Rarely has an autumn known such fruitfulness—at least when it comes to apples. This year’s harvest has been early, sweet, and abundant, and cider makers are buzzing with excitement. The nation’s chefs are making excellent use of them too, including Adam Maddock at Saltmoore, the new luxury hotel just outside Whitby. “Apple is a wonderfully versatile fruit,” he says. Inspired by the new crop, he’s developing an apple and meadowsweet cordial to place in hotel bedrooms. He’s also working on a mouthwatering new recipe: saddle of venison smoked over bell heather, served with black apple puree, salt-baked celeriac, and preserved elderberries. There are countless ways to embrace this magical time of year, and we’ve curated the best of the season’s riches here. Autumn’s spectacular colour certainly plays its part—Westonbirt’s blushing maples in the Cotswolds and the fiery acers and golden larches of Sheffield Park in East Sussex both feature prominently. There’s plenty of feasting to be done too, not just at Saltmoore, but on a foraging trip in Lancashire and at Sauce, the new restaurant at The Painswick hotel near Stroud, where chef Jamie McCallum is pairing new squash with scallops.
You’ll discover Puccini’s La bohème at Glyndebourne, the clash of antlers at the red deer rut at Chatsworth in Derbyshire, and a smattering of saunas amid crackling open fires and glowing log-burners. If you haven’t yet had the pleasure of plunging into the sea or a loch after one, make this the season you start. Just be sure to follow it with a giant helping of apple crumble.
1. Penicuik Estate, Midlothian: Elegant Orangery with Private Sauna
An elegant upcycled orangery sits within the Penicuik Estate’s walled garden, just south of Edinburgh, offering a luxurious autumn retreat. The holiday property called Eskfield features defences against the season’s chill including underfloor heating, his-and-hers hot tubs, and a wood-burner that warms cozy evenings.
But it’s the private sauna that’ll really make you glow after long days exploring. This 7,500-plus-acre estate encompasses extensive woodland, offering wind-in-your-hair walks on the Pentland Hills and the opportunity to explore the spooky, burnt-out shell of an old Palladian mansion gutted in 1899. You’ll likely spend considerable time outdoors immersing yourself in Scotland’s autumn beauty.
The orangery provides the perfect base for autumn breaks featuring dramatic landscapes, historical intrigue, and modern comfort combined in one spectacular setting.
2. Lord Crewe Arms, Blanchland, Co Durham: North Pennines Refuge
Few more atmospheric autumn refuges exist than the Lord Crewe Arms in Blanchland. While wind scours the flat moorland tops of the North Pennines, down in this former monastic guesthouse—and the miners’ cottages serving as its annexe—you’ll be snug and warm.
Fires burn in every grate, drinks are served in a barrel-vaulted crypt, and the bishop’s lofty dining room is where you’ll feast. The autumn menu features pigeon breast with pickled blackberries, potted-shrimp crumpet, and pan-roasted venison with roast celeriac.
Book one of the mezzanine suites if possible—they have their own wood-burners creating the ultimate cozy atmosphere. Paths lead up from the village through woods to the moors, offering invigorating autumn walks through North Pennines landscapes.
3. Hassness House, Buttermere, Cumbria: Lake District Walking Paradise
The brilliant thing about Buttermere, in the west of the Lake District, is the range of walking it offers. Fells aplenty await if weather allows—starting with the shapely 597m peak of Haystacks, Alfred Wainwright’s favorite summit. But alternative walks along both Buttermere and its neighbour Crummock Water serve up long valley perspectives that are nearly as majestic.
Nestled in greenery, Hassness House is the last word in walker-friendly bases—a white country house with 19 rooms and lake views. Run by Ramble Worldwide, it offers self-guided three, four, or seven-night trips, with guided outings available for £25pp.
The Lake District in autumn offers some of Britain’s most spectacular scenery, with golden bracken covering hillsides and mist-shrouded mornings creating atmospheric conditions perfect for photography and contemplation.
4. The Painswick, Gloucestershire: Cotswolds Woodland Walks
Britain may never match North America’s forests for autumn colours, but set your navigation for the Cotswolds and you’ll still witness blazing red, yellow, and orange displays. Start at Westonbirt National Arboretum, where the nation’s largest collection of maples is already igniting its display (from £13; tickets.forestryengland.uk).
Deepen the pleasure with walks in the flaming beechwoods east of Sheepscombe, only a couple of miles from the crackling fires of the easygoing, foodie-friendly Painswick hotel. Its 17 boutique rooms feature rattan headboards, animal pattern wallpaper, circular windows, and rolltop baths.
Chef Jamie McCallum at the hotel’s Sauce restaurant creates seasonal menus celebrating autumn produce, including innovative pairings like squash with scallops that showcase the season’s bounty.
5. Trip to Glyndebourne, East Sussex: Opera and Channel Coast
This year, fill your season with music as well as colour. From October 27, cultural tours specialist Kirker Holidays has organized a three-night Autumn at Glyndebourne extravaganza, based at the five-star Grand Hotel in Eastbourne.
Tickets in the foyer circle for both La bohème and A Midsummer Night’s Dream are included. Between performances, guest lectures provide musical context, and there’s opportunity to see JMW Turner and Eric Ravilious exhibitions at the Towner Eastbourne gallery (townereastbourne.org.uk).
