Twelve breathtaking pictures of Britain smothered in autumn colours, from meandering rivers to magical tree ‘tunnels’ and spectacular Highland valleys

The Peak District’s Derwent Valley (above is the area’s Howden Reservoir) is ‘the perfect spot for soaking up the autumn colours’, says the team at Visit Peak District and Derbyshire. They say the views here in autumn are ‘magnificent’

Glen Affric (pictured above), a valley in the Scottish Highlands, is ‘simply spectacular’ in autumn, says Visit Inverness Loch Ness. It explains: ‘In autumn, the changing colours of the trees and moorland make this area even more special. They say the colours of Scotland will keep you young. Well in autumn, we believe this is only too true!’

Thought you needed countryside for autumn magic? Think again. Because delightful autumnal strolls are on offer at London’s Richmond Park, with its deer population adding to the allure. Royal Parks says: ‘Meadow grasses glow in mellow golds and leaves burn with seasonal colours.’ And if you visit before sunrise you might witness ‘the eerie sight of majestic stags emerging from the mist’

The Elan Valley in Mid Wales is ‘a spectacular area abundant with wildlife and nature that comes alive with colour in the autumn months’, declares Visit Wales, which adds: ‘Take a walk around one of the dams and reservoirs of the Elan Valley to admire the striking colours of the trees and the watery vistas.’ Pictured above is the Craig Goch Dam in the valley

The Halnaker Tree Tunnel (pictured above) is an ancient track enclosed by trees that follows the Roman route from London to Chichester. Hello Sussex says the Halnaker Tree Tunnel’s canopy is ‘at its best with hues of red, gold and russet’ during the autumn season. It adds: ‘[It] makes for a beautiful scene especially if you catch some brightly coloured leaves drifting to the floor as you walk’

The River Wye at Symons Yat, a village in Herefordshire, is one of the best places to enjoy autumn, says Visit Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. Once there, the organisation recommends climbing up to Yat Rock, an outcrop of limestone overlooking the meandering river that ‘takes in unspoilt panoramas of the rich mixed forest landscape’

Autumn is the ideal time to ‘pull your hat over your ears and enjoy a windswept walk along the Northumberland Coast’, says the team at Visit Northumberland. The experts at Sykes Cottages, meanwhile, suggest walking from Bamburgh to Seahouses to take in the ‘breathtaking Bamburgh Beach’ and ‘marvel at the beauty of Bamburgh Castle’ (above)

‘Autumn in the Cotswolds is a tapestry of rustic hues, painted with every shade from amber golds to deep russets,’ says the team at Visit the Cotswolds. It’s also a more tranquil time to explore the popular region with the tourist board explaining that ‘bustling crowds of summer have receded’, with tourists left to enjoy a ‘quieter, more introspective experience’. Pictured above is the River Windrush at the village of Bourton-on-the-Water

‘If you’re looking for an autumn walk that combines fantastic views as well as bridges and tunnels,’ visit the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct in Wales (pictured above), says Sykes Cottages. The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is a Unesco World Heritage site that was built in 1805 and can be crossed on foot or by boat

Winkworth Arboretum (pictured above) is located in south-west Surrey and is operated by the National Trust. It’s home to more than 1,000 different trees and shrubs. The National Trust says: ‘When autumn arrives, Winkworth bursts into colour, its yellow, oranges and reds painting a breathtaking picture across the landscape’

The team at Ordnance Survey recommend heading to Loughrigg Fell (pictured above), a hill in the Lake District National Park, for ‘big views’ during autumn. They say: ‘If you catch the weather right there is no better place to observe autumn’s splendour, especially if there has been a dusting of snow on the surrounding high fells’

Pendle Hill (pictured above) is 557m (1,827ft) above sea level and famed as the location of the 1612 witch trials. It’s the ‘perfect place to take an autumn break’, says Visit Lancashire, which adds: ‘Shrouded in history, this picturesque area of Lancashire sits in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering stunning views across the hills and valleys’