With September now well underway, we’re all starting to notice the first hallmarks of autumn.
Shorter days, intricate spider webs and chiller mornings are all signs that summer has been and gone.
Regardless of whether you’re a fan of autumn or not, there’s no debating that the changing of the seasons produces some sensational colours.
Best-viewed on a crisp and sunny morning, the dazzling colours of autumn are expected to come earlier this year due to the abnormally hot summer.
Needless to say, choosing the best places to experience these beautiful colours is of paramount importance.
Within Peterborough itself there are dozens of parks and other open spaces where the beauty of autumn comes to the fore.
But it’s those quaint villages surrounding the city, with their cosy cottages and historic pubs, that provide the perfect backdrop to some breathtaking autumn scenes.
We’ve picked out six underrated villages within a short drive of Peterborough where you can experience the autumn of 2026 in all its glory.
Discover them below:
5. Wansford
Located on the banks of the River Nene, the village of Wansford is arguably the best village near Peterborough to immerse yourself in the beauty of autumn. The village is itself is well worth a visit, but the nearby Bedford Purlieus Woods covers around 520 acres and has extensive walking trails, with beech, birch and field maple among the trees. At this time of year, the beech trees can turn deep yellow, orange and copper. Photo: AMR
6. Barnack
Barnack, just south-east of Stamford, is a particularly interesting place for an autumn walk because it combines ancient woodland, limestone countryside and historic buildings. Barnack Hills and Holes National Nature Reserve is the obvious starting point for a visit this September. The reserve's unusual contours create lots of little changes in elevation, so you get views across golden grassland, trees in autumn foliage and the surrounding fields from different angles. Photo: Geograph
7. Upton
Upton, just north-west of Peterborough, is a great place to see the changing of the seasons amongst the Nene Valley. Upton Wood is the star of the show at this time of year, when the broadleaf trees begin to turn shades of gold, red and orange. Photo: Geograph