23 October 2026
England's best forests for autumn colour this half-term revealed
Forestry England’s Westonbirt, Dalby Forest and Bedgebury currently among standout locations as autumn colour gathers pace across the country.
From fiery reds and glowing oranges to golden woodland trails, Forestry England has revealed some of the best places to experience autumn colour this half-term as forests across the country begin their seasonal transformation.
The latest observations from Forestry England's Autumn Leaf Watch Tracker show colour developing at different speeds across England, with several forests already showcasing impressive displays while others are only just beginning to turn.
Among the standout locations this half-term are: Westonbirt, the National Arboretum in Gloucestershire, Guisborough Forest and Dalby Forest in Yorkshire, Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest in Kent, and Alice Holt Forest in Hampshire, where visitors can already enjoy some of the season's most vibrant displays.
Hayley Skipper, Head of Recreation at Forestry England says:
"Autumn is one of the most spectacular times of year to visit the nation's forests. The wonderful thing about the season is that it arrives at different speeds across the country, meaning there's always somewhere offering beautiful autumn colour.
"For families planning days out during half-term, this is one of the best times of year to explore the outdoors. Forests are bursting with colour, wildlife is active, and there are countless opportunities to walk, cycle, play and discover nature together.
"From world-famous tree collections at Westonbirt to family adventures in Dalby Forest, the nation's forests offer something for everyone. Wherever you are in the country, there's a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the sights, sounds and colours of autumn this half-term."
Alongside the seasonal displays, Forestry England forests are offering plenty to keep children entertained throughout half-term. From Gruffalo Granny storytelling events and magical Halloween trails to giant marble runs and family autumn colour-spotting, England’s forests offer the perfect setting for autumn fun, fresh air and quality time together.
The top five Forestry England forests to visit for autumn colour right now are:
Westonbirt, the National Arboretum, Gloucestershire
World-famous for its autumn displays, Westonbirt is beginning to showcase vibrant reds, oranges and golds across its internationally important tree collection, making it one of the country's must-visit autumn destinations.
Guisborough Forest, North Yorkshire
Recent observations suggest Guisborough is among the strongest performers for autumn colour so far this year, with rich reds and golden yellows already appearing across the forest.
Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire
Orange hues are becoming increasingly visible throughout Dalby Forest, creating colourful woodland landscapes perfect for autumn walks and family adventures.
Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, Kent
Home to one of the world's finest conifer collections, Bedgebury combines dramatic evergreen backdrops with the changing colours of broadleaf trees to create striking seasonal scenes.
Alice Holt Forest, Hampshire
Yellows and oranges are beginning to emerge across the Alice Holt Forest, offering visitors the chance to experience autumn colour in the heart of the South East.
Autumn arriving at different speeds
The Autumn Leaf Watch Tracker records observations from Forestry England forests and woodlands across England throughout the season.
This year's reports show autumn colour developing at different speeds depending on local weather conditions, geography and tree species. While some forests are already displaying vivid shades of red, orange and gold, many others remain largely green, meaning the best displays are still to come in some parts of the country.
The coming weeks are expected to bring increasingly colourful scenes across England's forests as more trees begin their annual transformation before winter.
Visitors can follow the latest changes and discover where autumn colour is emerging by visiting Forestry England's Autumn Leaf Watch Tracker.
Notes to Editor
- 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 one million cubic metres of high-quality sustainable timber every year.
In 2025-26, the nation’s forests attracted 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 wildlife to move.
- welcoming a broader range of visitors by making the nation’s forests welcoming, inclusive and accessible, and supporting one million hours of volunteering.
- planting at least 5,000 hectares of new, high-quality woodland.
Images available here. Please credit Forestry England/Crown copyright.
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