Places with the Best Fall Foliage in Europe

Cotswolds, England

One of the best places to see fall colours in England is The Cotswolds, an Area of Oustanding Natural Beauty just two hours west of London. Throughout October and November, the charming villages and towns throughout The Cotswolds are transformed into a leaf-peeping wonderland. 

Some of the best villages for fall foliage are Castle Combe, Broadway, and Bibury. Full of honey-hued sandstone buildings, many of them hundreds of years old, Virginia creeper and ivy vines turn shades of red and deep maroon as they climb the walls. The Manor House in Castle Combe is one of the most quintessentially English spots and is truly stunning during fall.

Westinbort Arboretum is the perfect place to see dazzling hues of red, orange, and yellow leaves during fall and a great day out among autumnal gardens. If you want to make a day of it, add a woodland walk to explore the forested countryside nearby across one of the many walking paths located throughout the region. 

With temperatures averaging between 10-15 degrees Celsius during autumn, you can expect a mix of crisp, clear days and rainy weather. On cool days, there’s nothing better than cozying up by the fire at a traditional pub with a Sunday roast. Some of the best pubs in the Cotswolds are Wild Rabbit in Kingham and The Chequers in Churchill. If you’re in The Cotswolds in early November, Guy Fawkes night on the 5th is great for catching a fireworks display.

Dolomites, Italy

The Dolomites in Northern Italy are one of the most spectacular places to visit in Europe. And one of the most incredible times to visit this region is during Fall season. Every year starting from the end of September towards the end of October you’ll find the mountainous region of Northern Italy at its most beautiful. Just imagine the rays of sunshine hitting those yellow and orange colored larches, lighting up entire valleys. But do know that the weather up in the mountains can be very unpredictable. Some years there’s already snow on the ground by the end of September, other times the snowfall only starts halfway through November.

The best place in the Dolomites to admire this color palette is around the area of Cortina d’Ampenzo, One of the best ways to explore the Dolomites is to put on your hiking boots and discover its epic trails. Three amazing hikes to see the yellow larches in all their glory are: Croda do Lago hike, Col Raiser hike to Seceda and the hike to Lago Sorapis. If you’re not into hiking you can also drive along the mountain passes of Passo Giau and Passo Gardena. Thousands of larches surround its winding mountain roads. Or maybe you rather relax by some of the most beautiful lakes in the Dolomites? Then check out Lago Antorno, Lago di Landro or Lago Limides. 

Edinburgh, Scotland

Visiting Edinburgh in the fall is like stepping into a storybook filled with hues of gold and crimson. The city’s historic charm takes on a new level of enchantment as the leaves start to change, painting the streets and parks with a stunning array of autumn colors. One of the best places to experience the fall foliage in Edinburgh is the Royal Botanic Garden, where ancient trees transform into a breathtaking display of reds, oranges, and yellows, creating a serene atmosphere for strolls and peaceful moments of reflection.

Edinburgh’s iconic landmarks such as the Edinburgh Castle and Arthur’s Seat provide panoramic views of the city adorned in autumn splendor. There are so many things to do on the Royal Mile for any traveler. In the crisp fall air, enjoy the atmosphere of the city. Imagine standing atop Arthur’s Seat, surrounded by a sea of trees aglow with the warm tones of fall, while the cityscape below offers a contrast of ancient and modern architecture against the backdrop of rolling hills and distant mountains. It’s a scene that captures the essence of Edinburgh’s timeless beauty during this magical season.

In addition to the natural beauty, the fall in Edinburgh brings a sense of coziness and warmth as the city embraces the season with festivals, markets, and seasonal delicacies. From sipping on warm cider at the Edinburgh Farmers’ Market to indulging in traditional Scottish dishes like hearty stews and freshly baked scones, every experience in Edinburgh during the fall is infused with a touch of autumnal charm that leaves a lasting impression on visitors.

Foroglio, Switzerland

With historical stone houses, cobblestone pathways, and late flowers peeking through the village walls, Foroglio in Switzerland is one of the best places in Europe to enjoy the fall foliage. 

