Soon there will be a gentle chill outside, the leaves will begin to fall, and the countryside will transform into 50 shades of gold. As we wrap up warm to make the most of this gilded season, we bring you some of our top cosiest cottages in the UK.
At a time when hedgehogs begin to burrow beneath the leaves and dormice curl up into their little nests to hibernate, we too feel the pull of the indoors and the need to tuck ourselves away somewhere comfy and cosy.
So, we’ve selected some of the best homes to hibernate in; places inspired by the incredible designs of some of our most loved species of UK wildlife. Discover a subterranean dwelling reminiscent of a rabbit burrow, a treehouse where any squirrel would be proud to store its prized collection of acorns, and even a converted wheat silo that a mouse could happily snooze in all year long.
Autumn holidays
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Burrowed under the ground
As the crisp nip of autumn creeps in, finding a snuggly bolthole to hide away in becomes ever more appealing. Many hibernating animals in the UK choose to burrow under the ground to keep themselves toasty, so why not follow their lead and explore some of our best subterranean autumn breaks?
Swaledale Burrow, Yorkshire Dales
Sleeps 2 + 1 dog
Hidden within a wilderness of emerald-green farmland in Yorkshire’s Swaledale Valley, this secret hidey-hole is the perfect little retreat for couples to observe the beauty of the changing seasons.
True to its name, Swaledale Burrow is a place where you can easily imagine a fluffy white tail disappearing through the round doorway into the cosy warren inside. Hunker down under a soft blanket and take a front-row seat on the sofa to watch the landscape turning crimson, gold and bronze.
Why you should stay here in autumn:
- The underfloor heating will keep you nice and snug
- A sumptuous king-size bed ensures the comfiest nights of sleep
- The Pennine Way is only a mile away for crunchy autumnal walks
View Swaledale Burrow
Earth Ship, Perth and Kinross
Sleeps 7 + 2 dogs
Round up your cubs and delve beneath the surface into this extraordinary eco property. If a family of badgers could choose a memorable setting for an October half-term staycation, then we think this single-storey Scottish sanctuary is just what they would pick.
Stitched into a colourful blanket of patchwork countryside with spectacular views across Loch Leven, Earth Ship is the perfect base for those big, bold autumnal adventures. Throw in a crackling wood burner, a bubbling hot tub and the starriest night sky imaginable, and you will never want to leave.
Why you should stay here in autumn:
- Its elevated position offers far-reaching views across golden hills
- A glowing wood burner is perfect for warming up after boat trips on the loch
- The private hot tub is a wonderful setting for enjoying magical autumn sunsets
View Earth Ship
Hidden Hollow, Mid Wales
Sleeps 2
Make like a mole and burrow away into this turf-covered roundhouse, set within a wildflower meadow on the banks of the River Severn. This cosiest of boltholes in Mid Wales is simply perfect for a couple longing to hide away and reconnect, surrounded by a seasonal spectacle of nature at its finest.
Whip up some scrambled eggs for breakfast from the owner’s chickens and then step out into the light to enjoy a spot of fishing on the babbling river, or strike a match to the outdoor fire pit for a spot of marshmallow toasting.
Why you should stay here in autumn:
- A covered outdoor seating area means al fresco living is easy, come rain or shine
- Underfloor heating invites guests to kick off their wellies and feel right at home
- Homegrown vegetables are available from the owner’s 4-acre smallholding
View Hidden Hollow
Tucked away by the water
There is something so enchanting about being beside the water, especially during autumn in the UK when the rich colours of the season are reflected in the glassy surface. Whether you’d like to hole up beside a fishing lake or a babbling river, these cosy autumn cottage breaks are the perfect places to hibernate.
The Pump House, East Riding
Sleeps 2
This waterside wonder is a gorgeous spot for autumn holidays in the UK and a place that otters could happily call home. Set on a private lake, this wooden lodge in the East Riding of Yorkshire is a paradise for outdoor-loving couples. If the weather is fine, head outside to the private hot tub, where the pair of you can sink beneath the bubbles and admire the surrounding woodland’s warm hues.
