The best places to see autumn colours in England

When leaves turn every fiery shade on the spectrum, from deepest burgundy and scarlet to palest cream, it is a poignant time in the calendar to stand still and take stock.

A truly cheerful and uplifting spectacle, it is also an undeniably fleeting moment that deserves to be spent in an inspiring location.

Discover some of the most beautiful gardens to visit in England and where to savour the country’s exceptional seasonal displays below.

The best places to see autumn colours in England

Sheffield Park & Garden, East Sussex

With four large lakes at its heart surrounded by 450 acres of Grade I listed landscaped gardens, this East Sussex National Trust property is a true autumn jewel to explore. Thoughtfully planted with over 14,500 trees - including 80 with Champion status because of their enormity, age, rarity or historical significance - the glorious array of glowing foliage can be appreciated up close, from winding paths or in the carefully planned mirror-like reflections of the lakes.

Featuring a huge variety of native and non-native trees, the breadth of colour is breathtaking. Be sure to locate the majestic black gum tree, that dates back to the late 18th century when Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown and Humphry Repton originally planned out the garden.

Sherborne Castle & Gardens, Dorset

One of ‘Capability’ Brown’s first commissions, this splendid Grade I listed garden offers commanding views over 1,000 acres of Dorset parkland. A magnificent English Landscape Garden, features include vast, sweeping lawns, secluded glades and many handsome Champion trees, all of which appear even more memorable clothed in their autumn finery. As well as taking in the Maple Glade, Ginkgo Lawn and Cedar Tree Lookout, head to the 50-acre lake to gaze at the mesmerising and colourful reflections.

Cambridge University Botanic Garden, Cambridgeshire

A seasonal sight to behold, the Autumn Garden at the 40-acre Botanic Garden showcases a broad range of coloured foliage, including vibrant sweetgums, vivid acers and golden liquidambars. Admire the deep bronze-purple leaves of cotinus as they morph through shades of orange to scarlet and savour the contrast with the butter yellow foliage of the neighbouring ginkgo biloba.

Elsewhere, a trio of acer palmatum ‘Osakazuki’ provides a long-lasting autumn spectacle with its exceptionally bright crimson leaves, while both the Rock Garden and the informal Gilbert Carter Woodland are also well worth exploring.

Westonbirt, Gloucestershire

Home to a world famous collection of glorious Japanese maple cultivars and five national tree collections, there is no better place to revel in the rich glowing colours of autumn. Founded by avid plant collector Robert Holford in the 1800s, many of the trees were gathered on Victorian plant-hunting expeditions.

Explore both the formal Old Arboretum and ancient Silk Wood - which represents the majority of the UK’s native species - on foot, by Segway or from the Stihl Tree Top Walkway for an alternative viewing experience. There are also over 140 Champion trees to admire, the largest of their species growing in the country.

Batsford Arboretum, Gloucestershire

Nestled amid the glorious undulating countryside of the Cotswolds, this extensive hillside arboretum is a spectacular sight throughout the autumn months. The global collection of trees showcases foliage in every fiery shade, from deepest crimson and scarlet through to zesty orange and yellow. Glossy berries of both mountain ash and whitebeam also add to the drama while a backdrop of evergreen pines lends colour and textural contrast.

Follow endless meandering paths and streams across the 56 acres and take time to gaze at the enchanting views that stretch across the tree canopy to the Evenlode Valley and countryside beyond.