Autumn transforms Yorkshire into a canvas of gold and amber.

Most visitors overlook this magical season, rushing to visit in summer or during Christmas markets. But those in the know understand that autumn in Yorkshire offers something special – crisp air, fewer crowds, and landscapes painted in nature's richest palette.

Whether staying in our Prince Rupert House or Garden House with the whole family or enjoying a cosy retreat in Signal Cottage or Vavasour, these walks are right on your doorstep.

Estate Wanderings: Your Own Private Paradise

Step outside your cottage door and you're already in the midst of autumn's showcase.

Our 70-acre estate offers several walking routes that guests often miss. The riverside path follows the gentle curve of the River Ouse where morning mist creates an almost magical atmosphere. Look carefully and you might spot otters playing at the water's edge or deer moving silently through the woodland.

What makes this walk special in autumn?

The reflections. As our ancient trees turn golden, their perfect mirror images appear in the calm river waters, creating natural artwork that changes with every visit.

This easy 30-minute loop is suitable for all ages and abilities – perfect for multi-generational families staying in our larger properties.

York City Walls: History Above The City

Just 8 miles from Red House Estate lies one of Britain's most beautiful walking routes.

York's medieval city walls offer a 2-mile circular elevated path that gives you a different perspective on this historic city. In autumn, the low golden sunlight bathes York Minster in a warm glow while gardens and parks below showcase their seasonal colours.

Begin at Bootham Bar and follow the walls clockwise, taking in views across the city. The section between Monk Bar and Bootham Bar offers particularly stunning autumn vistas across the Museum Gardens.

The full circuit takes about 2 hours if you're stopping to admire the views (which you should). Afterwards, warm up in one of York's many historic tea rooms before heading back to your cosy cottage.

Nidderdale Way: Hidden Valleys and Golden Hills

The nearby Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty transforms completely during autumn.

While the full Nidderdale Way spans 53 miles, we recommend the section from Pateley Bridge to Brimham Rocks – a 6-mile route that showcases autumn at its finest.

Ancient woodland paths wind between stone walls while open moorland sections provide breathtaking panoramas of the changing landscape. The unique rock formations at Brimham take on a different character when surrounded by autumn colours.

This walk requires proper footwear and moderate fitness, but rewards you with some of Yorkshire's most spectacular seasonal views.

Castle Howard Estate: Majestic Trees and Reflective Lakes

A 40 minute drive from our estate brings you to one of Britain's finest stately homes, surrounded by magnificent grounds that shine in autumn.

The Castle Howard estate features over 1,000 acres of parkland with carefully designed vistas that are particularly striking when the leaves turn. The Ray Wood walk takes you through areas planted with rare trees that offer extraordinary autumn colours not seen elsewhere in Yorkshire.

Don't miss the walk around the Great Lake, where still waters create perfect reflections of gold and crimson trees. The Temple of the Four Winds makes an ideal stopping point to admire the views.

Entry to the house and gardens requires tickets, but some woodland walks around the estate are accessible without charge.

Kirkham Priory and River Derwent: Ruins and Riverbanks

This gentle 3-mile circular walk combines history with natural beauty.

Starting at the atmospheric ruins of Kirkham Priory (English Heritage), follow the path alongside the River Derwent where overhanging trees create tunnels of autumn colour. The route continues through farmland before returning to the priory.

What makes this walk special is the contrast between the golden leaves and the ancient stonework of the priory ruins. The river section is particularly beautiful in late afternoon light when the sun illuminates the water through gaps in the trees.

Just 30 minutes from Red House Estate, this walk offers easy terrain suitable for all abilities.

Howardian Hills: Rolling Landscapes

The Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty sits between the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Wolds, creating a distinctive landscape that's perfect for autumn exploration.

The 5-mile circular route from Coneysthorpe village takes you through mixed woodland and open farmland with far-reaching views. Ancient beech avenues create natural cathedral-like spaces when their leaves turn bronze and gold.

What our guests love most about this walk is the variety of landscapes – one moment you're in intimate woodland, the next enjoying panoramic vistas across the Vale of York.

Pack a flask of tea and some cake – there are several perfect picnic spots with views that will make you want to linger.

Yorkshire Arboretum: Autumn's Ultimate Showcase

For serious leaf-peepers, the Yorkshire Arboretum near Castle Howard is autumn heaven.

Home to over 6,000 trees from around the world, this 120-acre garden explodes with colour from September through November. Different species change at different times, ensuring a constantly evolving display throughout autumn.

The easy paths wind between specimen trees, with helpful labels identifying unusual varieties. The Lakeside Walk offers particularly stunning reflections, while the Main Avenue showcases some of the arboretum's oldest and most spectacular trees.

This is less of a hike and more of a gentle stroll, perfect for those days when you want to immerse yourself in autumn's palette without a challenging walk.

Return To Comfort

The best part of autumn walking? Returning to your cosy cottage at Red House Estate.

After a day exploring Yorkshire's golden landscapes, imagine warming up by the fire in any one of our houses.

With secure gardens attached to each cottage, even four-legged walking companions can relax in comfort after their adventures.

When To Visit

Early November offers a spectacular kind of beauty – misty mornings, the gentle descent of the last leaves, and that special quality of light that photographers travel miles to capture.

Whatever part of autumn you choose for your stay, Yorkshire's landscapes will provide the perfect backdrop for walks that create lasting memories.

Are you planning an autumn escape to Yorkshire this year? Our cottages book quickly for this popular season – contact us to secure your perfect autumn retreat.