1. Get scrunching at the National Arboretum at Westonbirt in the Cotswolds, full of colour from late September to November. The Japanese maples in particular astound, with their multicoloured patchwork of colour. From October 25–29 you can discover the reasons why trees change colour then try a different tree-inspired art activity each day. Time: 10.30am–4pm. Cost: free after admission (£9 adult, £4 child, under-fives go free). Ages: 4+. Visit www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt
2. Visit Hever Castle in Kent, the former home of Anne Boleyn, and swish your way through its gardens’ autumn glory. Walk along Anne Boleyn’s Walk with its collection of trees planted over 100 years ago. In Discover Autumn on October 16–17 you can also visit the head gardener at the Potting Shed for advice on bringing autumnal colour into your home. Time: 10.30am–5pm. Cost: £13 adult, £7 children 5–15 (castle and gardens). Ages: All. Tel: 01732 865224; www.hevercastle.co.uk
3. Escape to Brownsea Island, an island in Poole Harbour, Dorset. With trails and tracker packs for young smugglers and explorers, you can wander through its 
patchworks of woodland – a haven for wildlife. There’s a Tree-mendous Tree Weekend, October 16 and 17 October. Swish through the autumn leaves as you learn more about Brownsea's trees, then enjoy autumnal make-and-take art and craft activities. Time: 10.30am–4pm. Cost: free, plus normal admission charges (£5.50 adult, £2.70 child). Ages: All. Tel: 01202 707744; www.nationaltrust.org.uk
4. Walk through the woods along the River Bollin at the Quarry Bank Mill and Styal Estate, Cheshire, and then visit the cotton mill that uses Europe’s most powerful working waterwheel. Enjoy the autumn colour on October 26 and you’ll also get the chance to weave with natural materials. Time: 1.30pm–3.30pm. Cost: £2.50 per child, plus normal admission charges (£12.89 adult, £6.40 child for access to Mill, Apprentice House and Garden). Ages: 5–11. Booking essential. Tel: 01625 445896; www.nationaltrust.org.uk
5. Follow an autumn trail at the Festival of Autumn Colour at Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway (October 9–November 7) in the New Forest National Park. It will lead you to the best of the seasonal colour in this 200-acre site, which, once you’ve done scrunching and crunching, you can view from the mini steam railway. Time: 10am–5pm. Cost: £8.50 adult, £1.50 child, under-threes go free. Ages: All. Tel: 023 8089 1203; www.exbury.co.uk
