Autumn Colour in Surrey: Woodland Walks, Cake and a Scavenger Hunt at Ramster Garden in Chiddingfold
Crisp air, leaves crunching underfoot and a canopy of gold, orange and fiery red overhead: an autumn walk at Ramster is a feast for the senses. Tucked away near Chiddingfold, our 25-acre woodland garden is one of the best places for autumn walks in Surrey.
Autumn Colour Highlights
The star of the show is Ramster's ancient avenue of Japanese maples. Planted around a century ago, these mature trees glow scarlet and copper in October, creating one of the most photographed spots in the garden. We especially love their gnarled branches, which twist and turn, giving the avenue a truly magical feel.
Close by, the Liquidambar puts on a slower, ever-changing display, moving from rich red to deep purple before settling into warm gold. Liquidambar is one of the last trees to drop its leaves in the UK, often staying bright well into November.
The dove tree, also called the handkerchief tree, is best known for the white bracts that flutter from its branches in spring. Come autumn, this rare tree has a second moment in the spotlight as its leaves turn butter yellow and amber.
In our flowering dogwood collection, keep an eye out for Cornus 'Norman Hadden', whose raspberry-red fruits seem to hover at the tips of its branches. Down at your feet, the woodland floor comes alive with weird and wonderful fungi, from delicate fans clinging to fallen logs to fairytale toadstools peeping out through the leaves.
As you follow the woodland paths, you'll come across sculptures and natural carvings tucked among the trees. One favourite is the Red Dragon, a bench carved from a fallen Californian redwood, which keeps a watchful eye on walkers as they pass.
Autumn Half Term Scavenger Hunt in Surrey
Searching for things to do in Surrey this October half term? Bring the children to Ramster Garden and set off on our autumn scavenger hunt with seasonal treasures to find along the woodland paths, it's a wonderful way to explore the garden together.
When the hunt is done, make your way back to the tea room, where little ones can get creative with autumn-themed crafts while everyone enjoys a well-earned treat.
It's the perfect mix of fresh air, autumn colour and hands-on fun to fill a half-term afternoon. Ramster Explorers packs cost £2.50 and include the scavenger hunt and crafts. Garden entry charges apply.
Warm Up in Our Tea Room
Ask anyone who has visited Ramster and they'll tell you about our tea room. Everything is freshly made, from warming wholesome soups and quiches to homemade sandwiches and a tempting selection of cakes. Our own blend of coffee has become a firm favourite, with many visitors coming back just for another cup.
You don't need a garden ticket to visit Ramster's Tea House, so you can drop in any time during opening hours (Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm) to enjoy food and drink in a beautiful autumn setting. On mellow, sunny days, make the most of our outdoor seating, or if there's a chill in the air, make yourself at home inside the cosy tea room.
The tea room is accessible for wheelchair users, with a free car park right next door. There's also an accessible route through part of the woodland garden, so you can combine your visit with the autumn colour.
We love welcoming dogs, and always have treats, doggy ice cream and plenty of fuss ready for them. Whether you're a dog walker, a cyclist stopping off for refreshments or simply looking for an accessible day out, Ramster's tea room offers a warm welcome to all.
Plan Your Autumn Visit to Ramster Garden
Ramster Garden and tea room are open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm, throughout the autumn season. Both close for winter on 8th November until spring 2027. The tea room will reopen on 21st and 22nd November for our Christmas Market, and daily in December when we open for Christmas trees.
There's no need to pre-book. Just pay for your garden ticket on arrival at the tea room. Remember, you can also visit the tea room without visiting the garden. Dogs on short leads are welcome in both the garden and the tea room.
Pull on your boots, gather friends or the whole family (dog included!) and come and see Ramster at its most colourful before we close for winter on 8th November. Or come on your own, as there's plenty of space to find a little peace and quiet.
