20 of the best autumn getaways around the UK
Top Pick for Gastronomic Escapades
Stockbridge, Edinburgh: A Food Enthusiast's Paradise
Edinburgh, with its four Michelin-star eateries, organic farms, and markets brimming with picnic-friendly goodies, emerges as an attractive sojourn for gourmets, with Stockbridge standing as the city's gastronomic epicenter. The city offers a rich culinary tapestry, inspired by the wildlife-rich Scottish moors, seafood-laden lakes, and a bounty of foraged berries, mushrooms, and seaweed. Stockbridge's celebrated Sunday market is a treasure trove of fermented figs and luscious plum compote. In parallel, dine out at neighboring restaurants that whip up flamboyant meals like a multi-coursed tasting menu at the romantic, candle-lit Purslane (£65). Alternatively, you can delight in the local delicacy of bacon-encrusted grouse complemented with locally scavenged girolle mushrooms (£30) amidst the classic tartan and antler decor at Scran and Scallie.
Cocktails at the Raeburn
Across the road is the Raeburn (from £110 B&B) hotel, a comfy Stockbridge base with muted teal-and-heather decor, roll-top baths, its own restaurant and a big log fire in the bar. A cheaper option is the Loft hostel off Princes Street (private doubles from £40), a 10-minute walk from Stockbridge.
Nearby Dean Village, a cluster of old mill houses with turrets and crow-stepped gables, is the gateway to an afternoon stroll beside the Water of Leith. Half a mile downstream, have a peek at the edible garden project in the Royal Botanic Garden (free). Then work up an appetite walking back along this rocky valley, with a neoclassical well and resident otters, ready for tea at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art (free, book ahead). For autumnal perfection, drive or catch bus X5 along the coast to stroll round the Gosford House Estate, a well-kept local secret. Buy a £1 permit from the well-stocked Bothy farm shop (Tuesday to Saturday) to admire the fiery beeches and ornamental lakes.
Armagh: A Food and Cider Delight
Emerging as a must-visit destination in late September, Armagh invites you to its refreshingly unique Food and Cider Festival. This year's attractions feature an exclusive vegetarian culinary evening, a special 'cooking with fire' event on Sunday, and enthralling tours around local cideries, though places are limited. During the festival, the renowned Armagh Cider Company is brimming with activity as it's apple harvest time. The vibrant aroma of ripe apples and the heady scent of fermentation fills the air at the cidery. Their four insightful tours (£18pp, restricted to individual visitor groups) offer visitors a unique, 'tree-to-glass' experience. These tours include apple juice and cider tastings, a fascinating overview of the orchards' operation along with a leisurely stroll through the picturesque orchards.
The Chic Residence, Blackwell House
Nestled ten miles south amidst tranquil meadows, Blackwell House is an elegant guest residence that offers a peaceful getaway from daily life. Expect homemade shortbread, expertly selected local breakfasts and the quintessentially British experience of afternoon tea. Additionally, they eagerly anticipate the reopening of their cooking classes. Visitors may also choose 'off the grid' accommodation at the Birch Eco Cottage, a charming cottage situated within a 30-minutes drive and nestled on an organic farm, available for just £195 for a two-night stay.
Gastronomy Central, North Yorkshire
Talbot restaurant, Malton.
The aromas of roasting coffee and baking bread fill the brick-walled yard opposite the Talbot Hotel in Malton, Yorkshire’s self-proclaimed food capital. The hotel is an old coaching inn, with log fires and riverside gardens, which reopened in late August under new management. Malton is a bunting-strung, flower-hung market town, with breweries and macaron makers, and creamy Georgian mansions housing independent cafes. Castle Howard, serving elegant afternoon teas, is 10 minutes’ drive away next door to the Yorkshire Arboretum (£7, book online). Blazing with golds and scarlets, it has fungi forays for a fiver in October.
Equally close to Malton, the walled garden at Scampston (£8 adults, £4.50 children, £20 family ticket) is full of garden designer Piet Oudolf’s mauve and crimson perennials and shady seats among rust-coloured grasses. It’s open until 1 November and the cafe serves veg grown in the garden.
