A series of pictures show Blenheim Palace and its grounds glowing with autumnal colour. 

The Vanbrugh-designed Grand Bridge over the Great Lake and the unusual Cedar of Lebanon tree, recognisable to fans of Harry Potter And The Order of the Phoenix, gleam gold and the Column of Victory and Rosamund’s Well as well as the site of the ancient Woodstock Palace stand out among autumn trees.

Rare and ancient tree varieties in the grounds include the copper beech roundels originally planted by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown over two centuries ago.

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The leaves change dramatically from a dark purple in the summertime to a striking gold come autumn, contrasting against the neighbouring dark green evergreens in the landscape.

And the rare Caucasian Wingnut Tree has recently produced its most spectacular floral display in living memory.

Native from northern Iran to Ukraine the tree was introduced to Britain in the 1780’s. Fossil records found in Turkey date the tree species back more than 2.5 million years.

The palace is also home to the largest collection of ancient oak trees in Europe - dating back to pre-medieval times with their leaves now turned a brilliant golden yellow.

As these leaves fall to the ground, they reveal tree trunk and bark.

The field maple tree has also turned a sunny coloured gold and the pine needles of larch trees found throughout the parkland are now yellow.

These trees are the only deciduous conifers native to central Europe.

And inside the palace the cardinal colours and gilt gold frames in the Red Drawing Room and the cosy Long Library lined with leather-bound books exude autumnal warmth.

These stunning images were captured by Pete Seaward.