Spending time outside during the autumn months can be difficult, but taking some time to breathe fresh air is vital for both our physical and mental health.
Finding the motivation to brave the unpredictable autumn weather is helped when you have so many beautiful places to go for a brisk walk.
Nottinghamshire and the East Midlands in general offers some truly spectacular open countryside where you can see the very best of autumn colours.
Now is arguably the best time of year to pay a visit to one of the region’s National Trust sites.
With fewer visitors than summer but dazzling autumn colours on offer, these maintained sites are perfect for a day trip.
There are nearly a dozen National Trust sites to choose from here in the East Midlands, but we’ve picked out 6 which offer the best autumn colours.
Explore them below:
1. Gunby Estate - Lincolnshire
Gunby Estate in late winter offers beautiful landscaped grounds, historic gardens, and country walks. As winter makes way for into spring, the estate is transformed into a tapestry of daffodils, crocuses and hyacinths. | DeFacto Photo: DeFacto
2. Tattershall Castle - Lincolnshire
Tattershall Castle offers a historical and picturesque setting to visit during late winter, with the Lincolnshire countryside providing scenic views for visitors. Say hello to spring sights with a stroll among the budding trees and seasonal flowers, and take a climb up the castle to witness beautiful scenery on the horizon. | David Hillas Photo: David Hillas
3. Clumber Park - Nottinghamshire
Covering more than 3,800 acres, Clumber Park is a beautiful expanse of parkland, heath and woods. During January and February, the park is transformed by stunning seasonal colours that amateur photographers will find irresistible. The beauty of spring is best seen along Lime Tree Avenue: a two-mile road running right through the centre of the park. At this time of year, visitors are treated to the breathtaking sight of more than 1,200 common limes coming into leaf. | Stephen Bowler Photo: Stephen Bowler
4. Belton Estate - Lincolnshire
With the estate looking resplendent thanks to budding trees and clumps of daffodils, plan your family visit to Belton this spring to make the most of the seasonal colours. | David Smith Photo: David Smith