Where to see autumn leaves and find quiet places to enjoy Norfolk in autumn
1. Pensthorpe Natural Garden
This award-winning 700-acre nature reserve and woodland conservation park has something for everyone. A great place to see a variety of autumn beauty, including its fabulous Millennium Garden.
2. Salhouse Broad
One of largest yet most secret lakes in The Broads, this nature reserve is known for its serene experience and escapism. Its nature trail can be reached by boat!
3. Blakeney Point
This nature reserve is home to England’s largest seal colony. If you want to see common and grey seals basking on the water’s edge, book a ferry trip departing from Morston Quay.
4. Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden
During autumn witness the last burst of colours at this beautiful 130-acre ancient woodland and award-winning organic garden in the heart of the Broads.
5. Houghton Hall and Gardens
Be amazed by stunning interiors and a magnificent five-acre walled garden in this King’s Lynn stately home. It’s only open on certain days, so check before visiting. Currently hosting the Anish Kapoor sculpture exhibition.
6. Sandringham Estate
This much-loved country retreat of The Queen is set in 24 hectares of tranquil gardens. The country park features plenty of walking tracks and spot the wildlife along the way.
7. Cley and Salthouse Marshes
Autumn is among the most thrilling times of the year for birdwatchers. So dust those binoculars off and visit this Norfolk Wildlife Trust reserve, one of the best-known in the UK for birdwatching.
8. Holkham Hall and estate
A breath-taking coastal landscape, magnificent stately home and parkland will leave you spoilt for choice. Experience an array of autumn colours while deer spotting, but be careful during the rutting season.
9. Horsey Beach
Head to this wild, unspoilt sandy beach, which is often deserted during the colder months. Relax and breathe in the fresh air, and see if you can spot some grey seals!
10. Blickling Estate
The dazzling displays of autumn colour are abundant throughout the gardens and parkland. Walk around the lake for perfect reflections of the colours in the water and hope to spot a barn owl.
11. Wells-Next-the-Sea Beach
Even on a chilly day, this award-winning beach is worth a visit with its classic beach huts that look like they’re straight from a picture book.
Read more: Returning thousands of acres of Norfolk to the wild
12. East Wretham Heath
Going for a walk in the woods is always enjoyable, but it’s hard to deny that autumn provides the most stunning backdrop. Here, look out for fly agaric and other fungi!
13. Thetford Forest
The UK’s largest man made lowland forest with 18,730 hectares is somewhere to see autumnal tone at its finest. Walk through the woods and enjoy the fabulous canopy of oranges, golds and browns.
14. Roydon Common
Get the heart pumping and take in the lovely fresh air as you take a brisk strong in the common. Keep those eyes peeled for the autumn leaves in its full glory.
15. Burlingham Woods
There maybe a chill in the air but this season is among the best times to explore woods and forests as they become a glorious patchwork of colour. Don’t miss this one off your list!
16. Foxley Woods
Did you know Foxley Woods is Norfolk’s largest remaining ancient woodland? Boasting over 350 flowering plants in late spring, think how many coppery-red colour leaves there will be in autumn.
17. Tyrrels Wood
Quiet and off the beaten track, Tyrrels Wood is an ideal place to recharge your batteries. As well as containing some of the oldest oak trees in Norfolk, the woods offer you the chance to discover an excellent display of autumnal fungi.
18. The Walks, King’s Lynn
A grade II historic park, it is a fantastic place immerse yourself in the glorious autumn. The 800 mature trees are mesmerising and there is sure to be a great pile of leaves to kick.
19. Lower Wood, Ashwellthorpe
Norfolk Wildlife Trust really has some wonderful places to visit in autumn. If you want to relish spectacular woodland colour and fallen leaves this is a good suggestion.
N.B Please be aware of Covid-19 restrictions and check where possible before travelling.
