Through October and November, the gardens cared for by the National Trust dazzle with the last hurrah of colourful dahlias, asters and anemone, followed by a blaze of fiery foliage in the parks and woodlands.
There’s plenty of colour in Greys Court’s walled garden with its series of outdoor rooms to be discovered as visitors pass through gates and doors in ancient brick walls and the parterres at Cliveden, Waddesdon and Hughenden are all designed and planted to last well into autumn. The formal, geometric designs and bright colours are a contrast to cottage-style borders, such as those at Nuffield Place and Chastleton which become romantically soft and rambling in the mellow season.
The colour migrates from flowers to foliage as the season progresses and Basildon Park has a great vantage point from its balcony to see the autumn colour smouldering into life across the parkland and woodland. The majestic copper beech on the lawn, planted in Victorian times is a particular favourite.
Hughenden has typical Chilterns woodlands of beech and oak which turn yellow and bronze and crunchy underfoot with beech mast and acorns. There are lots of short and long waymarked walks to explore.
Finally, the Grecian Valley is a highlight of the autumn colour at Stowe Gardens. Beautiful copper beech and sweet chestnut trees line the valley edge and maples and spindles flash red and orange with sparks of pink spindle berries. The showstopper is the American area, loaded with red oak trees, liquid ambers and maples.
A Paw-fect Treat
Human visitors might be tempted by the prospect of a slice of cake in the tearoom, and now your four-legged friends can enjoy a tasty incentive when they get out and about. Following a trial last year, the National Trust have expanded their Pooch Passport scheme to sites across the UK. Visitors can pick up a Pooch Passport from any participating National Trust place including Basildon Park, Cliveden, Greys Court, Hughenden, Stowe and Waddesdon.
Pooch Passport is in partnership with natural pet food maker, Forthglade. Six stamps from different places will gain a bag of Forthglade treats, 12 stamps gains a stylish dog snood.
Forthcoming Events
For Your Tomorrow,The People’s Tribute
This spectacular memorial installation to soldiers killed in 1944’s D-Day landing is currently on at Stowe Gardens until 11 November. Consisting of 1,475 life-size silhouettes of Second World War military personnel, the installation offers an opportunity to remember family, friends and colleagues lost in conflict situations over the past 80 years.
Half Term
Tracker packs at Buscot and Coleshill Estates
26 October – 3 November 10am-3.15pm £3 per tracker pack
Pick up a rucksack containing all the kit for exploring the nature of Coleshill. Return the pack when you’ve finished and pick up a nature-friendly prize.
Aesops Fables at Hughenden
25 October – 3 November An Aesops Fables interactive trail with challenges along the way inspired by fable-themed plasterwork. Storytelling sessions throughout the week for children of all ages.
Trails at Greys Court and Basildon Park
25 October – 3 November £2 per trail
Collect a trail sheet from visitor reception and follow the map to discover activities around the parkland with a small prize at the end.
Code-breakers at Stowe Gardens
1 October – 11 November £2 per trail
Find the clues solve the puzzles and crack the codes.
Autumn nature trail at Cliveden
25 October – 3 November £2 per trail
Autumn crafts and animal tracking.
For more information visit nationaltrust.org
