watch out for the red squirrels collecting nuts ready for winter as you stroll to The Swiss Cottage, (a chalet built for the royal children) and onwards to the private beach at the end of gardens.  Enjoy the ever-changing view of the House in swathes of reds, oranges, and greens, as well as the evergreen plants, which were fashionable in the Victorian era punctuating the rich colour. 

Click here to find out how to reach Osborne House and here to discover a host of things to do on the Isle of Wight this autumn.

Mote Park, Maidstone, Kent 

Mote Park is a Grade II listed park with a long history going back to medieval times, when it was one of the first deer parks in the country. This history has allowed the growth of some amazing trees, all set in a beautiful landscape surrounding a large lake.  Take a stroll this autumn and discover native oaks and chestnuts, Giant Redwoods and Siberian Elms, all offering a kaleidoscope of colour to enjoy.  Follow the Mote Park Tree Trail if you like a structured walk, search out the volunteer’s pavilion (built to commemorate a visit by King George III), hug the Tremendous Tulip tree, or look out for the Copper Beech with purple leaves, a riot of autumn colour awaits you here.  

Click here to find out how to reach Mote Park or here to discover a host of ideas for your next visit to Maidstone, Kent. 

Hillsea Lines, Portsmouth, Hampshire

Hillsea Lines began life as two-mile long structure of chalk and earth fortification in the 18-19^th century, protecting the northern approach of the island of Portsea from attack.  Today the 80-hectare site which also has a narrow stretch of water, Portsbridge Creek, provides a green corridor separating the island from the mainland.  Follow the creek through the large overlapping canopies of trees, winding footpaths and historic structures that make this a fantastic place to walk during autumn.   The Lines were designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument in 1964 and gained Conservation Area status in 1994 in recognition of its value, not only as the monument, but also of its beautiful setting.   

Click here to find out here to reach Hillsea Lines or here to read more about the wealth of things to do in and around Portsmouth this autumn.

Hampden Park, Eastbourne, East Sussex 

Hampden Park sits on the outskirts of Eastbourne town centre. The north side of the park is dominated by a pond and a woodland, offering a great place to enjoy the autumn hues.  A new arboretum and history garden was opened in 2008, the trees and border plants are laid out to show how plants arrived in Britain throughout the centuries. Some have arrived naturally; others have been brought by explorers returning from around the world. Enjoy the colourful reflections on the pond, and watch out for returning winter birds and wildlife while you enjoy being outside in the fresh air.  Keep an eye out for some beautifully named trees, like Stone or Umbrella Pine (Pinus pinea), Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) and Handkerchief Tree (Davidia involucrate) on your wanders. 

Click here to find out how to reach Hampden Park or here to discover some of the other great things to do in and around Eastbourne

Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Hampshire

3 miles south of Petersfield is Queen Elizabeth Country Park. With over 2,000 acres of downland and woodland, this is a fantastic place to enjoy a walk and rich autumn colours.  Start out from the Visitor Centre and head along the track that runs alongside the car park, up to the top of the top of the 271m Buster Hill.  Walk through the canopy of trees, listen to the leaves crunching underfoot, enjoy the open grasslands, be greeted by the breath-taking views from one of the highest points in Hampshire at the top.  Marvel at the landscape bathed in autumnal colours before starting your descent back down. Much of this area is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a National Nature Reserve so don't forget to look out for the rich variety of wildlife and birds.  The Beechwood Kitchen awaits you back at the start, serving home-made cakes and snacks - ideal to reminisce over your autumn adventures. 

Click here to find out how to reach Queen Elizabeth Country Park and here to discover other great adventures to enjoy this autumn in Hampshire. 

Royal Victoria Country Park, Southampton, Hampshire 

Located just on the outskirts of Southampton this 200-acre parkland, woodland and foreshore offers fantastic views across Southampton Water.  It was once the home of the biggest military hospital in the Victorian Empire and today you can visit the Chapel, the last part of the original building remaining and learn more about the role this historic site played in Victorian England. Take a stroll through the woods and discover the fairy garden. Enjoy a walk along the waterside and watch the ships coming and going, take a trip on the miniature railway through the trees and enjoy the autumn colours from a different perspective.   

Click here to find out how to reach Royal Victoria country Park or here to discover more about visiting Southampton 

Remember to share your fantastic autumnal images from around the South East with us #LoveSouthEastEngland.