October is often seen as an in-between month – it’s not quite winter, though summer is a distant memory. We’ve highlighted a few of the best British places to visit at this time of year
Isabella Plantation, Richmond Park
Situated within the 2,500 acre expanse of Richmond Park, London, and open all year round, The Isabella Plantation is a brilliantly well-kept secret that takes up 40 acres of the park and is maintained by The Royal Parks.
Before the beginning of the plantation in the 1830s, the area was boggy and unusable. After extensive rejuvenation it was then opened to the public in 1953. Since, the plantation has been immensely well cared for and continues to evolve year after year.
The plantations’ evergreen azaleas, which have a symbiotic relationship with the plantations’ native and exotic plants, attract many visitors every April to May, but the plantation is equally as beautiful in the autumn months too. Around October, the plantation is a beautiful blend of orange and red hues that should not be missed. Furthermore, due to the plantation being situated in the middle of the park, the plantation has a secretive aura and is rarely too busy.
While you are visiting the plantation, the rest of the park is worth a view too. The wildlife of the park is fascinating, with the surprisingly tame, wild deer that roam free, as well as the many breathtaking trails that look especially stunning covered in a magical morning fog.
The plantation is easily accessible, for wheel chairs too, despite being within a larger park. Enter by Peg’s Pond gate and Broomfield Hill Gate.
Lumley Castle, Durham
Set in a beautiful 600-year-old Lumley Castle, once the location of a murder, work alongside your friends and family on one its murder mystery nights. Although Lumley castle offers this ‘Motive for Murder’ event throughout the year, October is a particularly good time to take part, due to it being halloween.
Furthermore, situated near the city of Durham, Lumley Castle is a beautiful place to visit in the autumn. Warm and inviting on a chilly October day, the castle’s grounds are a beautiful setting for a brisk autumnal walk. Furthermore, the grade I listed building offers affordable, yet luxurious rooms to spend the night in and the chance to join them for an Elizabethan banquet.
While you are in the area, a quick trip into either the nearby cities of Durham or Newcastle will provide excellent day trips.
Seven Sisters, The Sussex Downs
Visit the Sussex Downs this October for a beautiful autumn adventure. The Sussex Downs is a National Trust country park that stretches all of the way from Eastbourne to Winchester. Although the Sussex Downs in itself is an excellent destination to visit this October, the striking sight of the chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters, and the view form the top, is particularly unmissable.
For the best viewing point of the seven peaks themselves, walk along Seaford Head, a point along the South Down’s Way that runs adjacent to the sisters. The trail that passes Seaford Head not only provides an excellent walk through the Sussex Downs, but also provides a brilliant view of both The Sussex Downs, and also the Belle Tout Lighthouse.
REAM MORE: Britain’s top 10 autumn food festivals
© 2024 