Hampshire &amp; Isle of Wight


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bolderwood-arboretum-new-forest"><a href="https://www.forestryengland.uk/bolderwood">Bolderwood Arboretum</a>, New Forest</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/10/Bolderwood-New-Forest-Richard-Loader-min.jpg" alt="Bolderwood New Forest" class="wp-image-32363" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/10/Bolderwood-New-Forest-Richard-Loader-min.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/10/Bolderwood-New-Forest-Richard-Loader-min-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/10/Bolderwood-New-Forest-Richard-Loader-min-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/10/Bolderwood-New-Forest-Richard-Loader-min-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/10/Bolderwood-New-Forest-Richard-Loader-min-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pic: Richard Loader</figcaption></figure>



<p>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&#8217;s open for hikers and bikers, plus there is the <a href="https://www.thenewforest.co.uk/things-to-do/bolderwood-deer-sanctuary-p789391">Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary</a> viewing platform for wildlife spotting. Keep your eyes peeled for giant redwoods, some of the tallest trees in Britain. <em>Free parking but £3 donation suggested. Dogs welcome.</em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sir-harold-hillier-gardens-romsey"><a href="https://www.hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/hilliergardens">Sir Harold Hillier Gardens</a>, Romsey</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/2-Sir-Harold-Hillier.jpg" alt="Harold Hillier Gardens arboretum autumn colour autumn walks Hampshire" class="wp-image-19706" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/2-Sir-Harold-Hillier.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/2-Sir-Harold-Hillier-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/2-Sir-Harold-Hillier-667x500.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/2-Sir-Harold-Hillier-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/2-Sir-Harold-Hillier-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pic: Sir Harold Hillier Gardens</figcaption></figure>



<p>Armed with a grand plan to cultivate the best garden in the UK, Sir Harold Hillier hasn&#8217;t done a bad job of it. 180 acres of trees, plants and shrubs make up this a beautiful Hampshire gem. For bright orange leaves, head to the Acer Valley where Japanese maple trees line the way. If you have the kids in tow, stomp through piles of leaves before taking them to the Wobbly Bridge. <em>Adult tickets £11.60, children £3.10. No dogs.</em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-borthwood-copse-sandown-isle-of-wight"><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/borthwood-copse">Borthwood Copse</a>, Sandown, Isle of Wight</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="945" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/10/Bothwood-Copse-autumn-Isle-of-Wight.jpg" alt="Autumn colour arboretums Bothwood Copse Sandown National Trust Isle of Wight" class="wp-image-35485" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/10/Bothwood-Copse-autumn-Isle-of-Wight.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/10/Bothwood-Copse-autumn-Isle-of-Wight-800x504.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/10/Bothwood-Copse-autumn-Isle-of-Wight-1000x630.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/10/Bothwood-Copse-autumn-Isle-of-Wight-768x484.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>This medieval forest, owned by the National Trust, was once part of an old hunting ground, like the New Forest. Now you can stroll between the ancient oak and beech trees without worrying about being shot by a bow-and-arrow. Keep your eyes peeled and you might see a flash of red disappear up a tree &#8211; this is prime squirrel territory. <em>Dogs welcome.</em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-west-walk-forest-of-bere-wickham"><a href="https://www.forestryengland.uk/west-walk">West Walk</a>, Forest of Bere, Wickham</h2>



<p>West Walk is the largest remaining fragment of the Forest of Bere, another ancient woodland that once stood in Hampshire. Made up of 350 hectares, you can swoosh through the leaves here on an autumn morning and feel the sun beam through the canopy, plus it’s a great dog walking spot. Park at the Hundred Acres Road car park and there’s usually a converted horsebox parked up on weekends for a coffee and cake fix. <em>Parking from £1.80 for two hours. Dogs welcome.</em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exbury-gardens-southampton"><a href="https://www.exbury.co.uk/">Exbury Gardens</a>, Southampton</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1124" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/10/Exbury-Gardens-autumn-credit-Marie-Louise-Agius.jpg" alt="Autumn colour trees Exbury Gardens Hampshire walks arboretums" class="wp-image-35489" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/10/Exbury-Gardens-autumn-credit-Marie-Louise-Agius.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/10/Exbury-Gardens-autumn-credit-Marie-Louise-Agius-800x599.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/10/Exbury-Gardens-autumn-credit-Marie-Louise-Agius-1000x749.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/10/Exbury-Gardens-autumn-credit-Marie-Louise-Agius-768x575.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pic: Exbury Gardens, <em>Marie Louise Agius</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>Exbury’s woodland and garden originally belonged to a branch of the famous Rothschild family. Now it is home to literally thousands of trees, plants and a steam railway (a good way to tempt the kids). Head to the Bog Garden and Azalea Drive, ablaze with orange maple leaves in the autumn. Come back in the spring to see the rhododendrons doing their gorgeous pink thing. <em>Tickets are £13 for adults, £5.50 for children. Dogs welcome.</em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-queen-elizabeth-country-park-horndean"><a href="https://www.hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/countryparks/qecp">Queen Elizabeth Country Park</a>, Horndean</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/6-Queen-Elizabeth-CP.jpg" alt="Queen Elizabeth Country Park Hampshire Petersfield autumn walks" class="wp-image-19710" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/6-Queen-Elizabeth-CP.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/6-Queen-Elizabeth-CP-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/6-Queen-Elizabeth-CP-667x500.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/6-Queen-Elizabeth-CP-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/6-Queen-Elizabeth-CP-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Close to Petersfield, the 600 hectare Queen Elizabeth Country Park is the largest country park in Hampshire. Little wonder it’s a popular spot with walkers and mountain bikers. Climb neighbouring Butser Hill, the highest point in the South Downs, to gain leafy views down to the sea as the leaves turn golden yellow. Stop in the Beechwood Kitchen for a cuppa after. <em>Parking costs from £2 for an hour. Dogs welcome.</em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-medina-arboretum-isle-of-wight"><a href="https://www.iow.gov.uk/libraries-leisure-and-heritage/recreation-and-lesiure/parks-and-public-spaces/council-managed-parks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Medina Arboretum</a>, Isle of Wight</h2>



