The Best Things to do in Rydal: A 48-Hour Guide
You voted Rydal as the best autumn short break destination! So we've compiled a 48-hour itinerary full of the...
by Amber Hulse / Autumn
If you are seeking a cosy cottage in a memorable location for an autumn break, we’ve rounded up the best autumn destinations in the UK, based on real booking data, to help you decide where to go this spooky season!
Sykes Holiday Cottages booking data shows that autumn getaways are growing in popularity, with autumn holidays increasing by 1.9% between 2024 and 2025. Nearly 110,000 autumn breaks are already planned for 2026, with the average getaway lasting 5.7 days.
With autumn fast approaching and a clear increase in people taking a getaway as the seasons change, we’ve got you covered! Autumn in the UK offers incredible staycations at a lower price than summer, with everything from changing landscapes and afternoons spent enjoying a hearty pub lunch to spooky ghost walks and strolls around national parks.
Autumn is a wonderful time to explore the sights of the UK, with colourful landscapes, crisp walking routes and quieter attractions providing plenty of reasons to book your next getaway.
Read on to discover where to travel to this autumn…
Sitting at the top of the list of the best places to visit in autumn in the UK, Whitby is a beautiful seaside town with characterful streets and an abundance of attractions to keep you entertained as the seasons turn.
Take a brisk walk along the pier, join one of the town’s ghost tours or spend an afternoon admiring the impressive ruins of Whitby Abbey and its views across the coastline. Literature lovers can also discover Whitby’s connection to Bram Stoker’s famous novel, Dracula. In fact, there’s no better place or season to read it in!
Aside from ghosts and vampires, there is many a cosy pub to curl up in and enjoy a beverage of your choice, as well as charming bookshops and eateries galore. All of this makes Whitby an ideal place for a romantic autumnal seaside break.
Whitby’s appeal continues throughout autumn, whether you’re enjoying fish and chips after a walk along the beach or experiencing the town’s alternative side at Whitby Goth Weekend. Combined with its Gothic history and atmospheric streets, there’s plenty to make Whitby a memorable choice for an autumn escape.
For further inspiration, take a look at our Whitby Travel Guide.
Set within the spectacular scenery of the Lake District National Park and resting on the picturesque banks of Lake Windermere, Ambleside offers everything from countryside walks to wild swimming. You’ll also find a fantastic selection of beautiful holiday cottages to be your next home-away-from-home.
Ambleside has a lot in store for fans of literature! Venture out to explore Beatrix Potter’s home, Hill Top Farm, which offers tours as well as excellent views across the Lakes! Family-friendly attractions include Beatrix Potter Gallery, a variety of watersports, wild swimming and Ambleside Climbing Wall.
Ambleside is also home to the historic Ambleside Roman Fort, with plenty of walking trails leading into the Lake District National Park. Head up Todd Crag or visit Stock Ghyll Force for colourful autumn scenery, crisp walks and plenty of opportunities to spot local wildlife.
Back in town, there’s a great selection of independent shops, cosy pubs and places to eat, making it easy to unwind after a day outdoors. With its mix of scenic walks, attractions and cosy places to relax, it’s easy to see why Ambleside ranks second among Sykes’ most-booked autumn destinations.
For further inspiration, take a look at our Ambleside Travel Guide.
Set among breathtaking mountains, with fantastic walking routes and wildlife on your doorstep, Keswick offers a scenic base for exploring the Lake District National Park this autumn.
Resting beside Derwentwater, Keswick offers scenic lakeside walks where you can admire the colourful autumn leaves reflected on the water. For something a little spookier, Keswick also offers ghost walks, blending history with paranormal tales, easing you into spooky season.
Perfect for rainy days, Keswick houses a selection of museums, including the unique Derwent Pencil Museum, as well as an abundance of cafés and cosy bookshops.
For those seeking adventure, there’s no shortage of watersports and walking routes around Keswick. Explore Castlerigg Stone Circle or head out on walks around Walla Crag and High Rigg to experience the surrounding autumn scenery.
Further afield, you’ll find even more of the Lake District to explore, including Scafell Pike, the Old Man of Coniston and Rydal Cave.
