Westonbirt Arboretum has been ranked as one of the best places in the UK for leaf-peeping according to a survey by Flying Flowers.

The survey found the Cotswolds as one of the best places in the UK to see Autumnal colours due to its beautiful villages and woodlands and said Westonbirt Arboretum is the perfect spot to visit with plenty of variety offering gold, pink, glowing red and vibrant yellow leaves.

What is leaf-peeping?

Leaf-peeping has been a popular term in the US and Canada for years but is slowly gaining popularity across the pond here in the UK. Leaf-peeping is an activity in which people travel to travel to view and photograph the beautiful foliage as they change to golden and red colours in Autumn.

When is the best time to see autumn colours in the UK?

In Scotland, leaves can begin to turn orange in mid-September, with the boldest colours best seen in late September right through to October. In England, you’ll have to wait slightly longer as Autumn leaves tend to reach their peak in October, with most of them fallen by mid-November.

Why do leaves change colour in autumn?

The sight of red and orange leaves is synonymous with Autumn but why do leave change colours? Colder temperatures and less sunlight in autumnal months reduce the need for chlorophyll in leaves in autumn. As such the green pigments in the leaves break down and, the xanthophylls and carotenes become more visible, producing a stunning array of yellow and red hues.

For more information on Flying Flowers go to www.flyingflowers.co.uk/category/autumn-flowers/