Autumn walks in Surrey with kids

In Surrey, England’s most wooded county, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to stunning autumn walks.  There are just so many places to enjoy the changing colours in the trees, kick through leaves and hunt for conkers.  Read on for our pick of the best autumn walks in Surrey with kids.

With a medley of rich autumn hues, Winkworth Arboretum is one of the top places for an autumn walk in Surrey with kids.  At the turn of the season, Winkworth is ablaze with vibrant colours such as russets, golds, and ambers.  However, the highlight of this lovely walk is the vivid reds of the Japanese maples.

Whether you follow the woodland trails, take the board walks across wetlands or the path around the lake, there is plenty to amuse your little explorers.  Winkworth Arboretum has logs to climb on, leaves to catch and some very friendly ducks.  What are you waiting for?

The next of our autumn walks in Surrey with children is at RHS Wisley.

The world-class gardens at Wisley remain resplendent throughout the seasons.  And, as autumn approaches, ancient trees, exotic plants, and seasonal flowers are still providing a kaleidoscope of colour.

The pinetum with its ancient trees provides a woodland setting, with great autumn colours.  Or climb to the top of the viewing mount for purple lavenders and great views over the gardens.

Kids will love exploring the pretty waterways of the Rock Garden, the tiny trees on the Bonsai Path, or the exotic plants in The Glasshouse.

In addition, this year Wisley gardens is hosting The Four Seasons exhibition.  Kids will love spotting these four giant sculptures around the gardens.  Each is covered with seasonal fruit, vegetables and flowers and depict spring, summer, autumn and winter.

Plus, Wisley has a new nature playground with picnic areas.

Legend says that the Devil’s Punch Bowl near Hindhead in Surrey was created by the Devil throwing boulders at Thor.  However, this large natural amphitheatre is more likely the result of years of water erosion on the clay.

Either way, it’s now a significant beauty spot and a great location for an autumn walk in Surrey with kids.

Nowadays, there are 5 walking trails at the Devil’s Punch Bowl, all of which have stunning views of the surrounding Surrey countryside.  When you get back, you can stop at the National Trust café and let kids enjoy the natural play area.

The next of our autumn walks in Surrey is in Banstead Woods, near Epssom.

Set in 250 acres of ancient woodland, Banstead Woods was originally a medieval deer park, and once owned by Catherine of Aragon.  Today, it’s a site of Special Scientific Interest and a great place to enjoy an autumn walk in Surrey, especially if you’re looking for conkers.

Another thing for children to do on a walk at Banstead Woods is follow the Narnia trail.  The woodland trail leads for 3 miles passing sculptures of Aslan the lion, Lucy Pevensie, and a wooden wardrobe.

These characters from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe have been carved out of local deadwood to create a Narnia-themed trail, which is sure to entertain little ones.

With an area of over 2,500 acres, there’s plenty of space for an autumn walk with the family at Richmond Park near Surrey.  As well as parkland, you’ll find plenty of trees and some important historical sites.  Did you know you can see all the way to St Paul’s Cathedral from St Henry’s Mound?

Plus, you can explore the Isabella Plantation, a Victorian ornamental woodland garden with a rare collection of plants and trees.  The garden has several ponds and plenty of wildlife for children to spot.

Without doubt, the best wildlife to see at Richmond Park are the deer.  Richmond Park is one of the eight Royal Parks and home to over 630 red and fallow deer.  Autumn is a great time for a walk, as this is the rutting season.  Click here for more information on exploring Richmond Park with kids.

Have you taken your family on any of these autumn walks in Surrey?  We’d love to hear your comments below.

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