When you need a breath of fresh autumn air, stirring sea views await at nearby Beachy Head, where dramatic white cliffs meet the English Channel in spectacular fashion.
6. The Cottage in the Wood, Worcestershire: Malverns Food and Drive
Here’s another way to enliven your autumn—by renting a three-wheeled Super 3 sports car from Morgan for the day. This recent addition to the manufacturer’s line-up is entirely roofless and hand-built in the town of Malvern.
There’s a magnificent drive right on the doorstep over the Malvern Hills towards the half-timbered town of Ledbury (seven hours’ car hire for two from £295; experience.morgan-motor.com). Keep the mood elevated by checking into the hillside Cottage in the Wood hotel, serving up stellar views alongside scallops, venison, and wild mushroom fricassee on its £95 seven-course tasting menu.
The combination of scenic driving through autumn landscapes and exceptional dining makes this Worcestershire destination perfect for epicurean adventurers.
7. A Cottage in Mousehole, Cornwall: Harbour Views and Clifftop Walks
Summer’s crowds have departed, and the Penwith peninsula’s cliffs remain magnificent, the ocean utterly mesmerizing. Grab friends and head to Wharf House in Mousehole for long walks, fish suppers, and visits to the Rising Embers seaside saunas (30 minutes from £9.50pp; risingembers.com).
After restorative heat, swimming in the autumn sea at Newlyn becomes manageable. Back in Mousehole, your dream Cornish bolt hole awaits. Right on the harbour’s edge and warmed by a wood-burning stove, it features a soaring kitchen/diner/living room—the perfect spot for long catch-up conversations.
Cornwall in autumn offers a peaceful alternative to summer’s bustle, with dramatic coastal walks and authentic village experiences.
8. Saltmoore, Whitby, North Yorkshire: Dracula Coast Luxury
Thrills aplenty await on the North Yorkshire coast this autumn. Not just from moonlit visits to St Mary’s churchyard in Whitby, once stalked by Count Dracula in Bram Stoker’s novel.
Across the River Esk, set back from the town’s two-mile beach, the spa at the swanky Saltmoore hotel will quicken your pulse. Alongside a sauna, steam room, and soothing indoor pool, it offers ice baths and cryotherapy treatments.
The only sensible antidote? A 10oz sirloin steak with pork-fat chips from the hotel’s brasserie, where chef Adam Maddock’s innovative autumn menu showcases seasonal ingredients including his signature venison dish with black apple puree.
9. The Feathers, Woodstock, Oxfordshire: Blenheim Palace Walks
The circular sofas in The Feathers’ lounge exemplify the Woodstock hotel’s new look. Bespoke, eye-catching, and delicately art deco, they’re perfect for toasting days of leaf-kicking in Blenheim Palace’s park while warming yourself by the wood-burning stove.
After a night in one of its pale, refurbished rooms, change tone in nearby Oxford. The Ashmolean Museum hosts an exhibition of singer Thom Yorke and collaborator artist Stanley Donwood’s angsty art for rock band Radiohead (£16.20; ashmolean.org).
This combination of stately home grounds, boutique accommodation, and contemporary culture creates a sophisticated autumn break near Oxford.
10. Patty’s Barn, Forton, Lancaster: Lancashire Food Scene
Don’t let Moor Hall’s third Michelin star distract you from Lancashire’s mushrooming food scene. Check into self-catering cottages at Patty’s Barn, a cool collection including A-framed cabins on wild salt marshes near Cockersand Abbey.
Join Land + Sea Lancaster’s seasonal foraging morning and fire-cooked lunch on October 25-26 (£80pp; landandsealancaster.com). Later, head inland for highly rated pub suppers—at the Cartford Inn at Larbreck (mains from £25; thecartfordinn.co.uk) or the Three Fishes at Mitton (mains from £28; thethreefishes.co.uk).
This Lancashire experience combines coastal wilderness, hands-on food education, and exceptional regional dining—perfect for food enthusiasts seeking authentic British cuisine.
Planning Your UK Autumn Break
Autumn in the UK offers exceptional value compared to summer peak season. Accommodation rates drop, attractions are less crowded, and the spectacular foliage rivals anything Europe offers.
Best Times for Autumn Colour
Early October typically offers peak foliage in northern regions like Scotland and the Lake District. Mid-to-late October is ideal for the Cotswolds and southern England. Check specific arboretum websites for up-to-date foliage reports.
What to Pack
Layered clothing is essential for British autumn weather. Include waterproof jackets, comfortable hiking boots for woodland walks, and cozy evening wear for warming up by those log-burners. Don’t forget swimwear if you’re planning sauna visits followed by cold water plunges.
Booking Considerations
Popular country house hotels and boutique properties fill quickly for autumn weekends, especially during half-term holidays. Book early for the best room selection and rates. Self-catering cottages offer flexibility for extended stays and group gatherings.
Explore more seasonal travel guides, luxury accommodation recommendations, and British countryside inspiration at The Inspiring Insight—where we celebrate the distinctive character of each season and help you discover unforgettable experiences across the UK’s most beautiful regions.
