If you're in Gloucestershire at the right time, then head for Westonbirt Arboretum near Tetbury. Renowned for its mature specimens of trees, this Forestry Commission-owned arboretum has grouped plantings of Japanese maples and others to show off their effect to the best. There are 17 miles of paths here, highly suitable for the children to let off steam, but dogs can only be taken to certain areas. With a cafe open every month but January, a picnic area, all-year opening hours and grounds accessible to wheelchairs, this is a good venue for a family trip.

A National Trust property in East Sussex vies with Westonbirt for its autumn colour. Scarlet, orange, yellow and purple hues are provided by a range of beautiful trees set around lakes and cascades at Sheffield Park Garden, near Uckfield. Plenty of space for the children, but dogs are restricted to the car park. Most of the grounds are wheelchair accessible, and there are a limited number of wheelchairs, all-terrain pushchairs, back carriers and self-drive cars if you need help to move yourself or your companions around.

Another site for sore eyes is at Stourhead, nr Warminster in Wiltshire. Here the National Trust looks after a wide range of trees that obligingly put on a splendid display at this time of year. As do the mature specimens at Osterley Park, on the western side of London. Both places are open all year, are large enough for children to run around, have wheelchairs available, and a tea room for reviving refreshments.