Autumn colour is one of the delights of October. Here are just some of the many places where visitors can go and see one of the glories of the countryside.

Autumn colour in the garden or the countryside is one of the great consolations of autumn. Ask any gardener and she’ll give you a different suggestion of places to visit to see autumn at its best. This article includes some suggestions, chosen to give a geographical spread, for gardens to visit to see fabulous colour in the south of England.

Autumn Gardens to Visit in the South of England

1. Holbrook Garden, Devon

Holbrook Garden offers a change form the large landscaped gardens which are so popular for their trees. Holbrook is only two acres in area and focuses on plants rather than trees, but these are designed to offer plenty of autumn interest, especially in its stone garden, woodland garden and pink garden, where colours and textures are experimentally combined.

Holbrook Garden is privately owned and its opening hours are relatively limited: the garden is accessible to the public from Tuesday-Saturday between April and October. There are no eating facilities, although visitors are welcome to bring a picnic. Occasional events are hosted (booking required).

2. Winkworth Arboretum, Surrey

Nestled in the Surrey Hills, Winkworth Arboretum offers a peaceful escape. Its woodland walks are lined with colourful trees, including Japanese maples and liquidambars.

3. Stourhead, Wiltshire

Like Sheffield Park, the gardens and grounds at Stourhead reflect the passion of the eighteenth century English aristocracy for landscapes: they are one of the best and most famous examples in the world. The collection of trees, including both rare and more common specimens, come into their own in the autumn when they provide a colourful backdrop for the many classical features.

The gardens and grounds surround Stourhead House, a classical mansion which is also open to the public. Admission to the gardens, which are open all year, costs £7 but a combined ticket for house and grounds is available. As a large visitor attraction, Stourhead has a range of visitor facilities including refreshment outlets and a shop with plant sales.

4. RHS Garden Wisley, Surrey

The Royal Horticultural Society’s flagship garden is a must-visit for plant enthusiasts. In autumn, the gardens are ablaze with colourful foliage, and the Glasshouse showcases exotic plants from around the world.

5. Exbury Gardens, Hampshire

Nestled in the New Forest, Exbury Gardens is a horticultural masterpiece. The gardens are renowned for their collection of camellias, magnolias, and rhododendrons, which create a stunning display in autumn.

Exbury is a year-round garden which constantly appears in lists of popular autumn spots and is at its best in October. As well as the variety of reds and browns of the natural woodlands (the gardens lie within the New Forest) the highlights include the bright leaves of acers, red-stemmed dogwoods and delicate autumn-flowering nerines.

The gardens run a program of events during the autumn, including art exhibitions, tutored photography days, breakfast walks and children’s events. The gardens are open from 10-5 daily until November. Facilities on offer include shop, refreshment facilities and a steam train ride.

6. Kew Gardens, London

The Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew is not only one of the most famous gardens in the world, but it’s also a World Heritage Site. Perhaps best known for its glass houses, Kew is set in extensive landscaped grounds where many rare trees have been planted up, many coming to their best in the autumn. In autumn, the gardens are adorned with colourful foliage, and the Temperate House showcases exotic plants from all corners of the globe.

The gardens are open daily except Christmas day and boxing day from 9.30 am (closing times vary) and adult admission costs £13.50. Guided tours are available (booking required), and the gardens puts on a range of activities throughout the year. Four catering outlets offer places to eat.

7. Batsford Arboretum, Gloucestershire

This arboretum is renowned for its collection of Japanese maples, which turn a fiery red in autumn. The gardens also feature a beautiful waterfall and a peaceful woodland walk.

8. Bedgebury Pinetum, Kent

This arboretum specialises in conifers, which offer a unique and striking display of autumn colours. The gardens are also home to a variety of other trees and shrubs.

9. Sheffield Park And Garden, East Sussex

The National Trust’s Sheffield Park Garden in East Sussex is set in parklands laid out by the famous ‘Capability’ Brown. The 200-acre site includes a range of rare trees and shrubs set around linked lakes: those notable for their bright autumn shades include acers and colourful North American species such as nyssa, one of the best trees for autumn colour.

Formerly owned by the Sheffield and Soames family, the gardens are now under the care of the National Trust. They are open all year, though opening times vary seasonally and a range of events are put on for visitors.

10. Westonbirt Arboretum, Gloucestershire

This arboretum boasts a vast collection of trees from around the world, creating a stunning display of autumn colours. The vibrant hues of maples, oaks, and birches are a sight to behold.

These are just a few of the many beautiful gardens in the South of England that are worth visiting in autumn. Each garden offers a unique experience, so be sure to do some research to find the one that best suits your interests.

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