Five cosy Mulberry Cottages properties for colourful autumn walks 2018
Autumn is the perfect time to make the most of the great outdoors and explore the English countryside, which will be bursting with an abundance of autumnal colours especially after the warm summer.
Here are five Mulberry Cottages’ properties on the doorstep of National Trust and Forestry Commission land offering some of England’s most stunning autumn walks.
The Garden of England Duck Lodge, Sevenoaks, Kent Sleeps 2+2
Prices from 3 nights £355 or 7 nights £444
Just as its name suggests, guests will have several feathered friends ready to greet them on arrival at Duck Lodge. Situated in The Weald of Kent, the lodge’s rural location is perfect for those looking to combine an autumn walk with a history lesson. It is close to National Trust Wood Toys Hills and Emmetts, where guests can embark on the Weardale circular walk linking Emmetts Garden to Chartwell – the family home of Winston Churchill. Emmetts Garden boasts exotic and rare trees, including the burnt toffee tree which has a sweet candyfloss aroma.
New Forest National Park Kings Hyde Cottage, Lymington, Hampshire Sleeps 2
Prices from 4 nights £320 or 7 nights £425
Kings Hyde Cottage benefits from a secluded and restful location in the heart of the New Forest National Park where ponies, cattle, donkeys and deer roam free. This cosy cottage offers direct access to the New Forest by foot or by bike where guests can find forest glades, ancient woodland and open moors. The New Forest boasts Oak Trees up to 800 years old plus a wealth of autumnal colours from gold to purple to vibrant pinks. Keen explorers can witness the dazzling colours of autumn on a walk from Lymington to Brockenhurst which offers great views of the Isle of Wight and opportunities to see marshland wildlife.
Winkworth Arboretum The Surrey Manor, Wonersh, Surrey Sleeps 10+2
Prices from 3 nights £3064 or 7 nights £5133
The Surrey Manor, the UK’s oldest moated Manor House, benefits from plenty of walks right on its doorstep including the Winkworth to Oakhurst wonder walk. This walk takes explorers through woodland and connects three special National Trust properties. Admire the spectacular views from the top of Hydon’s Ball, and discover Oakhurst Cottage, a 16th century labourer’s home. The National Trust’s third property, Winkworth Arboretum, is a visual delight with autumn colours of yellow, red and orange being home to Japanese, American and Norwegian maples and over 1000 plant species. Leave time during the stay to take advantage of The Surrey Manor’s bar area, a 16th century dining room, tennis court and heated indoor swimming pool.
Westonbirt Arboretum Pinkney Court Lodge, Tetbury, Gloucestershire Sleeps 4
Prices from 3 nights £450 to 7 nights £1050
This cosy lodge dates back to the 16th century and occupies the west wing of a country manor house, complete with breath-taking Cotswolds countryside views and country walks on its doorstep. Pinkney Court Lodge is the perfect holiday home for a tranquil rural break with plenty of local attractions to visit in Tetbury, nearby Westonbirt Arboretum is a kaleidoscope of autumn colour with over 15,000 trees from all over the world and 17 miles of way-marked trails. Take Westonbirt Arboretum’s Silk Wood Trail, a 1.6 mile walk through a rainbow of colour and discover Westonbirt’s collection of maple including the famous national Japanese maple collection.
Thetford Forest Ivy House, Bressingham, Norfolk Sleeps 8
Prices from 3 nights £1330 or 7 nights £2430
This luxurious property is a newly renovated Georgian mansion house set within 12 acres of the wonderful Bressingham Gardens. Ivy House is the ideal property for those looking to explore Thetford Forest as it is just a short drive away. Go on an autumnal walk and discover a patchwork of colour throughout the UK’s largest man made lowland forest. Ivy House is pet friendly so bring along your four legged friend and embark one of Thetford Forest’s many woodland walking trails from the Pine Trail for beginners to the Beech Trail for the seasoned walkers. For those who don’t want to go on foot, the 18,730 hectares can be discovered by bike or by Segway. Ivy House offers a hot tub, perfect for relaxing after a long day of exploring Suffolk’s beautiful autumn scenery.
Book at www.mulberrycottages.com or by calling 01227 464958
