Five country parks in Kent where you can see the autumn leaves

There’s something so cosy about those cool, crisp autumn days when the golden leaves are falling from the trees and the last rays of sunshine glimmer through the bare branches.

Walking around a glorious country park with a hot drink, surrounded by autumnal scenery, is one of life’s simplest pleasures. These are some of our favourite spots in Kent where you can do just that…

BEDGEBURY NATIONAL PINETUM AND FOREST: This picturesque park on the outskirts of the High Weald National Landscape is home to a world-leading collection of conifers. While some evergreen conifers keep their leaves all year round, there are plenty of other types that turn gold and red in the autumn, creating an umbrella of different colours. The park has an incredible 12,000 trees as well as walking, cycling and running trails and peaceful lakes that attract a variety of wildlife.

Details: Bedgebury Road, Goudhurst TN17 2SJ. Open daily from 8am to 8pm.

HOLE PARK: While burnt oranges and golden browns are the shades that most of us associate with the fall, the gardens at Hole Park are a kaleidoscope of colour. The late flowering agapanthus produces a vibrant blue petal, while the exotic border of cannas and dahlias is full of different hues. The Japanese maple trees dotted around the 16-acre gardens also provide rich shades of red and orange later in October.

Details: Benenden Road, Rolvenden, near Ashford TN17 4JA. Open on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11am to 6pm. On Sundays in October, the park will also be open from 11am until dusk.

KNOLE PARK: This beautiful deer park and National Trust property is filled with towering veteran trees. The estate’s horse chestnut, sweet chestnut, English oak, hawthorn and beech trees, among more unusual finds such as red oak and yew, provide plenty of falling leaves during the autumn. On Friday, October 11 you can also join Knole’s deer keeper who will discuss the behaviour of the fallow deer during mating season on an evening walk through the grounds, followed by a hot chocolate and marshmallows.

Details: Knole, Sevenoaks TN15 0RP. Open daily from dawn until dusk, although the car park closes at 5pm each day.

MOTE PARK: Follow the path around this 450-acre park and you’re sure to find plenty of autumnal sights. The entrance itself is adorned with brown and yellow leaves and, if you take the walking trail from here around the rest of the park, you’ll find yourself at the stunning lake - the perfect place to enjoy a crisp October afternoon.

Details: Mote Avenue, Maidstone ME15 7RN. Open Sunday to Monday, 8am to 8pm, and Saturdays 8am to 11pm.

QUEX GARDENS: These coastal gardens are bursting with variety. From the Victorian Walled Garden with its greenhouses and cucumber pit to the woodland walks that take you away from the hustle and bustle, there’s plenty to explore - and 10 acres of space to do it in. At this time of year the specimen trees, colour-changing wisteria and yellow mulberry trees are a particular highlight.

Details: Quex Park, Birchington-on-Sea CT7 0BH. Open Saturday and Sunday, 11am to 3pm.