6 Places to See in the UK This Autumn

Autumn is fast approaching, and we couldn’t be happier about the prospect of spending our weekends walking in the countryside, wearing chunky scarves or devouring a good roast dinner again. But do you know where the best spots are for seeing those beautiful red, gold and orange autumn colours in the UK? We’ve rounded up six of the best for you to choose from…

• • 1. Grizedale Forest, The Lake District

Nestled in Cumbria is Grizedale Forest, midway between Coniston Water and Lake Windermere. It’s the perfect place to kick through russet leaves, and better yet, you can extend your stay to explore the beautiful lakes and majestic mountains nearby. The colours are bound to be breath-taking, with a heady mix of greens, browns, reds and oranges as far as the eye can see – and not a grey skyscraper in sight.

• • 2. The Ballymoney Beeches, County Antrim

The 101 beech trees planted along Bregagh road in Northern Ireland are beautiful beyond words, but are especially so in early autumn before the leaves drop off. Made famous by the Game of Thrones television series, the beech trees were planted back in the 1700s and create an incredible atmosphere if you’re able to photograph them at dawn or dusk. Just make sure you go this autumn – the trees are said to be nearing the end of their natural life span, so they might not be around for much longer.

• • 3. Holywell Bay, Cornwall

You’d be crazy to miss an opportunity to walk along the Cornish coastline with the sun casting a ruby red light across the sea, so head to Holywell Bay, new Newquay, for a dramatic sunset and sandy shore. You could make a long weekend of it by renting a classic cottage in Cornwall, checking out other interesting places like the Lost Gardens of Heligan, sleepy fishing villages like Polperro, near Looe.

• • 4. Loch Faskally, Pitlochry

The Lonely Planet rated Scotland as one of the best places in the world to see autumn leaves, so join the tourists and enjoy the gorgeous bronzes and crimsons in October this year. Pitlochry is an amazing place to visit, complete with Loch Faskally (a man made reservoir) and is near to the Enchanted Forest – a place that attracts thousands upon thousands of visitors every autumn.

• • 5. The Calderdale Way, West Yorkshire

Yorkshire isn’t nicknamed ‘God’s County’ for nothing, you know. Head to the Calderdale Way, a walking route that meanders across moody moors and magical woodland, following historic canals and cutting through fields for stunning scenery. Stop en route for a hearty pub meal before lacing up your walking boots to continue through some of the most idyllic rural villages West Yorkshire has to offer.

• • 6. Elan Valley, Mid Wales

If you want to see a blanket of orange, framed by a grey sky and a peppering of bottle green trees, head to the heart of Mid Wales. Elan Valley stretches for 72 miles, and is teaming with wildlife and scenery. Walk across six dams and linger for a while to photograph the autumn colours sprawling out across the rolling hills.