Winkworth Arboretum, Hascombe

Autumn colour at Winkworth arboretum near Godalming, Surrey. — *Photo credit: Hugh Mothersole / National Trust*

This 46 hectare arboretum was given to the National Trust over 60 years ago and has loads of rare trees and shrubs amongst the 1,000 varieties found in the gardens, many with berries, nuts and fruits. You’ll also find an impressive fungi selection (none of the magic variety, sorry). Booking is recommended. Dogs welcome on short leads.

Where to eat? A couple of good options all just a short drive from the arboretum. The White Horse is just down the road in Hascombe. We’re also big fans of the Stag on the River at Lower Eashing which is just 10 mins drive, and also The Star in Witley which is 12 minutes in the car.

Ramster Gardens, Chiddingfold

Autumn colour at Ramster Gardens in Chiddingfold, Surrey.

The private Ramster Gardens open each year for only a short time and they’re well worth a wander. With more than 25 acres of gardens that includes woodlands, lakes and more formal gardens, the display is stunning at this time of year when. There are proper paths which twist and turn to reveal lovely surprises – sculptures, pretty lakes, formal plantings, rare trees and shrubs – and also make the gardens seem bigger than they actually are. The gardens and tea house are open Wed to Sun throughout autumn. Dogs on leads welcome.

Where to eat? The Crown Inn in Chiddingfold is a four minute drive from the gardens. It’s a fabulous gastropub that oozes olde world charm and cosy vibes, plus fabulous food.

Painshill, Cobham

Painshill landscape gardens, in Cobham, Surrey.

I’m a big fan of Painshilll. It’s beautiful at any time of year, but in autumn it’s breathtaking. The gardens – created by Charles Hamilton in the 1700s – are set in 158 acres, with winding paths that take you to all corners, around and over a serpentine lake, and alongside vineyard plantings that produce sparkling wines. There’s also a man-made crystal grotto, a gothic temple, a ruined abbey, a waterwheel and a Turkish tent that overlooks much of the gardens. Dogs allowed on short leads. Bikes and scooters allowed for the under fives.

Where to eat? If you head into Cobham, there are several good choices including the Coppa Club and The Ivy Brasserie. But for a great pub, we’d go directly to The Victoria in Oxshott. It’s just over 10 minutes from Painshill and the food is excellent.

Savill Garden, Virginia Water

Saville Gardens during the autumn months.

Created in the 1930s, the Savill Gardens are made up of 35 acres of interconnected gardens which includes the Hidden Gardens, Spring Wood, Summer garden and of course the Autumn Wood and Valley Gardens – which are spectacular at this time of the year as the maples and cherries strut their seasonal stuff. The fungi displays are also worth looking at.

Where to eat? We’re big fans of The Kings Arms in Egham which is five minutes’ away in the car. And you can stay the night.

Claremont Landscape Gardens, Esher

Claremont Landscape Gardens in Esher, Surrey. — *Photo credit: Chris Davies / National Trust*

Steeped in almost 300 years of history, the gardens at Claremont are an oasis of green throughout the year. But in October and November when the best of the autumn colour is on display, it’s something quite special as the maples turn a soft shade of amber. Many of the greatest names in landscape design history have put their stamp on the gardens over the years including Sir John Vanbrugh, Charles Bridgeman, William Kent and ‘Capability’ Brown. Dogs welcome on short leads.

Where to eat? Just a few minutes away is The Prince of Wales, a great pub with tasty food, stylish surrounds and a laid-back vibe.

The Sculpture Park, Churt

The Sculpture Park, near Farnham in Surrey. — *Photo credit: The Sculpture Park*

As well as more than 350 works of art, the 10-acre Sculpture Park near Farnham is also showing off its autumn beauty. Take the 2-mile trail which weaves through water gardens, woodlands and sculptures, all of which are for sale.

Where to eat? Bel and the Dragon in Churt is the nearest and an excellent option. There are also rooms, if you want to make a weekend of it. Or, head into central Farnham to the excellent The Castle, which is also a great choice.

