When and Where to See the Best Autumn Colours in the UK 2025
The UK’s landscape transforms each year into a vibrant showcase of nature’s grandest performance — a sweeping display of Autumn colours from deep russets and golds to crisp silvers and bronzes. Whether you’re wandering through a woodland, driving down tree-lined lanes, or simply heading out for a weekend stroll, this season invites you to immerse yourself in the change. With 2025 shaping up to deliver some especially vivid displays, now is the moment to plan your outing.
What Is the Best Time to See Autumn Colours in 2025
The UK’s Autumn colours are set to be especially vivid in 2025. Some early colour shows may start in mid-September, the display can carry on well into November.
Displays are expected to begin as early as mid-September in southern regions, gradually spreading northward as temperatures drop. Central England is likely to reach its peak between late September and mid-October, while Scotland and northern areas could see their most brilliant hues extending well into November.
If mild days and cool, dry nights continue through September and October, the UK could experience one of its most vibrant and long-lasting Autumn colour palettes in years.
Where to See the Best Autumn Colours in the UK
From ancient forests to manicured gardens, here are UK’s 5 top spots for leaf-peeping this year:
1. Westonbirt Arboretum (Gloucestershire)
Tetbury, Gloucestershire, GL8 8QS
Nestled in the Cotswolds, the Westonbirt Arboretum spans around 600 acres and features roughly 2,500 tree species from around the world. Come Autumn, the maples, beeches and exotic trees burst into a stunning array of red, orange and gold hues. With 17 miles of marked paths weaving through glades and historic woodland, it’s easy to spend a full day exploring tree-lined avenues and quiet corners lit by Autumn light.
2. Batsford Arboretum (Gloucestershire)
Batsford, Moreton-in-Marsh Gloucestershire GL56 9AT
Located near Moreton-in-Marsh in the gentle hills of the Cotswolds, Batsford Arboretum spans around 60 acres and is home to an extraordinary mix of maples, liquidambars and cherry trees. In Autumn the landscape transforms into a spectacle of deep butter-yellow, orange-red and crimson leaves, with reflections dancing over the ponds and glades. It’s a wonderful place for a stroll, lingering pause and photo-op as the season progresses.
3. Winkworth Arboretum (Surrey)
Hascombe Road, Godalming, Surrey, GU8 4AD
Managed by the National Trust in the Surrey Hills, Winkworth Arboretum combines gentle woodland slopes and a peaceful lake with mixed-species planting for a strongly Autumnal effect. As the days shorten, the canopy glows in gold, auburn and red tones, particularly along the lake’s edge where reflections double the effect. Easily accessible from the South East, it offers a compact yet rich woodland experience without the need to travel far.
4. Sheffield Park & Garden (Sussex)
Sheffield Park, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 3QX
Set within a historic estate designed by Capability Brown, Sheffield Park & Garden spreads across mature parkland, lakes and trees planted for seasonal spectacle. In late October, the grounds light up in bronze, copper and russet tones that contrast beautifully with the water reflections. It’s ideal for a slower-paced outing—bring a picnic, pause by a lake, and soak in the Autumn atmosphere.
5. Thorp Perrow Arboretum (North Yorkshire)
Bedale, North Yorkshire, DL8 2PS
In the countryside near Bedale, the Thorp Perrow Arboretum spans around 100 acres and hosts one of the UK’s finest collections of trees, including five National Plant Collections. Come Autumn, its woodlands light up with rich hues of scarlet, burgundy and burnt-amber—especially across mature oaks and larches. The quieter northern setting means you can stroll at your own pace, breathing in bold colour displays under less crowded skies.
Tips for Enjoying Autumn Colours
A memorable Autumn outing often comes down to good timing, the right gear and a bit of flexibility. These practical tips will help you enjoy the season’s display with comfort and ease.
Layer Your Clothing Thoughtfully
Autumn mornings and nights can be cold. Use a moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating mid-layer (like fleece) and a windproof or waterproof outer shell. That combo helps you stay comfortable on woodland walks.
Be Ready for Any Weather
Before you head out, keep a close eye on weather changes. UK Autumn weather can go from bright sunshine to drizzle and muddy trails in no time. If you’re planning tent camping, make sure your camping equipment is up to scratch. That way, even if the forecast shifts, your outing stays enjoyable and worry-free.
Visit at Off-Peak Times
Many popular leaf-spots already blaze with colour by early to mid-October. If you head out just after sunrise or before dusk, you’ll benefit from low-angle light plus fewer people — improving both your viewing and photography experience.
Pack a Day-Out Kit
Prepare a small pack for your day-trip. Items could include a thermos of hot drink, high-energy snacks (nuts or bars), a compact rain jacket, spare socks/gloves, a torch or headlamp if your outing gets late, and your charged-up portable power station.
Consider the EcoFlow TRAIL Series DC Portable Power Station for ultra-light portability when you’re hiking or staying light. It weighs just 4 lb, offers up to 288 Wh and 300 W DC output, so you can pack light and still power phones, lights and cameras.
EcoFlow TRAIL Series DC Portable Power Station
If you’ll be out longer or using more gear, the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus Portable Power Station steps up with ~286 Wh (expandable to 858 Wh), 600 W rated output (1200 W with X-Boost), fast 1-hour charging and quiet <30 dB operation — great for multi-day riverside camps when the leaves turn.
EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus Portable Power Station
Conclusion
The Autumn colours of 2025 will once again transform the UK into a breathtaking patchwork of gold, red, and bronze. Whether you’re wandering through the Lake District or exploring the New Forest, the deep Autumn colour palette offers endless opportunities to reconnect with nature. So, pack your camera, dress warmly, and head out to witness the fall colours in UK.
FAQs
Where is the best place to see the Autumn colours in the UK?
There isn’t a single “best” place—it depends on the tree mix and landscape—but many experts recommend woodland estates, arboretums and tree collections for dramatic displays. For instance, sites with planted acers, larches and maples tend to deliver richer colour than uniform native woodland. Examples in England include Cotswold arboretums, South-East woodlands and northern estates where the canopy lights up. Starting with well-known locations helps guarantee experience, but lesser-visited woods with mixed species also offer beautiful scenery and fewer crowds.
Do Autumn colours look good in small gardens?
Absolutely—small gardens can shine in Autumn if planted thoughtfully. Even compact spaces benefit from selecting trees or shrubs that offer strong seasonal colour. Common advice highlights maples, crab apples and other smaller trees suited to restricted gardens. Soil, light and planting position matter too: for best effect choose a site with good light and well-drained soil to support vibrant foliage. With planning, a small garden can reflect the rich Autumn palette—golds, reds, ambers—that we associate with larger woodland settings.
What is the best week to see fall foliage in New England?
Aim for the first two weeks of October for the best chance of peak colors across much of New England:
Northern New England (Maine, northern NH, Vermont): colors often peak earlier — late September to early October.
Central New England (White Mountains, Green Mountains): typically early to mid-October.
Southern New England (Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island): usually mid to late October (sometimes into early November in sheltered valleys).
Tip: foliage timing shifts year to year — check live peak maps and weekly forecasts (e.g., NewEngland.com or the Old Farmer’s Almanac) before you book.