Walk through history
Autumn is the perfect time of year to explore English Heritage’s diverse range of resplendent historic gardens
The historic gardens in English Heritage’s care are among the finest in the country. From sweeping parkland and pretty parterres, to showstopping water features and shady woodland walks, these spectacular spaces have made horticultural history and offer fantastic days out. Read on to discover what you can enjoy at some of these special sites this autumn…
Osborne, Isle of Wight
Once the seaside home of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert (you can still see her bathing machine on her private beach!), Osborne is vast and full of treasures. Many of the best trees for autumn colour can be found to the north of the walled garden, while close to Swiss Cottage (the small house the royal children played in), the leaves of the sweet gum turn orangey-red and the tulip tree a buttery yellow.
Brodsworth Hall and Gardens, South Yorkshire
As you wander the rooms of Brodsworth Hall, you can immerse yourself in its faded grandeur, which has been gently conserved to tell the stories of the generations of people who have lived here. Outside though, the gardens have been expertly restored to their former glory. Through the beech lawns you can admire the autumn crocuses, while the fern dell explodes with red and copper tones as the deciduous ferns break down.
Audley End House and Gardens, Essex
Witness the seasonal changes at one of English Heritage’s most beautiful gardens. You’ll see stately cedars in the parkland, the Howard oak (one of only two in the world) near the parterre, and ripening apples in Audley’s Kitchen Gardens. Pears and several varieties of vegetables are also harvested here – each one in keeping with those grown and used in the house in the 1880s. Inside this remarkable Victorian country pile, you can discover what life was like both above and below stairs.
Walmer Castle and Gardens, Kent
From a Tudor fortress to an award-winning attraction, Walmer Castle’s eight acres are ripe for exploration. Bring your walking shoes and follow its woodland walk, now covered in beautiful cyclamen and colchicum. Elsewhere, you’ll come upon the vibrant red flowering cherries – a striking contrast to the yellow-hued sycamores. Venture inside the castle walls and you’ll find the Duke of Wellington’s bedroom, unchanged from when he lived and died there.
Witley Court and Gardens, Worcestershire
This magnificent Italianate building was frequented by partygoers in the Victorian era. Now, it’s a great spot for family adventures with its dramatic ruins and expansive gardens that are rich with autumnal hues. A favourite view is the early morning vista over the grounds, when looming mists cast a dewy blanket across the lake. Why not bring your dog along and enjoy a stroll in the glorious surrounds?