Worcestershire is famous for its stunning autumnal colour - so we wanted to share some of our top tips for enjoying the best of the county this season…
1. Deer Rutting Season – at the Wyre Forest
Autumn is a special time to visit the Wyre Forest. The leaves are changing colour and the nights are drawing in. So much fun can be had splashing in puddles, spotting the autumn colours and warming up with a hot chocolate but if you want an extra special reason to visit – Autumn is also a special time for wildlife and for the fallow deer in Wyre Forest it means that rutting season is here.
The rutting season takes place in late September and October and sees rival males battle for the right to mate with the females. It really is quite a sight and you will often hear groans and grunts from the male deer, breaking through the usual peace of the forest.
This is a very sensitive time for the deer and it is important that this natural behaviour is not disturbed, so some small areas of the forest are closed but you can still go deer spotting – sticking to the main paths.
2. Arley Arboretum
Once voted by Countryfile as ‘the best place to see the autumn colours’ it’s not a surprise the Arley is on our list…
Arley Arboretum is one of the oldest Arboretums in Great Britain and is stunning all year round, but its Acer Glade of red leaves looks specular this time of year. Near Bewdley, it boasts more than 300 species of trees in formal and informal plantings and gardens.
Nestling in the Severn Valley and overlooking the river, it has been growing and maturing in this idyllic setting for two centuries. With a wonderful café on site, it makes for a great afternoon wander with cake as the reward!
3. Take a Panoramic View
A great way to check out the patchwork of autumn colours is from above…and we have a wonderful array of viewpoints to enjoy the county.
Perhaps it’s a visit to Broadway Tower, where on a clear day you can see 16 counties – based on the Wychavon Way it’s a great stop-off point for walkers and cyclers but equally, a great spot to enjoy the view and a speciality hot chocolate in a stunning Cotswolds Stone café.
Or if you want to get out and enjoy a breath of fresh air, you can take in the autumn views from the top of the Malvern Hills.
Malvern’s North Hill offers a Patchwork of Autumn Colour this October. The 2.5-mile walk offers an unrivalled, breath-taking view of the region’s contrasting autumn hues, take a walk (albeit a steep one) out of Great Malvern, up Happy Valley Road, to one of the arguably quieter peaks of the Malvern Hills range – North Hill.
From its highest point, looking down and around, you’ll take in a splendid view of the majestic Worcestershire Beacon and a patchwork canvas of rolling hills and flat meadows, dense coppices and open farmland, bathed in the rich reds, flame oranges and coppers, warm yellows and tawny browns of the season.
4. The Diglis River Loop
If you are looking for something a little more urban with great accessibility, the Diglis Loop offers a refreshing and easy 2-mile walk close to the City Centre. With River Views, you can take in the sights of the Diglis Island, the stunning Cathedral and the Diglis Basin.
This route takes in a number of pubs and restaurants that are part of our Taste Worcester Event running between the 7th and 29th October, so why not check out the great deals the the Diglis Hotel, Piston Gin and The Anchor. All that walking deserves a reward!
5. Bodenham Arboretum
Bodenham Arboretum, just outside Wolverley is yet another stunning place to see in Autumn, another Countryfile favourite! Autumn brings with it a riot of leaf colour ranging from deep butter yellow through to orange, reds, and crimsons as well as an abundance of berries.
It’s a natural fireworks spectacular throughout the autumn months. Hundreds of trees put on an autumn display that is perhaps the most spectacular in the area. The Acers will go from bright yellow to vibrant oranges and reds. Scarlet Oaks will, as their name suggests, fill the woods with sweeps of vibrant red, and even Magnolia with its bright red seed pods add to the spectacle.
6. The Diglis Fish Pass
As we head into mid-autumn we start to see salmon making their autumn migration upstream to spawn. Last year some visitors spotted these fin-tastic fish heading past #DiglisFishWindow. Will you spot any this year?
Sessions are open to book now. Why not link a visit to the Diglis River Loop walk.
7. Arrow Valley Country Park
At 900 acres, Arrow Valley is the largest area of open space in Redditch – and it’s not just a beautiful environment, it’s packed full of things to see and do.
The park is set over 2.5 square miles of countryside, between Forge Mill Needle Museum, the protected ancient monument of medieval Bordesley Abbey and the Abbey Stadium to the north and Washford Mill to the south. The River Arrow meanders through it and together with the 29-acre Arrow Valley Lake there are excellent wildlife habitats as well as great walks and activities.
Check out the new ‘Boathouse’ Café for a warming drink and delicious local food.
8. Clent Hills
Last but not least on our autumnal list are the Clent Hills. The Clent Hills offer a haven of peace and tranquillity, with beautiful woodland and plenty of wildlife, perfect to blow away the cobwebs with an autumn ramble. From the Nimmings Wood car park, it is an easy walk up to the top of Clent Hill and the Four Stones. Take in views that stretch for miles across rolling countryside and urban sprawl.
Make Worcestershire part of your Autumnal Story – why not share your adventures with us @visitworcestershire
