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The Lake District beauty spot named one of the best to see autumn leaves
by Liv Clarke · Manchester Evening NewsA forest in the Lake District has been named one of the best places in the UK for the “ultimate autumnal scenes” according to a new study. Whinlatter Forest, located west of Keswick, ranked third in a list of the top 10 parks and forests across the country where you can view autumn foliage.
Only one other site in the North West made the list: Marbury Country Park in Cheshire, which came in 8th place. Researchers from holiday park operator Verdant Leisure looked at the percentage of woodland in each spot and the number of positive Tripadvisor reviews to compile the list.
Whinlatter Forest, known as England’s only true mountain forest, is composed of fir, spruce and oak trees. It rises up to 790m, offering breathtaking views across Bassenthwaite Lake, Derwentwater and Keswick, making it one of the best locations to witness the changing of the seasons. It’s criss-crossed with walking and cycling trails, and features a Go Ape Tree Top Trek.
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Writing about Marbury Country Park, researchers said: “The lime avenues exude grandeur in a celebration of this historic estate, which boasts Marbury Hall, Marbury Arboretum and a 15-acre nature reserve where wildlife thrives. A network of accessible, surfaced paths through the Northwich Woodlands, which sits within the estate, are suitably designed for walking, cycling or horse-riding through the autumnal foliage.”
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Culzean Country Park in Ayrshire, Scotland was named the number spot to see autumn foliage. The castle, perched atop a cliff, features vast grounds with lakes, walled gardens and deer parks, along with a huge woodland which becomes a blaze of a colour at this time of year.
Callam Mcloughlin, travel expert at Verdant Leisure commented: “The natural landscapes of the UK are spectacular all through the year, but when the leaves turn orange and gold in autumn these popular sights become even more special. Many people will be hoping for a last-minute getaway before the cold, winter weather closes in, and there’s plenty of time to see the changing of the seasons from summer to autumn.”
The top 10 locations in the UK for the ‘ultimate autumnal scenes’ according to Verdant Leisure
- Culzean Country Park, Ayrshire
- Moors Valley Country Park, Dorset
- Whinlatter Forest Park, Cumbria
- Box Hill, Surrey
- Kielder Forest Park, Northumberland
- Galloway Forest Park, Dumfries and Galloway
- Lydford Forest, Devon
- Marbury Country Park, Cheshire
- Bradgate Park, Leicestershire
- Thorndon Country Park, Essex