Forest of Dean crowned the best spot in the UK for autumn walks

New research reveals the best places for an autumn walk in the UK, with two Gloucestershire destinations making the top 10 – and one special forest taking first place.

By Kaleigh Pritchard  |  Published
Gloucestershire is famous for its fantastic woodlands, walking trails and countryside and it's proven again with two of its hotspots named in a list of the best places for an autumn walk in the UK.

One of the best things about the transition from summer to autumn is the way nature puts on a show for the change of the seasons, with its magical display of colours turning from vivid green to a symphony of vibrant oranges and reds, brilliant browns and bright yellows.

Gloucestershire boasts plenty of glorious locations to spot autumn colour, with one in particular coming out on top in the latest polls.

New research from outdoor experts at GO Outdoors reveals that the Forest of Dean is officially the best place for an autumnal walk in the whole of the UK, beating destinations in Surrey, Derbyshire, London and Hampshire.

The study meticulously analysed TripAdvisor reviews, as well as average rainfall, to curate a top 10 list with points given for total reviews and total 'autumn' keyword mentions, amounting to an overall score out of 10.

The Forest takes first place with an overall score of 9.30, with the research pointing out its average rainfall of 67mm between September and November and scoring an overall TripAdvisor rating of 4.8 out of five.

As well as a wide range of trails to follow for leaf peeping, visitors to the Forest can also witness wildlife while exploring, from deer and badgers to wild boar and muntjacs.

Another favoured Gloucestershire spot also appears on the list; Westonbirt Arboretum sits at number seven with an overall score of 7.40.

Further making up the top five in the list is Winkworth Arboretum in Surrey, Padley Gorge in Derbyshire, Cragside in Northumberland and Richmond Park in London.

For more alfresco inspo, visit the SoGlos Outdoors section, to make the most of Gloucestershire's fantastic countryside.

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