Tranquil reflections

Enjoy a peaceful stroll amongst autumn’s burnished hues to revive the spirit and ponder on the beauty of nature

- Leigh Clapp

It’s wonderful to get out in the real world to celebrate the season with all your senses. Surrey has a range of stunning autumn gardens to immerse yourself in. Add in the element of water with those cloaks of gold and amber shimmering in the rippling surface for a further dimension of quiet reflection as you stroll amongst the beauty.

Here are three of my favourites to experience this time of mellow fruitfulness and nature’s crescendo of vibrant fireworks.

COVERWOOD LAKES

At Coverwood Lakes in Ewhurst, water is ever-present and it’s all about the spectacular vistas across the liquid expanse. Spread over 14 acres in the stunning Surrey Hills there are four lakes to ramble around, as well as bog gardens, an arboretum and a marked trail through the 180-acre working farm with Hereford cows, sheep and horses.

The gardens were originally laid out in 1909 by Mr Stephens, son of the famous inventor of blue-black ink, known as Stephen’s Ink. By the time the Metson family bought the estate the gardens were in a state of neglect. Plants and trees were added, the paths reinstated and the lakes established.

The style is naturalistic with azaleas and rhododendrons under the canopy of evergreens and deciduous trees, accompanied by marginal choices such as lysichitum and gunnera. Golden tones reflect in the water, where you may spot carp swimming in and out of the water lilies, while a small waterfall links the second and third lakes. At the edge of the water is a well-placed bench, a lovely spot to sit and take in the atmosphere.

WINKWORTH ARBORTEUM