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As the leaves turn to rich reds and nature prepares its breathtaking finale of the year, autumn brings an abundance of opulent colour to Hampshire’s gardens which glimmer in the low golden sunshine this time of the year – here are five of our faves.
Exbury Gardens, New Forest
A shining jewel of the New Forest, Exbury Gardens has 200 acres of woodland that turns to a warm palette of reds, oranges, and yellows in the autumn.
Visitors can enjoy Exbury’s autumnal displays until 3 November 2024 and for October half term the eerie Exbury Halloween ghost train thrills younger visitors.
Find out more about Exbury Gardens
 Matt Pringle.jpg)
Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey
An autumnal arboretum that glows throughout the season, Sir Harold Hillier Gardens near Romsey has 14 National Collections, 600 Champion Trees, and 42,000 plants flourishing in one of the most important modern plant collections in the world.
During autumn, the trees turn to tones of bronze and gold, and the autumn sun ripens the fruits and berries of the season.
Sir Harold Hillier Gardens also holds a range of seasonal events including autumn and Halloween trails.
Find out more about Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
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Hinton Ampner National Trust credit Paul Gallivan
Hinton Ampner, Alresford
Not only does Hinton Ampner’s much cared for garden look naturally stunning in the autumn, but the National Trust estate also adds to the seasonal festivities with Hinton's Harvest Celebration from 21 September until 4 November and pumpkin displays around the garden from 12 October to 4 November, creating beautiful autumn photo opportunities.
Beyond the gardens, the autumn colour continues into Hinton Ampner’s parkland where ancient trees rub branches and impressive estate walks provide stunning views over the South Downs.
Find out more about Hinton Ampner
National Trust Images credit Arnhel de Serra
Mottisfont, Romsey
Mottisfont’s grand chestnut trees drop shiny conkers amongst their giant golden leaves every autumn, tempting young nature hunters to collect them for seasonal crafts and games. Families are also invited to use the wheelbarrows and rakes to help fill the leaf bins that supply the garden’s home-grown compost.
The National Trust garden at Mottisfont is also home to the National Collection of plane trees which provide a sensational autumn display of colour, and the honey hues continue along the estate’s tree-lined path beside the River Test.
During October half term, Mottisfont’s Pumpkin Parade brings a Halloween trail and pumpkin displays adding to the autumnal fun.
Find out more about Mottisfont
The Vyne National Trust Images credit Hugh Mothersole
The Vyne, Basingstoke
Autumn colour is reflected in The Vyne’s warm, red-bricked Tudor mansion façade and tranquil lakes, beautifully enhancing the warm fall tones at this National Trust estate near Basingstoke.
Within the gardens there’s an extensive dahlia border in the walled garden popping with late summer colour and a fruit orchard adding its appley aromas to the autumn senses.
Follow Lime Avenue to find the 600-year-old Hundred Guinea Oak tree and ancient woodland brimming with beautiful leaves.
From 26 October to 3 November The Vyne’s Hallowe'en pumpkin trail provides jack-o’-lantern themed fun.
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