Capturing the Beauty of Ashburnham Place in Late Autumn

Nestled near Battle in East Sussex, Ashburnham Place is a hidden gem in the High Weald countryside, boasting historic charm, mature woodlands, and vibrant autumn colours. Formerly a stately home and now a Christian retreat, Ashburnham is open to visitors, offering serene grounds and a chance to immerse yourself in centuries-old natural beauty. Late autumn, with its golden hues and tranquil atmosphere, is an especially magical time to explore this picturesque location—whether you’re visiting to soak in the scenery or to capture its beauty through your lens.

In this blog post, I’ll share highlights from two recent visits to Ashburnham Place, my experience photographing its magnificent beech woodlands, and tips for making the most of your time here.

Why Visit Ashburnham Place?

Ashburnham Place is more than just a scenic retreat. Its history dates back centuries, as the ancestral home of the Ashburnham family, whose lineage includes prominent figures in English history. While the main house is now a Christian retreat center, the surrounding grounds remain free to access. These grounds feature not only rolling parkland and woodland but also picturesque lakes, a historic bridge, and a delightful cafe, The Orangery, where you can relax after your visit.

The mature trees in the estate—some likely standing for over a century—offer a perfect setting for autumn photography. Because the estate is privately maintained, the woodlands feel untouched by time, providing an ideal canvas for capturing nature’s seasonal transformations.

Photographing the Beech Woodlands

The highlight of Ashburnham’s autumn landscape is undoubtedly its ancient beech woodland. Towering trunks, moss-covered bases, and canopies painted in fiery shades of orange and gold create scenes that feel timeless.

First Visit: Finding Depth in Gloomy Conditions

My first trip to Ashburnham took place on a classic November day: overcast and moody. While the lack of sunlight softened the light evenly across the forest, the persistent gloom challenged my ability to capture the depth and richness of the scene.

Using a 70-200mm lens at around 150mm, I focused on isolating clusters of beech trees to highlight their structure and the interplay of colors. Shooting at f/8 and a shutter speed of 1/30, I relied on a monopod for stability and adjusted ISO to 2000 to ensure sharpness in the low light.

Despite the challenges, I was drawn to the timeless quality of the woodland. A return trip with a tripod and polarizer in hand promised the opportunity to refine my compositions.

Second Visit: Refined Compositions and Long Exposures

My second visit came with higher expectations—and better preparation. I arrived early to confirm access at 7 AM, hoping to capture the woodlands bathed in misty morning sunlight. While the sunlight and mist never materialized, the nearly windless conditions allowed for long exposures and greater experimentation.

One of the standout compositions from this trip centred around three prominent beech trees, their mossy trunks creating a pleasing sense of balance and harmony. Using my 70-200mm lens at 170mm, I set my aperture to f/9 and achieved sharpness with a 2.5-second exposure at ISO 100. While I experimented with f/16 and longer exposures, these introduced slight motion blur, proving f/9 to be the optimal choice.

An essential lesson from this visit was the importance of “edge patrol”—ensuring clean separation between the main elements in the frame. Reviewing my images in post-processing revealed areas where tighter on-site adjustments could have improved the final shot, reinforcing the need to zoom in and review compositions during the shoot.

Tips for Photographing Ashburnham Place

1. Best Time to Visit:
   Autumn is the most photogenic season at Ashburnham, with late October to early November offering the peak of the fall foliage. Arriving early (access begins at 7 AM) not only avoids crowds but also gives you the chance to photograph the woodlands in soft, golden light—weather permitting!
2. Recommended Gear:
   • A telephoto lens (70-200mm or similar) is ideal for isolating individual trees or clusters.
   • A tripod is essential for long exposures, especially in low light.
   • A polarizer helps deepen autumn colors and reduce glare from wet foliage.
3. Be Mindful of Composition:
   Look for natural patterns, symmetry, and clean separation between trees. Odd-numbered groupings (e.g., three trees) often create a visually pleasing balance.
4. Other Photo Opportunities:
   Don’t miss the beautiful stone bridge near the lake, framed by autumn reflections in the water. The bridge makes for a perfect foreground subject, especially when paired with the surrounding trees.

Practical Information for Visitors

• Location: Ashburnham Place, Battle, East Sussex, TN33 9NF
• Entrance Fee: Free access to the grounds; donations are appreciated.
• Facilities: The Orangery Cafe serves delicious treats, and toilets are available near the main entrance.
• Considerations: Ashburnham is a Christian retreat, so you may encounter people engaged in prayer or religious discussions. On my second visit, a friendly local enthusiastically shared their faith and offered leaflets—an interesting anecdote to add to the experience!

Final Thoughts: Planning the Perfect Visit

Ashburnham Place is a photographer’s paradise during late autumn, with its ancient beech trees and tranquil grounds providing endless inspiration. While I didn’t capture the sunlight or mist I’d hoped for, each visit allowed me to refine my technique and composition, preparing for the day when conditions align perfectly. Whether you’re a photographer or simply a lover of nature, this hidden gem in the High Weald countryside is well worth exploring.

If you’ve visited Ashburnham Place or have tips for capturing autumn landscapes, feel free to share in the comments below. Happy photographing!