Visitors might notice an unusual smell at this time of year
Newark Park autumn views(Image: National Trust/ James Beck)
The National Trust has recommended a stunning walking spot with “astounding” views this autumn. As September comes to a close, a canopy of orange and crimson leaves are beginning to brighten up Bristol and the surrounding countryside, with plenty of places nearby to enjoy the change of season.
Neighbouring Gloucestershire, home to the national arboretum of Westonbirt, boasts some beautiful walking destinations for those willing to travel outside of the city.
Just a 35-minute drive outside of the Avon ring road lies Newark Park in Wotton-under-Edge, a National Trust parkland with a Tudor house, woodland play area and a tea pavilion. It is perhaps best known for the free-roaming peacocks that love to pester guests for a share of their picnics.
As of this week (September 22), visitors can find out more about the wildlife, plants and trees at Newark, picking up a free leaflet from reception and finding boards in the garden and wider estate. One rare tree, a Katsura, is said to create a burnt sugar or caramel smell as the leaves change colour.
The park has a large terraced garden but also offers a base for longer walks, allowing visitors to explore the woodlands of the Cotswolds National Landscape. The National Trust describes it as a “hidden gem destination” that began life as a Tudor hunting lodge, built for the purpose of taking hunting trips through the wooded valley.
Libby Woolfrey, senior visitor experience officer, said: “The autumn colour display at Newark Park is astounding. One of my favourite autumnal views is from the estate walks where you can look back up the valley to house surrounded by bright oranges and reds of the changing trees.”
Visitors can make the most of the changing colours by exploring one of the two estate walks as well as the colourful display of autumn flowers in the walled garden, where dahlias and cyclamen bloom at this time of year. The ‘tea pavilion’ is also open 10am-4pm, which will be serving “hot refreshments with autumnal flavours” for a cosy post-walk pitstop.
The tea pavilion and outdoor tables(Image: Sophie Grubb/Bristol Live)
The outdoor tables have incredible views of the surrounding landscape, but there is also a small marquee for shelter if the weather is not on side. Newark charges a £14 entry price plus a £3 daily parking fee, though National Trust members go free.
Entry also covers the historic house, where visitors can learn of its history from a hunting lodge to a Georgian home that was then restored in the 20th century. A stained glass window is a focal point for visitors, also featuring autumn colours.
Newark Park autumn views(Image: National Trust/ James Beck)
The best time to see autumn colours in England is usually from mid-October to early-November, though Forestry England has predicted that displays could arrive slightly earlier this year due to this summer’s record-breaking temperatures and sunshine.
A spokesperson said: “Signs point to a particularly vivid display of reds, oranges and golds in the nation’s forests, starting in mid to late September and lasting well into November, especially in northern regions.
“In Southern England…trees are expected to start changing from mid-September, with peak colour in early October.”