As the evenings get shorter and days grow chillier, nature prepares to put on its dazzling annual display of autumnal colour - here’s our guide to some of the best places to enjoy the seasonal show ....

Queenswood Arboretum
The arboretum is located at the heart of Queenswood Country Park, occupying 47 acres at the top of Dinmore Hill in the beautiful north west Herefordshire countryside.
The arboretum contains a collection of Californian redwoods, 40 different species of oak, an autumn garden with Japanese maples which display their spectacular coloured foliage in late October.
queenswoodand bodenhamlake.org

Westonbirt Arboretum
Make a day of it with a visit to the national arboretum, one of the most popular places in the country to see a blaze of autumn colour. Days are getting shorter, the air that bit cooler which means the native and exotic trees in the arboretum will be coming to life in a rich blaze of colour, with Acer Glade, in particular, a must for every visitor.
www.forestryengland.uk/westonbirt-the-national-arboretum

Until Sunday, November 3
Maple Grove at Hergest Croft
From 1985 this area was planted with new and re-introduced species following the re-opening of China to western plant collectors, including Roy Lancaster and Chris Brickell. Many of these species are the only ones growing in the UK. At the top of the Maple Grove is the Millennium Seat carved by Jim Partridge and Liz Warmsley out of an oak trunk that fell in the park in 2000.
From here there are spectacular views across the surrounding countryside to the Malvern Hills and May Hill in Gloucestershire.

Until October 20, daily 11am to 5pm
The Picton Garden
Colwall, Herefordshire
An acre and a half to the west of the Malvern Hills. In late September and early October colourful borders display the National Plant Collection of Michaelmas daisies, backed by autumn colouring trees and shrubs. The many unusual plants in the garden include bamboos, and more than 100 different ferns and acers.

October 13
Millichope Park and The Walled Garden, Lower Millichope, Craven Arms
Historic landscape gardens covering 14 acres with lakes, cascades dating from C18, woodland walks and wildflowers. Snowdrops in February, bluebells and violas in May, roses and Autumn colour in October. A tree-filled landscape, featuring historic follies and a restored Victorian walled garden.
wildegoosenursery.co.uk/nursery-and-garden/. Garden open Friday, Saturday and Sunday until October 13

Saturday and Sunday, October 5 and 6, 2pm to 5pm
Tranquillity Haven
Knighton, Powys
A Japanese Stroll Garden with views to Offa’s Dyke. Winding paths pass small pools and lead to Japanese bridges over natural stream with dippers and kingfishers. Sounds of water fill the air. Enjoy peace and tranquillity from one of the seats or the Japanese Tea House. Dense oriental planting with Cornus kousa satomi, acers, azaleas, unusual bamboos and wonderful cloud pruning.

Credenhill Park Wood
A designated Scheduled Ancient Monument and Special Wildlife Site, the site includes 13 hectares of ancient semi-natural wood. and is one of Herefordshire’s most popular destinations for an autumnal ramble.
Credenhill’s Iron Age hill fort is one of the largest hill forts in England, and it is thought to have been an Iron Age tribal capital.

The Forest of Dean
With miles of tracks and footpaths to explore, The Forest of Dean offers endless pleasure for walkers and the autumnal colours bring this stunning landscape to life. One of the highlights at this time of year is the Cyril Hart Arboretum at Speech House which was built during the reign of Charles II. 

Autumn at the Weir Garden
Embrace the seasonal changes as the summer comes to an end and the bright, crisp autumn days begin.
First to change are the leaves on the trees, a special time of the year when they put on a vibrant red, orange and brown display.
The garden highlights throughout the autumn months include the native Spindle Tree which throughout the season gives off an impressive display of fiery red leaves and popcorn-like pink fruit. Teasels also dot throughout the riverside garden with their iconic spiky flower heads which will dry and last all winter outdoors. The row of Manna Ash trees give great autumn colour and the autumn flowering cyclamen offer a late splash of colour.
nationaltrust.org.uk

From Symonds Yat Rock
Admire the picturesque views of the River Wye and surrounding area from this internationally famous viewpoint. Discover the ancient hill fort, spot birds of prey and enjoy spectacular views across the River Wye and the forest beyond. Also visit the pretty village of Symonds Yat which straddles the River Wye on the borders of Herefordshire and Gloucestershire.

Wyre Forest, Worcestershire
The Buzzard trail explores the depths of the forest through beautiful mixed woodlands, taking you along forest tracks and narrow paths, past majestic old oaks, as well as the Wyre Arboretum where you’ll discover a vivid display of golds, oranges and yellow.