Glorious Autumn Leaves - Oh to Be in England in Autumn
Stunning Autumn Colours in Britain
The acer glade behind the Sett has a full panoply of tints to savour. Try saying that after one too many grubs on a Friday night.
Autumn leaves - enjoy the colours of the season. I began by searching for Autumn collection and amongst the many fashion adverts this video featuring an autumn winter collection of lingerie distracted me - it's not every day you get to hear about the beautiful styles of russet gussets.
Friends returning from New England report that the colours in the landscape are “gorgeous, breathtaking”, but there is no need to travel that far to enjoy autumn tints at their most alluring. In woods and valleys, arboretums and public parks across Britain, trees and shrubs are changing colour, some already a vibrant red, others pale green and gold and deep russet.Early frosts and a damp summer guarantee that autumn in the UK will come close to matching the New England fall. A day’s outing and walk in the woods will capture some of the charm but the seasonal colours provide an ideal excuse for a short break in the countryside at prices much lower than in summer or the festive period.The choice of destinations to enjoy extends from Cornwall to the borders of England and if you are lucky you will find special deals in country hotels and discounts on rural cottages all equiped and furnished to a high standard. Many offer roaring open fires in coxy lounges - end each breathtaking autumnal day settled deep in a comfortable leather sofas gazing at the myriad of colours as the flames continue the seasons colour wheel.Places that guarantee the best of the season.
Westonbirt Arboretum in the southwest of the Cotswolds has a magnificent collection of Japanese maples and native trees with autumn colours that range from brilliant yellows and deep reds through to vibrant pinks and oranges.The Old Bell Hotel, one of England’s oldest inns a few miles down the road in Malmesbury.
Thorp Perrow Arboretum, south of Bedale, North Yorkshire, is set in 100 acres of woodlands and gardens and is also home to a bird of prey and mammal centre.Close by is Watermill Croft, a home for two set beside the 17th-century Crakehall Watermill
For those who would like to be guided on their woodland walks, HF Holidays has a four-night break in the northern Lake District, starting on November 8. Based at Derwent Bank Country House in woodland beside Derwent Water, the holiday features a programme of organised walks that take in the deciduous woodland of Borrowdale and rugged beauty of Watendlath Fell.
One recommended way of getting the best of the autumn colours is to explore the hidden valleys, secluded woodland and spectacular views that surround Pentillie Castle, above the River Tamar at St Mellion in Cornwall.Featured in Country House Rescue, the castle has nine double rooms overlooking the river, a garden of historic interest and an avenue of limes that turn golden at this time of year. Southeast England has no shortage of dramatic parks and woodlands, with one of the best known being Burnham Beeches in Buckinghamshire. Ockenden Manor in Cuckfield, West Sussex, is handy for Wakehurst Place and Sheffield Park Garden and has a two-night break, through Pride of Britain Hotels. With B&B and dinner in the Michelin-starred restaurant, entry to the gardens and a ticket to ride on the Bluebell Railway’s Autumn Tints Special.