Top places to visit in the UK this autumn

Coastal, Days out, Rural

Posted by Ed Roberts on 23rd August 2024

Loughrigg Fell as seen from the fells

As summer slips away, autumn glides in, tentatively at first, like a painter daubing the landscape with a rich, warm palette of riotous colour like the fabulous vista from Loughrigg Fell above. Shadows lengthen, sunsets astonish and nights draw in. Our thoughts turn to mugs of hot cocoa and fires burning in the hearth: a cosy hygge we’ve secretly been craving.

So if you are planning a break packed with coastal or rural adventures, or places with epic views (maybe all three!), read on to discover the best places to visit in the UK this autumn. You will be amazed at how beautiful this country can be as the year begins its slow march into winter.

For holiday freedom, one of the very best ways to spend quality time with your loved ones is to stay at a holiday cottage. Why not book yourself a place to stay this autumn? We have some awesome accommodation for couples and groups of all sizes. Click on the button below to browse our collection.

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Best rural places to visit this autumn

Rolling hills blanketed in velvety heather, woodlands dressed in 50 shades of gold, and crystal-clear lakes reflecting dramatic sunsets; autumn offers a breathtaking backdrop to your holiday adventures. Prepare to experience a kaleidoscopic display of natural wonder at the best rural spots in the UK to visit in autumn.

Rural cottages


Burgundy coloured train crossing Glenfinnan Viaduct

Glenfinnan, Scottish Highlands

Enveloped by lofty Munros on the shores of Loch Shiel in the Scottish Highlands, Glenfinnan Viaduct is pictured here cloaked in the brilliant ochre shades of autumn. The famous steam train inching its way across the span.

From this tranquil spot, it’s hard to imagine the day when one of the most important events in Scottish history began here: the 1745 Jacobite Rising. The Glenfinnan Monument is nearby too, honouring the fallen Jacobite clansmen.

Good to know

  • Location: Glenfinnan Viaduct viewpoint, Glenfinnan, PH37 4LT | what3wordscaptions.sprains.luck
  • Prices: Free. Parking at the visitor centre is £3 or free if you are a member of the National Trust for Scotland
  • Parking: Glenfinnan Viaduct and Monument Parking, A830, Glenfinnan, PH37 4LT | what3wordsinvisible.fully.evening
  • Stay nearby: Woodlands | sleeps 4

Highland cottages


Sugar Loaf MountainPicture credit: Lindsey Duckett

Sugar Loaf Mountain, South Wales

During your autumn stay in the Brecon Beacons, don your hiking boots and climb to the summit of the Sugar Loaf. A trip to the summit is an exhilarating escapade where you can traverse gnarled oak woodland and steep bracken-clad moorland until eventually reaching the rocky peak of this mighty conical-shaped mountain.

Your efforts will be rewarded with vistas across the endless blanket of Welsh countryside and farmland, in burnished shades of reds, oranges and chestnut browns as far as your eyes can see.

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Brecon Beacons cottages


Lake District National ParkPicture credits: Russ Cribb (L) and Sue Pemberton (R)

Lake District National Park, Cumbria

As the leaves start to turn, a rainbow of colour erupts throughout the Lake District National Park, transforming it into one of the most visually stunning autumnal landscapes in the country. Coniston Water is gorgeous and lined with lovely villages to visit such as Coniston with its Ruskin Museum that's home to the Bluebird K7.

The local wildlife is awoken each morning by the warming sun as it radiates throughout the valleys, the morning dew glistens on the fells, and the fiery tones of the wooded slopes are reflected in the national park’s glassy lakes. Take an autumn walk amongst the forests, peaks and waterfalls of The Lakes to enjoy these inspirational vistas at their seasonal best.

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Coniston Water cottages


Elan Valley DamsPicture credit: Jason Silverback

Elan Valley Dams, Mid Wales

The Elan Valley in Mid Wales is a vision in the autumn and has been inspiring visitors for centuries. Take a wander around one of the six iconic dams to admire the striking colours of the trees and watery panoramas.

These dams were built over a hundred years ago to supply clean water to Birmingham and are an epic feat of civil engineering. Today, they form part of a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), home to the natural habitats of numerous species of wildlife, flora and fauna.

