Autumn has well and truly landed, with the trees starting to dress themselves in fiery hues and our thoughts beginning to turn to steaming mugs of chocolate, roaring fires and cosy tearooms. It’s time to slow your pace and enjoy all the delights that the onset of these cooler seasons has to offer.
We can’t promise that it won’t pour, but what we can guarantee is that we can suggest some of the best places to go, epic views to see and things to do in autumn as the nights draw in and the leaves begin to fall. And when the day is done, and thoughts turn to long baths and snuggles by a fire, where better to lay your head than in one of our cosy holiday cottages?
You’ve taken a break from the hectic routine of school and work and it’s time to make room for having fun, enjoying autumn walks and autumn wildlife spotting. Here are seven days’ worth of things to do in autumn, and the perfect property from which to do them in five different locations.
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Things to do in Cornwall in autumn
1. Make the most of the great outdoors
Spend a day by the water at Stithians Lake Country Park where the kids can play being pirates or you can take to two wheels (or two legs) and follow the picturesque 4.8-mile circular trail, spotting wildlife on the way. For fun in the water, choose a boat, kayak or board.
2. Have high-energy fun with a bit of magic
You can’t go wrong with a family-friendly day out at Flambards. Packed with high-thrill rides, a dino dig, a Jurassic journey through time as well as Britain in the Blitz, you’ll have the best day out – even if it’s raining.
3. Enjoy spectacular scenery
It would be a travesty to come this far south and not make it to Lizard Point where the land drops away and is reclaimed by the sea. Cornish coastal walks like this see the dramatic cliffs towering alongside sea and sand which, wouldn’t look out of place in the Caribbean.
4. Shelter from the rain…
If the heavens are open, then what is better than getting a true taste of Cornwall? Why not watch the chocolatiers at work at the Chocolate Factory & Craft Centre near Mullion Cove; grab one of the best Cornish pasties from Ann’s Pasties or shelter in the Hazlephron Inn and enjoy the great pub food before braving a walk.
5. …or embrace it
Autumn and winter months are made for dressing up warm, pulling on those wellies and stretching those legs. Take to the Cornish stretch of the South West Coast Path and jump in puddles, twirl umbrellas, race boats in puddles or become a mud monster!
6. Explore history and heritage
Pendennis Castle is one of Henry VIII’s most magnificent fortresses and occupies a splendid position on the Cornish headland. If you’re visiting at the end of October, as well as exploring the castle grounds themselves and immersing yourselves in a bit of history, you can get involved in some ghost tours and creepy Halloween fun.
7. Indulge in a little stargazing
One of the best places to lie on a clear night to view the blanket of stars above is Godolphin Hill. After a gentle ramble, you can enjoy a 360-degree panorama of the night sky above in a location almost untouched by artificial light.
Kennack Heights, Lizard, Cornwall | Sleeps 4 | Dogs 1
Best for enjoying an ideal, luxury coastal retreat
Great for a family of four, this spectacular penthouse apartment has epic views of the golden sands and clear water of Kennack Sands. The sleek and chic open-plan living space is so special, you won’t want to leave.
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Things to do in Norfolk in autumn
1. Find fairytale forests at Thetford
A fantastic, huge space to create myriad memories – hire bikes, have a woodland picnic in your wellies, get muddy and make dens as you discover Norfolk. There’s even a Go Ape if your monkeys feel like hanging from the trees.
2. Explore castles, cathedrals and culture
Head to Diss, then jump on a train to the city of Norwich and fill your day with history with a visit to the Norman cathedral or castle (complete with mummified cat), or just take a walk by the river.
3. Tackle coastal capers
The scenic Suffolk Heritage Coast isn’t far and is bursting with charming seaside towns – head to Lowestoft, the most easterly town, with its fantastic beach where you can drink in the sea air and relax.
4. Shelter from the rain
A great indoor activity is SEA LIFE at Great Yarmouth which is about an hour from Burgate's Old Rectory. Get up close to some fascinating marine creatures and you'll forget about the Norfolk rain.
