Across the South East National Trust gardens and estates are coming alive with the stunning colours of autumn, and now that many are open extra days during the colder months, you can really appreciate their beauty in a whole new light.
For the first year the garden at Scotney Castle is open from Wednesdays to Sundays until 20 December. During October and November the gardens and wider estate come alive with glorious autumn colours including the vivid crimson of the winged spindle, the deep plum of the sweet gum and the fiery tones that decorate the graceful Japanese maple. While in December the frosty trees take on a whole new beauty. Another first for Scotney is the new tearoom, which opened earlier this year. Throughout the autumn and winter a delicious menu will include dishes such as beef and Scotney Ale stew served with a piece of locally baked bread.
© NTPL / David Sellman
Also open throughout autumn and winter from Wednesdays to Sundays are the gardens and wider estate at Chartwell. From its position the garden enjoys some of the best views in Kent, and the wider estate is full of the golden leaves of our native trees. The restaurant is also well worth a visit and it’s known for its use of local produce and good home-cooked dishes.
Nymans is open all year round, expect for a brief period over Christmas, which means you can enjoy its wonderful russet shades in autumn and the colours of its winter garden towards the end of the year and even into next. Don’t miss the woodland walks here too, as some of the giant tunnels of trees are truly breathtaking.
© NTPL / David Sellman
Claremont Landscape Garden, also open all year round, is the perfect place for a family day out. You can enjoy its lovely autumn colours soon and even feed the birds on the lake or let the children’s imagination run wild in the unique play area.
At Polesden Lacey, the wider estate is full of wonderful rich colours and the view from the house at the moment shows off the amazing patchwork effect of the Surrey Hills. Polesden is a real hidden gem for countryside walks, which of course can be followed by a warming bite to eat in the restaurant. And later on in the year the winter garden is a particular highlight.
© NTPL / David Sellman
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