Where are the best places to see the autumn colours in the Lake District?
Autumn can be the loveliest season of all in the Lake District, and the colours are breath-taking. Even in the grounds of the Cedar Manor, you’ll notice the rich variety of shades from green through to brown and russet red as the leaves turn.
And as the leaves fall, views open up, views that have been hidden by greenery since the spring, so it can be a magical time.
So where are the best places to see the autumn colours in the Lakes? You really don’t have to go far from our doorstep, so we’ve chosen five local favourites and hope that you will fall in love with them, too. And you absolutely MUST take a camera.
Holehird Gardens
Holehird Gardens are only a mile away from the Cedar Manor, on a beautiful hillside. Owned and run by the Lakeland Horticultural Society, they are usually open every day. There’s a visitor information point open till the end of October. The society was formed to encourage the science, art and practice of horticulture, particularly with respect to the local growing conditions of the area.
The range of plants, shrubs and trees is most impressive. Volunteers ensure that there’s something of interest in every season, so you will never be disappointed. How to get there? Head up the hill on Patterdale Road following the brown tourist signs; satnav is a little unreliable around there. If you want to check times and information, call 015394 46008.
Skelghyll Wood & Stagshaw Gardens
Skelghyll Wood and Jenkin Crag are areas of woodland on the lower slopes of Wansfell near the head of Windermere. You can get there by bus from our gate, or drive three miles north and park at Waterhead. It’s beautiful here all year round, but in autumn it’s particularly spectacular, especially with the occasional views of the lake which appear through the trees. There are good paths all the way, from the signpost by the slate wall that takes you up and away from the A591.
There’s a tree trail which includes the tallest grand fir in England, and on your way back, take a detour through the delightful Stagshaw Gardens. These were created by Cubby Acland, a former National Trust agent. They have some delightful examples of rhododendrons and camellias in the spring, but the colours and the views in autumn are astonishing.
The gardens sit on a hillside, with a path that meanders through them, and a waterfall along the way. There are benches at various points, including at the top where you are once again rewarded with a view of Windermere. All paths lead you back to the car park. Entrance is free and dogs are welcome.
Wray Castle
Wray Castle grounds are another National Trust property, on the north-west shore of Windermere, just around the head of the lake. It has a big car park and a café. The castle itself is interesting, a folly built by a gin merchant to please his wife (she didn’t like it!). But in autumn the grounds are divine.
There are trees with name-plates including one of the tallest-ever Douglas firs, and two perfect giants: a coast redwood and a giant redwood. Follow the little path into the small woodland and see what else you can find. There’s a small patch of stone-cobbled floor that might have been the foundation of a summer-house. And a bench where Beatrix Potter used to sit – her family would rent the castle for the whole summer holidays.
Loughrigg Fell
Loughrigg Fell is our favourite mountain, one of the smallest in height but it covers a huge area. It has many smaller summits, hidden valleys and hollows, a couple of beautiful tarns, and a magnificent cave. If you’re not sure about climbing all the way to the top, head first for Lily Tarn, taking the initially steep tarmac road from the cattle grid outside Ambleside. After a few hundred yards, climb over some old stone steps at a corner on the left, cross a tiny bridge, and then follow the path upwards.
The views will be marvellous, the colours spectacular, especially when you reach the perfect tarn in its pretty setting among the mountains. For more colour, but more exertion, head north west to the summit of the fell, and then come back via Loughrigg Terrace. This is a beautiful high level walk looking down onto Rydal water. This way, you’ll find the cave, too.
Tarn Hows
Tarn Hows is one of the most popular places in the south Lakes, and deservedly so, especially at this time of the year. It’s a small body of water entirely surrounded by a rich diversity of trees, so you can imagine just how glorious it is in autumn. The path around the tarn is wheelchair and pushchair friendly, but still has lots of natural charm. And it’s one of those walks you can do easily yet still have a real sense of satisfaction and achievement. It lies between Hawkshead and Coniston and is easily reached, with good signposting, from either direction.