An explosion of colour at Winkworth

Even when the rain is bashing against the window, you can’t help but love autumn. I’m a huge fan of colour and it pleases me greatly to see those hues of red, orange and gold. Our lawn is littered with beautiful red leaves. I’ve no idea where they came from but they bring a smile to my face every morning.

We’re lucky there are so many places we can visit where we can really embrace each season. In autumn, the absolute must-see is Winkworth Arboretum. Maintained by the National Trust for some 60 years now, it’s a true masterpiece and at this time of year quite spectacular. It’s nice to visit at least twice in October to see the Acers at their best (as they are now) followed by the magical transformation around the upper arboretum although it’s not always possible.

Given the choice I’d visit during the week but that wasn’t feasible so I headed over on Sunday. Winkworth Arboretum always has more visitors at this time of year but they cater for it well with additional parking, staff and facilities. There was a hubbub of activity in Badgers Bowl with children laughing while they made piles of leaves and launched into them. POD would have loved to join in had I been able to peel her away from her colouring. She’d had an eventful Saturday and was shattered – a bit like the POD Father who had been at Twickenham!

Badgers Bowl also had a trailer selling food and drink. The smell of bacon was almost too much. It was a shame not to take full advantage and sit down for a bit but the boathouse beckoned as it always does. Unusually I managed to pause on the bench and admire the view up the lake for a minute or two.

It’s a beautiful spot especially with the sun glistening on the water. Looking back towards the boathouse is always a delight even more so when the surrounding trees have turned (they’re just starting to).

Having spent rather too long taking photographs in the badgers bowl when I arrived, I headed up the azalea steps where the colour was just as grand. My moment of calm came underneath a couple of Acers – red to my left and yellow to my right.

Autumn is just the most wonderful season, let’s hope we’re able to make the most of it that little bit longer. I for one could take photographs of pretty leaves all day!