15 International Gardens and Arboretums That Peak in Autumn
Autumn brings a special kind of beauty to gardens and arboretums around the world. Trees turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold, while winding paths and quiet ponds reflect the season’s charm. From historic estates in Europe to serene gardens in Asia, these places show their best colors when the air turns crisp and the days grow shorter.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps keep this content free. Please read our disclosure for more info.
Kew Gardens (London, England)
Kew Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to one of the most extensive plant collections in the world. During autumn, the arboretum glows with fiery reds, golden yellows, and deep oranges as maples, oaks, and sweet gums change color. The Japanese Landscape Garden, with its iconic pagoda and serene pond, offers particularly breathtaking scenes framed by brilliant fall foliage.
Visitors can stroll through glasshouses like the Palm House or Temperate House, then step outside to winding tree-lined paths where leaves crunch underfoot. Seasonal festivals and family events often coincide with autumn, adding to the lively atmosphere. The combination of historic architecture, scientific research, and natural beauty makes Kew a timeless autumn destination.
Arnold Arboretum (Boston, USA)
The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University spans 281 acres and is one of the oldest public arboretums in North America. Fall transforms the collection into a sea of color, with maples, oaks, and rare species from Asia putting on a dramatic show. Its collection is designed for teaching and research, yet the natural scenery creates a peaceful haven for visitors.
The arboretum’s winding pathways take you past towering ginkgo trees, which turn a striking yellow in October. Views from Peters Hill provide a sweeping panorama of Boston framed by autumn colors. The blend of scholarly purpose and seasonal beauty makes the Arnold Arboretum a highlight for both locals and travelers.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (Tokyo, Japan)
Located in the heart of Tokyo, Shinjuku Gyoen is a tranquil escape from the city’s bustle. In autumn, the park’s diverse landscapes—ranging from French formal gardens to traditional Japanese designs—become alive with shades of crimson, amber, and gold. Japanese maples, ginkgoes, and cherry trees provide a variety of colors throughout the season.
The garden’s ponds mirror the fiery leaves, creating picture-perfect reflections for visitors to admire. Families gather here for picnics, while photographers often capture the dramatic seasonal change. Its mix of cultural influences and natural beauty makes Shinjuku Gyoen a favorite autumn destination in Japan.
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (Scotland)
Founded in the 17th century, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is both a scientific institution and a place of beauty. Autumn is especially striking, with collections of acers, birches, and rowans painting the grounds in vibrant hues. The Rock Garden and Woodland Garden showcase some of the most spectacular seasonal color.
Visitors can also enjoy the Victorian Palm House and glasshouses, which provide a contrast to the outdoor display. As temperatures drop, the crisp Scottish air sharpens the colors of the leaves. The combination of historic design and natural spectacle makes this garden a standout in autumn.
Mount Wilson Botanic Garden and Arboretum (New South Wales, Australia)
Nestled in the Blue Mountains, Mount Wilson is famous for its spectacular fall foliage. Though autumn falls in April and May here, the sight of maples, liquidambars, and golden elms rivals the most famous northern gardens. The cool climate and heritage estates create a unique setting for vibrant seasonal color.
Winding drives and walking paths allow visitors to take in views of fiery treetops against crisp blue skies. Small villages nearby add to the charm, offering cozy cafés and historic houses. Mount Wilson’s blend of natural display and rustic atmosphere makes it a favorite for autumn seekers in Australia.
Morton Arboretum (Illinois, USA)
The Morton Arboretum, located just outside Chicago, covers 1,700 acres and features trees from around the globe. In autumn, its extensive oak and maple collections light up in shades ranging from golden yellow to deep scarlet. The arboretum’s scenic drives and walking trails make it easy to take in the seasonal beauty.
Children’s gardens, seasonal events, and art installations often accompany the foliage displays. Photographers and hikers alike flock to its woodlands and prairies during peak color. The diversity of trees and expansive grounds make Morton Arboretum a memorable fall destination.
Nikko Botanical Garden (Nikko, Japan)
Located near the famous shrines and temples of Nikko, this garden offers a peaceful setting filled with seasonal beauty. Maples, oaks, and ginkgoes dominate the landscape, turning brilliant shades of red and yellow during autumn. The backdrop of surrounding mountains intensifies the effect of the changing leaves.