RHS Gardens Wisley, near Woking

I love to visit the gardens at RHS Wisley at any time of the year. The summer borders are something to behold, but October and November also offer something quite special. It’s not just the mature trees that show off their autumn colour but also the heather garden at Howard’s Field and the autumn flowering cyclamen, crocus and asters.

Where to eat? Well, you’re a bit spoiled for choice here. The Anchor at Pyrford Lock, is wonderful, especially if the weather is kind and you can sit in the garden overlooking the River Wey. Or head into the the nearby town of Ripley, to the excellent Anchor gastropub on the High Street.

Hannah Peschar Sculpture Garden, Ockley

Hannah Peschar Sculpture Garden in Ockley, Surrey. — ‘Big Red Flower’ by Neil Wilkin. *Photo credit: The Hannah Peschar Sculpture Garden*

The beautiful gardens created in the early 1980s by Hannah Peschar exhibit a changing collection of contemporary sculpture throughout the year from British and European artists. There’s only a short time left to catch the autumn colour – the gardens close on 26 Oct for the winter season. Advanced bookings are a must. Dogs are allowed on a short lead.

Where to eat? Traditional 17th century pub The Scarlett Arms is less than a mile away in the village of Walliswood and serves up traditional pub fare.

Kew Gardens, Richmond

Autumn leaves at Kew Gardens in Richmond.

I love Kew Gardens at any time of year, but during autumn it’s even more special. There’s an awesome 18 meter high Treetop Walkway overlooking the gardens and there are often cool art exhibitions to scope out. If you make the trip on a chilly day you can warm up in the iconic Victorian glasshouses. No dogs.

Where to eat? The independent and family-run Greyhound Pub in Kew gets top marks for food and service. And it’s just a stone’s throw away from the gardens.

Hatchlands Park, near Guildford

A circular walks that follows the edge of the 430-acre park through woodland dressed in its finest autumn colours, as ell as open parkland with distant views of the house and the pretty Surrey countryside. Dogs allowed.

Where to eat? Some great options here – our first choice would be The Queen’s Head, but The King William IV and The Onslow Arms are also good pubs.

AND A LITTLE FURTHER AFIELD…

Wakehurst, Haywards Heath, Sussex

Wakehurst Place in Sussex. — *Photo credit: Jim Holden / RBG Kew*

The woodlands at the 500-acre Wakehurst Place are scattered with vibrant reds, burnt oranges, sunset yellows plus some pinks and purples at this time of year. The botanic garden is home to the Millennium Seed Bank. Booking is recommended, and over half term is essential.

Bolderwood Arboretum, near Lyndhurst, Hants

Spanning 566 square kilometres, the New Forest is quite frankly huge. Head to the Bolderwood Arboretum for some autumn tree gold, as the ferns turn a beautiful rusty red below. This area was originally part of the Bolderwood Lodge until 1833. Now, it’s open for hikers and bikers, plus there is the Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary viewing platform for wildlife spotting. Keep your eyes peeled for giant redwood trees, which are among some of the tallest trees in Britain. Free parking but donation suggested. Dogs welcome.

Blackwater Arboretum, near Brockenhurst, Hants

Yes, we’ve mentioned the New Forest already, but it’s so vast, we couldn’t help adding it in again! Blackwater is another tree-haven in the heart of this wild expanse. Take a stroll through the forest, brought to life with fiery yellow and crimson red leaves, and spot the wooden sculptures dotted around the trees. Handy hint: it has its own car parking spaces and toilet. Free parking but donation suggested. Dogs welcome.

The Vyne, Basingstoke, Hants

Stop off at this pretty Tudor mansion for an Insta-worthy view of the autumn leaves. American liquidambar trees set the landscape on fire with their bright red leaves that change to yellow and orange as the seasons shift. The dahlias will still be in bloom too. Call a friend, go for a leisurely walk before a cuppa or hot chocolate at the kiosk. Dogs welcome.

Surrey’s most stunning autumn gardens plus cosy country pubs for after

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