Autumn in the forest

Tree canopy seen from below, with leaves varying in colour from green to yellow and orange.

Forests full of colour

Experience the beauty of autumn in the forest

Let the beautiful seasonal colours boost your mood and treat yourself to a low-cost helping of feel good on a forest visit this autumn.

Take an afternoon to enjoy an autumn colour walk near you or a mindful lunch hour on a wellbeing trail. Or for an epic autumn adventure, stay longer to spot owls at dusk and enjoy the crisp autumn mornings with an overnight stay.

Whether by yourself, with friends and family or with a four-legged companion, you're guaranteed to come away with some autumn forest magic.

Feet against a colourful autumn backdrop

Ultimate guide to autumn walks

Discover woodlands packed with a palette of golds, reds and oranges as you collect fallen conkers, jump in leaf-piles and get the perfect photo. Whether you want a gentle stroll or an autumn adventure, there's an autumn walk for you.

Get active this autumn

As the weather cools and the kids go back to school, the changing scenery of forest trails in autumn are waiting for the rhythmic tread of runners and the earthy crunch of tires over leaves.

Find a cycle trail near you for an exhilarating visit on your mountain bike or a gentle cycle with a friend, or get back in the running shoes and head out on a running trail.

Person on mountain bike on a forest track in autumn.
Photo credit: Andy Lloyd
Two children in the forest pointing to a Stick Man branded panel

Autumn activities for the whole family

With crunchy leaves, shiny conkers and bright colours, autumn is a beautiful time of the year to visit the forest with your family.

As well as our Stick Man and Forest Walkies trails, we've got a great list of ideas to keep younger explorers entertained, from fungi spotting to downloadable activity sheets.

Embrace autumn

Autumn Maple Leaves
Blog

Discover how and why leaves change colour during autumn, and what science is taking place during the changing season. Learn about chlorophyll, anthocyanins, carotenes and...

Young girl playing with a bucket of autumn leaves
Family activity
20 August 2024

Download the activity pack for a wonderfully colourful day out with the kids.

Sign up to bring forest learning to life with our free downloadable activities!

A mushroom in the leaf litter
Blog
27 August 2024

It’s time to get the cosy jumpers out and kick your way through piles of fallen leaves. The nation's forests are a great place to feel those autumnal vibes!

Enjoy all the seasons of the forest with an annual national membership