Exploring UK Autumnal Gardens

We at Rangeford Villages feel very lucky that our retirement communities are based in such beautiful parts of the UK. Not only do our residents get to benefit from our fantastic villages full of amenities, but they are also spoilt for choice with the exciting, cultural and active days out available.

Do you love exploring Autumnal gardens as much as we do? There’s something about the beautiful colours that can’t help but bring a smile to your face. Here we highlight some of the most beautiful places where you can savour these gardens near to our Retirement Villages.

Wiltshire:

Stourhead gardens

This is one of the National Trust’s most iconic gardens and Stourhead comes to life during autumn with a rich array of colours from its vibrant reds through to rusty oranges. If you manage to visit on a day with bright blue skies, you’ll find many a photographer or artist here capturing their perfect moment. The National Trust run a 'leaf line' each autumn where you can hear about which leaves are changing and what's worth looking out for.

Near Mere, BA12 6QD

nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wiltshire/stourhead

Longleat Estate

Longleat Estate makes a really great base for an autumnal walk. Take in the peaceful location at Shearwater Lake or the stunning views from Heaven’s gate looking across the estate.

Longleat, BA12 7NW

https://www.longleat.co.uk/

Bowood

The extensive parkland of Bowood is perfect for exploring in the autumn. Enjoy the tranquil lake designed by ‘Capability’ Brown or have a wander through the arboretum and explore the gardens, which were named Garden of the Year 2014.

Calne, SN11 OLZ

https://www.bowood.org/bowood-house-gardens/

Gloucestershire:

The Forest of Dean

Here you can enjoy a crisp walk through bountiful woodlands; head to Symonds Yat for spectacular views across the River Wye, or even enjoy a different vantage point from a canoe.

Coleford, GL16 7EL

forestryengland.uk/the-forest-of-dean

Westonbirt Arboretum

Located near Tetbury, it hosts a world-class collection of trees and plants and is at its most spectacular during the autumn months.

Tetbury, GL8 8QS

forestryengland.uk/westonbirt-the-national-arboretum

Hidcote Manor Garden

Here you can discover stunning shades of autumn, near Chipping Campden.

Nr Chipping Campden, GL55 6LR

nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/gloucestershire-cotswolds/hidcote

Highgrove Gardens

The family residence of King Charles III offers some delightful autumn colour with a really impressive apple tunnel.

Tetbury, GL8 8TN

highgrovegardens.com

Surrey:

Painshill

A beautiful 18^th century landscape garden with winding paths and stunning woodlands and views.

Cobham, KT11 1BE

painshill.co.uk/

Winkworth Arboretum

Home to around 6,000 trees that comprise of over 1,000 species. In autumn, the foliage blazes with vibrant and stunning colours.

Godalming GU8 4AD

nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/surrey/winkworth-arboretum

RHS Garden Wisley

One of the UK’s most visited and best-loved gardens which is a hub of horticultural excellence, hosting 240 acres to explore.

Woking, GU23 6QB

rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley

North Yorkshire

Himalayan Gardens

The perfect place to witness the arrival of autumn with scenic woodland paths, a pagoda, Himalayan shelter, arboretum and three lakes.

Crewelthorpe, Ripon HG4 3DA

himalayangarden.com

Fountains Abbey

Has stunning follies, mirror like ponds and statues all camouflaged with the autumnal colours.

Ripon, North Yorkshire HG4 3DY 

nationaltrust.org.uk

Castle Howard Yorkshire Arboretum

Hosts more than 6,000 trees from around the world and stunning parkland views.

Castle Howard, York YO60 7BY

yorkshirearboretum.org

We hope you found this useful and if you visit any of these, do let us know!