From fiery reds and burnt oranges to carpets of golden leaves, there’s nothing quite like Gloucestershire in autumn.
Whether you’re planning a family day out, a romantic stroll or simply looking for somewhere spectacular to embrace the changing season, SoGlos handpicks nine of the best places to see autumn colours across Gloucestershire in 2026.
Autumn colour at Batsford Arboretum
Home to one of the country’s most diverse collections of trees and plants, Batsford Arboretum near Moreton-in-Marsh is one of the Cotswolds’ standout destinations for autumn colour.
Across its 60 acres, Batsford has around 1,300 different trees, shrubs and bamboos, with a particular emphasis on plants from the Far East. Come autumn, its Japanese maples turn spectacular shades of fiery red, orange and gold, while colourful berries, sorbus and sweet-scented Katsura trees add to the seasonal display.
Autumn colour is weather dependent, but October into early November is traditionally a particularly popular time to visit. Batsford recommends booking tickets online in advance.
Autumn colour in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley
The Forest of Dean comes into its own in autumn, when miles of ancient woodland provide a spectacular backdrop for crisp seasonal walks.
Start at Beechenhurst to explore walking trails and the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail, or head to Symonds Yat Rock for panoramic views over the River Wye framed by changing leaves.
Mallards Pike is another standout option, particularly on misty autumn mornings when the lake is surrounded by rich seasonal colour.
Autumn colour at Westonbirt Arboretum
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum near Tetbury attracts visitors from across the country, and around the globe, to see its world-class collection of trees transform.
Japanese maples take centre stage, creating a kaleidoscope of reds, oranges, pinks and yellows. For autumn 2026, Westonbirt is celebrating its maples with its Perfectly Imperfect autumn trail, inspired by Japanese aesthetics, alongside a family-friendly Magic of Maples trail.
Pre-booking is strongly recommended during Westonbirt’s peak autumn period.
Autumn colour at Painswick Rococo Garden
Best known for its famous carpets of snowdrops, Painswick Rococo Garden is also well worth discovering when autumn arrives.
The picturesque six-acre garden dates back to the 18th century, with follies, water features, winding paths and mature planting providing plenty to explore as the foliage turns shades of gold, russet and red.
Families visiting during October half term 2026 can also follow the garden’s Big Bat Trail.
Autumn colour at Cyril Hart Arboretum
For a quieter alternative to Gloucestershire’s larger arboretums, Cyril Hart Arboretum, next to The Speech House Hotel in the Forest of Dean, is something of a hidden gem.
Established in 1915, it contains more than 200 tree species from across the world. Its collection of acers puts on a particularly impressive display in autumn, with plenty of reds, oranges and yellows to spot along the short circular trail.
Autumn colour at Hidcote
See one of the Cotswolds’ most celebrated Arts and Crafts gardens changing with the seasons at Hidcote near Chipping Campden.
Its famous garden rooms take on rich autumn hues, while beech and hornbeam hedges provide a striking backdrop. If the first frosts hold off, Hidcote’s Red Borders can continue displaying dahlias, salvias, roses and dramatic foliage well into October.
Autumn colour at Laurie Lee Wood and Frith Wood
Immortalised in Cider with Rosie, Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust’s Laurie Lee Wood in the Slad Valley offers three hectares of ancient woodland to explore as the seasons change.
It forms part of the 5.3-mile Laurie Lee Wildlife Way, with autumn also bringing fungi to the woodland floor. Nearby Frith Wood, which straddles the ridge between the Painswick and Slad valleys, is an atmospheric beech woodland that’s particularly beautiful at this time of year.
Autumn colour at Sezincote
Combine autumn colour with one of the Cotswolds’ most distinctive settings at Sezincote, the spectacular Indian-inspired house and garden near Moreton-in-Marsh.
As autumn takes hold, its romantic landscape of water, bridges, temples and mature trees is illuminated by shades of orange, gold and red. While the house closes after September, the gardens remain open on selected days through October and November.
Autumn colour at Highgrove Gardens
A visit to Highgrove Gardens near Tetbury offers a rare chance to see the private gardens of King Charles III and Queen Camilla dressed for autumn.
Mature trees and Japanese maples provide plenty of seasonal colour, while the wider gardens showcase the organic and wildlife-friendly approach that has shaped Highgrove over decades.
Special guided Autumn Garden Walks take place on selected dates during September and October 2026, giving visitors the chance to explore the seasonal highlights with one of Highgrove’s experienced guides. Advance booking is essential.
