October brings us low winter sunsets spilling pink and orange hues across the skies, blustery winds fit for any Winnie-the-Pooh story, and of course the ever changing treescape as trees lose their leaves. We've been known to walk a few feet off our chosen path just to step on that crunchy looking leaf, and admit it, you have too!
Cheltenham is lucky to have plenty of wide open spaces, walking and hiking tracks and some gorgeous urban parks and gardens. Plus, we're within a short drive to some of the best woodlands and arboretums for you to enjoy. We've picked our top places to enjoy the autumnal sights...
Best places to see autumn leaves in Cheltenham...
Pittville Park
With it's lake, footpaths, boathouse woodland area and of course the imposing Pittville Pump Room, Pittville Park, which is just a five minute walk from the town centre, is a great place for an autumnal exploration. The trees are turning, the sunrises and sunsets are pretty epic and you don't even need to leave town!
We recommend you grab a coffee from the Boathouse Cafe, Pittville Pump Room Cafe or Central Cross Cafe to enjoy whilst you soak in the beautiful scenery!
Best places to see autumn leaves in Cheltenham...
The Promenade
Originally designed for society's darlings to see and be seen, this wide avenue is still tree-lined today. You can enjoy the open space of Imperial Gardens, enjoy Neptune's Fountain and the shops along the way, all while under the canopy of the big trees which are slowing losing their leaves...
Best places to see autumn leaves in Cheltenham...
Crickley Hill Country Park
A National Trust managed space less than five minutes drive from the town centre (or a fairly steep 20 minute walk if you are up for it), Crickley Hill Country Park benefits from plenty of parking, established footpaths and a gorgeous, managed woodland. Pop on your wellies, and enjoy the views, plus plenty of crunchy leaves. The views down onto Cheltenham are pretty epic too!
Best places to see autumn leaves near Cheltenham...
Sudeley Castle (26 minutes from Cheltenham)
The imposing and wonderful Sudeley Castle at Winchcombe stands in extensive grounds. Some are landscaped and some have a wonderful countryside feel, but there's plenty of space to enjoy the autumnal pops of colour. Just check out this picture...
Best places to see autumn leaves near Cheltenham...
Cranham Woods (26 minutes from Cheltenham)
A largely beech woodland, Cranham Woods offers a quiet, off-road walk with plenty of autumnal colour. You can extend your route with a walk to Painswick Beacon for views over the valley, or head to Cooper's Hill to see just how steep the cheeserolling is!
Best places to see autumn leaves near Cheltenham...
Painswick Rococo Gardens (28 minutes from Cheltenham)
Painswick Rococo is the only surviving rococo garden in the UK that is open to the public. It has a flambouyant feel typical of the time and plenty of trees between which paths loop. Enjoy the colour bursts all around this garden and the quirky buildings in between! They're even growing pumpkins!
Best places to see autumn leaves near Cheltenham...
Frith Woods (34 minutes from Cheltenham)
Another rather gorgeous beech wood adorning the Slad valley, Frith Wood is a short drive beyond Cranham. You can also move easily from Frith Wood across to Laurie Lee Wood Nature Reserve, as immortalised in Cider with Rosie.
Best places to see autumn leaves near Cheltenham..
Westonbirt Arboretum (51 minutes from Cheltenham)
Explore trees from around the globe and see every autumnal hue you can imagine. Westonbirt Arboretum is easily accessible from Cheltenham via the M5 motorway and is definitely worth the visit!
Best places to see autumn leaves near Cheltenham...
Batsford Arboretum (51 minutes from Cheltenham)
Autumn brings with it a riot of leaf colour ranging from deep butter yellow through to orange reds and crimsons as well as an abundance of berries. It’s a natural fireworks spectacular throughout the autumn months.
Best places to see autumn leaves near Cheltenham...
Forest of Dean & Wye Valley (50 minutes from Cheltenham)
With plenty of places to stop off in this huge ancient woodland, there are few sights greater than the changing colours here. Walk through the woodlands and enjoy the trees from below, or climb Symonds Yat for an aerial view!
Read more about exploring the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley here - Day trip to the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley from Cheltenham
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