Doubles at the Talbot from £95 room only, talbotmalton.co.uk
Humble hayloft, Monmouthshire
Nestled within the Forest of Dean lies the Eagle's Nest viewpoint.
Steeped in rich history and teeming with biodiversity, the Wye Valley boasts some of the UK's most significant primordial woodlands. Let your adventure begin at Upper Meend Farm, owned by celebrity Kate Humble. Here, you can appreciate the charm of staying in a refurbished hayloft, reached by climbing a set of stony steps above a farmhouse. The fully-equipped stay also includes a delightful welcome hamper teeming with fresh eggs laid by the farm's resident hens. Don't miss the weekend takeaway offerings from the farm's Pig and Apple cafe. Venture out to discover the nearby town of Monmouth with its delightful vineyards, artisan bakeries, and an array of ice-cream parlours to satisfy your sweet tooth. The nearby River Wye awaits outdoor enthusiasts looking for some exciting canoeing expeditions. Saunter downhill from the farm to the friendly atmosphere of the Boat Inn, where you can enjoy local ales and experience pop-kitchen events hosted on Fridays and Saturdays.
The renovated hayloft offers an escape from the mundane with a stay that starts from £160 for two nights.
Book your rustic holiday at humblebynature.com
Best for families
Camping and cycling, New Forest, Hampshire
Take advantage of the recent VAT reduction this autumn by visiting Avon Tyrrell, a thrilling adventure hub and family-friendly campground nestled in lush woodlands, now offering more affordable camping rates until October's end. Savor the wilderness experience with permitted fire pits and barbecues. If camping isn't for you, they also have cosy heated forest lodges available throughout the year, starting at £175 for a two-night stay in a lodge accommodating six people. Thrill-seekers will love the range of activities on offer, from archery to paddleboarding, from kayaking to pioneering, all bookable at £45 per 45-minute session for a group of up to six people.
Explore the picturesque surroundings on two wheels. Rent a bicycle for the day (£18 for adults, £10 for children; if possible, bring your own helmets) and follow the clearly marked trails. Absorb the beauty of the New Forest, from the last blossoms of its heather to the gold-leafed silver birch trees, and ride past the free-range cows and ponies. Discover the many hidden gems of the area: a quaint country pub, a serene deer sanctuary, an impressive arboretum, or a serene beach, all while watching out for some of the 2,700 distinct types of toadstools. As a bonus fact, the New Forest is recognized as one of the premier locations in Europe for spotting unique autumn fungi.
Immerse yourself in the enchanting Halloween atmosphere in Avon Tyrrell and the neighbouring hamlet of Burley. Known for their old thatch-and-tea shops, they promise an outdoor adventure with a trick-or-treat trail and a location steeped in witch lore. Here, you will find Fordingbridge Pumpkin Pastures a few miles away, which opens during the half term. They provide a delightful pick-your-own experience priced at only £1 for each pumpkin.
You can book a family tent space that accommodates up to five members starting from £22, at avontyrrell.org.uk.
Navigate the Canals of West Yorkshire
The quaint Pennine town of Sowerby Bridge, nestled in the Calder Valley, is home to the canal boat company, Shire Cruisers. They are currently offering savings based on VAT cuts. Offering an unforgettable autumnal holiday experience on the canal, Shire Cruisers engages all generations. The elderly and adults can navigate through the serene waters while enjoying the enchanting fall colours, as older children assist with the 91 locks that dot the 33-mile stretch of the Rochdale Canal. The canal boats come fully equipped with a pair of toilets and central heating facilities, offering maximum comfort and convenience. As you coast along, enjoy the colourful foliage along the banks and relish the late-harvest blackberries that are inaccessible to towpath walkers. Be on the lookout for the eye-catching wooden hawk sculpture near the Broadbottom Lock, close to the birthplace of the eloquent poet Ted Hughes in Mytholmroyd. The locality also offers myriad excellent paths for walks, from traversing the Pennine Way from Todmorden to Stoodley Pike, or following the path of River Calder. This river can be seen crossing the canal on an aqueduct near the charming town of Hebden Bridge.
