Autumn Colour on the Isle of Wight

There’s something quietly powerful about autumn here. Much of the Island lies within a National Landscape (formerly AONB), and the whole area is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, so nature is already in focus.
In autumn, woodlands, hedgerows, paths and valleys all begin their slow seasonal transition. The rustle of fallen leaves underfoot, the crispness of the air, the sharp contrast between deciduous trees and evergreens - it’s a season for slowing down, for walking, and for reflection.  Here are some of our favourite spots to chase autumn colour…

Borthwood Copse (near Sandown)
This National Trust woodland is a hidden gem for autumn lovers. Borthwood Copse spans about 60 acres of coppiced sweet chestnut, hazel and ancient oaks. In autumn, the beech trees light up in golden hues, while the understory glows in copper tones. There’s a viewpoint known as ‘Kite Hill’ from which you may glimpse Culver Down and the sea in the distance.

Parkhurst Forest (Newport)
One of the larger forested areas on the Island, Parkhurst Forest, offers a mixture of ancient woodland, relict heathland and planted woodland. In autumn, the forest is especially atmospheric: you'll pass through glowing bracken, shafts of light through birch and oak, and possibly spot one of the Island’s red squirrels (they’re harder to see as their fur blends, but October/November is still a good time).

Ventnor Botanic Garden
Nestled in the sheltered Undercliff area on the southern shore, Ventnor Botanic Garden has a unique microclimate that allows subtropical and exotic species to thrive. In autumn, this garden becomes a stage for contrast: evergreens, palms, eucalyptus and succulents remain vivid green, while maples, liquidambars, and native species show off their seasonal colours. A walk through here mixes the tropical and the temperate in a charming way. The Plantation Cafe is a fine spot to pause and take in the scenery.

Shanklin Chine
One of the Island’s oldest visitor sites, the Chine is a deep, wooded ravine carved over millennia. In autumn, the trees and slopes around the gorge blaze with colour. In the evenings, there’s often a lighting display that illuminates the streams, trees and waterfalls in ethereal tones.

Brighstone Forest & the Tennyson Trail
Brighstone Forest is the largest forested area on the Island and extends across downs, hills and ridges. A walk along the Tennyson Trail, especially on the stretch that passes Brighstone Down, offers sweeping views through woodland and open land. As autumn advances, the woodland edges and ridges become washings of rust and gold. This region is ideal if you also want big views, from the downs, the coastline can frame your walks.

Headon Warren & The Needles viewpoint
For somewhere dramatic, Headon Warren gives you sweeping clifftop views over The Needles stacks, framed in autumn skies and tones. Sunsets in autumn are earlier and often more vivid, and this spot is touted as one of the best for evening light.
Combine a woodland or downs walk with a clifftop finish, and you’ll feel you’ve got both forest and coastline in one outing.