5. Stretch your legs
Three long-distance trails run close by: Angles Way, Peddars Way and Boudicca Way. Tramp through golden leaves, splash through puddles and simply spend some time in the great outdoors on these Norfolk walks before spilling into a cosy café or tearoom for a well-earned hot chocolate.
6. Experience magical waterways
Of course, the waters of the Norfolk Broads should be on your itinerary – with so many opportunities to take to the water, you can take a wildlife boat tour, have a relaxing cruise or hire your own boat.
7. Have high-energy fun
When it’s time to burn off some energy, BeWILDerwood packs in the fun with an adventure playground with zip wires, a sky maze and boat rides. Wrap up warm and spend the day on a treehouse adventure on this great day out in Norfolk.
Burgate's Old Rectory Cottage | Sleeps 4 | Dogs 1
Best for a family getaway in gorgeous surroundings
This stunning house has the absolute wow factor and with oodles of space, it's the perfect place for a family or couples' getaway. Located close to the border with Norfolk, there is a wealth of attractions and activities where you can collect all those special family moments. With features such as a hot tub, bi-fold doors and countryside views, it's a lovely spot to relax and unwind.
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Things to do in Shropshire in autumn
1. Find fairytale forests
When it’s time to find some space and even indulge in a little bit of forest bathing, there is no better place than Mortimer Forest where there are many walking trails and the floors are littered with incredible autumn treasures and there will be wonderful new smells to keep your hounds happy.
2. Have high-energy fun
If trees are your thing – and let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good tree? – and you loved Mortimer Forest, then why not get a whole new perspective and have a treetop adventure with Go Ape, Wyre Forest? There’s also a Zog trail or Gruffalo orienteering and pups are welcome to do these – although Fido won’t be able to swing from the trees…
3. Experience an animal adventure
If you love wildlife and you want to get close to some incredible animals then a day at West Midland Safari Park is a must. There is a drive-through safari as well as the Land of the Living Dinosaurs, a discovery trail, as well as seasonal events such as Halloween spooktaculars, fireworks and a Santa Safari.
4. Enjoy countryside welly walks
As Ludlow is perched on the edge of the Shropshire Hills National Landscape, there are myriad walks from your doorstep, perfect for getting outdoors and giving your pup a new adventure. Head to Caynham Camp to see an Iron Age hill fort or head out on the Shropshire Way – 297 miles of countryside to discover.
5. Discover all things local
Take a trip to Ludlow market which is held regularly on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays as well as specialist markets most Thursdays and Sundays. Selling everything from fruit and veg and handmade pies to furniture and fabric, as well as having a ‘Made in Shropshire’ craft market, you’re bound to find something just for you.
6. Explore castles and culture
Head to Ludlow Castle and explore the ruins of this magnificent castle, with its first beginnings dating back to the 11th century. The Norman Chapel is one of the oldest in Europe. Spend time discovering a slice of history; your four-legged friend is also welcome.
7. Do something different
A 30-mile drive north will take you to Shrewsbury where you can tour the prison, either with a guide or at your leisure, and take a step back in time. If you dare, tour the prison at night or go on a torch-lit ghost tour to hear spooky stories of one of the most haunted prisons in the UK. Holding hands is obligatory.
Tenbury Cottage, Ludlow, Shropshire | Sleeps 4 | Dogs 2
Best for countryside welly walks with your pups
Set deep in the rolling Shropshire countryside, and an ideal autumnal retreat, is this chic and cosy cottage where wellies and waggy-tailed ones are welcome. Located in one of the best places to stay in Shropshire, you can wander for miles from the doorstep before returning red-cheeked to warm by the wood burner. For a little extra indulgence – and to give you more time with loved ones – caterers are available.
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Things to do in the Peak District in autumn
1. Experience history and heritage
Spend a fantastic day at Chatsworth House. It’s a majestic country estate with some great activities for younger members of the family: tackle the maze, explore the working farmyard, have fun in the woodland playground and of course admire the house itself.