Located near the end of the Bavona Valley in the Ticino canton, this village is known to have only 100 inhabitants (and we’ve seen one cat!). Based at the elevation of 697 meters above sea level, it’s a rustic location.

For the weather in fall, you can expect a low of 3°c (37.4F) to a high of 15°c (59F), but since Foroglio village is in the valley, it will also not get much sunshine during Autumn or Winter. So it’s good to plan your visit during the morning and afternoon for the best light.

The village is one of many picturesque villages in Ticino worth visiting all year round, but Autumn is especially unique. The oranges and browns of the foliage highlight the beautiful 110-meter-high waterfall that falls down into the river nearby. This is quite a highlight for visitors, where you can get up close and personal with the water. 

One main activity we recommend is to hike from the village of Foroglio to the top of the waterfall. With suitable shoes, this is a short but beautiful hike, where you will be greeted with a few more houses and a stunning historical bridge by the water’s edge. It’s like walking around a fairytale here. The turquoise waters with the orange fallen leaves is the perfect fall setting. 

London, England

London is the perfect place to visit in fall as the summer crowds and heat has left the city allowing the landscapes to transform from green to vibrant reds and oranges. 

The temperatures in spring allow for days between 20 degrees, dropping to 5 degrees in November. With this milder weather, it is the ideal time to explore all of London’s iconic places without the hustle and bustle of tourist season. If you are looking to spend some time in London it is recommended to spend at least 3 Days in London to be able to explore all that the city has to offer. 

In fall it is the perfect time to explore the city’s parks, such as Kew Gardens, Hampstead Heath, and Greenwich Park. The season allows the parks to burst with colours as the leaves turn from green to shades of red, orange, and gold. It’s the perfect time for leisurely strolls accompanied by a warm seasonal beverage from one of London’s many cafes. As London is a very walkable city there are also several walking (or perhaps you prefer to cycle) routes that will take you to all of London’s Royal Parks to be able to enjoy the season.

If the weather isn’t on your side during your time in London there are lots of seasonal indoor activities that are great to visit during your stay. Walk through some of London’s famous food markets or perhaps explore one of the city’s many galleries. 

New Forest, Hampshire, England

The New Forest in Hampshire is absolutely stunning in the fall – with its golden and orange hues.  To complement the beautiful colours there are also the wild New Forest ponies to look out for between the colourful leaves.  The weather in fall has an average day temperature of between 9-16°C (47-60°F), and can be quite wet with between 5-10 cm of rainfall per month.  Even in the wet weather, the trees provide an incredible canopy to protect you which adds to the magic of walking there.

We regularly take our dog there for a walk, as there are some beautiful trails to follow – one of the most spectacular is the Rhinefield Ornamental Drive with tall trees on either side of the road and many trails to follow into the forest.  If you love to downhill bike then many of the walking trails also double up as bike trails.

I love to wild swim and there are several chances to do that in the New Forest if you’re feeling like giving it a try – just remember a thermos of hot chocolate.  Or, you can pop on a jumper, hire a stand-up paddle board and go for a paddle on one of the rivers that run through the forest.

Paris, France

Paris is a fantastic place to visit in the fall. The weather may be chilly, and you might experience a bit more rain, but most of the time, you have lovely sunny days with temperatures between 15-20°C (60-70°F), the perfect setting for exploring the city’s enchanting streets, iconic landmarks, and cozy cafes. Fall is also the best time to visit Paris, for there are fewer tourists visiting this beautiful city.

Paris comes alive with a vibrant display of fall foliage during this season. The city’s parks, gardens, and tree-lined boulevards are adorned with shades of red, orange, and gold, creating a picturesque backdrop for leisurely walks and scenic vistas.

Exploring iconic landmarks such as the Luxembourg Gardens or the Palace of Versailles against this backdrop of autumn colors is one of the best things to do in Paris.

Visit one of the famous museums in Paris, like Musee d’Orsay, which holds collections of French art from 1814 and 1914.