Good to know

Elan Valley cottages


The Weir GardenPicture credit: Vic

The Weir Garden, Herefordshire

Bordered by the River Wye, The Weir Garden in Herefordshire is the kind of place where you can lose yourself amongst trees dripping with ripening fruit, watch rare birds flit between plumes of crisp, crimson foliage and discover an enticing display of autumn flowering plants.

The National Trust’s walled garden is bursting with seasonal produce, teasels sway in the breeze – a favourite of the goldcrest which feeds on their seeds at this time of year – and if you’re really lucky, you might even spot an otter meandering along the russet riverbanks.

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Herefordshire cottages


Best coastal places to visit this autumn

Summer is winding down and the colours of autumn are beginning to appear in woodlands, throughout the countryside, and all along the UK coastline. It is easy to dismiss the British coast when the weather begins to cool down, however, the changing seasons only add to the beaches' beauty and, once the crowds disperse and the coastal paths empty, you’ll have miles and miles of peaceful seaside to wander. See these sights up close by booking an autumn holiday by the sea; explore our collection of cottages by the coast.

Coastal cottages


Dymchurch Beach at sunrise over the English Channel

Dymchurch Beach, Kent

On an early morning coastal walk, Dymchurch Beach offers under hindered views across the English Channel. To the north you can see the White Cliffs of Dover and to the south the old power stations at Dungeness. If you are an early bird, the sunrise is often spectacular, especially during the autumn. 

Good to know

  • Location: Dymchurch Beach, Hythe Road, Dymchurch, Romney Marshes, Kent, TN29 0TJ | what3words: seemingly.excusing.patch
  • Facilities: Parking, WCs, cafe/restaurant, slipway, promenade, lost child centre, first aid point, dog-friendly (summer restrictions)
  • Stay nearby: Greycot | sleeps 5 + 1 dog

Dymchurch cottages


St Michael's Mount Marazion Beach, West CornwallPicture credit: @Helskreed

St Michael's Mount, West Cornwall

An autumnal day on Marazion Beach in West Cornwall with a stunning view of St Michael’s Mount rising above the waves in the distance. With the ancient stronghold peeking out from behind rugged rocks this view captures the allure of this spectacular setting. 

If you’re trying to think up fun things to do during autumn in the UK, you may be surprised to hear that autumn is the perfect time to go surfing on the UK coast.

Good to know

  • Location: St Michael's Mount, Marazion, TR17 0HS | what3words: relay.pods.bulb
  • Prices: Adult £26 (castle and garden), child £14 (castle and garden). For more information visit the St Michael's Mount website
  • Facilities: WCs, cafe, restaurant, dogs welcome in the autumn from 31 October on the grounds
  • Stay nearby: The Old Cowshed | sleeps 6 + 3 dogs

Marazion cottages


Bennett's Mouth seen from above against the Bristol Channel

Bennett's Mouth, Exmoor, Devon

If you are holidaying near Woolacombe or Ilfracombe seek out the secret and surreal cove of Bennett’s Mouth on the North Devon coast. This place is full of drama with moody skies and craggy rocks making for an atmospheric backdrop. There is even a lighthouse at Bull Point.

For the chance to discover more hidden coves and secret beaches, read our guide to British coastal walks.

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Exmoor cottages


Bamburgh Castle at sunrise as seen from the beach

Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland

High on the cliffs overlooking the North Sea, Bamburgh Castle is an ancient Northumberland stronghold and a magnificent sight to behold. The castle's profile is distinctive and amazing at all times of the year, but for silhouetted magnificence, visit in the autumn.

Scroll through more fantastic photos of picture-postcard locations on the coast and maybe bring along your own camera to capture some stunning holiday shots.

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Bamburgh cottages


Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve Fareham, HampshirePicture credit: @LeanneDEMPSEY5

Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve, Hampshire

A bright yet cloudy sky creates the perfect conditions for a rainbow over Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve in Hampshire, a coastal sanctuary for wildlife where the River Meon meets the sea. The expansive reedbeds provide a contrast against the dramatic sky, this is big sky country.

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Fareham cottages


Llanddwyn Island Anglesey, North WalesPicture credit: @rachelw081

Church of Saint Dwynwen, Llanddwyn Island, Anglesey

A chilly November dog walk on Llanddwyn Island in Anglesey with its iconic Twr Mawr Lighthouse and stormy sea as the backdrop. This rugged section of North Wales coast is home to a mix of dark sand and shingle coves, and the remains of the Church of Saint Dwynwen.

