5 Autumn Adventures

Telford is a great place to soak up autumn’s mellow vibes. As the days get shorter and the nights longer, head to our waterways, woodlands, parks and hilltops. You’ll find golden canopies, misty rivers and landscapes bathed in that rich autumnal light. 

Here are 5 autumn adventures guaranteed to help you make the most of this beautiful season.

1. Try forest bathing

Have you heard of forest bathing, a.k.a. shinrin yoku? It’s a Japanese relaxation practice that involves spending time quietly and calmly among trees. It’s all about observing nature, breathing deeply and letting go of your to-do list. Autumn in Telford is a great time to give it a go. We’re blessed with more than our fair share of heritage woodlands and forests. Small Woods, a UK charity that helps connect people with their woodland environments, has even set up base in Coalbrookdale. Checkout their wood-themed events, held in the Green Wood Centre in the woodland of Ironbridge Gorge. It’s next to The Green Wood Café, so you can eat cake while you forest bathe!

Follow Apley Woods’ Tree Trail to spot 10 of the estate’s finest specimen trees, or simply sit peacefully beneath a tree you feel drawn to. We wouldn’t be surprised if you found yourself near Apley’s Western red cedar; evergreens such as pine, cedar, spruce, conifer, are among the best trees for forest bathing as they produce the most phytoncides, chemicals that have an anti-microbial effect on our bodies, boosting our immune system.

A walk through Severn Gorge Countryside Trusts Dale Coppice, which floats above the Gorge in Coalbrookdale, will take you through groves of beech trees and clusters of holly, as well as past several historic monuments and atmospheric ruins. People have been enjoying the peace and quiet of this beautiful patch of woodland for centuries.

Lime Kiln Wood, once part of the Royal Forest of Wrekin, is one of Telford’s most botanically interesting woods. Its home to at least 150 plant species. Look out for ash, oak, sycamore, hazel and hawthorn.

2. Paddle along the river

Autumn days are made for exploring waterways, and the River Severn is particularly enticing at this time of year. It’s still fairly warm and, if the conditions are right, you’ll get a double whammy of seasonal colours as the water below reflects the red, gold and ochre of the trees above. There’s no better way to experience this autumnal display than from the water itself. Jump into a Canadian canoe or kayak and paddle along the river. If you get out early enough, you might even push off into a mist rising from the water’s surface. Autumn marks the move from high to low season, so you stand a good chance of having the river to yourself. As you paddle, keep your eyes peeled for autumn wildlife. You might spot swans, red deer and, if you’re really lucky, an otter. Take a snap of the Iron Bridge as you drift beneath – brightly coloured autumn leaves really make the red-painted structure pop. 

3. Explore the treetops

Give in to that back-to-school feeling and learn something new as September kicks off. A high-ropes experience is a great way to challenge body and mind and get up close and personal with the leaves as they try on their autumn finery. You’ll fire up your adrenaline, too. Sky Reach in Telford Town Park will carry you up to the canopy – and fire up your adrenaline as you hurl yourself back down on the 10-metre-tall Leap of Faith! Remember to take in the views of the autumnal treetops across the park before you jump! Afterwards, treat yourself to lunch in one of the trendy restaurants and cafes in Southwater. It easy to walk there, even if your legs are still feeling wobbly.

4. Catch sunrise or sunset from the summit

Autumn’s crisp, clear nights are bookended by spectacular sunsets and sunrises. You don’t have to be an early bird to catch the sunrise in autumn. The longer nights mean you can comfortably get a full night’s sleep and walk to the top of The Wrekin’s 407m (1,335ft) summit before the sun comes up. You’ll never forget watching the orangey-pink dawn light up 17 counties spread out beneath you. For sunset, head to the Lilleshall Monument, a 21m (69ft) obelisk on the hill overlooking Lilleshall village. Watch the sky fade to pink, dark blue and then inky black as the stars come out to play. Bring your binoculars and a hot drink and stick around for some stargazing. 

5. Take a walk in the park 

Autumn is a walk in the park in Telford – literally! A stroll through one of our parks and parklands is a gentle way to welcome in autumn and there are hundreds of footpaths to explore.Yes, you could spend a fun autumn day at one of Telford Town Park’s attractions – the zoo, adventure gold and Wonderland’s Dinosaur Valley are great days out all year round - but to really soak up the autumnal vibes, follow one of the park’s trails. A simple walk, take-away coffee in hand, is the best way to explore the award-winning park’s 450 acres. Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, England’s most famous landscaper and gardener, left his mark on Telford and Shropshire’s gardens and stately homes. Weston Park only 15 minutes from Telford town centre, is one of England’s finest stately homes.  The estate owes much of the beauty of its 1,000-acre parkland to Brown’s genius. Discover woodland walks, an adventure playground, a lake, the Grade I-listed Roman Bridge and even a miniature railway as you ramble through the gardens and grounds.