October brings us low winter sunsets spilling pink and orange hues across the skies, blustery winds fit for any Winnie-the-Pooh story, and of course the ever changing treescape as trees lose their leaves. We've been known to walk a few feet off our chosen path just to step on that crunchy looking leaf, and admit it, you have too!

Cheltenham is lucky to have plenty of wide open spaces, walking and hiking tracks and some gorgeous urban parks and gardens. Plus, we're within a short drive to some of the best woodlands and arboretums for you to enjoy. We've picked our top places to enjoy the autumnal sights...

Best places to see autumn leaves in Cheltenham...

Pittville Park

With it's lake, footpaths, boathouse woodland area and of course the imposing Pittville Pump Room, Pittville Park, which is just a five minute walk from the town centre, is a great place for an autumnal exploration. The trees are turning, the sunrises and sunsets are pretty epic and you don't even need to leave town!

We recommend you grab a coffee from the Boathouse Cafe, Pittville Pump Room Cafe or Central Cross Cafe to enjoy whilst you soak in the beautiful scenery!

Best places to see autumn leaves in Cheltenham...

The Promenade

Originally designed for society's darlings to see and be seen, this wide avenue is still tree-lined today. You can enjoy the open space of Imperial Gardens, enjoy Neptune's Fountain and the shops along the way, all while under the canopy of the big trees which are slowing losing their leaves...

Best places to see autumn leaves in Cheltenham...

Crickley Hill Country Park

A National Trust managed space less than five minutes drive from the town centre (or a fairly steep 20 minute walk if you are up for it), Crickley Hill Country Park benefits from plenty of parking, established footpaths and a gorgeous, managed woodland. Pop on your wellies, and enjoy the views, plus plenty of crunchy leaves. The views down onto Cheltenham are pretty epic too!

Best places to see autumn leaves near Cheltenham...

Sudeley Castle (26 minutes from Cheltenham)

The imposing and wonderful Sudeley Castle at Winchcombe stands in extensive grounds. Some are landscaped and some have a wonderful countryside feel, but there's plenty of space to enjoy the autumnal pops of colour. Just check out this picture...

Best places to see autumn leaves near Cheltenham...

Cranham Woods (26 minutes from Cheltenham)

A largely beech woodland, Cranham Woods offers a quiet, off-road walk with plenty of autumnal colour. You can extend your route with a walk to Painswick Beacon for views over the valley, or head to Cooper's Hill to see just how steep the cheeserolling is! 

Best places to see autumn leaves near Cheltenham...

Painswick Rococo Gardens (28 minutes from Cheltenham)

Painswick Rococo is the only surviving rococo garden in the UK that is open to the public. It has a flambouyant feel typical of the time and plenty of trees between which paths loop. Enjoy the colour bursts all around this garden and the quirky buildings in between! They're even growing pumpkins!

Best places to see autumn leaves near Cheltenham...

Frith Woods (34 minutes from Cheltenham)

Another rather gorgeous beech wood adorning the Slad valley, Frith Wood is a short drive beyond Cranham. You can also move easily from Frith Wood across to Laurie Lee Wood Nature Reserve, as immortalised in Cider with Rosie.

Best places to see autumn leaves near Cheltenham..

Westonbirt Arboretum (51 minutes from Cheltenham)

Explore trees from around the globe and see every autumnal hue you can imagine. Westonbirt Arboretum is easily accessible from Cheltenham via the M5 motorway and is definitely worth the visit!

Best places to see autumn leaves near Cheltenham...

Batsford Arboretum (51 minutes from Cheltenham)

Autumn brings with it a riot of leaf colour ranging from deep butter yellow through to orange reds and crimsons as well as an abundance of berries.  It’s a natural fireworks spectacular throughout the autumn months.

Best places to see autumn leaves near Cheltenham...

Forest of Dean & Wye Valley (50 minutes from Cheltenham)

With plenty of places to stop off in this huge ancient woodland, there are few sights greater than the changing colours here. Walk through the woodlands and enjoy the trees from below, or climb Symonds Yat for an aerial view!

Read more about exploring the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley here - Day trip to the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley from Cheltenham

Related

Pittville Park
Municipal Park
Pittville Pump Room Cheltenham across the lake

A fantastic blend of living history, open spaces, children's activities and of course a boating lake! The perfect place to spend a day...

The Promenade and Long Gardens
Garden
The Promenade and Long Gardens

Cheltenham's famous Promenade dates back to 1818 at the height of the Regency period, when the avenue of elms and horse chestnut trees was first planted.

Crickley Hill Country Park
Natural Wildlife Site
Crickley Hill Cheltenham

Visit part of the beautiful Cotswold countryside at Crickley Hill Country Park.  Managed jointly by the National Trust and Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, the park is a haven for nature and home to many birds, reptiles and mammals and is recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its wonderful variety of wildflowers. Rising above the city of Gloucester, Crickley Hill it also boasts breath-taking views over the Severn Vale, the Brecon Beacons and Black Mountain.

Sudeley Castle & Gardens
Castle/Fort
Sudeley Castle

Award-winning gardens surrounding Castle and medieval ruins. Exhibitions, castle rooms, gift shop & cafes, the best adventure play fort in Gloucestershire!

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