National Trust autumn family walks in Herefordshire

But rainy days aside, the season brings dazzling colours as the trees begin to turn and drop their leaves.

And there are plenty of places to enjoy the best of the season in Herefordshire, including at the county's National Trust properties.

Here are four autumn walks with a little something special in Herefordshire.

Brockhampton

On crisp autumn days, wrap up in cosy knitwear and head to the National Trust's Brockhampton estate near Bromyard for a perfect autumn walk with stunning valley views and richly coloured trees.

Take your pick of walks from the Herefordshire views walk, the parkland walk, the accessible orchard walk or the woodland walk. In the orchards, old and new fruit trees are laden with apples and damsons, and autumn leaves dust the landscape.

After your walk, warm up with a hot drink at the café. Don’t miss special autumn events like mushroom month and apple day in October and Hallowtide celebrations from October 26 to November 2, featuring medieval traditions, seasonal decorations, and fun activities for all ages.

Croft Castle

Autumn walks at Croft Castle and parkland surrounded by the most magnificent ancient trees offer an unforgettable seasonal experience, where you can be awed by nature as it adorns itself with vibrant autumn colours.

The National Trust estate features a variety of trails across woodland, parkland, the picturesque Fishpool Valley, and Croft Ambrey iron age hillfort, all just waiting to be discovered. The garden is equally captivating in autumn, with heritage apple varieties and seasonal produce. Don’t miss the ghost trees walk, a unique journey through time and art that highlights the stories of veteran, dead, and dying trees. This walk features collaborative artworks and poetry inspired by these ancient trees.

Warm up with a hot drink at the Carpenter’s tea room or step back in time inside the castle for a warm escape as you soak up its history.

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Berrington Hall

As you meander across the parkland at Berrington Hall, you might wonder if renowned 18th-century landscape architect ‘Capability’ Brown designed the estate for the season. The National Trust property's parkland looks magnificent as the season changes, with richly coloured trees brightening the open spaces and reflecting in the lake.

After exploring the parkland, head to the walled garden for an interesting walk among heritage apple and pear varieties in the orchard, featuring several Herefordshire and Worcestershire varieties, and some that can be traced back to the Georgian period. When the apples are ready, you can pick your own (donations for this experience are welcome).

After a crisp walk, warm up with a hot drink in the Old Servants’ Hall tea-room, or head to the warming atmosphere of the mansion.

The Weir Garden

The Weir Garden is often described as tranquil and on a crisp autumn day it is not hard to imagine why.  As you stroll through this riverside garden, you’ll be surrounded by vibrant autumn colours as the river Wye meanders along its path, surrounded by the wildlife that calls it home.

The garden’s winding paths lead you through a variety of landscapes, including ancient trees, a rockery, boat house, a historic walled garden and restored glasshouse. The crisp autumn air enhances the beauty of the ancient trees and seasonal plants, making each step a treat for the senses. Bring a flask of your favourite hot drink and stop at one of the many places you'll find to sit as you soak up the tranquillity of the garden in autumn.