The National Trust has shared some of the best places to visit in the UK in October and November and among them a country estate which offers breathtaking views, magnificent ruins and even a deer park
Autumn stands as one of the finest seasons to explore the countryside and witness nature’s spectacular leaf-based show before winter arrives.
If the weather is spot on, this time of year truly delivers ideal walking conditions: not sweltering like summer, not bitter like winter, but just right. Then there are the stunning autumn colours, turning rural landscapes into a magnificent tapestry of hues.
To mark this enchanting season, the National Trust has compiled some of the finest excursions for the coming weeks. Amongst these is a Yorkshire estate boasting spectacular vistas, impressive ruins and even a deer park, reports the Manchester Evening News.
The National Trust suggests exploring Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal in North Yorkshire for “dramatic autumn views, with reflective pools and tree-lined avenues glowing in shades of red, yellow and brown.”
Originally, the estate comprised two distinct locations. There were the remarkable remains of Fountains Abbey, a remnant from medieval times and Britain’s most extensive monastic ruins.
Meanwhile, Studley Royal was reimagined by John Aislabie during the 18th century into one of England’s most spectacular water gardens, earning World Heritage Site recognition in 1986.
In 1767 William Aislabie purchased the Fountains Abbey ruins to finish the garden and craft the perfect panorama. Prime viewing spots include the Octagon Tower and Tent Hill, offering stunning views across the water garden, as well as the gradual reveal of the abbey from Anne Boleyn’s Seat at the Surprise View.
With autumn in full swing and October half-term just around the corner, it’s an ideal time to explore the grounds if you’re local. Wander along riverside paths that lead to a deer park, home to Red, Fallow and Sika deer, and ancient trees such as limes, oaks, and sweet chestnuts.
The abbey and garden are open daily from 10am to 4.30pm, with an on-site tea room and restaurant for visitors. Tickets start from £21 for adults, £10.50 for children aged five to 17, while under fives go free.
Free parking is available at the visitors centre. For more information, visit the National Trust website.
If you do find yourself in Yorkshire this autumn and fancy leaning into the spookier end of the month, then why not stop off in Bradford?
According to Tarotoo, the spookiest city in the UK is Bradford. The West Yorkshire spot was found to have an alarming 143 cemeteries and 255,699 grave sites. It also had 3,284 empty houses and 66,080 properties over 100 years old. As everyone knows, ghosts love old houses.
The city has a number of reportedly haunted hotspots too, including Paper Hall, which is a Grade II listed building dating back to 1643. One of the most striking reports of paranormal activity to come out of Paper Hall tells of a pair of large staring eyes belonging to a very ghastly face often seen looking out of the windows.