A green and beautiful county like Hertfordshire is sure to have its share of autumnal habitats, where colours collide and make for a truly beautiful sight. To celebrate and inspire trips out to see them, we’ve pulled together a list of the best places to discover a dash of colour this season...
As Hertfordshire residents, we absolutely love the scenic walks and stunning countryside views that our county provides. But did you know that Ashridge Estate’s special area of woodland and unique habitats is currently at risk? Together with Natural England, the National Trust, and other local authorities, Dacorum Borough Council are working on a new programme designed to protect this Special Area of Conservation's wildlife, habitats and woodland from damage caused by walkers. So, in an effort to help us all respect and protect this beautiful landscape, we're sharing some of the many other glorious spots where you can stretch your legs and enjoy the Hertfordshire countryside this autumn.
If you’d like to find out more about the programme, visit the webpage here.
Marriott’s grounds
Big skies in autumnal photos can be something to behold, as soon as it rains and gives way to a sunset the colours can come alive like orange northern lights. With 22 acres of landscaped grounds at the Hanbury Manor Marriott and a variety of nature and trees, some of which maintain their green colour while others lose their leaves and a beautiful mix of oranges and reds, be sure to pop by and wander, finished off by an afternoon tea by the fire...
St Albans Cathedral
If you follow our Instagram, you'll soon see a firm favourite of local photographers is St Albans Cathedral. Whether it be on a crisp winter’s morning, or lit by a golden sunset, it has grandeur for any Instagram feed. In Autumn, as you'll see by the photo here, the cathedral is perfectly framed by the trees surrounding it and the leaves that have fallen. If you're looking for a bit of peace be sure to wander the grounds and grab that pleasing autumnal photo with the bells in the background.
Cassiobury Park
Watford’s Cassiobury Park, one of the UK’s top parks has the coveted Green Flag and covers 190 acres, and with the urban centre nearby it can provide a good place to escape to get your daily exercise. Yet if you're not nearby, simply take a look at the location on Instagram, and with plenty of oak trees, the orange leaves of the park will brighten anyone’s feed or just generally perk you up! Fall’s gold in Cassiobury Park
Pishiobury Park
With thousands of years of history right back to the Romans and a parkland originally an enclosed garden designed by Capability Brown, Pishiobury Park is a 30 hectare space that even has grazing cattle - perfect for the subject in the Instagram photos! Wander the open space for some fresh air and the trees will create a background like no other.
The Grove
Popular walks, a golf course and open air pool all sum up The Grove in summer, but when autumn comes the 300 acres of grounds break out in colour as well. Stay a night in the hotel and wander the grounds grabbing snaps of the leaves, followed by an afternoon in the spa, topped off by a meal at The Glasshouse to watch the golden sunset!
Stanborough Park
Picturesque lakes, stunning sunsets and an abundance of foliage and trees, Stanborough Park brings the ultimate autumn package. With those vibrant autumnal colours that we're all captivated by, your phones and camera will be at the ready, because trust us, you can capture the perfect Instagrammable moments right here.
Tring Park
One of the top spots on our Instagram feed, Tring Park's wide open vistas, acres of woodland and wildflowers really lend themselves to the lens. Crunch through the broad-leafed woodland walks, or hop on your bike for sensational views along the King Charles Ride. Bonus points if you manage to capture a four-legged friend on your leafy wanders.
The Grand Union Canal, Hemel Hempstead
The Grand Union Canal is one of our most photogenic spots, whatever the season, but come autumn we love the sight of ruby red trees reflected in the waterways, and brightly coloured canal boats sailing. Get in your steps, grab your camera, and be sure to stop by local favourite in Hemel Hempstead, Smiths Coffee Shop for a cup of locally ground coffee for your strolls.
Box Moor
Covering more than 500 acres of rural landscapes across Hemel Hempstead and Bovingdon, you'll have your pick of picturesque views at Box Moor. As The Box Moor Trust manages this land in an environmentally sensitive manner, you're sure to spot a whole diverse range of wildlife and flora and fauna, so lace up your walking boots and prepare to stretch your legs, camera in hand.
Cheslyn House Gardens
One of Watford's most magnificent sights, Cheslyn House & Gardens offers architectural splendour, surrounded by 3.5 acres of beautifully designed gardens and woodland. Keep your eyes open for plants architect Henry Colbeck and his wife Daisy brought back from their travels around the world.
St Albans Museum + Gallery
This season head to the very centre of St Albans and your eye will be drawn to the magnificent St Albans Museum + Gallery. Get a shot of the russet leaves on trees outside the old Town Hall building, and on Wednesday and and Saturday, be sure to grab a shot of the market stalls, and a pastry or two and some local produce while you're at it!
Verulamium Museum
Set in the rolling beauty of St Albans' Verulamium Park, the Verulamium Museum is the picture of autumn glory, with its red plaster walls, set against a backdrop of autumn colour. Inside, you'll find a whole host of historical artifacts, from mosaics to pottering, telling the tale of St Albans' Roman links.
Sopwell Ruins
St Albans is a city rich in history so it really shouldn't surprise us that just around the corner from its beautiful Cathedral (another one for the Instagram grid) are the equally awe-inspiring ruins of Sopwell mansion. Surrounding this incredible piece of history, parkland and tree-lined paths are waiting to be walked, so bring along your four-legged friend and get snapping in their autumn glory!
Reveley Lodge
In the east of the county, Reveley Lodge is another Hertfordshire beauty. Visit this Grade II listed house and you'll have free entry to the acres of gardens, which boast a rose garden, pond (just think of those autumn colour reflections), woodland walk, kitchen garden and more. What's more, this is a great spot for a little taste of the season, with home-grown produce on sale to take home, plus treats to be had at the Garden Cafe.