And should the weather change, stuff the wood burner with kindling and hibernate inside with board games, steaming mugs of Yorkshire tea, and plates of hot buttered crumpets.
Why you should stay here in autumn:
- The covered deck allows for wildlife watching in all weather
- Keep warm beside the wood burner inside or in the soothing hot tub outside
- Cosy country pubs with roaring fires and homecooked meals are within a mile’s walk
View The Pump House
River Avon Retreat, Devon
Sleeps 2 + 1 dog
Ratty would be thoroughly impressed with this charming little pod nestled beside the River Avon in Devon. Enchantingly beautiful and encircled by peaceful countryside, this Wind in the Willows-style retreat is a perfect choice for holidays in autumn.
Let the sweet sound of birdsong coax you from the inviting interiors to lounge by the glowing embers of the fire pit outside, or enjoy a chilled tipple in the hot tub followed by a relaxing steam in the shared sauna.
Why you should stay here in autumn:
- Make the most of autumn’s starry skies with a dip in the hot tub
- Enjoy a rejuvenating experience in the shared sauna
- Wander next door to the friendly pub for some hearty local fare
View River Avon Retreat
Frog Lodge Ludlow, Shropshire
Sleeps 2
This aptly named waterside lodge is a frog’s fairyland, hovering right above a fishing pool in Shropshire. It is tucked away within 20 acres of idyllic grounds, peppered with four more of these pools which guests are welcome to cast their lines into during their stay (passes can be purchased from the owner).
Panoramic windows make the most of the incredible views and a decked area offers a wonderful space to sit outside in the fresh air and get the BBQ sizzling. All the while listening to the gentle plop of fish leaping out of the water.
Why you should stay here in autumn:
- Floor-to-ceiling French doors in the king-size bedroom celebrate the vistas
- Fish directly from the private deck and throw your daily catch straight on the BBQ
- Enjoy a warming mug of cocoa from the on-site coffee shop after an invigorating walk
View Frog Lodge Ludlow
Hidden among the leaves and eaves
What could be more idyllic than the vision of a characterful cottage puffing dandelion-like clouds from its chimney among the golden leaves of autumn trees in the UK? Showcasing a firework display of colour, our woodlands really come to life at this time of the year and make a wonderful setting for a cosy staycation. Reach new heights with these autumn cottages up among the leaves and eaves.
Beaulieu River View, New Forest
Sleeps 2
Join the squirrels and live the high life in this treetop cabin in the New Forest. Perched on stilts right in the canopy where low autumnal light shines onto swathes of russet leaves, this secret hideaway is sure to be one of your favourite settings for autumn cottage breaks.
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the forest; savour the views from the open-plan living space before drifting out onto the decked veranda to dine beneath the greenery, serenaded by the birds.
Why you should stay here in autumn:
- The garden leads directly to the bank of the Beaulieu River for autumnal strolls
- Tuck into the breakfast welcome hamper in the warmth of the flame-effect fire
- Slip into the complimentary slippers and robes and spot birdlife with the binoculars
View Beaulieu River View
The Treehouse At Poppy's Patch, County Durham
Sleeps 6
Like the extraordinary nest of a woodpecker, this luxury treehouse in County Durham sits high among gnarled trunks, flaunting far-reaching views across the Wear Valley. October half-term holidays will never be the same again after a stay here.
The adventure starts as soon as you cross the suspended metal bridge. Inside, the open-plan living space offers a warm welcome, with a flickering wood burner and deep sink-into sofas adorned with thick, snuggly blankets. Fling open the doors to the south-facing balcony to enjoy an afternoon in the dappled sunlight as it gently filters through the branches, and marvel at the views of Witton Castle in the distance.
Why you should stay here in autumn:
- Cosy warmth is guaranteed with underfloor heating and an impressive wood burner
- Bring your bikes and enjoy the satisfying snap of twigs through the Hamsterley Forest
- When you’re feeling peckish, an on-site café offers a smorgasbord of tempting treats
View The Treehouse At Poppy's Patch
Barn Owl's Nest, North Yorkshire
Sleeps 2
It is a known fact that owls love to make their nests within the lofty eaves of a countryside barn, and we think that this stone barn conversion in the North York Moors National Park would be the ultimate choice for those with a penchant for the finer things in life.