A four-night excursion for a maximum of six members starts at £770, with details available at shirecruisers.co.uk
Safari Park Pub, Longleat, Wiltshire
The Bath Arms
With free cots (or kids’ foam beds for £15 extra), the rooms at the creeper-covered Bath Arms on the wooded Longleat estate are reasonable value for families. The Beckford hotel group recently took over the pub and its new incarnation was revealed at the end of July after several months’ refurbishment. But the regal lions and mischievous macaques in neighbouring Longleat Safari Park are the real draw. The park is five minutes away by car and is full of stately yellow lime trees and flaming bronze beeches (£25.45/£19.08 for adults/kids online). From 7 November-10 January an elaborate series of installations will light up the park after dark.
Doubles from £100 B&B, batharmsinn.com
Church camping, the Pennines
Exploring St Thomas in Friarmere
An exploration of St Thomas in Friarmere, colloquially known as Heights Chapel in Delph, promises surprises. Despite its austere exterior, the church's inner vibe is vibrant and full of colour. The beam-dividing panels exude a deep cerulean glow, and an astrologically themed arch of the chancel creates an illusion of a star-filled sky above. As the weak autumn sun filters through the stained glass, the stone floor beneath fills up with fragmented colourful sky. Further enhancing its charm, St Thomas offered champing (a twist on camping, held within a church) since 2017, welcoming guests this chilly October with cosy hot water bottles. The fun premise of champing, coupled with the cosy setup involving camp beds, rugs, and cushions, makes it an exciting experience for children, who might recognize it from the movie 'A Monster Calls'.
Furthermore, the nearby The White Lion in Delph provides hearty meals, offering breakfast dishes, tapas, and pizzas. For those seeking outdoor adventures, the wild Marsden Moor offers invigorating walks. If you are lucky, you might get startled by a wild grouse jutting out from a heather bush. And perhaps, a sighting of timid mountain hares, with their coats echoeing the approaching winter by slowly turning white.
If this piques your interest, you can book for a mere £49 per adult per night and grab an unbeatable special offer for kids at only £1. Book today at champing.co.uk.
Best for nature
Dolphin watching, Inverness
Bottlenose dolphins off Chanonry Point
The UK’s best place to see bottlenose dolphins from dry land is the pebbly, seaweed-strewn beach below the lighthouse at Chanonry Point on the north shore of the Moray Firth. Or stroll to Inverness harbour and take a 75-minute boat trip with Dolphin Spirit, which runs several cruises daily until December (groups of six are spaced out, £19.50 adults, £12 children). To explore further, Rabbie’s runs several year-round tours from Inverness, taking in the long, forested shores of Loch Ness, leafy highland villages and Instagrammable places like Glen Affric, Eilean Donan castle or Skye’s Trotternish peninsula, all magnificent under dramatic skies and autumn colours (from £27pp).
Stay at The Coo’s guesthouse (from £53 B&B), a mile from Inverness harbour, which has bright doubles in a renovated villa. Or check out Newhall Mains (doubles from £95 room only): these once-derelict farm buildings in the Black Isle, half an hour’s drive north of Inverness, opened in July as luxury suites and cottages.
Clifftop hike, North Yorkshire
Exploring the Cleveland Way
Amidst a landscape abundant with remarkable rambling routes, the 21-mile trek along the Cleveland Way from Whitby to Scarborough stands out as a leading choice in Yorkshire. The tranquil tranquility of the fall season provides the perfect backdrop for spotting various types of birds including sandpipers and snow buntings, as well as grey seal pups. This particular trail from the Cleveland Way embarks its journey from Whitby, you will navigate along a coastal path that passes the striking ruins of the local abbey. A six-mile walk will lead you to Robin Hood’s Bay - an excellent stop for a midday meal.