Paths wind past streams and ponds, providing serene spots for quiet reflection. Visitors often combine a trip to the garden with nearby UNESCO World Heritage sites, making the experience both cultural and natural. The combination of history and fall beauty ensures a memorable visit.
Keukenhof Castle Gardens (Lisse, Netherlands)
While Keukenhof is best known for its spring tulip festival, its autumn display is equally striking. Tree-lined avenues, chestnuts, and oaks turn warm shades that contrast beautifully with the stately castle backdrop. The grounds take on a quiet charm in fall as the crowds of spring are gone.
Strolling through the gardens, visitors encounter peaceful lawns, water features, and sculptures framed by autumn color. Seasonal festivals sometimes bring extra energy to the grounds. Keukenhof in autumn offers a slower, more contemplative experience compared to its lively spring season.
Versailles Gardens (France)
The grand gardens of Versailles are famous for their symmetry, fountains, and avenues. In autumn, the tree-lined paths leading to the palace are set ablaze with golden leaves. The sweeping scale of the grounds makes the seasonal change especially dramatic.
Visitors can wander past statues and reflecting pools while taking in the fall atmosphere. The crisp light of autumn highlights the sculpted hedges and architectural lines. Versailles becomes not only a place of history but also one of seasonal beauty during this time of year.
Changdeokgung Palace Secret Garden (Seoul, South Korea)
Hidden behind palace walls, the Secret Garden of Changdeokgung is one of Korea’s most treasured spots. In autumn, its ponds, bridges, and pavilions are surrounded by fiery maples and golden ginkgoes. The contrast between historic architecture and natural scenery creates an unforgettable atmosphere.
Walking through the grounds feels like stepping back in time, especially as mist lingers over the water in cool mornings. The garden’s quiet pathways offer views that change with every turn. Autumn highlights its tranquil spirit and makes it one of Seoul’s most visited sites during the season.
Butchart Gardens (British Columbia, Canada)
Butchart Gardens is world-renowned for its carefully designed displays, and autumn is no exception. Japanese maples provide brilliant reds, while seasonal plantings add splashes of late-blooming flowers. The crisp Canadian air seems to sharpen the intensity of the colors.
Evening illuminations sometimes extend the experience, with pathways glowing under lights that highlight the foliage. Families often visit for seasonal activities, making it lively yet serene. Butchart Gardens in autumn is as colorful as it is welcoming.
Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden (Victoria, Australia)
Located in the hills outside Melbourne, this garden is known for its spring rhododendrons and autumn maples. April and May bring brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows, transforming the grounds into a painter’s palette. Cool mountain air adds to the crisp feel of the season.
Walking trails meander past lakes and wooded areas where color bursts from every direction. The garden’s elevation makes the foliage especially vivid against the backdrop of eucalyptus forests. It is one of the most beloved autumn escapes in Victoria.
Berlin-Dahlem Botanical Garden (Germany)
This expansive garden covers over 100 acres and contains one of the largest plant collections in Europe. In autumn, its wide avenues of trees take on shades of amber, copper, and scarlet. The arboretum and open landscapes create sweeping displays of seasonal color.
Visitors can also enjoy its greenhouses, which house tropical and desert plants, offering contrast to the outdoor show. The setting feels both educational and leisurely, perfect for an afternoon stroll. Autumn emphasizes the garden’s role as both a scientific center and a place of beauty.
Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens (Hobart, Australia)
Dating back to the early 19th century, this garden is among the oldest in the Southern Hemisphere. Autumn brings vivid displays from oaks, elms, and rare conifers, all set against the cool Tasmanian climate. The historic walls and glasshouses add character to the grounds.
Walking through the garden reveals hidden corners filled with color, from ponds surrounded by golden leaves to shaded pathways lined with deep reds. Seasonal festivals often add to the lively atmosphere. This mix of heritage and autumn spectacle makes it a favorite stop in Hobart.
Westonbirt Arboretum (Gloucestershire, England)
Westonbirt is famous for its collection of Japanese maples, which burst into brilliant scarlet, orange, and purple in autumn. The arboretum’s design allows visitors to walk through carefully arranged groves where colors appear almost choreographed. Each section feels like a gallery of seasonal beauty.
The 600-acre site includes over 15,000 trees from around the world. Elevated pathways provide unique perspectives on the foliage below. Westonbirt in autumn is one of England’s most celebrated seasonal displays, drawing both locals and international visitors.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.