<p>Stroll around the two large ponds and wind your way through the oak trees at Medina Arboretum and Bohemia Woods as your little ones collect acorns. It’s a little off-the-beaten-track, but you can access the woodland from a public footpath near Little Fairlee Farm. Seaclose Park, next door, is home of the renowned Isle of Wight Festival each June. <em>Free entry. Dogs welcome.</em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vyne-basingstoke"><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/the-vyne/">The Vyne</a>, Basingstoke</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="633" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/10/The-Vyne-autumn-colour-against-summerhouse-National-Trust-Virginia-Langer-min-1000x633.jpg" alt="The Vyne National Trust Hampshire Basingstoke autumn colour walks Pic: Virginia-Langer" class="wp-image-28530" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/10/The-Vyne-autumn-colour-against-summerhouse-National-Trust-Virginia-Langer-min-1000x633.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/10/The-Vyne-autumn-colour-against-summerhouse-National-Trust-Virginia-Langer-min-800x506.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/10/The-Vyne-autumn-colour-against-summerhouse-National-Trust-Virginia-Langer-min-768x486.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/10/The-Vyne-autumn-colour-against-summerhouse-National-Trust-Virginia-Langer-min-830x525.jpg 830w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/10/The-Vyne-autumn-colour-against-summerhouse-National-Trust-Virginia-Langer-min.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pic: National Trust Images, <em>Virginia Langer</em>.</figcaption></figure>



<p>Stop off at our favourite 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. Call a friend, go for a leisurely walk before a cuppa or hot chocolate in the Tudor Brewhouse. <em>Adult tickets £15, children £7.50. Dogs welcome.</em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moors-valley-country-park-and-forest-ringwood"><a href="https://www.moors-valley.co.uk/">Moors Valley Country Park and Forest</a>, Ringwood</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/11-Moors-Valley.jpg" alt="Moors Valley Country Park autumn walks Ringwood country parks Hampshire New Forest" class="wp-image-19715" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/11-Moors-Valley.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/11-Moors-Valley-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/11-Moors-Valley-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/11-Moors-Valley-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/09/11-Moors-Valley-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>There&#8217;s nothing like a burst of autumn colour to improve the mood &#8211; and no better place to watch the beech turn golden or the ironwood transform to deep purple than at Moors Valley Country Park. With 1,000 acres to explore, we recommend following the 3km trail from the totem pole near the Cycle Hire Centre. <em>Parking from £3.50/£4.90 for an hour. Dogs welcome.</em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hindhead-common-and-the-devil-s-punchbowl-hindhead"><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/surrey/hindhead-commons-and-the-devils-punch-bowl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hindhead Common and The Devil&#8217;s Punchbowl</a>, Hindhead</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="565" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/10/Autumn-Hindhead-Devils-Punchbowl-1000x565.jpg" alt="Hindhead Common and The Devil's Punchbowl" class="wp-image-35486" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/10/Autumn-Hindhead-Devils-Punchbowl-1000x565.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/10/Autumn-Hindhead-Devils-Punchbowl-800x452.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/10/Autumn-Hindhead-Devils-Punchbowl-768x434.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/10/Autumn-Hindhead-Devils-Punchbowl.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pic: National Trust Images, <em>John Miller</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>Sitting on the East Hampshire-Surrey border, the Devil’s Punch Bowl is Europe’s largest spring-eroded valley. No longer cut through by the A3, this National Trust Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) has peaceful trails through woods and healthland and offers up some spectacular autumn countryside views. If the spooky name doesn&#8217;t cut it, pick up a free Halloween trail to pique the kid&#8217;s interest then warm up at the café after with coffee and cake. <em>Parking costs from £2 per hour. Dogs welcome.</em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-river-hamble-country-park-southampton"><a href="https://www.hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/countryparks/rhcp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">River Hamble Country Park</a>, Southampton</h2>



<p>Misty morning walks are extra magical at River Hamble Country Park. Meander through the woodland towards the river and at very low tides, see if you can spot the wreck of the Grace Dieu, a naval ship that sank in 1439 after it was struck by lightning! There are dozens of well-surfaced trails, so you shouldn’t get <em>too</em> muddy here. Although of course, kids are natural mud magnets. <em>Parking costs from £2.50 for an hour. Dogs welcome.</em></p>


Local arboretums and forests to visit this autumn

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