For further information, take a look at our Keswick Travel Guide.
Bamburgh offers some of the best autumn walks in the UK, with dramatic coastlines and views of the impressive Bamburgh Castle towering above the waves; we’re not surprised it’s a popular autumn destination!
Get in the autumn spirit at one of the local farms offering pumpkin picking to keep the little ones entertained. And what could be more intriguing than an afternoon spent exploring the nearby Lindisfarne Castle and Priory, filled with tales of hauntings and history?
You can also look forward to brisk walks along the impressive coast of Northumberland, with a warm coffee in hand! With Northumberland National Park within reach, there are even more incredible walks to explore, ideal for enjoying a picturesque hike and spotting the wildlife that resides there.
For further information, take a look at our Bamburgh Travel Guide.
The next best autumn destination is set on the scenic Isle of Anglesey! Benllech is a charming seaside village offering a whole range of local coastal walks and quaint cafés for cosy autumn coffees as the weather turns cooler.
The village is home to traditional fish and chip shops, perfect for picking up something warm to enjoy by the sea. Benllech Beach is also ideal for an autumn stroll with your four-legged friend, making this a great choice for dog-friendly coastal breaks. The change of season also brings a quieter pace to Anglesey, giving you more room to roam and explore to your heart’s content as the summer crowds fade.
Benllech also provides easy access to historic sites and nature reserves across Anglesey, making it a great base for nature lovers and walkers. Explore places such as Porth Wen Brickworks, Mynydd Parys and Cors Bodeilio National Nature Reserve for a mix of coastal scenery, wildlife and local history.
Filled with history and charm, Castleton is a picturesque village set in the Peak District National Park, with plenty of cosy places to retreat to on a rainy autumn day.
Boasting beautiful buildings, this popular autumn destination is sure to inspire a cosy afternoon. With a historic church and local walks winding through the rolling hills, you’re invited to explore the scenery and enjoy the shades of orange across the countryside.
Lovers of history can explore Peveril Castle, while walkers can head through Cave Dale for impressive views of the surrounding landscape. For a different kind of adventure, venture underground at Peak Cavern.
Take to the trails around Ladybower Reservoir to enjoy the blissful reflections of autumn foliage across the water. Popular activities throughout autumn include guided orientation walks, climbs up Mam Tor, cave exploration and of course, a delightful slice of home-made cake and a coffee in the warmth of a local café.
For more inspiration, take a look at our Castleton Travel Guide.
Taking the seventh spot on our list of the best autumn destinations is Stow-on-the-Wold. Settled into the dreamy landscape of the Cotswolds National Landscape and offering quaint streets lined with delightful cafés and independent shops to explore at your leisure, we’re not surprised people are choosing Stow-on-the-Wold for an autumn break.
This historic wool town boasts a picturesque market square lined with antique shops, ideal for a rainy autumn day spent searching for hidden treasures. History lovers can also discover St Edward’s Church and St Edward’s Well, while learning more about the town’s fascinating past.
The Cotswolds is threaded with scenic walks, with many leading out from the village itself and passing sites of interest, including those at Salmonsbury Meadows SSSI and hill fort.
Filled with charming houses, tea rooms and quaint gardens, the wider Cotswolds offers plenty of idyllic places to explore as summer turns to autumn. There are also several historic and National Trust sites nearby, including Snowshill Manor and Garden and Chastleton House
Set among the rolling hills and picturesque countryside of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Grassington boasts independent shops and quaint pubs serving hearty meals, all surrounded by cobbled streets and pretty cottages.
Trails lead up to Linton Falls, with Grassington boasting captivating walks through the Yorkshire Dales, allowing you to take in the stunning autumn scenery as well as the wildlife within it. Family visits to Kilnsey Park will keep the little ones entertained, with fishing, pony rides, nature trails with red squirrels and animals to see on the farm.
The village itself offers plenty of tasty eateries and hearty pubs to be enjoyed after a long walk in the countryside, as well as the Grassington Folk Museum where guests can learn more about local history and there are many beautiful cottages on offer, making it an idyllic base for your autumn staycation.
