There’s something pretty special about autumn. We love it and relish those autumnal hues which make us crave the great outdoors even more than usual. Nothing beats seeing those reds, oranges and yellows in all their glory and there are plenty of places in Surrey to catch those magical colours. Here are just a few of our favourites.
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Winkworth Arboretum
We’re lucky to have numerous National Trust places to explore in Surrey. You’ll find several on this list but there’s a plethora to visit – not just locally but in nearby counties too. Winkworth Arboretum is wonderful any time of year but it’s particularly spectacular in autumn. Created in the early 20th century by Dr Wilfred Fox, the landscape here changes with the seasons. Autumn brings a stunning display and colours that change from week to week. It’s truly unmissable!
Hatchlands Park
Hatchlands Park is always somewhere we enjoy. Built-in the 1750’s for a naval hero and his wife, Hatchlands has over 400 acres of woodland and is open 363 days a year. There’s more than enough to keep everyone occupied whether it be exploring the park or having fun in the adventure area. As with all the National Trust sites, there’s always heaps to do including family-friendly trails. The house is a family home containing tenant Alec Cobbe’s collection of paintings and furniture – it’s open to the public from April to October.
Claremont Landscape Garden
With nearly 300 years of history, this 18th-century historic garden was once the countryside retreat of queens and heirs. With many unique and unexpected features to discover, there’s a grass amphitheatre, serpentine lake, grotto, Camellia Terrace and Belvedere Tower to explore. There’s a children’s play area and the thatched cottage with dressing up clothes!
Frensham Little Pond
Set a tranquil wildlife haven, amid precious heathland, Frensham Little Pond was created in the 13th century as a medieval bishops’ fish pond. It was a means of supplying fish to the Bishop of Winchester and his court while visiting Farnham Castle. Today it’s a sanctuary for wildlife and an excellent spot to blow away a few cobwebs. Frensham Little Pond is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a Special Protection Area and an Area of Conservation. It’s a sandy heathland with a mosaic of habitats including a dry and wet heath, ponds and woodland.
RHS Wisley
RHS Wisley houses one of the largest plant collections in the world with each season offering something different. The colour in autumn is quite something with the colours in the rock garden, oakwood and seven acres just a few of the favourites. With so much to see here and the new welcome area to admire, it’s a superb place to lose a few hours. With so many new additions including trails, activities and a new play area, it’s become even more family-friendly than it was previously. Added to which it’s always strikingly beautiful.
Painshill Park
This 18th-century landscape garden resembles a painting with its Serpentine Lake, bridges, woodland and follies which include the Ruined Abbey, Gothic Temple and Turkish Tent. Not forgetting the sparkling Crystal Grotto which is dramatic in itself. Hidden in the woods there’s the Waterwheel, which once formed part of a Hermitage and there’s a natural play area to discover too.
Alice Holt
Much of our time at Alice Holt these days is spent with POD on her bike as we run along behind. Managed by the Forestry Commission, the golden bracken and the low light make it another firm favourite of ours during autumn. There are various cycling and walking trails to follow along with an excellent play area. The Timberline trail has structures to climb, balance beams, wobbly bridges and fun slides. Plus there’s Go Ape and Go Ape Junior if you’re looking for a treetop adventure.
There are so many more of our favourite places we could add to this list but it would make for a very long post! For now here are a few of the places you can see if you’re looking to get out in Surrey this autumn.
Header image by StockSnap from Pixabay
