For all the autumn leaf peepers out there, you won’t disappointed by paying a visit to any of the National Trust properties in Berks, Bucks and Oxon. In September, and through October and November, the gardens cared for by the National Trust dazzle with the last hurrah of colourful dahlias, asters and anemones, followed by a blaze of fiery foliage in the parks and woodlands.

You’ll find plenty of late-summer colour in Greys Court’s walled garden, which features a series of outdoor rooms discovered by passing through gates and doors in ancient brick walls. The dahlia border near the vegetable garden is stunning in September and the Cromwellian courtyard always has a spectacular display of flowers.

The parterres at Cliveden, Waddesdon and Hughenden are all designed and planted to last well into September. The formal, geometric designs and bright colours are a contrast to cottage-style borders such as those at Nuffield Place and Chastleton which become romantically soft and rambling in the mellow season. An exception is Cliveden’s forecourt borders which remain crisp and colourful in September.

Autumn colour

The colour migrates from flowers to foliage as the season progresses and Basildon Park has a great vantage point from its balcony to see the autumn colour smouldering into life across the parkland and woodland. The majestic copper beech on the lawn, planted in Victorian times is a particular favourite.

Hughenden has typical Chilterns woodlands of beech and oak which turn yellow and bronze and crunchy underfoot with beech mast and acorns. There are lots of short and long waymarked walks to explore.

The Grecian Valley is a highlight of the autumn colour at Stowe Gardens. Beautiful copper beech and sweet chestnut trees line the valley edge and maples and spindles flash red and orange with sparks of pink spindle berries. The showstopper is the American area, loaded with red oak trees, liquid ambers and maples.

Pooch Passport

Last year, the National Trust trialled the Pooch Passport in the London and South East region and it was so well-received, they’ve expanded it to the whole of England and Wales. From 1st September 2024, visitors can pick up a Pooch Passport from any participating National Trust place and start visiting with their dog to collect stamps for dog treats.

Six stamps from different places will gain a bag of Forthglade treats, 12 stamps gains a stylish dog snood. Each dog can have its own passport.

Participating places in Bucks, Berks and Oxfordshire include: Basildon Park, Cliveden, Greys Court, Hughenden, Stowe and Waddesdon.

More info about the Pooch Passport