Escape into autumn with the National Trust

From late September through to November, the countryside, gardens and parks cared for by the National Trust burst into colour. Fiery foliage blazes across landscapes, from the reflection pond at Lyme in Stockport and the riverside woodland of Quarry Bank in Wilmslow, to the fungi-filled forests at Speke Hall in Liverpool.

From autumn colour and wildlife spectacles to apple days, Halloween and half term adventures, National Trust places celebrate the very best of the new season.

There’s plenty to see and do and what’s more, every visit helps to support the National Trust’s work as a charity looking after special places for everyone, for ever.

Top places to see autumn colour

Cheshire and Greater Manchester

Quarry Bank, Wilmslow

Steeped in industrial history, Quarry Bank might not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about escaping into nature. But with 400-acres of woodland snaking alongside the river Bollin there is plenty of room to switch off.

With four waymarked walking trails taking you to six ornamental bridges, steep-sided gorges, caves, cliffs and a variety of trees changing to vibrant shades of red, orange and yellow, autumn is the perfect time to explore this hidden gem near Manchester airport.

Plan a visit to Quarry Bank at nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank

Lyme, Stockport

A short walk from Disley train station, you’ll find a rugged estate with a historic deer park, autumnal woodland and vast moorland. Made famous as Mr. Darcy’s Pemberley in the BBC adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, wherever you walk at Lyme you’ll be rewarded with far-reaching views of Manchester, Stockport and the Peak District.

In autumn keep an eye out for one of nature’s great spectacles as male deer – stags or bucks – clash antlers in dramatic displays of strength to compete for females.

Plan a visit to Lyme at nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme

Dunham Massey, Altrincham

Carpets of autumnal bulbs are starting to awaken in Dunham Massey’s winter garden. Experience the changing colours of the season, from the cyclamen and dahlias below, to the vibrant red leaves of acer trees above your head.

Wildlife watchers can look for deer and other wildlife amongst avenues of red and orange trees either side of the flat and accessible paths in the walled deer park.

Plan a visit to Dunham Massey at nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey

Hare Hill, Macclesfield

Don’t miss your chance to visit this tranquil wooded garden before it closes for winter at the beginning of November. As autumn swoops over the Cheshire countryside, the trees across Hare Hill’s gardens and parklands provide nature's firework display, with an orange and auburn infusion of colours to be admired. The acers in particular step into the limelight and really put on a warm and inviting show of colours.

Plan a visit to Hare Hill at nationaltrust.org.uk/hare-hill

Castlefield Viaduct, Manchester

The free to visit Castlefield Viaduct sits in the heat of Manchester. Once used to carry heavy rail traffic into Manchester, the Garde II-listed viaduct is now home to a garden in the sky. The viaduct garden has been designed to provide a long season of interest.

This autumn the trees will start to bronze and you can see species like Sorbus and Guelder rose. And this year you can discover more about moss and the important part its played in Manchester’s landscape.

Plan a visit to Castlefield Viaduct at nationaltrust.org.uk/castlefield-viaduct

Liverpool and Lancashire

Speke Hall, Liverpool

Speke Hall on the bank of the river Mersey is more than just a Tudor manor house. With semi-ancient woodland, wildflower meadows and estuary walks, it’s a haven for wildlife in autumn. Wander beneath birch, oak and sweet chestnut trees putting on wonderful displays of colour, while the forest floor is filled with fascinating fungi.

Beneath your feet the carpet of sweet chestnuts and acorns provide food for jays, squirrels. Keep an eye out for finches and thrushes feeding from seed heads in the wildflower meadows, and look out towards the estuary to spot curlew, redshank and migratory birds.

Plan a visit to Speke Hall at nationaltrust.org.uk/speke-hall

Rufford Old Hall, Ormskirk

The Virginia creeper that transforms Rufford Old Hall’s entire courtyard in October is not to be missed. It’s fiery red and orange leaves set against the brick wall provides a stunning photo opportunity.

In the orchard it’s expected to be a bumper year for fruiting trees. Here you can pick your own selection of apples and pears for a small donation which goes towards conservation work to look after special places like Rufford Old Hall.

Plan a visit to Rufford Old Hall at nationaltrust.org.uk/rufford-old-hall

Gawthorpe Hall, Padiham

The woodland at Gawthorpe Hall is a great place for fungi fanatics due to the increased wetness from the autumn rain. Over 30 different species of fungus were found in a recent survey done by the Gawthorpe rangers – including Jellybaby fungus, Trooping Crumblecap, Puffball, and Turkeytail.

Plan a visit to Gawthorpe Hall at nationaltrust.org.uk/gawthorpe-hall