6 October 2026
Capture autumn’s beauty in England’s most photogenic forests
Festival season may be over, but autumn has just begun. And there's nowhere better to capture those perfect Instagram shots than with Forestry England in the nation’s forests. As the leaves transform into a stunning palette of golds, reds and ambers, the nation’s forests are becoming the must-visit backdrop for content creators and photography enthusiasts alike.
With summer's crowds dispersed and the tranquil beauty of autumn taking centre stage, now is the perfect time to swap the festival fields for forest floors.
The nation's forests are showcasing nature's most photogenic season, with leaves creating a natural filter no app can replicate. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or simply love capturing beautiful moments on your phone, these carefully selected locations offer the perfect opportunity to fill your feed with autumn's most breathtaking scenes.
Forestry England’s top 10 forests for photography
Westonbirt Arboretum, Gloucestershire
With over 200 hectares of colour to explore, Westonbirt Arboretum in a must if you want to capture the perfect autumn photo. Home to one of the most important plant collections in the world, it boasts 15,000 specimens, and 2,500 species of tree from all over the world. Head for Acer glade or Maple loop to see the national collection of maples and maple cultivars. Autumn is the time to see them in all their breathtaking glory.
Mallards Pike, Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
Visit Mallards Pike on a sunny autumn day to see bright orange needles and golden leaves reflected on the lake, creating the perfect autumnal picture. Arrive early to capture the early mist rising above the still water, an unforgettable scene for any photographer.
Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, Kent
Home to the national conifer collection, Bedgebury Pinetum and Forest offers a spectacular array of autumn colours. Bring your camera or phone and be amazed at all the photographic opportunities this glorious location provides.
Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire
Though mainly evergreen, Dalby Forest is stunning in autumn. Head to Staindale Lake to photograph the vibrant mix of colours from the surrounding trees, a dream backdrop for any photographer.
Cardinham Woods, Cornwall
A mix of ancient woodland and timber plantation guarantees a jaw-dropping multicolour display. Catch the light twinkling through the trees along the streamside Lady Vale Walk, or head uphill to admire the forest canopy stretching across the valley slopes above Cardinham Water.
Whinlatter Forest, Cumbria
Ready to be wowed? Discover Whinlatter’s story as you explore its wildlife hide, forest bathing area, and new viewpoint. Enjoy stunning autumnal views across Noble Knott’s oak woodland, where the leaves reveal a rainbow of colours.
Symonds Yat, Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
Visit the viewpoint at Symonds Yat Rock to photograph morning mist over the River Wye. Watch as the early sun makes the autumn tree colours glow—an unforgettable sight.
Moors Valley, Hampshire
For breathtaking views of the valley, head to the Lookout at Moors Valley. It’s a perfect spot to capture the beauty of autumn scenery.
Lynford Arboretum, Thetford Forest, Suffolk
In autumn, Lynford Arboretum becomes a picturesque wonderland. The diverse collection of trees and shrubs transitions from vibrant greens to a rich tapestry of reds, oranges, yellows, and golds—an ideal setting for stunning seasonal photography.
Delamere Forest, Cheshire
Delamere Forest is beautiful in autumn. Climb steeply to Old Pale and be rewarded with far-reaching views of the colourful canopy below—perfect for capturing the ultimate autumn panorama.
Notes to Editor
- Images are available here. Please credit Forestry England/Crown copyright.
- Forestry England grows and cares for the nation's forests for this generation and the next. We live and breathe forests, using our scale and expertise to look after more than 1,500 woods and forests across England. We're creating places where wildlife can thrive and people can connect with nature. And we’re producing high-quality sustainable timber.
In 2025-26, the nation’s forests inspired 326 million visits, from everyday walks and family adventures to volunteering and wellbeing activities. At the same time, we're adapting our forests today so they can thrive in a changing climate for generations to come.
By 2031, we're committed to:
- creating more than 38,000 hectares of productive forests with nature recovery at their heart, alongside 15,000 hectares of nature networks that will allow nature to move.
- welcoming a broader range of visitors and supporting one million hours of volunteering.
- planting at least 5,000 hectares of new, high-quality woodland.
Find out more at forestryengland.uk. Forestry England is an agency of the Forestry Commission.
Media Contact:
Becky Ulewicz, Media Relations Manager | media@forestryengland.uk