The Raven Hall Hotel is situated a further four miles away and boasts a captivating castle-walled garden, breathtaking views of the coastline, and even a seal colony that resides on the rocks below (rooms start at £109, excluding meals). The following day, continue the trek towards Scarborough through Hayburn Wyke, featuring a quaint waterfall that gently falls from the moss-covered cliffs onto the shoreline. Conclude your journey with a stay at the contemporary and charismatic beachfront hotel - Bike and Boot. Opened in July, this hotel offers complimentary tea, cake, and films, with rooms from just £58.50, excluding meals.
Deers and Dunes, Norfolk
The Autumn mating season at Holkham Hall brings the fallow deer into focus. A mere ten-minute leisurely walk from a picturesque harbour and tranquil salt marsh, the refined yet warm Globe Inn, located in Wells-next-the-Sea, invites you to unwind in its lavishly comfortable beds and indulgent bathtubs post a day of braving the breezy Norfolk coast. Nestled in a restored coach house, the restaurant's elegant setting serves up local specialities such as a delightful crab salad drizzled with a unique seaweed hollandaise.
A trip of such grandeur isn't complete without exploring the wider Norfolk region, which offers an array of other charming accommodations such as The Carlton Hotel in Great Yarmouth. Located in a bustling seaside resort town, The Carlton Hotel provides an ideal base for those wishing to explore the many attractions the Norfolk coast has to offer. From the peaceful countryside to the vibrant coastline, your journey of discovery in Norfolk would be incomplete without a visit.
The seasonal influx of visitors have returned home from the expansive beaches of Holkham, leaving behind miles of tranquil seashore bordered by lush dunes and thick pinewoods. Acclaimed from the verse of the Victorian poet Algernon Swinburne, the peaceful seaside landscape extends "wide sands where the sea draws breath". The softer Autumnal climate sees numerous birds migrate back to their seaside home. Carry an enjoyable lunch from The Lookout cafe, conveniently located between the parking space and the beach.
Discover the spectacle of the fallow deer deep into their mating season in the nearby Holkham Park where the park’s gardeners are laboriously revitalizing the old Victorian greenhouses in the enclosed gardens, brimming with luscious fruits and vines.
Rooms from £114 for bed and breakfast, theglobeatwells.co.uk
Wildlife safari, Forest of Dean
Delve into the artistic path within the Forest of Dean
In the Gloucestershire countryside, set within a backdrop of warm autumn hues and rustling leaves, you'll find the charming Tudor Farmhouse. The hotel, which charges from £129 B&B for doubles, serves as an idyllic starting point for encounter with nature as you experience the thrill of watching wild boars, badgers, and hedgehogs frolicking in the twilight. They offer diverse packages such as nighttime or early morning safaris guided by wildlife guru Ed Drewitt which are priced from £100 for either a group of six or a family of four. During the months of October and November, the autumn colour trails, a recent addition by the tourist board, present the perfect pathway to revel in the splendor of the season.
Don't miss out on exploring local forests full of mystery and intrigue—a half-mile distance from the hotel brings you to the Secret Forest. Amidst centuries-old trees, owls hoot and woodpeckers peck; the entry fee is cash-only at £5 for adults and £3 for children. Another must-visit location is Puzzlewood, famed for its cinematic settings, fascinating secret caves, and mushroom-laden stumps which promises a magical experience for a booking fee of £7 for adults and £6 for children. Additionally, the natural art installation at the neighboring Beechenhurst begs a visit. Lastly, it's worth noting that the rich biodiversity of these environments play a pivotal role in UK's ecological scene—later in the year they serve as crucial hibernation spots for hedgehogs and badgers ensuring species survival into the future.
