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Visiting Winkworth Arboretum this Autumn
When autumn arrives, Winkworth bursts into colour, its yellows, oranges and reds painting a breath-taking picture across the landscape. Learn more about Wilfrid Fox's visionary collection and find out about the best time to see the plants at the peak of their autumnal finery. Autumn is our busiest time of year at Winkworth, please be aware of the following options to ensure you get to enjoy Winkworth at this special time of year.
Plan your visit
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Autumn colour can start as early as mid-September and last until mid-November. It usually peaks in the second half of October. There's always something to see throughout the season, so follow us on social media to keep up to date with which trees are reaching their peak.
What to look out for during your visit
Maple marvels
Hundreds of maple trees burn bright with colour in September and October. Japanese maple groves can be found below Sorbus Hill, by the Azalea Steps, and in the bowls.
Colourful conifers
Not all autumn colour is broadleaved. Admire fiery larches in the upper arboretum and dawn redwood near the boathouse.
Admire the view
Dr Fox used plants to paint a picture in the landscape - and the best way to truly appreciate his work is from a distance. For the best views, seek out the viewpoints on the edge of the Magnolia Wood, the top of the Azalea Steps, the lakeside Boathouse and the eastern Meadow.
Bountiful berries
Don't miss the berries for the trees - holly, rowan, spindle, Chinese dogwood and Harlequin beauty berry all put on brilliant displays in the autumnal period.
Fascinating fungi
Along with this seasonal extravaganza of leaves, nuts and fruits, autumn also brings with it a season of spectacular fungi. Often hidden amongst the trees, nestled into roots, or growing in nooks and crannies, there’s a whole world of mushroom oddities waiting to be discovered. Whilst beautiful, some fungi can be extremely poisonous, so please do not pick or touch fungi in the wild.
Keen photographers will enjoy the chance to capture images of the fungi, which can appear as anything from small, delicate, toadstool like mushrooms, much like those in fairy tales, or as huge bracket fungi clinging to the bark of trees. They have names to match too, whether it’s oakbug milkcap, giant puffball or orange-peel fungus.
Multi-hued liquidambars
Liquidambar, or sweet-gum, conjures up a fascinating palette of crimsons, yellows and purples in the autumn season. Find them in the Badgers Bowl.
Yellow splendour
Some of the best autumnal yellows are found on the hickory and the tulip trees in Badgers Bowl. More tulip trees can be seen on the main pathway.
All about trees - Winkworth Arboretum audio guide
Explore Winkworth with Arboriculturalist Simon Toomer and Head Gardener, Graham Alderton, with our audio tour. Discover the history of tree species at the arboretum as you are led though the woodland, meadows and wetland. Ask as the kiosk for the map that accompanies this guide. Mobile reception is limited at Winkworth Arboretum but our free WIFI is available at in Arbor Tearoom so best to download the audio trail in advance.
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