This year’s autumn is shaping up to be brilliant with trees in the nation’s forests expected to burst into autumn colour earlier than usual, thanks to this summer’s record-breaking sunshine and warm temperatures. Forestry England experts, working with Met Office climate data, says signs point to a particularly vivid display of red, orange and gold autumn leaves in England forests, starting in mid to late September and lasting well into November, especially in northern regions.
What’s more, one of our very own stunning North West forests has been named one of the best spots to take advantage of these gorgeously colourful autumn displays, and since they’re set to hang around longer up here, we’re in for a treat.
Why is this happening?
The Met Office reported that June 2025 was the hottest on record, with abundant sunshine and below-average rainfall in many areas, especially in the south and east. Though the changes in weather patterns due to climate change pose a number of challenges, these warmer conditions help trees produce more sugars in their leaves, which transform into the bright pigments we all enjoy in autumn.
Forestry England suggests that if we continue to experience warm days and cool, dry nights, we could see one of the most flamboyant autumn displays in recent years.
Andrew Smith, Director of Forestry England’s Westonbirt, The National Arboretum says: “We’ve had a very warm and sunny summer, and that helps trees build up the sugars in their leaves that create those amazing autumn colours. The cooler nights and shorter days on the way will trigger the change, and we’re expecting a really beautiful display this year.”
Spots in Northern England where you can see the most beautiful autumn leaves
Grizedale Forest in the Lake District has been named amongst the most wonderful places in England to see gorgeous autumn leaves, and it’s expected to peak a little later than the rest of the country – around early to mid-October (AKA now) – but colours here tend to last longer thanks to cooler temperatures and higher rainfall.
Nestled right in the heart of the Lake District between Windermere and Coniston, Grizedale Forest offers a full range of activities from gentle walks to swinging through the trees with GoApe, a leisurely meal to exhilarating mountain bike trails.
Explore eight waymarked walking trails, including the easy-access Ridding Wood trail to the more strenuous Silurian Way taking in the summit of Carron Crag. Grizedale is also the UK’s first forest for sculpture, with over 50 unique artworks scattered throughout the trees.
Whether you’re exploring on two wheels, by foot or on horseback keep your eyes peeled for sculptures dotted throughout the forest from some of the country’s leading artists including Andy Goldsworthy, Sally Matthews and Richard Harris.
Another northern forest to make the list is Kielder Forest in Northumberland which, although across to the east coast, makes a lovely day out. It’s England’s largest forest and neighbours the biggest man-made lake in Northern Europe, plus it’s a haven for wildlife, boasting 50% of England’s red squirrel population, alongside ospreys, wild goats, roe deer, salmon, otters, and water voles.
Other areas of England where you can see the most beautiful autumn leaves
The following spots were also included in the list of best places to see autumn leaves in England:
- Alice Holt, Hampshire
- Friston Forest, East Sussex
- Thetford Forest, Norfolk
- Bedgebury Pinetum, Kent
- Salcey Forest, Nottinghamshire
- Cannock Chase Forest, Staffordshire
- Haldon Forest Park, Devon,
- Cardinham Woods, Cornwall
- Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
- Westonbirt, The National Arboretum
So keep your eyes on the trees as you stroll around this autumn, because the leaves are set to put on quite the show.