Autumn holiday ideas in the UK

Are you thinking about taking a break this Autumn? From the Scottish Highlands to the Welsh coastline, find some staycation inspiration here.

The summer may be over but fear not; the September weekend and October break are just around the corner. If you’re thinking about getting away, the UK is full of beautiful landscapes and hidden gems to discover. Whether you’re looking for a romantic couple’s trip or a family adventure, there’s something for everyone in our list of highlights below.

Cairngorms

Situated in the Scottish Highlands, the Cairngorms National Park is renowned for its incredible autumn colours, resembling a painting-by-numbers book with its myriad of warm tones. Boasting a diverse variety of landscapes, the spectacular autumn scenery can be enjoyed while taking a walk or bike ride along one of its many routes, or even when bagging one of its 50-plus Munro mountains if that’s your thing! Whether you’re looking for a whisky-tasting experience or to visit the historic sites, this is one of the best UK breaks for activity lovers.

North Yorkshire

There’s no better time to visit Yorkshire’s sprawling Moors than autumn, when the large expanse of heather moorland blooms into a beautiful purple haze. Across the coastline, you can hop onboard one of the many boat trips for a chance to see lines of dolphins, porpoises and whales as well as a wealth of birdlife. Yorkshire has its fair share of small, quirky towns such as the bohemian Hebden Bridge, which is nestled in the Calder Valley, or nearby Haworth – perfect for cosy evenings spent in a traditional pub.

Loch Tay

With towering trees, acres of lush forest, beautiful glens and rushing rivers, the banks of Loch Tay are perfect for an autumn staycation. Taynmouth Marina, right in the heart of Perthshire’s ‘Big Tree Country’, offers cosy lodges, glamping facilities and more. The surrounding countryside is a dream for anyone who loves seeking out local wildlife while there’s plenty of activities for the whole family. Embark on a highland safari, try out some water sports, soak up the views in the hot box sauna or visit Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery. The Enchanted Forest is also a must-see in October.

Isle of Skye

As the nights get longer, you might want to make a beeline for the Hebrides to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. On the Isle of Skye, your best chance is from the Trotternish Peninsula at the island’s most northerly tip. By day, there is lots of exploring to be done – including mountain walking, climbing and scrambling in the Cuillin; a trip to the amazing Fairy Pools; a visit to Talisker Distillery or a dinner in the famous Three Chimneys. With the large summer crowds all but gone, Autumn is a great time to visit this beautiful island.

Bath

If you’re looking for a city break, Bath’s Georgian splendour is best appreciated when the summer crowds have departed. Soak up the steaming water of the Thermae Bath Spa, visit the ancient Roman baths and cruise the River Avon before winter sets in. There’s also plenty of museums to visit, like the Holburne Museum, while you can also delve into the fascinating life of one of Britain’s most celebrated authors Jane Austen.

Pembrokeshire

With rugged coastlines, vast National Parks and landscapes teeming with wildlife, there are many reasons to visit Pembrokeshire this autumn. The unspoilt coastline provides some of the best places in the UK to spot grey seals while walkers may also see basking sharks, blue whales, turtles and Risso dolphins. From long walks along secret beaches to visiting the many pretty seaside towns such as St Davids, you’ll return feeling relaxed and revitalised.

Cotswolds

If long, leaf-crunching walks and evenings by a blazing fire sound up your street, then the Cotswolds could be the perfect Autumn escape. Known for its gently rolling landscapes, traditional pubs and farmers markets, it has endless quaint villages to explore like Whichford and Bourton-on-the-water as well as numerous walking trails for dedicated hikers.

Lake District

The Lake District’s crystal-clear lakes and rugged hills have attracted visitors for centuries. This historic pocket of England is ideal for a staycation – not only is there plenty of National Trust sites to explore, it’s also home to many gastronomic delights, independent boutiques and craft beer venues. For adventurous holidaymakers, the Lakes are a popular place for wild swimming and water sports. If you prefer dry land though, there is always England’s highest mountain, Scaffell Pike, to tackle.

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