AT this time of year, there’s a palette of colours waiting to be discovered across breath-taking National Trust landscapes in the south.

Discover beech woods of golden foliage, sparkling streams and russet heathland. With hundreds of walks available to download for free from the conservation charity’s website, there are plenty of opportunities to get outdoors and connect with nature.

From gentle strolls through pretty parkland and villages to bracing walks across the South Dows and Surrey Hills, there are trails to suit all tastes.

The National Trust is encouraging the nation to explore the many special places it looks after.

With the generous support of members, supporters and volunteer teams at trust properties, the charity is able to look after some of the country’s most beautiful places and is planning to spend £1 billion over the next 10 years to make the countryside healthy, beautiful and rich in wildlife.

Here are some of the most colourful walks in Surrey, Sussex and Hampshire to inspire this autumn:–

Polesden Lacey, near Dorking

Early autumn is a fantastic time to visit the gardens at Polesden Lacey as they mellow into a romantic tangle of repeat-flowering perennials, feathery grasses and sculptural seedbeds.

A peaceful wander among soft herbaceous borders in gentle September light is just the thing to restore the senses for a new season. You can also wander around the historic mansion, with its gold saloon and extensive collection of art, ceramics and furniture.

The walled gardens are one of the most romantic places in Surrey, with their charming layout of stone paths, little seats and statues of griffins.

There are deck chairs on the south lawn, where you can look out at a picture-perfect backdrop of the rolling Surrey Hills. It’s a tranquil place to sit and feel the glow of the autumn sun.

As the season turns, watch the autumn colour sweep across the view, as leaves turn from green to gold and deep russet red.

The wider countryside estate has a circuit of paths, which take you through tunnels of golden oak and beech leaves.

For more information go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk/polesden-lacey

Winkworth Arboretum, near Godalming

The whole hillside lights up in a kaleidoscope of colours in autumn. Acers and maples are the stars of the show, while liquidambar leaves turn crimson, orange and purple.

Seek out the viewpoints at the top of the azalea steps and across the lakeside to the boathouse.

Claremont Landscape Garden, near Esher

With its lake and grass amphitheatre, it was once a royal retreat where Queen Victoria played as a child. It’s an uplifting place for a gentle stroll.

There are 300-year-old sweet chestnut trees and avenues of lime trees, which light up yellow as the autumn colours change.

Piles of crunchy leaves gather, ready for the leap of tiny boots. See www.nationaltrust.org.uk/claremont-landscape-garden

Hatchlands Park, near Guildford

A special place to come in autumn for peaceful walks around the 400-acre parkland and woodland.

The mansion is a family home, containing the Alec Cobbe collection of paintings, furniture and rare keyboard instruments, associated with famous composers like Bach and Chopin.

The parkland is open daily, house open Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Learn more at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hatchlands-park

Surrey Hills

Hindhead Commons and the Devil’s Punch Bowl have sweeping purple heather and golden grasses at the start of autumn. The café and kiosk are open for cream teas and soups.

At Box Hill, Leith Hill and Gatton Park you can see whole hillsides turning golden as the oak, beech and chestnut trees go from flame red to yellow.

Leith Hill Place was the historic home of English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams. Perched on the side of Leith Hill, the views across the autumn countryside are remarkable.

The River Wey Navigations

The historic waterway runs for nearly 20 miles through the heart of Surrey. Take an autumn walk along the tow path and visit the tearoom and visitor centre at Dapdune Wharf, in the centre of Guildford.

Petworth Park

What better time of year to marvel at some of the oldest and largest trees in the country? Petworth is dotted with ancient gnarled specimens, including an oak that has survived here since the 12th century and still puts on a spectacular show of colour every year.

With more than 700 acres of parkland to explore, you’ll be spoilt for choice for places to explore, but the Ancient Tree Walks trail will help you find some of the best spots to enjoy the autumnal display.

If you visit in October or November you might also get to see the annual deer rut, where the males compete for a mate. The four-mile walk takes around 90 minutes to complete.

Slindon, near Fontwell

The historic village has the largest traditional estate in the South Downs. A circular walk takes you round the bank of a medieval deer park, called a pale, past an Early Stone Age raised beach and to the village’s famous display of pumpkins. An easy 1.8-mile walk, taking around an hour to walk.

Hinton Ampner, near Alresford

There are no less than four downloadable walks to choose from at Hinton Ampner. You can get a good idea of the beauty of the landscape simply by strolling to the back of the house and gazing out over the parkland to the woodlands beyond.

•For details of all NT walks – www.nationaltrust.org.uk/southeast