Visitors in the grounds of Polesden Lacey, Surrey — Visitors in the grounds of Polesden Lacey | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Gardens and parkland in Surrey

Discover peaceful gardens in the golden autumn light in Surrey. Come out for an uplifting stroll at Polesden Lacey, Hatchlands Park, Claremont Landscape Garden and Winkworth Arboretum. Herbaceous borders are a glorious tangle of late flowers and seedheads and kitchen gardens are flowing with produce. October brings glorious autumn colours on the hillsides at Winkworth Arboretum, Polesden Lacey and the Surrey Hills.

Autumn gardens in Surrey

Polesden Lacey

Polesden Lacey’s 1400 acre estate is home to 200 acres of ancient woodland, framing breath-taking views. Explore the formal gardens, late-flower plants in the herbaceous borders and the kitchen gardens, full of produce, dahlias and sunflowers. In the orchard branches are laden with apples. The views from the South Lawn at Polesden Lacey, are particularly stunning in autumn. Later in the season the trees knit tunnels of yellows, browns and reds, casting an autumnal glow along the route.

Winkworth Arboretum

Winkworth is the National Trust’s only arboretum and it is famed for its autumn colour. The whole hillside at Winkworth Arboretum lights up in a kaleidoscope of colours in autumn. Acers, katsuas and maples are the stars of the show, while the liquidambar leaves turn crimson, orange and purple. The Dr Fox Autumn Amble is a winding walking route that takes in 10 colour bursts of the most technicoloured corners of the arboretum at this time of year.

Hatchlands Park

With waymarked walks to suit all abilities, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the parkland at Hatchlands this autumn. Delight in the vibrant red of the native wild service trees and the glorious mass of gold and yellow foliage of the beech woodland. Hatchlands has many ancient and notable trees including the boundary oak and twisted sweet chestnut. Later in autumn, the majestic oaks in the parkland turn to shades of amber, cinnamon and burnt umber.

Claremont Landscape Garden

Autumn brings beautiful and varied colours to Claremont with spectacular views from all around the lake, from high on Stoney Hill and from Camellia Terrace. Look out for the 300-year-old sweet chestnuts and lime-lined avenues, which light up in yellow. Duck under the canopy of the lakeside tulip tree and you’ll find yourself in a world of bright, beautiful yellow foliage.