Six Great Autumn Breaks!

This time of year makes us think about the immortal words of 60s quartet The Mamas & the Papas – 'all the leaves are brown' – which means it's time to head into the countryside and experience the stunning colours of fall before they disappear. Why not make a weekend of it, and book yourself an autumn break? From cosy pubs with rooms and boutique B&Bs to cottages with log burners, there are plenty of options to mull over. Read on for a few of our favourite places to stay in autumn.

The New Forest

New Forest

What are you looking for this autumn? If it's a nature-filled excursion in a place that really highlights the stunning natural beauty of this time of year, there’s no better destination than the New Forest. With innumerable walking and cycling routes, you’ll have subtly different sights every day of your trip, completely surrounded by trees and falling leaves. You may even spot a few roaming ponies!

To make an autumn break of it, check out our New Forest accommodations,  with everything from country house hotels and rural cottages to scenic hostels.

How about the fantastic Careys Manor Hotel, positioned right in the midst of the National Park, with great comfort, the SenSpa, a pool and more? There's also sister property the Montagu Arms in nearby Beaulieu, that's home to the highly-rated Terrace Restaurant. Out and about, amble the two-mile riverside walk to Buckler's Hard. Another top option is Cottage Lodge Hotel, an eco-conscious boutique property on the edge of Brockenhurst with 16 rustic-chic, individually designed bedrooms.

RHS Wisley, Surrey

Wisley

This is another fantastic opportunity to bask in glorious autumnal colours. Unlike the New Forest’s natural beauty, Wisley is a more tended place to explore. Featuring a range of gardens – from well-being and wildlife to exotic, with an arboretum, wildflowers, walled areas, meadows and more – there's nothing horticultural left to want for! It’s open all year round, but each season brings a host of different hues, plants and events.

For a top autumn break, check out our Surrey accommodation guide.

The Stag on the River sits on the river in Godalming, a charming 17-century pub with top-notch service and food and seven timber-framed bedrooms. Part of the local Grosvenor Pubs group, another top option is The Kings Arms in Egham. For something a little different, Denbies Vineyard Hotel fits the bill – a rural 17-room retreat where you can take a tour, sample estate wines, and eat at one of the on-site restaurants.

Diwali, The Midlands

Diwali

Aside from fabulous autumn leaves and the cool, crisp air, autumn is filled with fantastic festivities, including the post-harvest festival of Diwali. Marked by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains worldwide, where better to spend it than the wonderfully diverse Midlands? Leicester is known for having some of the biggest celebrations in the UK, including the light switch-on, family arts workshops and Diwali Day. Or take a gander at Birmingham and nearby Coventry for even more events.

Have a look at our accommodation in the Midlands and book yourself an autumn break!

For an apartment in Birmingham city centre, check out Staying Cool at Rotunda. Located within a Grade-II listed landmark with panoramic views and bespoke furniture, what better base while you explore the area? And for self-catering places to stay across the region, there are plenty of choices, from Cruckbarn, a super-stylish rural retreat to cosy Cider Mill Cottage near Worcester. For an upscale country house hotel, check into Brockencote Hall just outside Kidderminster, and if it's something a bit quirky you're after, take a look at Forest Holidays Sherwood Forest with their woodland cabins.

The Lake District

Lake District

We couldn’t not mention the stunning Lake District if we're talking about beautiful autumn breaks, could we? With every inch covered in towering trees and glistening lakes, you’ll have a scenic and peaceful escape for sure. Choose a hub and go for endless walks, or take a car and stay at a different place in the Lakes each night! Either way, you're sure to be wowed by the incredible sights.

Check out our guide to accommodation in the Lake District for great autumn break options.

For self-catering luxury on the shores of Ullswater, Waternook sleeps 12 across six suites, while family-friendly Westward House overlooks Lake Windermere and has three bedrooms. Or how about boutique B&B Randy Pike in Ambleside or contemporary bed and breakfast The Yan, that's also home to a first-rate bistro? For a secluded spot near Farleton Fell, take a look at Once Upon A Fell.

Sussex Bonfires

Sussex

With Bonfire Night coming up, we can't not mention the infamous Lewes! Known as a quaint Sussex town for most of the year, it comes alive in November and hosts the biggest bonfire night celebrations in the country! Featuring 30+ processions, traditions and celebrations around the town, it’s certainly an evening to remember! If you fancy staying over, The Jolly Sportsman is a pub with stylish rooms and top-quality food. And remember: across the county, bonfire night lasts for weeks, with events in Mayfield, Firle, Staplecross and Hastings.

For a range of autumn break recommendations, check out our guide to Sussex stays.

We have tons of excellent choices, from The Nest, a charming cottage on the edge of the Ashdown Forest, and Upper Barn, an eco-friendly property in the South Downs National Park to Nest Stay, a quintessential West Sussex hideaway. Hotel-wise, check out Ockenden Manor Hotel and Spa and boutique bolthole The Old Rectory. And for an exclusive use option, Fair Oak Farm sleeps up to 32!

Scotland

Scotland

St. Andrews Day, the national celebration of proud Scotland, is coming up on the 30th of November – the perfect way to bid farewell to autumn and welcome in winter. All over the country, you’re bound to find incredible events, from raucous nights in rural pubs and Glasgow’s torchlit procession to fantastic festivities in the capital. Also known for its beautiful nature, if you’re more of an outdoor adventurer, head to The Highlands for some crisp cold air as the days grow shorter and the winds fiercer!

Check out our Best of Scotland page to find incredible places to stay all over the country for an autumn break.

For example, there's chic self-catering for up to 12 at 94DR in Edinburgh, luxury hotel Murrayshall Country Estate in Perthshire, luxe log cabins at LazyDay Cottages in the Scottish Borders, and The Manor House, an elegant hotel overlooking Oban Bay.


If you've enjoyed our autumn breaks blog, why not check out our Inspiration page? Or, for a range of accommodation offers, head to Hot Deals.

And for more property suggestions, browse our guides, from romantic retreats and dog-friendly hotels to cottages with hot tubs.

Image 1 from: https://www.thenewforest.co.uk
Image 2 from: https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley

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