"Let’s end with a garden partly designed and deeply influenced by Capability Brown (with a nod to Humphry Repton). I sometimes think the finest few paces I have ever walked in terms of scenery are the ones along the Palm Walk at Sheffield Park. When the sun is shining and the ivory white spring blossoms nod through the palms, it is unbearably beautiful. But there is so much more in these 120 acres; four lakes to circle which form the centrepiece, masses of Ghent azaleas to admire and a kaleidoscope of colours to absorb come autumn when the Japanese maples, oaks, beeches, birches and swamp cypresses come into their own. Sit quietly and stare at the clouds reflecting in the water as you sup from a cuppa from one of the many strategically placed drinks carts around the gardens. Bliss."

"I sometimes think autumn is the best time of year to visit this fabulous National Trust treat. Laid out by Capability Brown in the 18th century, a cluster of lakes create the centre piece here and in autumn you’ll witness kaleidoscopic autumnal hues, particularly among the tupelos and shrubs. You might well recognise the landscape around you here – these gardens are some of the most photographed autumn displays in the country. Highlights? The Japanese maples, oaks, beeches, swamp cypresses and birches – which are mirrored beautifully by the lakes, creating a double whammy of colour. Look out for special events put on throughout autumn."

"This Capability Brown masterpiece is one of the most photographed autumn gardens in Britain, and it’s easy to see why. The stunning colours of the Japanese maples, oaks, beech, swamp cypresses and birches are mirrored in the park’s five lakes, giving a double hit of colour. On a blue-skied autumn day there’s no place like it."

"Sheffield Park is known for its fine collection of trees and shrubs, many of which give a dazzling display of colour in spring. Pink and white dogwoods vie with rhododendrons and azaleas of every hue, from electric blue to bronze; there’s also veritable sea of bluebells. The perfect place for your first picnic of the year."