AS the autumn months progress, now is the time to make the most of the season’s colourful landscape. Here are seven places in Dorset and the New Forest that look their best at this time of year.

1. Kingston Lacy: the jewel in the crown of autumn colour on the estate is the seven-acre Japanese garden where over 180 trees turn shades of flaming red, rich orange and golden yellow. Afterwards head to The Woodland Trail, a three-mile looped trail through woodland accessible by bike and buggy, before heading to Beech Avenue, one of the most photographed tree-lined roads in the country, a two-mile long stretch of beech trees planted in 1835. (Kingston Lacy offers a series of guided estate walks taking in the best of the seasons throughout the year. Find out more at nationaltrust.org.uk/kingston-lacy).

2. Studland: There’s a secret woodland walk about a mile long which starts from the Discovery Centre car park at Knoll Beach. At this time of year you can also spot deer (listen to the call of the sika deer) and birdlife as well as enjoying the autumnal colours.

3. Corfe Castle: Commoners’ Way is a 5.5 mile walk which starts and finishes by the picturesque Kingston Church and is one of a series designed to help families understand more about the history of Purbeck. One of the highlights is the view of Corfe Castle over the valley which is even more spectacular at this time of year.

4. Brownsea Island: The unspoiled landscape provides a range of bright hues to enjoy from sweet chestnuts and beeches, to hazel trees and scarlet oaks from North America as well as a chance to spot rare red squirrels, peacocks and wild deer.

5. Rhinefield Ornamental Drive: With towering trees and pretty streams, situated between Brockenhurst and the A35, is the perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors during the autumn. It is home to two of the tallest trees in the New Forest a pair of giant redwoods. There are several walks that start and finish from the site, the most popular is the Tall Trees Trail.

6. Bournemouth Central Gardens: If you don’t want to travel too far to enjoy the changing colours these gardens which extend from the town centre to Coy Pond, were developed in the 1870s and feature a number of trails, bridges and trees to admire.

7. Badbury Rings: The views from the top of this iron-age hill fort are magnificent. Enjoy autumn vistas across the wooded parkland towards the manor house at Kingston Lacy and along the full length of Beech Avenue.