Best for couples
E-biking, Leicestershire/Derbyshire
If you're keen to experience the joys of cycling without the physical exertion, consider embarking on a journey with National Forest E-Bike Holidays. They offer invigorating adventures designed for the laid-back traveller. A fantastic new addition to their roster is the three-night Autumn Glory trip. Here, you'll have the opportunity to witness the majestic stags at Bradgate Deer Park during their rutting season, and ascend Beacon Hill – one of Leicestershire's tallest points. Along the way, you can visit Mount St Bernard Abbey, home to the UK's sole Trappist beer brewed within a monastery. This robust, fruity dark ale is a delight to the senses. The journey also delves into the splendour of autumn with its crimson beeches around Calke Abbey, bountiful berry-strewn towpaths, and the historical richness of Bosworth battlefield. The all-inclusive adventure comprises three nights of accommodation at charming local hotels, e-bikes equipped with maps and GPS, luggage transport, and roadside support. Environmentally-conscious travellers who arrive by train instead of car are also treated with a 5% discount. March on to this delightful journey for £475pp via ebikeholiday.co.uk
A Cosy Retreat in a Suffolk Shepherd’s Hut
Experience the charm of woodland romance with a unique double shower by candlelight, nestled amidst trees at Ivy Grange Farm. Immortalize the moment under a moonlit sky or huddle around a campfire while counting the stars. Turn the escapade into a classic love story by arranging for fresh blooms or planning a quaint, picturesque picnic in a vineyard. Here, you also have the option of cozying up in the rustic elegance of a yurt or their newly introduced shepherd's hut. An interesting detail about Ivy Grange Farm is that they also provide guests with bicycles for an idyllic cycle ride through the scenic country routes, all the way to Southwold.
As a part of your stay, ensure you visit the architectural marvel that is the Holy Trinity church in Blythburgh. Notable for its ornate medieval angels adorning the ceiling, this holy edifice doubles as a sanctuary for numerous birds seeking refuge during the winter, making it a must-visit destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. To fully immerse yourself in this bountiful landscape, ivygrangefarm.co.uk offers stays in their shepherd's hut that start from £180 for a 2-night escape.
Presenting the rediscovered treasure of literature, Dorchester
The Kings Arms
The 18th-century King’s Arms (doubles from £95 B&B) on Dorchester High Street has been smartly repainted after years of dereliction, with the bow window gleaming and 20 rooms ready. Former guests include the Beatles and Queen Victoria, and the hotel features in Thomas Hardy’s The Mayor of Casterbridge. Vinny at Six, just a minute from the hotel, is another stylish newcomer, offering cocktails, moreish tapas and leather armchairs.
National Trust-owned Hardy’s cottage (the pretty thatched-roofed birthplace of the author) is a couple of miles away. Although it hasn’t reopened yet this year, you can still walk through Thorncombe woods, above it, where wild Dartmoor ponies gallop through the beech trees.
At Furleigh vineyard, half an hour’s drive west, fawns hide between gold and crimson vine-rows while tiny grapes are being stripped from the sun-warmed branches to make award-winning fizz and sparkling rosé (six-person tours Wed-Sat until end October, from £15pp). Head back along the coast and catch the sunset at The Club House in West Bexington, a 1930s sports club-turned-restaurant with sea view, nautical decor and playful cuisine. The menu favours things foraged, local and homegrown, including salads from Tamarisk Farm next door, crisp cockle popcorn (£5.50) and grilled lobster with wild garlic (£28.95).
Woodland lodge, Carmarthenshire
What could be more romantically autumnal than a forest house with a hot tub? In Kaowood Country Park, at a new “tiny house” for two, you can arrange for champagne, chocolates and a bed sprinkled with silk rose petals. If it sounds contrived, the morning birdsong and huge oak trees overhead are real enough.
The National Botanic Garden of Wales, a 30-minute drive east, introduced an autumn tree trail a couple of years back, where you pass deep red Japanese maples, yellow hornbeams and a caramel-scented katsura.
And in the waterside village of Laugharne, seven miles from Kaowood, you can retrace the route up the wooded cliff that inspired Dylan Thomas’s Poem in October and peer across the estuary at the castle (“Brown as owls”). For a special occasion, dine out at Penderyn in Brown’s hotel, where the menu features pan-seared duck breast montmorency (£24.95) and rum and raisin banana crumble (£7.95).