Explore local markets such as Marché des Enfants Rouges or Marché d’Aligre to sample fresh fruits, cheeses, and pastries while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Parisian street life.

You can also wander around Montmartre, exploring its fascinating streets, and indulge in a wine tasting at one of the local vineyards. Learn about the winemaking process while savoring exquisite wines from grapes harvested in the heart of Paris.

 As you plan your trip to Paris this fall, get ready to be amazed by the stunning colors of the foliage. From the parks to the streets, Paris looks wonderful in autumn.

Serrania de Ronda, Spain

If you are looking for a place with warm weather but with good opportunities to see the beautiful fall foliage, you won’t be disappointed by visiting Serranía de Ronda in the province of Malaga, Southern Spain.

This area is well-known for its forests, home to robust chestnut trees and abundant vegetation.

There are many hiking trails in the area, but two of the best include the one in Bosque de Cobre (Cooper Forest) and Bosque Encantado (Enchanted Forest).

The latter is an easy trail in the small town of Parauta with fairytale sculptures, making it ideal for families. At the end of the hike, there are also tables for a family picnic.

Besides hiking, Ronda and its surrounding towns are fantastic for wine tasting (you can try some of Malaga’s typical sweet wines) and tapas. If you have time and love wine, it’s worth visiting a vineyard.

While fish and seafood dishes are more common in Malaga City because of its proximity to the sea, these inland towns have typical dishes made with meat, especially lamb and oxtail.

If you don’t eat meat, you can try the delicious chestnut soup and chestnut mousse.

I recommend going to any of these towns on a weekday because many locals head to these locations on weekends, making them more crowded and difficult to park.

The best time to see fall foliage is at the end of October and the beginning of November; the weather is usually dry and sunny.

Sierra de Grazalema, Spain

Sierra de Grazalema is a wonderful place to explore during fall, especially because of the gorgeous colours of the forests. The best way to explore this area is by car, through a road trip. You can stay in some of the most beautiful white villages in Andalucia overnight, and enjoy the hospitality of the locals. The main village in this mountain range is Grazalema, which is located on top of a cliff. It’s a small village, easy to explore by foot and a great place to set your base at and book accommodation.

One of the best places to experience the fall colours is by driving the road connecting Grazalema with Zahara de la Sierra. The road is simply spectacular, crossing a pass at 1189 meters above the sea level. Here you can stop at the Puerto de las Palomas mirador, to see the panoramic view.

Another great thing to do in Sierra de Grazalema in autumn is go hiking. Even still warm, the weather is much cooler than in the summer months, so hiking at this time of the year is a very pleasant experience.

The weather in Sierra de Grazalema in autumn is mostly sunny, with temperatures of around 28 degrees Celsius in September to 20 degrees Celsius in November. November has the highest chance of rain.

Tatra Mountains, Poland

The Tatra Mountains are one of the most popular summer destinations in Poland, but I think they’re an even better destination in the fall.

Not only is it less crowded outside of the summer holidays, but the hiking trails are arguably more beautiful with the colorful fall foliage!

Hiking is one of the best things to do in the Tatra National Park in Poland. In fact, this is one of the best places to hike in Poland in the fall. I’d recommend doing the Kasprowy Wierch (alternatively, you can take a cable car up to the top) and Morksie Oko/Dolina Pięciu Stawów hikes. They both have pretty fall foliage with trees, bushes and grasses turning more vibrant colors.

Once you’ve had your fill of the pretty leaves and mountain views, another great thing to do in the fall is check out the Termy Zakopanskie, which is a waterpark with thermal water. The great thing about this is you can enjoy the pools even in chilly weather because the pools are naturally heated.

Zakopane is the main hub of the Tatra National Park in Poland. This is your best bet for finding accommodation on your trip to the Tatra Mountains, and you can find lots of souvenir shops, restaurants, cafes and bars in town.

Fall is generally sunny, with little rainfall. It is the mountains, though, so it wouldn’t be impossible to get a bit of snow in the late fall. The temperatures average around a high of 60 degrees to a low of 30 degrees.