Step into Autumn – local walks in Coventry

Fall in love with Coventry and Warwickshire this Autumn! From the crisp, cool air to the earthy scent of fallen leaves, Coventry and Warwickshire transforms into an array of inviting colours and warmth. Whether you choose to explore the charming streets of Coventry or venture into the picturesque countryside of Warwickshire, there’s an abundance of beauty to behold.

Getting outdoors in the autumn can benefit the whole family, and create a budget-friendly free day out for all. As you wander through the countryside, keep an eye out for the wildlife that thrives in this season. See if you can spot squirrels busily gathering nuts, hear the call of migrating birds filling the air, or maybe create some beautiful artwork with the fallen leaves.

Check out our list below of just some of the amazing places you can visit in Coventry and Warwickshire for an autumn walk.

War Memorial Park

Engage with nature by exploring our city’s largest park, War Memorial Park. Known for attracting over 400,000 visitors a year, the War Memorial Park is one of Coventry’s premier parks and has sculptures and themed gardens.

Coombe Abbey Park

There’s so much to explore at Coombe Abbey Park. From the beautiful formal gardens and historic woodland to the mature estate lake, home to a variety of birdlife. Whether you’re a family looking to spend the day together outside, a keen walker or a birdwatcher, Coombe Abbey Park offers various activities to enjoy, even in these colder months. Wrap up warm and take to Go Ape’s treetop adventure, visit the park’s insect hotel and the Discovery Centre’s new interactive exhibitions – there is something for everyone.

Ryton Pools Country Park

The 100 acres of Ryton Pools Country Park are just waiting to be explored. Containing two play parks, vast wildlife and a pirate-themed walk, Ryton Pools Country Park will keep the whole family happy. Get creative in the Children’s Wood, an area of woodland within the park set aside for den building. A wealth of building materials in the form of cut branches are provided by rangers to allow younger visitors to enjoy taking part in this exciting activity.

Lady Herbert’s Garden

Situated in the heart of the city centre, Lady Herbert’s Garden is one of Coventry’s hidden gems. Enjoy an autumn stroll in the tranquil gardens designed by Albert Herbert himself and take in the beautiful winter flowers. The smallest park in Coventry offers visitors a chance to enjoy an afternoon coffee surrounded by nature.

Coventry Canal Basin

Designed by great canal engineer, James Brindley in 1768, Coventry Canal Basin, in the heart of Coventry, is home to a new Visitor Information Centre, shops, waterside wildlife and an abundance of historic canal architecture. It has a welcoming community of boaters and is an ideal starting point for your Sunday afternoon canal-side stroll or bike ride.

Charterhouse Heritage Park and London Rd Cemetery

The landscape around Charterhouse includes green fields, woodland, the River Sherbourne, a disused historic railway line the Grade II listed Sherbourne Viaduct. The area provides a green lung for the city, a home for local wildlife, a much-loved area for dog walking and, in winter, some of the best sledging slopes in Coventry!

Fancy trying something different this spooky season? Designed by famous architect Joseph Paxton, London Road Cemetery is an early example of the 19th century ‘garden cemetery’ movement, developed not only as a burial site but also as a place of natural beauty for the people of Coventry to enjoy. Appointed in 1845, Paxton incorporated the hilly layout of the former quarry the site sits on into his design and brought in a range of exotic trees from abroad.

FURTHER AFIELD

Stoneleigh Abbey

Enjoy exploring the extensive grounds and woodlands at Stoneleigh Abbey, with an abundance of birds and wildlife. During the autumn months, you can take a stroll along the River Avon that runs through the grounds and see the spooky Leigh family pet cemetery or the restored pump house. Please note that the main house is only accessed via guided tours.

Kenilworth Castle

Explore a little further this autumn and walk in the footsteps of the great Tudor queen through the garden and imagine the opulence and splendour of Elizabethan Kenilworth. Lost to the world for almost 400 years, this beautifully recreated Elizabethan Garden is a haven of peace and tranquillity, full of colour and fragrant walkways.

Packwood House and Warwickshire

Grab your wellingtons or walking boots this autumn and explore the currently very muddy woods around Packwood House and Warwickshire. There are lots of things to see along the way and if you are with children some pleasant distractions, such as building dens in two of the four play glades, woodland hoopla, tree xylophone, sitting down and picnicking on log tables and chairs (that you can arrange yourself!).

We will provide some great suggestions and keep you ‘in the know’ on what’s available to you over the coming weeks. Keep an eye out on our social channels for content and feel free to follow us: Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Photo credit – Anna Rokitowsk