Lodges from £175 for two nights, kaowood.co.uk
Best for adventure
Surfing and kayaking, Harlyn Bay, Cornwall
Autumn at Harlyn is known for impressive waves that crash onto its shores. Despite this, it's renowned as one of the safest locations along the northern Cornish coastline. Aiding your venture into these frothy waters is Harlyn Surf School, an establishment well-versed in surfing guidance that has been operating for many years. If you prefer still waters, they also provide kayak excursions at the serene Camel estuary nearby.
A luxurious escape awaits at the recently-established Pig Hotel. Opened in July, this place of stay is conveniently located above the village, amidst a lane encased in trees, with costs beginning at £150 for a quaint double room. Alternatively, for the budget-conscious traveller, the neighbouring Trevone hosts the grounded Well Parc pub, a mere five minute walk away from another excellent beach. This establishment offers basic family rooms beginning at £76, campground spots for pitching tents at £15, with no amenities, and a terrace facing the serene sunset.
You can enjoy a 90-minute surfing exposure at the harlynsurfschool.co.uk for £45, or learn the ropes of surfing with a dedicated course for £90.
An adventure-filled getaway in the Lake District: Hostelling and High Ropes
With its real ale bar reopened for takeaways, remote YHA Borrowdale currently has private rooms and wooden camping pods available throughout October and November.
Half an hour’s drive on the waterside road beside Derwent Water brings you to mountainous Whinlatter Forest, which has a Go Ape high-rope trail through treetops that are home to red squirrels (£33 for two to three hours). Whinlatter also has nine walking routes, Segway hire and the Lake District’s longest purpose-built mountain bike trails. At the nearby Keswick Climbing Wall you can book ghyll scrambling sessions, where you slide, jump and dive down mountain streams and waterfalls (£35pp for three hours, max group size five).
YHA Borrowdale, rooms and pods from £37, yha.org.uk
Mindful walking and microadventures, Snowdonia
Riverbugging on the River Dee
In the spectacular autumn landscapes of north Wales, Adventure Tours UK offers a variety of experiences. New mindful walking weekends will run once a month between October and March, including two nights at an inn in the Ceiriog Valley and a meditative day of guided walking through the hills.
At the other end of the adrenaline-ometer, the company’s 36 Hour Adventure (recommended for small groups and families) offers the chance to try coasteering and riverbugging (white water rafting on individual inflatables), mountain hiking and wild camping, complete with stargazing and campfire tales. You also get to ride the fastest zipwire in the world at Penrhyn Slate Quarry and go climbing and abseiling a sheer limestone cliff.
Weekends from £325pp, 36 Hour Adventure £445pp, adventuretoursuk.com
Cult hotel and Cotswolds walk, Cheltenham
The George Hotel
Encompassing five Regency townhouses, The George opened in late February, only to close again within weeks because of the pandemic. Planned as the first in a new group of Cult Hotels, it’s now reopened with 46 elegantly minimalist rooms; visitors can also book a slot to use the pool and gym at Cheltenham Ladies’ College. The hotel’s downside is limited parking, but it’s ideal for those braving public transport – next door to the coach station and not far from the train.
It’s also five minutes from the hourly bus, which heads into the hills, meaning walkers can sample the epic Cotswold Way. With its partly wooded hills and firelit pubs in treacle-coloured villages, this undulating 100-mile national trail offers unbeatable autumn walking. It stretches from Bath to gold-stoned Chipping Campden and reaches its high point of 1,000 feet above sea level just outside Cheltenham. Walk six miles from Cleeve Hill to time-warped Winchcombe via the neolithic long barrow at Belas Knap, and extend the route by looping out through orchards past the 13th-century ruins of Hailes Abbey. Refuel at Winchcombe’s North’s Bakery with a fruit dripper, a traditional Cheltenham bread-cake, sticky with sugar and raisins.
Doubles from £80 room only, culthotels.com