2. Enjoy spectacular scenery
The Monsal Trail is a traffic-free walking route in the Peak District that tracks an old railway line and is a great opportunity to stretch your legs, take your pups for a run or explore the beautiful surroundings on two wheels.
3. Have thrills and spills
Suppose you’re looking for a bit of adrenaline. In that case, you have the choice of two theme parks within 25 miles of the property – Alton Towers and Gulliver’s Kingdom, with the latter having spectacular views, classic rides and a Jurassic experience.
4. Try something different
Have a grand day out at the Heights of Abraham. Take a gondola up the mountainside with magnificent views from the top as well as the opportunity to go underground and explore the fascinating caverns. What's more, dogs are welcome in the cable car and 60-acre estate but not underground.
5. Indulge in foodie delights
Pavilion Gardens in Buxton is the place to head on the first Thursday of each month for the farmers’ market which is brimming with delicious treats. Feast on local fruit and veg, homemade jams and chutneys and delicious baked goods.
6. Embrace autumn and winter
Don wellies and welcome mud as you walk to Three Shires Head and enjoy the crimson hues of autumn or the crispness of a winter day. Throw sticks from the lovely packhorse bridge and watch the waterfalls plunge into the Panniers Pools.
7. Tempting treats
Head to Bakewell to sample its unique pudding, take a brewery tour, visit the Monday market or find a fantastic café to watch the world go by as Jane Austen most likely did in decades past.
The White Cottage, Priestcliffe, Peak District | Sleeps 8 | Dogs 3
Best for a stay full of charm, history and cosy evenings by the fire
If you find yourself yearning for the Peak District countryside, then The White Cottage is a magnificent place to do it. Brimming with charm and character, this 16th-century country house provides an enchanting place to immerse yourself in a slower pace of life. The delightful garden offers a wealth of secret places for the children to explore, and as night falls, the interior spaces provide a homely place to relax.
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Things to do in Scotland in autumn
1. Shelter from the rain
When the heavens have opened and you need somewhere indoors, then there is no better place than St Andrews Aquarium – an underwater world of wonder of exotic fish, dwarf crocodiles, sharks and rays, as well as other land-dwelling creatures
2. Have fun
At Muddy Boots in Fife, a working farm where you can visit the farm shop, throw yourself around a soft play area or try your hand at zorbing. There are also lots of seasonal activities to get involved in.
3. Coastal capers
Whatever the weather, head to West Sands Beach – 2 miles of sand to run on and feel the salt spray on your face. If you’re looking for a bit more excitement, book some beach-based activities with Blown Away.
4. Uncover castles
For a little bit of history, visit St Andrews Castle with parts dating back to the 13th century. It was historically both a palace and a prison and, with the waves crashing below, it’s an incredible place to go. Peer into the depths of the dungeon and explore the mine below this fascinating Scottish castle.
5. Stay close to home
The property below has a wealth of leisure activities including a play area for kids and private farm tours on a quad bike and trailer.
6. Wild walks
Even if the weather has turned, a walk by Scotland's rivers or in the Scottish countryside can be full of delights. Take the Lindores Loch circuit which, in the rain, can be a playground of puddles where you can splash, smell the rain and climb trees.
7. Glorious golf
Whether you fancy practising your swing or you'd just like a guided tour in the footsteps of golfing legends, the Old Course at St Andrews is one of the most famous golf courses in the world.
Set Hill, St Andrews, Fife | Sleeps 6 | Dogs 2
Best for a family break on a working farm – get amongst the wildlife
Here, you can enjoy a perfect Scottish escape. This superb lodge in Fife offers amazing opportunities to immerse yourselves in the great outdoors with breathtaking countryside at your fingertips as well as numerous attractions and activities nearby, some of which can be organised directly with the owner. Once back inside, the open-plan living space offers the ideal area to gather together and enjoy time with friends and family.
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Cosy holiday cottages for autumn and winter
If this list of top things to do in autumn has whetted your appetite to get away with the family, why not browse our collection of cosy cottages with wood burners or open fires to help make your stay even more memorable?