The UK has a wide range of stunning geographical features and ancient landscapes, including centuries-old country estates and historic woodland.

Autumn is an especially wonderful time to visit the latter, as corridors between towering beeches and the shores of ornamental lakes turn golden brown and the air turns fresher.

Keep reading for your guide to some of the best locations for autumn walks within driving distance of Future Planning HQ, as well as wherever you are in the UK.

1. Croome Court, Worcestershire

Situated just an hour north of Future Planning’s Swindon offices, Croome Court is a National Trust property midway between Pershore and Upton-upon-Severn in South Worcestershire.

The Court itself is a mid-18th-century mansion within extensive grounds that mark the first commission of renowned English landscape architect “Capability” Brown.

Take time to wander around the ornamental lake and you’ll find a surprise around every corner, from the Rotunda “garden room” and the London Arch at the main park entrance to viewing points such as the Park Seat and grotto.

2. Nightingale Wood, near Swindon, Wiltshire

Nightingale Wood, planted just 30 years ago, features three circular walking trails that are fully accessible for buggies and wheelchairs.

A beautiful community woodland home to many species of birds, foxes, and roe deer, it makes for a perfect – and family-friendly way – to get some fresh air and explore the beauty of the changing seasons this autumn.

3. Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Gloucestershire

Westonbirt Arboretum near Tetbury in Gloucestershire is arguably the best-known arboretum in England. And while the magical tree garden – with 2,500 distinct species from across the globe – makes for a great day out all year round, it is perhaps best seen in autumn.

The diversity of species creates an array of golden hues. From the far-eastern Katsura trees’ heart-shaped and butter-yellow leaves to the rich crimson of the Winged Spindle tree, you’ll find a beautiful landscape in which to walk and contemplate the beauty of nature.

If you want to get up among the canopy and admire the leaves up close, you can do that too! The STIHL Treetop Walkway is a 300-metre long, fully-accessible catwalk that climbs 13 metres up into the canopy. Or take your kids on the Gruffalo Sculpture Trail.

If you’re sufficiently tempted to plan your autumn walk, consider ringing Forestry England’s dedicated Westonbirt Autumn Hotline on 0300 067 5691.

4. Avebury, near Marlborough, Wiltshire

The Avebury World Heritage Site near Marlborough contains a museum, a manor house, and the largest stone circle in the world.

Rather than circular paths or marked trails, you are free to wander around the stones at your leisure, taking in the history of this Neolithic henge, constructed around 3,000 BC.

Equally, download a Walking Challenge pack from the National Trust and receive a guide outlining four trails around Avebury, with a further four to explore around Stonehenge.

5. Soudley Ponds, near Cinderford, Gloucestershire

Looked after by Forestry England, Soudley Ponds is a wildlife haven in the beautiful Forest of Dean.

Paths around the ponds and steeper trails up to the ridge overlooking the River Severn provide options for all fitness levels.

Whichever you opt for, you’ll find autumnal splendour beside the foreboding Douglas firs that line the routes and tower over the ponds’ connecting bridges.

6. Emmetts Garden and Chartwell, Kent

The Weardale Walk in Kent combines the beautiful Emmetts Garden and Chartwell, the former home of Sir Winston Churchill. While the house itself is closed for winter conservation, it is open for a limited number of Christmas events.

The woodlands of the estate, with their corridors of brown crunching leaves, are open as usual though and form part of a 5-mile circular route that also takes in Toys Hill and Hosey Common.

Both Emmets Garden and Chartwell are owned by the National Trust.

7. Hardcastle Crags, West Yorkshire

The National Trust describes Hardcastle Crags as a walker’s paradise. With more than 15 miles of footpaths to explore, the wooded valley combines ragged rocks, tumbling waterfalls, and mossy ravines.

Take the Railway Trail through beech and pine woods or the riverside Mill Walk along the banks of Hebden Water, which gives you the chance to spot roe deer.

Equally, you might opt for a mindfulness trail, following the eight specially written poems that mark the track through beautiful autumn woodland, helping you to slow down and enjoy a deeper, sensory experience.