Good to know

Anglesey cottages


Best places with epic views to visit this autumn

It's true, autumn in the UK is a time to treasure, both indoors and out. While signs of the season can be found everywhere, with shiny conkers hidden amongst golden leaves, and pumpkin patches ripe for the picking, there are a few special places which are transformed in a way so beautiful that we just had to share them with you. Here are some of our favourite places to enjoy unforgettable views in the UK this autumn.


Image by Robert Smith - Alton Water, SuffolkPicture credit: Robert Smith

Alton Water, Suffolk

This view is all about the autumnal reflections, and on a still day in peak autumn, the deliciously rusty hues of the trees are mirrored in the glasslike surface of Alton Water.

Fishing, cycling, walking and wildlife watching can all be enjoyed at this alluring location near Ipswich.

Good to know

  • Location: Alton Water, Holbrook Road, Stutton, IP9 2RY | what3words: quirker.talkative.competent
  • Facilities: Parking, WC, cycle paths, watersports, fishing, cafe
  • Prices: Free entry. Parking stipends from £2 per hour
  • Stay nearby: The Stables | sleeps 4 + 2 dogs

Suffolk cottages


Image by Ryan Smith - Loch KatrinePicture credit: Ryan Smith

Loch Katrine, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, Scotland

An ethereal mist sits over majestic Loch Katrine (in the Trossachs) this beautiful image, as autumn works its magic on the trees and the surrounding rugged hills.

A place of quiet contemplation, this autumn view won’t fail to take your breath away. Read our guide to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs for more autumn inspiration.

Good to know

  • Location: Loch Katrine, Trossachs Pier, Callander, FK17 8HZ | what3words: reckons.trades.chatters
  • Parking: Free parking at Trossachs Pier
  • Facilities: Parking, WCs, visitor centre
  • Stay nearby: The Jacobite's Lodge | sleeps 6 + 1 dog

Loch Lomond & the Trossachs cottages


Image by Lisa Wroe - Bournemouth looking towards SouthbournePicture credit: Lisa Wroe

Bournemouth Beach, Dorset

Don't miss the glorious sunrises looking from Bournemouth towards Southbourne; take your camera to capture the majesty of an autumn morning.

Beaches all around the UK are illuminated in liquid gold at daybreak in autumn, and with the sun rising at a respectable time, it’s a view that even those of us who love our lie-ins can endeavour to enjoy.

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Bournemouth cottages


Image by Pauline Scholey - Dartmouth Marina at SunsetPicture credit: Pauline Scholey

Dartmouth Marina, Devon

Fiery clouds seem almost reflected in the shape of the autumn-leaved trees which line this hillside close to Dartmouth, Devon.

The stillness of the marina at sunset belies the activity of the day, everyone turning in to curl up in front of a log burner, or sample some of the local delicacies in one of Dartmouth’s well-renowned restaurants.

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Dartmouth cottages


Image by Sharon Witham - Sheffield Park and GardenPicture credit: Sharon Witham

Sheffield Park and Garden, Sussex

Like elegant ladies trying on their colourful gowns, the trees of the National Trust's Sheffield Park in Uckfield, Sussex use the lily pad lake as a mirror.

The foliage of this wonderful, landscaped garden has been perfectly curated for its dazzling colour – a show which has earnt it Grade I-listed status, and a place on our list of best autumn views in the UK!

Good to know

  • Location: Sheffield Park and Garden, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 3QX | what3words: mice.zinc.ignore
  • Prices: Adult: £16, child £8. For more information, visit Sheffield Park's website
  • Facilities: Car park, WCs, shop, bookshop, cafe, dog-friendly, guided tour, kiosk
  • Stay nearby: Chauffeur's Cottage | sleeps 6

East Sussex cottages


Enjoy a change of scenery this autumn

Stay at one of our self-catering holiday cottages this autumn. If you’re looking to expand your horizons this autumn and perhaps take in some of these incredible views yourselves, we have the perfect place just for you.

With properties up and down the country, set within some of the most photogenic autumn locations, you’ll have no difficulty finding a cosy bolthole for your adventures. Discover what our customers are saying about their cottage breaks by reading their reviews and click on the button below to discover you autumn getaway.

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Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing, please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.