‘Prettiest’ UK village where autumn leaves are most beautiful | UK | Travel
It’s officially the first week of autumn and all across the country leaves are beginning to dramatically change colour.
Beauty spots up and down the country will be alight in a canopy of ruby reds, deep yellow and glowing orange.
For those craving the first taste of fall, there is no shortage of places to find a breathtaking vista this season.
The photography experts at ParrotPrint.com have narrowed down seven places to admire the autumn foliage.
From breathtaking parks and fells to valleys and villages, there are many places to see the displays of colours.
One of these destinations is a Cotswold village with heaps of charm year-round – Castle Combe. The picturesque chocolate box village is also one of the loveliest places to take in the change of seasons.
To the west in Wales, dams and reservoirs reflect striking colours over watery vistas stretching far into the distance.
And in the The Lake District, there are hiking trails, pretty villages and cosy pub fires to enjoy while further north over the Scottish border high hills and deep glens blaze with autumn golds.
The pros say the best time for guaranteed colours and fantastic photos is between mid-October and mid-November.
“Depending on how long the summer sunshine stays around for, the colours begin to change and leaves start falling from the end of September,” said a spokesperson for ParrotPrint.com.
“With summer coming to an end Sunday, September 22, the best time for guaranteed colours and fantastic photos is between mid-October and mid-November.
“We have selected the best places to see autumnal colours from across the whole of the UK to give everyone a chance to immerse themselves in what we think is the best season for landscape photography.”
The seven best places to see autumn colours in the UK
Castle Combe, Cotswolds
Considered to be one of the prettiest villages in the UK, this idyllic part of England situated on the southern edge of the Cotswolds is a wonderful place to explore in Autumn. Outside of the chocolate box village, you can find beautiful tree-lined roads sweeping through the countryside in a blaze of bronze and gold from mid-Octover.
Richmond Park, London
One of London’s eight royal parks and easily accessible from the city by public transport, Richmond Park offers long walks through ancient woods, over rolling hills and through wide open grasslands surrounded by wildlife. Between mid-October and mid-November you will hear the roaring of the stags during rutting season surrounded by meadow grasses glowing in mellow golds and leaves burned with seasonal colours.
Lonscale Fell, The Lake District
One of the most dramatic changes in the landscape during autumn can be found on the fells of the Lake District, where the lush summer greens of the bracken fade to earthy amber tones on the mid to lower fells. The fell is easily climbed from Keswick for beautiful views of Thirlmere, Derwent Water and their surrounding fells.
Elan Valley, Mid Wales
In the heart of Mid Wales, Elan Valley is a spectacular area abundant with wildlife and nature that comes alive with colour in the autumn months. For the best views of the striking autumn colours reflected across watery vistas take a walk around one of the area’s dams and reservoirs. The Elan Valley Visitor Centre provides visitors with all the information they need on walks and special seasonal activities.
Glenfinnan, Scotland
Glenfinnan is a wee community with a big history made famous around the world after featuring in the Harry Potter films. Visitors can make the same journey Harry did by train over the Glenfinnan Viaduct and get a unique vista of glorious autumnal colours, with stunning views of high hills and a deep glen.
Curbar Edge, The Peak District
As summer turns to the cooler autumn months, the landscape of the Peak District takes on a wonderful glow of gold, copper, russet and orange. The ‘Three Edges Walk’ takes in Curbar Edge for spectacular views and you may also come across some shaggy highland cattle and red deer.
Sheffield Park, East Sussex
The National Trust’s Sheffield Park is famous for its fiery autumn display. Originally laid out in the 18th century by notable landscape architect Capability Brown, the park boasts some of the most contrasting autumn colours in the country. October is the perfect month to visit and experience everything Sheffield Park offers.