2-for-1 Gardens - Autumn Colour

BBC Gardeners' World Magazine

Published: Friday, 22 September 2023 at 11:02 am

Join us this month as we explore some of the many 2-for-1 Gardens ablaze with breath-taking autumn colour.

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As the seasons start to change, now is the perfect time to take a trip to your nearest garden. Enjoy a long walk and catch the very last of late summer, while watching leaves turn amber and gold. Make sure to use your 2-for-1 Gardens card on your visit to ensure you're making savings on your day out.

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Knightshayes

Knightshayes ©National Trust Images/John Millar

Knightshayes © National Trust Images/John Millar

Knightshayes, near Tiverton, houses one of the National Trust's largest plant collections. Emerging from the Devon countryside, it’s made up of distinct garden areas, including a formal topiary garden and richly planted woodland. There is lots to see as autumn approaches, especially in the walled kitchen garden where dahlias bloom in a riot of bright colours. Keep an eye out in October for pumpkins and squashes ripening just in time for Halloween.

Disabled access: Full access
Dogs: Not permitted
Single visitor discount: Yes
Refreshments: Hot food and light refreshments

Find out more about Knightshayes in our 2-for-1 Gardens scheme

Visit the Knightshayes website for more details

Standen House and Garden

Standen House and Gardens, National Trust Images/Andrew Butler

Standen House and Gardens, © National Trust Images/Andrew Butler

The acer grove at Standen House and Garden, near East Grinstead in West Sussex, is ablaze with shades of crimson, green and gold in autumn. The enclosed garden rooms, including orchard and kitchen garden, are the perfect places to sit and pause after a long walk on a bright day. The Arts and Crafts style house, with original Morris & Co interiors is the perfect place to retreat if the weather takes a turn.

Disabled access: Partial access
Dogs: Permitted on the lead
Single visitor discount: Yes
Refreshments: Hot food and light refreshments

Find out more about Standen House and Gardens in our 2-for-1 Gardens scheme

Visit the Standen House and Gardens website for more details

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Speke Hall

Speke Hall, National Trust Images Andrew Butler

Speke Hall, © National Trust Images/Andrew Butler

First built in 1530, 500-year-old Speke Hall is located just outside of Liverpool. This beautifully preserved house is a great place to visit over the half-term break. There are plenty of fun activities for kids, including a giant maze and zip wire, older kids and history lovers alike can enjoy learning about the story of the house. Follow the meandering garden path through woodland, out to the wide estuary mudflats, to spot migratory wildfowl.

Disabled access: Full access
Dogs: Permitted on the lead
Single visitor discount: Yes
Refreshments: Hot food and light refreshments

Find out more about Speke Hall in our 2-for-1 Gardens scheme

Visit the Speke Hall website for more details

Tatton Park

Tatton-park

If you’re looking for a spot for a long walk on a bright autumn day, then Tatton Park in Cheshire is the perfect place to visit. In October, the 1,000-acre deer park hosts one of the UK's most dramatic spectacles - the annual deer rut. In contrast, if you are in search of some tranquillity, visit the historic Japanese Garden, filled with acers and evergreen plants for autumn and winter interest. There are also tropical glasshouses and Italianate pleasure gardens to explore, all set within the rolling country parkland.

Disabled access: Full access
Dogs: Not permitted
Single visitor discount: No
Refreshments: Hot food and light refreshment

Find out more about Tatton Park our 2-for-1 Gardens scheme

Visit the Tatton Park website for more details

Drummond Castle Garden

Drummond Gardens

Visit Drummond Castle Gardens in Perthshire, before the end of October, to see one final flush of colour. The approach features a mile-long avenue of beech trees, their golden and russet leaves contrasting blue autumn skies. Continue on, and reach the main event, Drummond’s famous parterre. Even Queen Victoria was impressed by the sight, writing in her diary that it reminded her of “an old French garden”. The rugged Perthshire countryside is the perfect counterpoint to the formality of the gardens.

Disabled access: Partial access
Dogs: Permitted on the lead
Single visitor discount: Not available
Refreshments: Not available

Find out more about Drummond Castle Gardens our 2-for-1 Gardens scheme

Visit the Drummond Castle Gardens website for more details

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