As much as we might not want it to come, autumn is evidently rearing its head. With wetter, windier weather already setting in, and of course the leaves falling (if a bit earlier than usual), we can feel the change of seasons already, especially up here in the north. Don’t fret, though, because the joys of autumn can still be enjoyed in our region, not least the changing of the leaves.
New data from cottages.com reveals the best areas to see green turn to bright orange and brown, with Arnside & Silverdale named one of England’s top spots for ‘leaf-peeping’, the US-born trend of travelling to see autumn foliage at its colourful best. But it’s the only entry in the top ten that isn’t in the South.
Last year, UK searches for ‘leaf peeping’ saw a 10-year high of 1.5k searches in September – a 25% increase on the previous year. While this pales in comparison to the US’ 24.6K peak, the YoY increase shows growing interest from Brits.
This top autumn spot on the Lake District’s doorstep holds its own against Surrey Hills and the New Forest, with 19.04% of its landscape covered in broadleaf woodland. It sits comfortably ahead of its far more famous neighbour, the Lake District, which ranks 33rd out of the landscapes measured, despite being the North’s best-known autumn escape.
Famous for its amazing wildlife, stunning scenery, and superb walks, Arnside and Silverdale sits just before the Lake District, coming from Manchester, and boasts coastal surroundings and of course plenty of foliage to admire.
Stunning limestone pavements, ancient woodlands, intimate orchards and meadows and an impressive coastline make Arnside and Silverdale National Landscape one of England’s finest landscapes – especially in the autumn. It’s around a 1.5 hour drive from Manchester, and even less on the train to Arnside.
How did the rest of the North fare?
The research has ranked England’s regions by broadleaf woodland cover, the leaf type responsible for the richest autumn colour. The South leads on coverage, but that doesn’t mean the North’s smaller pockets of woodland don’t hold the same beauty in the autumn months.
In North Yorkshire, the lesser-known Howardian Hills (8.04%) and North York Moors (7.17%) both comfortably outrank the Yorkshire Dales (1.57%) for broadleaf woodland cover.
Belinda Vazquez, staycation expert at cottages.com, said: “The South might have more woodland on paper, but the North has its own beauty and charm when it comes to autumn colour.
“Autumn colour in the Lake District, Northumberland and the Dales is every bit as spectacular, just on a smaller scale. Less woodland doesn’t mean less colour – it just means a different kind of walk to enjoy it.
“If you’re looking for somewhere a little quieter for your leaf-peeping getaway this year, the North is worth a consideration. Many flock to the South in the hope of end-of-season warmer temperatures, which is the wrong vibe for leaf-peeping and just drives up the visitor footfall”.
Northern England rankings
5. Arnside & Silverdale, National Landscape (19.04%)
25. Howardian Hills, National Landscape (8.04%)
27. North York Moors, National Park (7.17%)
33. Lake District, National Park (6.07%)
39. Yorkshire Dales, National Park (1.57%)
40. Northumberland, National Park (1.37%)