Ludlow is a bustling medieval market town bursting with history, offering an insight into Shropshire’s fascinating past as well as nearby walks through the Shropshire Hills National Landscape.
The town’s fascinating past can be uncovered through guided tours of its historic sites and winding streets, so grab a coffee and head out to explore its distinctive black-and-white buildings and local museums.
Visit the impressive Ludlow Castle, shrouded in orange foliage and the site of Ludlow’s outdoor cinema, or check out St Laurence’s Church. Renowned for its eateries, Ludlow is also a fantastic destination for food lovers, with self-guided trails offering another way to explore the town.
The Shropshire Hills National Landscape boasts rolling hills, valleys punctuated by winding rivers and scenic viewpoints from which to enjoy the changing autumn colours. Explore places such as Mortimer Forest, Clee Liberty Common and the National Trust’s Wilderhope Manor for even more of the surrounding countryside.
Rounding off the top ten autumn destinations, Kingussie is a charming destination set among the breathtaking scenery of the Cairngorms National Park. With no shortage of quaint cafés, you can curl up with a pumpkin-flavoured warm drink after a day exploring the surrounding highlands.
Boasting a selection of independent shops, pubs and eateries, the town also has a rich history to discover, including the impressive Ruthven Barracks.
Nature lovers can enjoy seasonal birdwatching at RSPB Insh Marshes, with species to spot including Northern Lapwings, Eurasian Oystercatchers, Hen Harriers and Short-eared Owls.
Spend an afternoon at Speyside Distillery for a taste of local produce, stroll out to Loch Gynack or hire a mountain bike for an action-packed adventure through the national park. For something a little slower-paced, visit a local art gallery and take in the scenery through the eyes of local artists.
There is nothing quite as beautiful as the changing foliage of the UK countryside in autumn, a time of year that inspires brisk walks through national parks, with breath pooling in the air, as much as it encourages wholesome moments of calm tucked into quaint cafés as you indulge in a coffee.
One of the biggest advantages of an autumn break is the chance to enjoy popular UK destinations once the summer crowds have eased. Travelling outside the peak season can also offer better value, while there’s still plenty to see and do for families, groups of friends and couples looking for a cosy escape.
Visit some of the most beautiful locations in the UK to enjoy the tell-tale signs of autumn and tick off adventures from your autumn bucket list, all while embracing one of the most tranquil times of year.
“We had a wonderful stay at Capethorne Hall. The accommodation was first class and the grounds were just so beautiful. We were lucky enough to be there to enjoy the colours of autumn. Splendid.”
– Irene Dillon, 30th November 2024
“Everything was perfect. Hot tub ready when we got there. Clean, comfortable, decorated ready for Autumn. Towels, robes and toiletries provided were top quality. Definitely will go again.”
– Kimmy, 20th September 2025
View on Trustpilot” Easy and clear website- filters etc
Good choice of properties.
Wonderful – stylish and pristine-house in Lympstone.
Always good prices. “
– Sara Edwards, 9 November 2025
“We loved our stay at Boavista. It is a very well equipped cottage with fantastic views. We enjoyed the open plan living space where we could look out over the quarry lake. The beds were comfortable and I slept very well. The hot tub was a great addition. We thought the location was also great and followed the directions left by the homeowner to walk down to the nearby canal, which was a pleasant walk especially with the beautiful autumn colours at the moment. We also visited the local pub at Over Kellet and had a fantastic meal there. This cottage was a great find and we would definitely stay here again.”
– Mrs. Wheeler, 14th October 2024
View on TrustpilotData insights from this article have been taken from Sykes Holiday Cottages internal booking data from 2024, 2025, and 2026.
The top destinations have been selected from the towns with the most bookings based on the regions with the highest bookings per property.
Excited to book your next autumn getaway? Then browse the full collection of autumn accommodation today! If you’re looking to explore more things to do in cosy season, check out our autumn collection of blogs.
by Amber Hulse / Autumn
Hi, I’m Amber and I have been working with Sykes Cottages since 2021, with a little break for travel and writing in between. I a...
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