UK Autumn Holiday Ideas ~ A Staycationer’s Guide

A favourite time of year for many, autumn in the UK is a season for bringing your snuggly scarves out of hibernation, sipping pints in fire-lit pubs and taking long, crisp weekend walks in the countryside.

Whether you want to feel the crunchy russet leaves underfoot on a hike in the Highlands of Scotland, surf the shores of south Wales, explore London’s top attractions or take a well-earned luxury spa break, there are a range of hotel breaks in the UK with an eclectic offering.

There’s no question that we’re blessed with a wealth of beautiful places to visit and indulge in all the spoils of autumn. Here are some ideas to help you book the perfect adventure in the UK this autumn.

1. Autumnal Hiking Holidays in the UK

Nature across the UK really comes into its own during the autumn season. With it’s cosy woodland colour spectrum, mild climate and wonderful wildlife, autumn in Britain makes for ideal hiking conditions.

Check in at a rural retreat for a long weekend and you’ll be able to sink into a hot bubble bath after your days of exploring, too.

You’ll discover loads of amazing UK hiking destinations and options for autumn walks – favourites include:

Castle Drogo – Devon
Sugar Loaf Circuit – Wales
Glen Affric – Scottish Highlands
The Red Trail – Causeway Coast, Northern Ireland
Railway Trail at Hardcastle Crags – Yorkshire
Blickling Estate – Norfolk

Top tip: Should you opt to head to the ancient woodland of Glen Affric in The Highlands, be sure to listen out for the majestic red deer stags.

2. Autumnal Adventure Holiday Ideas in the UK

If you crave something a little more high octane than hiking, then there’s so much you can do this autumn in the UK.

Canyoning is fast becoming a popular activity in Britain, and while surfing is synonymous with summer, it’s actually even better in the autumn, with more consistent waves and waters that have been warmed over the summer.

Here are some top UK adventure activities to try this autumn:

Canyoning – you can try this a few places, but Cumbria is a great option.
Zip wires and rope ladders – try Go Ape in multiple locations, or even Zip World in North Wales.
Surfing – try Portrush in Northern Ireland, Sennen Cove in Cornwall or even The Wave in Bristol.
Mountain biking – opt for the Lake District, Peak District, Snowdon or Torridon in Scotland for some epic routes.

3. Food-Focussed Sojourns for Autumn in the UK

As the summer BBQs of old Blighty sizzle their last sausage, the ovens roar into action.

From cosy, fire-lit pubs to rural country houses with close ties to local produce suppliers, autumn is a fantastic time to ‘travel to eat’ (and drink, of course) in the UK.

Top tip: Search for rural boutiques such as the stunning Gliffaes Country House Hotel in Wales’s glorious Brecon Beacons. Not only will the mature gardens amaze you with their copper and burnt-mustard flurry, but their all-local menu will make you wish you could move in permanently. Warm up by the fire after strolling the 33-acre grounds with the hotel’s famous afternoon tea, or while away your evenings with seasonal roasted vegetables with beautiful hanks of Welsh lamb and other local delicacies.

4. Spa Staycations in the UK

From the cities to the countryside, Britain is awash with luxury spa resorts and there’s no better time to explore them than during the cool-and-cosy months of autumn.

Head to the UK’s famous “spa city” of Bath, which has been perfecting its spa facilities since the Roman times. Or opt for somewhere in the countryside, with lots of outdoor space so you can embrace the autumnal hues and top up your wellbeing tank in nature, too.

Top tip: Housed in an elegant Georgian property in the heart of Bath, the Queensbury Hotel doesn’t have its own spa, but it does boast its own Michelin-starred restaurant – and is located within strolling distance of the city’s famous Thermae Bath Spa, where you can bathe in the natural thermal springs while soaking in the panoramic views from the rooftop.

5. Best UK City Breaks in Autumn

Cities really come to life in the UK as it gets darker earlier and the weather turns a little colder.

Skyscrapers illuminate the night sky, creating something magical as we march towards Christmas. And the closer we get to the festive season, the more beautiful decorations there are adorning the streets.

Whether you hit the town in Cardiff or explore the historic streets of Edinburgh, taking a city break in the UK during autumn promises to be a special experience.

Top tip: Ask locals for the best places to eat and drink and activity gems to add to your list and you’ll have an authentic experience to remember for all the right reasons.

We hope these ideas have helped to inspire you for your next UK adventure and embrace all that autumn has to offer.