>>NOVEMBER

PLANNER

Where to go, and when, for rich autumn colours

Until 6 November

Ex ry G rd s n Ste R ay

Exbury Gardens is a hidden gem, deep in the New Forest National Park. October and November are the best times to see an explosion of autumnal colour. The rangers have even devised a special autumn path for visitors. Southampton, Hampshire SO45 1AZ Tel 023 8089 1203 Web www.exbury.co.uk

Until October. Whitelady Waterfall until November

Ly f r G rg

Be prepared for quite a steep climb and beautiful colours. Lydford Gorge is famed for its Whitelady Waterfall, which you’ll come to after following the meandering River Lyd. Against the reds, oranges and yellows, it looks spectacular. Lydford, Tavistock, Devon EX20 4BH Tel 01822 820 320 Web www.nationaltrust.org.uk

IEW

IN ON V

ITA

/ – BR

IEW

INONV

ITA

©BR

14 | NOVEMBER 2011 | www.practicalcaravan.com /IEW

INONV

ITA

IE WOODCOCK

©BR

JENN

October and November

West r Ar ret

With 16,000 types of trees spread across more than 600 acres, you’ll be hard pushed to find a more spectacular seasonal scene than that at the National Arboretum. Like Exbury, it has special autumn trails to help you find Westonbirt’s 79 types of trees. Westonbirt, the National Arboretum, Tetbury, Glos GL8 8QS Tel 01666 880 220 Web www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt

October and November

C edd r G rg n C ves

There are 274 steps to the top of Cheddar Gorge and another 48 to the top of the lookout tower perched upon it. From there, you’ll have 360˚ views of vividly hued plants clinging to gorge rock. Cheddar, Somerset BS27 3QF Tel 01934 742 343 Web www.cheddargorge.co.uk

CARAVAN CLUB

IONAL TRUST

NAT

October and November

A id E t t

Ashridge Woods covers a total of 2000 acres. The thousands of beech trees shed their leaves in autumn, creating an amazing sight. Look for deer, woodpeckers and rare fungi on one of the designated routes through the forest. Ashridge Estate Visitor Centre, Moneybury Hill, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire HP4 1LX Tel 01442 851 227 Web www.nationaltrust.org.uk www.practicalcaravan.com | NOVEMBER 2011 | 15