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Autumn: Leaf Peeping the Vibrant Colours

The season of autumn sets the forest aglow, vibrant colours cover the land, it's a wonderful time for a woodland walk and you'll find the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is one of the best places in the UK to go Leaf Peeping!

Leaf Peeping is a term growing in popularity here in the UK. It has come from North America where people enjoy travelling to view and photograph the changing season, as the foliage turns from summer greens to the yellows, reds and golds of autumn.

With over 20 million trees in the Forest of Dean alone, the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley covers around 600 square miles and is a heaven for leaf peepers. Home to a wide variety of majestic oak, ash, birch, beech, larch, sweet chestnut and many more, the foliage lights up as the days start to draw in, creating an indulgent visual feast.

We created the first ever Guide to Leaf Peeping and introduced the idea to the UK. You can download our Leaf Peeping Guide here or use our interactive map to follow our special Leaf Peeping Drive through sweeping countryside with river views across ancient woodland before delving deeper into 10 hotspots en route to enjoy breathtaking views, riverside walks, lakes and arboretums drenched in autumnal colour. It’s doable in a day at 50 miles or stay over for a Leaf Peeping escape this autumn. Or, simply choose shorter sections to combine with other activities.

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Leaf Peeping Hotspots

There is no shortage of places to go to see the amazing array of autumn colours across the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, but we’ve scratched our heads and picked out the very best top 10 spots to make sure you don’t miss out. All these and more are included in our PDF guide to Leaf Peeping which includes a driving route taking in all 10 and a Google Map of the route so you can follow it using GPS as well.
Leaf Peeping Drive

We have created a Leaf Peeping Drive through the region which is a total of 50 miles. Enjoy the whole route or pick up sections of it to take in the best autumn hotspots which allow you to disappear into a world of glowing oak, ash and beech trees that contrast against thick pines and yews. Download it as a PDF or use our Google Map route and follow it using GPS.
Leaf Peeping Walks

Our Chief Leaf Peeper Paul Rutter designed three very special walks to take to enjoy the best autumnal foliage in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, ideal for leaf peepers who want to stretch their legs and explore further.
Leaf Peeping Escapes

Our recommended Leafy Escapes enable you to wake up being greeted by stunning autumn foliage before being treated to leaf themed activities and forest trails right on your doorstep. Cottages, hotels, treehouses and more, perfect for an autumn retreat.
Leaf Peeping Experiences

Come for the leaves and stay for the fun! The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley hosts an array of activities and experiences that can complement Leaf Peeping, offering different ways to experience the autumn foliage. Outdoor adventure or indoor relaxation, there's a wide range to choose from.
Leaf Peeping Feasts

The harvest is in full swing throughout autumn, with the bushes laden with berries and fungi carpeting the forest floor and meadows. Get involved in one of the foodie experiences to feast on the autumn bounty or dine in style from a seasonal menu.
Leaf Peeping Crafts

This region abounds with arts and crafts and we have a wide range of Leaf Peeping crafts available for all ages, from pottery to mosaic, flower arranging to photography!
Junior Leaf Peepers

Children’s eyes will light up when they see a pile of leaves and they will soon be running, jumping and kicking their way through the season. Find out about some more fun activities helping our junior Leaf Peepers enjoy the forest in autumn.
Meet our Chief Leaf Peeper

Paul Rutter is a tree specialist and woodland advisor with over 45 years of experience, he has been a guiding light to help bring together this guide to Leaf Peeping and advise on the very best places to go Leaf Peeping this autumn.
Leaf Peeping Photography Tips

Find out why autumn is such a joy for photographers and how leaf peepers can get the very best shots with top tips from the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley School of Photography.
Accessible Leaf Peeping

Find out how to make the most of Leaf Peeping with reduced mobility including two of our top ten locations which offer off-road mobility hire. We want to make sure those with reduced mobility can still get out and enjoy exploring the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.