The Best Spots in England for Autumn Leaves

It’s nearly that time of the year: crisp air and low-hanging mist; leaves that crunch underfoot; grey days illuminated by explosions of red, orange, and gold. Thank God for Autumn.

England is one of the best places to admire Autumn in all its glory, from London’s historic Royal Parks to the untouched beauty of the Lake District. To celebrate the arrival of Spooky Season, we’ve gathered the best areas in Britain to see the Autumn leaves and collect conkers to your heart’s content.

1) The Lake District

The Lake District is famous for its iconic natural beauty that inspired Wordsworth’s poetic landscapes in the late 18th century. Think rolling hills, babbling streams and quaint country pubs against a backdrop of ancient forest.

The Lake District is a big place, so plan accordingly. For the best views, take a picnic to Ashness Bridge, an old stone bridge that will make you feel like you’ve stepped out of time, or amble over to Grasmere for a pub lunch followed by breathtaking clusters of gold around Rydal Water.

2) London’s Royal Parks

For lakeside panoramas and country walks without leaving the city, catch a train to one of London’s unique Royal Parks. Each Royal Park has a special connection to the monarchy - often used as hunting grounds or private gardens - and are protected by the Royal Parks Charity, meaning that these are some of the most well-maintained parks in the city.

Situated beside Buckingham palace, St James Park doesn’t just boast some of the most striking autumn foliage in London; it’s also jam-packed full of history: in 1649, King Charles I took his final stroll in this very park on the day of his execution. It’s also well known for its family of pelicans that are fed by park staff every day.

Richmond Park, with over 700 years of history, is another great option to appreciate the Autumn colours and the area’s wildlife. Climb atop King Henry’s Mound for unobstructed views of St Paul’s Cathedral framed by fiery reds and oranges, or tread through fallen leaves to meet the park’s most popular residents: its herds of Red and Fallow deer. The Isabella Plantation, a Victorian garden hidden in the park’s centre, offers particularly vibrant reds thanks to its maple and sweet gum trees.

Finally, take a stroll in King Henry VIII’s favourite stomping grounds, Bushy Park, home to large herds of Red and Fallow deer. Bushy Park’s more remote location makes it one of the more serene of the Royal Parks, so you can wander the area’s woodlands, meadows and rivers in peace.

3) Cambridge

Home to one of the most prestigious universities in the world, the beginning of Autumn brings back hordes of students from the long summer vacation. The streets are once again graced with the gentle chatter of gowned dons and bright red leaves cling to college buildings.

Students and locals alike have long been making the pilgrimage from the city centre to Grantchester Village, a moderate 50-minute walk. Why? The scenery – and for some students, an excuse to pop open a bottle of Cava. Walk along the River Cam and through the meadows that inspired Pink Floyd’s Grantchester Meadows, and you’ll reach The Orchard Tea Rooms, the perfect spot to admire the autumn foliage from the comfort of lazy outdoor seating and afternoon tea.

If walking isn’t your thing, take a trip to the Cambridge Botanic Gardens. Owned by the University, the Botanic Gardens were originally opened in 1762 to teach medical students about different plants and their medicinal properties. Now, the garden is more celebrated for its beauty than anything else. The area is home to 8,000 different plant varieties, and the gardens really come alive in Autumn when maples blaze with red hues. While you’re there, transport yourself to the tropics at the Gardens’ glasshouse before returning to the city centre for a sticky Fitzbillies bun along King’s Parade.

4) East Sussex

One of the most recognisably English landscapes, Sussex’s chalk cliffs and enchanting woodlands turn to a kaleidoscope of colour in the Autumn months.

Your first stop should be Sheffield Park, a stunning 450 acres of landscaped gardens, bridges, lakes and cascades. The park is known for its autumn colours, and for good reason: the garden is home to Japanese maple trees that burst into clusters of red in the autumn months and reflect in the park’s waters. Even better – seek out the park’s cosy café and second-hand bookshop. There’s nothing more autumnal than an outdoor stroll with a hot chocolate in hand.

Ashdown Forest is a magical area of ancient forest and wide-open heathland. Ashdown’s golden glow is made even cosier by its associations with Winnie the Pooh. To celebrate its ties to the Disney classic, there’s a Winnie the Pooh themed café and the

‘Pooh Sticks Bridge’, named after the game invented by A.A Milne in The House at Pooh Corner.

Whether you’re stuck in the city or looking for your next nature getaway, there are endless opportunities in England to immerse yourself in Autumn’s colours.

If you’re looking to make the most of your time in England this Autumn, our Language Centres provide an excellent opportunity to combine immersive language learning with unforgettable experiences during the country’s prettiest time of the year.