Research conducted by Away Resorts examined 70 publicly accessible natural and semi-natural woodland areas throughout England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland to determine which locations offer the most diverse display of autumn foliage.
The study assessed each site based on the presence of six traditional tree species known for producing vibrant seasonal colours: maple, cherry, rowan, beech, larch, and whitebeam.
The findings revealed that Wales performed strongly, with three locations securing positions within the upper rankings of the top 20 list.
Coed y Gopa, situated in Conwy, earned the distinction of placing first among all locations examined.
This Welsh woodland also contains rowan and larch specimens alongside its maple, cherry, and beech populations, providing visitors with the broadest selection of the most sought-after autumn tree varieties.
Two additional Welsh sites appeared in the compilation: Marl Hall Woods in Conwy and Wentwood in Monmouthshire.
England contributed the remaining 17 locations, spanning counties including Cumbria, Berkshire, Hertfordshire, Surrey, Kent, Gloucestershire, North Yorkshire, County Durham, Hampshire, Northamptonshire, and the West Midlands region.
Among English entries, Joyden’s Wood along the Greater London and Kent boundary secured second position, while Hucking Estate in Kent placed third.
Lineover Wood in Gloucestershire, Blackbush and Twenty Acre Shaw Woods in Greater London’s Bromley borough, and Marden Park in Surrey completed the upper section.
The Lake District’s Great Knott Wood featured four notable autumn tree groups—larch, beech, rowan, and cherry—while Hackfall and Nidd Gorge in North Yorkshire, along with Low Burnhall in County Durham, each showcased beech, cherry, and rowan specimens.
Additional entries included Everdon Stubbs in Northamptonshire, Cabin Wood at Killymoon in County Tyrone, Uffmoor Wood in the West Midlands and Worcestershire border area, Dunollie Wood in Argyll and Bute, and Carnmoney Hill in County Antrim.
The investigation also incorporated findings from a separate survey involving 3,000 participants, in which 70 percent identified the sound of leaves moving in the wind as a particularly soothing natural experience.
Scientific research indicates that observing colourful autumn foliage stimulates the brain’s reward centre, triggering dopamine release that induces sensations of relaxation and contentment.