A gorgeous walk located just an hour from London is said to be the ‘prettiest autumn walk in England’ – thanks to its bold autumnal colours and amazing castle views
You could treat yourself to the “prettiest” autumn escape just an hour outside of London. We could all do with getting outdoors more often to help boost our mood and connect with nature. So if you want to escape city life and venture into the countryside, then one stunning location just outside of London could be just what you need.
There are plenty of places within a short distance from here that you can go to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, but one location that people are talking about online is said to be the best place to go this autumn. It boasts amazing castle views and looks “absolutely magical” when the leaves start changing colour.
In an Instagram video, a woman named Dani said one of the most “beautiful” day trips in England took her to Hever Castle in Kent, around an hour and a half drive from London, or just 45 minutes on public transport from London Bridge to Hever.
Hever Castle is known for being the seat of the Boleyn family from 1462 to 1539, and was famously the place where Anne Boleyn, the second queen of King Henry VIII, spent her early youth.
In her video, Dani filmed herself skipping through pathways adorned with fallen leaves in all the classic autumnal shades, as well as filming shots of the castle itself, and the swans swimming in the water nearby.
She captioned her clip: “If you want to see some of the most beautiful autumn colours, take a trip to Hever Castle – Anne Boleyn’s childhood home – where the grounds are absolutely magical when the leaves start changing.
“You can wander through the gardens, see the castle, take a steamboat across the lake and spend the whole day feeling like you’ve stepped into an autumn fairytale.”
Commenters on the post were blown away by how gorgeous the area looked, with many people saying they would have to check it out themselves. Others who live near Hever attested to its beauty, saying they love to visit regularly.
One person said: “Hever Castle is just magical.” Another added: “Wow, it looks incredible! I hope to visit this autumn.” A third wrote: “Looks amazing.”
If you want to visit Hever Castle specifically for the autumn colours, they are running a special Autumn Colour event from the 28th September until the 1st November. This includes seasonal workshops, expert talks, and hands-on activities.
A description on the website reads: “Learn about fungi with RHS Gold Medal-winning growers the Caley Brothers, explore remarkable trees with renowned arboriculturist Tony Kirkham MBE, enjoy forest bathing wellbeing sessions, and get creative with sustainable autumn crafts.
“Whether you’re seeking inspiration for your own garden or simply looking for memorable autumn activities in Kent, Autumn Colour at Hever Castle offers something for all ages.”
Hever Castle is open daily from 10:30am, but final entry and final exit depend on the time of year. From now until the 24th October, final entry is at 4:30pm and final exit is at 6pm.
The castle is not free to visit. To visit the gardens during this time of year, which is described as “main season”, adults will be charged £19.95, and children aged five to 17 cost £12.50. To visit the gardens and wander through the castle itself, adult tickets cost £25.20, and child tickets are £14.05.
If you live locally and will visit the castle regularly, you can also become a member, which grants you free daytime entry throughout the year. For gardens only, a membership costs £66.55 for an adult, while gardens and castle access costs £80.80.
