Where to See the Best Autumn Colour at Leonardslee
As autumn takes hold, Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens becomes a landscape of fiery reds, golden yellows, russet browns and copper tones. Across the 240 acre estate, ancient gardens, tranquil lakes and exceptional specimen trees create a constantly changing display, with different corners of the gardens revealing something new as the season progresses.
Where Autumn Burns Brightest
Acers, more commonly known as maples, are among the stars of autumn at Leonardslee, painting the gardens in a breathtaking display of reds, oranges and golds.
Explore the Rock Garden and admire the Japanese Maple, a British and Irish Champion renowned for its dazzling autumn foliage. Descend into the valley to discover the vibrant Acer × zoeschense and Acer buergerianum, bringing a fiery mix of colour to the landscape.
Don’t miss Acer Walk, where a diverse collection showcases the remarkable variety of these autumn favourites, from the variegated foliage of Acer pseudoplatanus ‘Simon Louis Freres’ to the deep purple leaves of Acer platanoides ‘Crimson King’.
Discover autumn at Leonardslee and explore the gardens at their most colourful.
Reflections of Autumn
Autumn transforms the gardens around Leonardslee’s lakes, as fiery foliage is reflected in the still waters. The interplay of colour, light and shadow creates mesmerising views, making the lakes a particularly beautiful place to experience the season.
There is plenty to look for beyond the autumn colour, too. A few hardy dragonflies can still be spotted as the season progresses. Common Darters often bask on paths near the lakes well into November, while Willow Emerald Dragonflies can be seen around the weeping willows from late August through October.
Bark, Berries & Autumn Detail
As autumn leaves fade, the intricate patterns and textures of tree bark are revealed. From the smooth, silvery gleam of birch bark to the deeply furrowed character of oak, the gardens showcase a captivating array of textures. These remarkable structures are not only eye catching but essential to a tree’s survival, while providing habitats for countless creatures.
Autumn also brings a burst of colour from Leonardslee’s berry bushes and trees, attracting birds, insects and small mammals. Around the lakes, look out for fiery clusters of Rowan, Hawthorn and Guelder rose berries, and don’t miss the unusual, lychee like fruits of the Kousa dogwood trees.
Take a closer look at the seasonal details on your next visit.
A Garden World of Fungi
Autumn brings a different kind of magic to the gardens, with fungi appearing among fallen leaves, moss and tree roots.
Keep a watchful eye out for Chicken of the woods, Cauliflower fungi, Snowy Waxcap, Fly Agaric, Porcelain fungus and Trooping Funnels, to name just a few. Each has its own distinctive shape, colour and texture, adding another layer of interest to an autumn walk.
These unique organisms are both beautiful and fragile, so please admire them from afar.
The Rock Garden
Leonardslee’s historic Victorian Rock Garden offers a different perspective on autumn. As the season unfolds, its Pulhamite rocks become a tapestry of greens, blues and yellows, with intricate lichens and moss creating fascinating patterns and textures across the landscape.
Take time to explore the winding paths and discover the details within this remarkable garden, a true piece of Leonardslee’s horticultural history.
Into the Quiet of the Deer Park
The Top Garden and adjoining Deer Park offer a quieter perspective on autumn. Once a vibrant Pinetum, the Top Garden now features a collection of evergreen conifers that stand out against the changing seasonal palette.
Just south of Leonardslee House, the 70 acre Deer Park is home to more than 100 Sika and Fallow deer. As the days grow shorter, the park takes on an atmospheric quality, with deer moving quietly through the trees and fallen leaves carpeting the ground.
Nearby, New Pond, the estate’s largest lake, reflects the surrounding trees and dappled autumn light, offering another peaceful viewpoint from which to take in the season.
Come and experience the changing landscape for yourself.
