An autumn colour tonic…just what the doctor ordered

Autumn. What a fantastic time of the year. The still warm sun burns away the morning mist lurking in valleys and meadows to set off the colours of the moor, mountain and countryside. That light brings landscapes into sharp focus, sets off gardens and woodland in their autumn glory and gives a last gasp brilliance before the dark days to come.

They say autumn colours improve your mood and boost that feel-good factor. So let’s get out there.

The Westonbirt National Arboretum, in Gloucestershire, has a treetop walkway to put you in amongst the colours. Faskally Woods, in Perthshire, is hosting its Enchanted Forest light and sound show. Bodnant Gardens, Colwyn Bay, shows off its Champion Trees in a stunning setting overlooking Snowdonia and there’s the world famous Stourhead, in Wiltshire, where the trees’ incandescent colours are reflected in the lake.

And it is so easy to find first-rate places to stay and enjoy all this, along with the best of the British and Irish way of life. Use our brochure of bed and breakfast accommodation – The Little Green Book – and websites for B&B homes and self-catering.

All the B&Bs and cottages have been specially selected to ensure that they provide high quality accommodation. They range from country cottages to town houses, manor houses to farm houses – all offering a warm welcome and good value. The hosts are all keen to promote their part of the country and suggest fun days out and how best to get there.

Water and colour do wonders for Scotland before winter takes a grip. Seasonal rains boost the stunning Braan Falls at The Hermitage, Perthshire, and the Falls of Dochart, in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Then it’s rich green pines and golden woodland framing Loch Trool in the Galloway Forest Park. After dark, colour gives way to blackness and stars in the Dark Sky Park. See VisitScotland.

It’s England versus New England in the autumn spectacular stakes. The ethereal beauty of The Broads, the enhanced honeyed delights of the Cotswolds, the mystery and mists of Dartmoor and Exmoor, the inspirational Lake District, the warm, rich Weald and Downland have a head start. See VisitEngland

Wales is showing off its autumnal woodland. There’s the hidden gem on the Haford Estate, Ceredigon, with waterfalls, cascades and tunnels. Revel in the River Wye’s carnival of colour on a gentle canoe ride between Tintern and Chepstow. And the season of mists is the time for a ghost walk. Join the screaming at Bodelwyddan Castle and Tenby. Visit VisitWales.

In Ireland, the Wild Atlantic Way is as wild as ever and the Causeway Coastal Route is still as majestic. Powercourt Estate, in County Wicklow, is one of the Top Ten Houses of the World. See why. And the Boyne Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site older than Stonehenge and the pyramids. Touch the history. See VisitIreland.

Some more ideas…

September

8^th – 9^th – Great Yarmouth Maritime Festival

21^st-29^th – Appledore Book Festival

28^th-30^th – Porthcawl Elvis Festival

28^th-30^th – Southport British Musical Fireworks Championships

October

5^th-13^th – Hull Fair

5^th-14^th – Birmingham Comedy Festival

6^th Real – Ale Train, Llangollen

11^th-14^th – Falmouth Oyster Festival

12^th-14^th Railway in Wartime, North Yorkshire Moors Railway