Situated upon a hilltop in the picture-postcard Esk Valley, this romantic autumn cottage boasts breathtaking views, stylish interiors and heaps of charm. Couples willing to fly the nest and explore the great outdoors will find a treasure trove of scenic hiking trails on the doorstep.
Why you should stay here in autumn:
- Warmed by the wood burner, the lounge is a snug space for cosy film nights
- A charming flagstone patio is perfect for admiring the views with a flask of tea
- A heritage steam railway is only 4 miles away for memorable autumn adventures
View Barn Owl's Nest
Nestled in fields and hedgerows
From refreshing morning rambles through the fallen leaves to fire-lit evenings filled with the scent of blackberry pie, there is nothing better than squirrelling away in a countryside cottage during autumn. Curl up like a little mouse in a converted wheat silo or hide away like a hedgehog in a cosy wooden lodge; here are some of our autumn breaks in the UK among the fields and hedgerows.
Red Campion, Sussex
Sleeps 2
When the leaves begin to smoulder with fiery hues, scurry away to this cosy cabin in the Sussex countryside. Reminiscent of a sweet little hedgehog house – one of our favourite animals that hibernate in the UK – Red Campion sets the scene for the cosiest of autumn holidays.
Feel the crunch of leaves beneath your feet in the surrounding woodland and rootle around the chestnut trees in search of conkers. Then unfurl on the squashy sofa inside with a frothy cup of cocoa, listening to the crackle and pop of the wood burner.
Why you should stay here in autumn:
- The cabin has its own woodland for colourful autumn ambles
- Choose from toasty evenings by the wood burner or al fresco fun beside the fire pit
- Wrap up warm in snuggly blankets and sip your morning coffee on the wraparound deck
View Red Campion
Wheat Silo, Mid Wales
Sleeps 2 + 1 dog
Live as quiet as a mouse in this quirkily converted wheat silo in the rolling Mid Wales countryside. Tucked away within the spectacular grounds of Cwmhir Court, this rustic escape is a wonderfully unique place to visit this autumn.
Scamper inside and discover interiors that encapsulate an intriguing blend of the traditional and the stylish. Take shelter within the curved walls and make yourselves comfortable as you admire a compelling landscape of berry-studded hedgerows and lingering autumnal mist across the Wye Valley through the windows.
Why you should stay here in autumn:
- The views are exceptional, whether curled up in the living space or tucked up in bed
- Soak up the afternoon sunshine on the decked BBQ area amidst a chorus of birdsong
- You can explore the estate’s grounds which offer a myriad of waymarked footpaths
View Wheat Silo
Fox Den, Devon
Sleeps 2
Wrapped in an ambrosial blanket of rolling fields, tumbling hedgerows and copper-hued moorland, this bijou bolthole is a gem in the South Devon countryside. True to its name, Fox Den is as cosy as they come, adorned in furry throws, sheepskin rugs and fluffy cushions.
Enjoy romantic autumn walks across Dartmoor’s untamed dreamscape, just a mile away, before soaking in a cloud of bubbles in the private hot tub or huddling around the fire pit beneath a star-studded sky.
Why you should stay here in autumn:
- A sheltered outdoor pod is perfect for dining alfresco with a view, whatever the weather
- Admire the pinks, reds and oranges of an autumnal sunset from the hot tub
- Retreat to the plush sofa or the king-size bed inside to hibernate when dusk begins to settle
View Fox Den
Hibernate in one of our holiday homes this autumn
If you’ve enjoyed discovering some of our best autumn breaks in the UK, then why not check out our full collection of autumn cottages? Peppered throughout the country, among some of the best spots for witnessing the changing colours of autumn leaves in the UK, these rural retreats offer the perfect setting for cosy hibernation. Click the button below to browse our holiday cottages for autumn.
Autumn holiday cottages