Travel
Autumnal light emphasises the natural beauty of the Lake District’s landscape, when the lush rolling hills and the glowing maple leaves are ablaze with colour. Cumbria is among one of the finest places in the area to see the autumn colours and is home to some of the UK’s most delightful woodland areas including Grizedale Forest Park, whose green pines and copper beech trees frame the mountainous views - the perfect setting for a walk or bike ride on a nice autumn day.
Photos via Flickr Creative Commons
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Travel
Fall in Love with Europe's 5 Best Foliage Destinations
The daylight hours are gradually shortening and the temperatures are slowly dropping, but the passing of summer is certainly no reason to withdraw into the snug little burrows of our living room sofas. You don't need to go far to see the spectacular spectrum of colours that northern and western regions of Europe have on display, many of which rival the autumnal beauty of New England. So pull on those mittens, pack a thermos flask and indulge yourself in a casual bit of leaf-peeping in some of the most colourful and crunchy cities this autumn.
Cumbria, England
Autumnal light emphasises the natural beauty of the Lake District’s landscape, when the lush rolling hills and the glowing maple leaves are ablaze with colour. Cumbria is among one of the finest places in the area to see the autumn colours and is home to some of the UK’s most delightful woodland areas including Grizedale Forest Park, whose green pines and copper beech trees frame the mountainous views - the perfect setting for a walk or bike ride on a nice autumn day.
Bruges, Belgium
You don't even need to venture out to the countryside to experience the splendor of autumnal change. Medieval cities like Bruges are transformed in the autumn into one of Europe's most charming and idyllic cities. Crimson and golden vines cloak its old buildings in their rich autumn tones, the colours reflecting in the canals and creating an air of calm and romanticism in a city often crowded with tourists in the summer months. Stroll along the waters' edge and explore some of the open air markets that continue well into November.
Perthshire, Scotland
Renowned for its spectacular natural scenery, Perthshire (aka Big Tree Country) is perhaps the best place in Europe to see the colours change. Its lochs and rivers reflect the array of coppers and golds of its tree-lined hillsides, making it a perfect escape for an autumn day out exploring the Scottish countryside. Some of its most stunning spots include the Pass of Killiecrankie and the Meikleour Beech Hedge, both of which are especially glorious in late October / early November.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Autumn brings some fantastic colours to the streets of Amsterdam, as the city is coated in a warm blanket of leaves which illuminate its canals with a golden hue. The city now adopts a slower pace of life after its buzzing summer season, making it a perfect time to meander along the river with a cup of coffee. The rich colours of the foliage often contrast against grey-ish skies in October and November which can be the city's rainiest months, so don't forget an umbrella!
Oslo, Norway
Autumn is a wonderful time to visit Europe's northern region, where the seasonal change is particularly striking. As the leaves start to turn, the woodland areas take on new life and are ideal to explore on evening walks or foraging expeditions while there is still plenty of daylight. Oslo, adorned with beautiful grounds and parks, is particularly stunning at this time of year. Lined with imposing deciduous trees, Akershus Fortress and the Vigeland Sculpture Park make for a colourful backdrop on a sunny autumn day. Alternatively, head just outside the city to Oslomarka Forest for a great spot to see some of Norway's most vibrant autumn foliage.
About the Author: Susannah Taplin is part of the team at GoEuro, a new Internet platform that helps travellers compare and combine air, rail, bus and car travel options. She is hoping to fit in an autumn trip to visit her relatives in the northern English countryside.
Photos via Flickr Creative Commons
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