Autumn in Devon is a truly magical sight, as the county bursts to life with rich reds and browns, mixed in with the last of the summer greens. Devon’s beautiful beaches, wonderful woodland, picturesque parkland, and amazing areas of outstanding natural beauty become even more enchanting in the autumn months, with visitors enjoying mild temperatures, uncrowded attractions and vibrant colours that blanket the region. Discover our top 10 places to see the autumn leaves in Devon below…
Our Favourite Places to Admire the Autumn Colours in Devon
1) Tarr Steps
This 55m clapper bridge is the longest and oldest of its kind in the UK, welcoming visitors from near and afar since at least the 19th Century. The Tarr Steps is a great spot to admire the autumn colours, as the deciduous trees create a fascinating palette of striking hues. Wander along the riverside and immerse yourself in the stunning autumn spectacle, before heading to the nearby Tarr Farm Inn for a delicious bite to eat.
2) Knightshayes
Acres upon acres of glorious gardens and picturesque parkland surround the spectacular Gothic Revival house at Knightshayes. The glorious autumnal gardens contain one of the most exquisite and varied plant collections in Britain, with over 1200 species bursting with vibrant colours in the autumn months. The 4-acre kitchen garden is ripe for autumn harvesting, with the Stables Café showcasing some of its finest produce.
3) Killerton
The beautifully landscaped garden at Killerton is surrounded by traditional English parkland, with a magnificent 18th Century house at its core. It’s one of the National Trust’s largest estates, offering far-reaching views across the Exe Valley. In the autumn time, the estate comes alive with warm shades of rustic reds, golden browns, and vibrant yellows – ideal for an autumnal walk around the extinct volcano and Iron Age hill fort.
4) Fingle Woods
Fingle Woods is a stunning 825-acre woodland site, situated in the Teign Valley on the northern fringes of Dartmoor. Recently taken on by the National Trust and Woodland Trust, you can explore 45km of brand-new trails, whilst taking in panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Admire the autumn leaves that blanket the grounds, listen to the rushing sound of water, and discover a fascinating Iron Age hill fort at Fingle this autumn.
5) Haldon Forest Park
Immerse yourself in 3500 acres of wonderful woodland at Haldon Forest Park this autumn. The forest boasts a wide range of walking and cycling trails for all abilities, as well as a pump loop, cycle skills area, orienteering courses and even segway tours. Whether you’re looking for a gentle autumnal stroll, an exciting mountain biking adventure or to brush up on your photography skills, Haldon is well worth a visit this autumn.
6) Stover Country Park
On the outskirts of Newton Abbott sits the 114 acres of wonderful woodland, stunning heathland, glorious grassland, enchanting lakes, and magical marshes that make up Stover Country Park & Nature Reserve. There are plenty of tracks and wooded areas to explore this autumn, as well as a substantial variety of autumnal wildlife including birds, insects, dragonflies, damselflies, and small mammals.
7) Bowling Green Marsh
Situated in Topsham and bordering the Exe Estuary, Bowling Green Marsh is a great spot for bird watching; especially during the autumn and winter months. Head to the lookout hide and discover a fascinating array of autumn migrating birds, including redshanks, greenshanks, dunlins, and curlews. We recommend completing your visit with a gentle stroll around the wetlands, offering panoramic views of the marshland and Exe Estuary.
8) Fursdon Gardens
The 4-acre garden at Fursdon is a great location for an autumn stroll. The attractive and informal garden features traditional and contemporary planting, with a beautiful range of flowers, trees, and shrubs to admire in the autumn time. Seamlessly blending into the rolling parkland and boasting amazing views over the Exe Valley and beyond, the hillside garden is always interesting and colourful, whatever the season!
9) Shobrooke Park
Initially created in the 1850s, the restored Victorian gardens at Shobrooke Park are all that remains of this 19th Century mansion and grounds; after it was burnt down in 1945. Discover four enchanting lakes that cascade through this 180-acre parkland, as well as a series of formal gardens and terraces. We highly recommend taking an autumnal stroll around the lakes and crunching through the crisp, fallen leaves – the perfect family day out.
10) Bicton Park Botanical Gardens
With over 300 years of fascinating horticultural history, the Bicton Park Botanical Gardens are truly a sight to behold in the autumn months. This 64-acre garden dates back to the early 18th Century, boasting many rare plants and one of the finest collections of trees in the UK. Admire the dazzling autumn colours as demonstrated by the stunning collections of conifers, Rhododendrons, Magnolias, and Camellias.
Amazing Autumn Escapes at Exe Valley Glamping
Seeking the perfect destination for an autumnal staycation? Look no further than Exe Valley Glamping, situated in the heart of mid Devon. Our four luxury canvas tents are filling up fast for the autumn season, with our upcoming availability as follows:
Monday 12th – Friday 16th September in all tents
Friday 16th – Monday 19th September in Foxes Earth, Badger Sett & Heronry
Monday 19th – Friday 23rd September in all tents
Friday 23rd – Monday 26th September in Badger Sett, Otter’s Holt & Heronry
Monday 26th – Friday 30th September in all tents
Friday 30th – Monday 3rd October in all tents
Click here to book your amazing autumn escape in the heart of Devon today!