Autumn along the River Thames

Autumn is the perfect season to enjoy the River Thames and explore its spectacular Autumn gardens. Take a boat trip to catch the Autumn colours, the red and gold leaves in all their glory. Enjoy a walk along the Thames Path National Trail and stop off at one of the local riverside pubs and inns. It is also the time of pumpkins and Halloween and wonderful fireworks lighting the night skies.

Take a boat trip to see the Autumn Colours

Cruise from Maidenhead with French Brothers through the magnificent hanging woods at Cliveden and experience the beautiful colours of Autumn. Choose from a morning trip with hearty ploughman's lunch and an afternoon trip with a full English tea. Dates: 20,21,22,28 October 2018
Enjoy a Vintage Themed Afternoon Tea with Hobbs of Henley as you view the Autumn colours on the riverbank. Dates: 23/9 and 30/9. Alternatively book one of their new Gin cruises!

Autumn is the time of year to explore the gardens

Cliveden National Trust gardens are spectacular at this time of year, ablaze with colour. Autumn highlights include: the Japanese Water Garden, the woodlands hold a huge variety of glowing bronze and golden tones and The Grand Avenue from the Fountain of Love up to the house glows with a deep rich autumnal hue. Find out more about Autum at Cliveden and the Autumn events including: Garden Tours, Apple Weekend and Tree Climbing.
Savill Garden & Windsor Great Park’s stunning Autumn Colour is a feast for the eyes – especially the maples and cherries, and for families, a fascinating Autumn Nature Trail is not to be missed.
Hampton Court Palace is the perfect place to relax in over 60 acres of the beautiful gardens that run down to the River Thames, featuring sparkling fountains, glorious displays of over 200,000 flowering bulbs and 750 acres of tranquil royal parkland. Autumn colours add to the gardens, especially in the Tiltyard, Wilderness and 20th Century Garden.

Autumn at Cliveden National Trust Gardens

Cliveden National Trust gardens are spectacular at this time of year, ablaze with colour. In Autumn, the Japanese Water Garden offers the golden yellows and burnished reds of the Norway and Japanese maples and look out for the acers. The woodlands hold a huge variety of glowing bronze and golden tones and the sweeping views from the chalky cliff top over the Thames are the ideal place to see the county with its autumnal tones. The Grand Avenue from the Fountain of Love up to the house glows with a deep rich autumnal hue, while the lime tree avenues elsewhere turn a warm yellow which are particularly lovely if you catch the afternoon light through them.

Tuesday Garden Tours: Autumn - Led by a member of our gardens team, these Tuesday garden tours are your opportunity to learn more about around Cliveden's ancient formal gardens.
Apple Weekend, 6 October 2018 - Taste Cliveden's apples, explore the trail, sample local cider and take part in a range of apple themed activities.
Have a wonder through the Water Garden and discover the newly restored bells on the Chinese Pagoda and don’t miss the golden yellow Gingko Biloba trees to give you an indication of what autumn colours looked like 200 million years ago.
Tree Climbing, Wednesday 25 October - See the glorious October sun glisten down upon Cliveden's woodlands from high above the treetops.

Great Pubs and Inns for Autumn Walks

The Bailiwick, Englefield Green – Take a walk in the Great Park or Valley Gardens and enjoy the Autumn colours. Afterwards stop at The Bailiwick, on the outskirts of Windsor Great Park which was built as a shop in 1877 and now offers an array of gin, whiskies and local ales as well as a fresh menu every day.
The Miller of Mansfield – Enjoy a stay at the Miller of Mansfield and explore the Goring Gap, the valley of the Thames is situated between the Chilterns and the North Wessex Downs. Goring and Streatley are linked together by a long bridge across the Thames. Walk from Goring to Pangbourne and catch the train back.

Take an Autumn Break

Macdonald Compleat Angler, Marlow – Autumn Break Offer A romantic riverside retreat, quietly nestled on the banks of the Thames. There are two award winning restaurants, both offering delicious food and drink, and afterwards you can relax in luxurious four-star ensuite accommodation from £120 room only and £147 B&B.
Runnymede on Thames Hotel & Spa – Stress Free Sunday Break Wander along the riverbank and enjoy the Autumn colours, you might even spot a Kingfisher. Relax in the warm and cosy spa with a treatment, tuck into Sunday lunch in the riverside enjoy a lazy breakfast with late check out of 2pm. £170pp
Oakley Court, Windsor – Friday Feeling!! Book Bed & Breakfast on a Friday and enjoy Dinner in the 2AA rosette award winning restaurant, The Dining Room. for an extra £10 per person
Cliveden, Nr Windsor – A Taste of Cliveden Experience the luxurious new Spa this Autumn before enjoying a complimentary dinner for 2 when staying overnight. From £495 per room, per night.