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18 Sept 2024 | 6 minutes to read
With the summer holidays now behind us and the evenings beginning to draw in earlier, you’d be forgiven for reminiscing about the carefree sunshine and lazy summer days. And as the weather starts to cool and the leaves begin to turn, you might be forward thinking to your next great escape to plug the gap between the summer and Christmas holidays. The good news is that the upcoming October half term holidays are a great excuse to gather the brood and recharge the batteries ahead of the winter months drawing in. For an easy autumn getaway, look no further for our roundup of UK holiday havens that are ready to deliver - without the need for airport queues, long-haul travel and time zone challenges. With more than 7,000 miles of spectacular coastline, ten national parks and an endless array of eateries and accommodation, there’s more reason than ever to stay closer to home this autumn – provided you have a coat of course!
Here’s a sneak peak of some of Great Britain’s finest holiday gems.
Cornwall’s scenic coastline is peppered with historic towns, culinary delights and colourful architecture which exude the varied culture and creativity of its communities.
With no end of postcard-worthy sandscapes and coves waiting to be explored at Perranporth, Porthcurno and Portscatho to name but a few, this coastal strip offers something for everyone. Families can make the most of the (mostly covered) Eden Project, while surfing enthusiasts flock to the much-coveted Fistral Beach to catch some of the best waves Europe has to offer all year round.
England’s most southwestern tip is framed by picturesque coastal paths paving the way to charming seaside villages. Cornwall’s diverse history can be explored by landmarks ranging from Tintagel Castle and the ancient stone circle of the Merry Maidens to the Geevor Tin Mine, while quaint fishing villages including St Ives and Padstow are ever colourful, vibrant and a mecca for foodies and art lovers from around the world.
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Image: Kynance Cove, Cornwall.
With a diversity of landscapes, Devon is famed for its rugged beaches, ancient woodland and rolling countryside. Devon boasts some of the UK’s most historic towns which are brimming with culture, cuisine and bountiful boutiques.
Visit bustling Appledore, an ancient maritime shipbuilding village at the confluence of the River Torridge and Taw, or Brixham, which sits on the coast at the base of Berry Head, and is the perfect spot to take in the lights of Torquay across the bay at nightfall.
Visitors soak up the scenery of Devon’s contrasting coastlines: adventure-lovers make the most of North Devon’s dramatic cliffs and surf-friendly beaches while sun soakers head for South Devon’s tranquil, sandy shores. Inland, Exmoor and Dartmoor National Parks offer breath-taking views and wildlife and sumptuous hiking, cycling and horse-riding hotspots.
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Image: Salcombe, Devon.
Somerset has something for every visitor thanks to its tapestry of lush hills, sprawling meadows and serene waterways and a rich cultural heritage. Framed by the Mendip Hills and Quantock Hills, both of which are Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, hikers, cyclists and wildlife watchers will be in their element in this quintessentially English gem.
The county is steeped in history, with world-renowned landmarks. Visit Glastonbury’s Tor and Abbey for a taste of the Holy Grail, or head to Wells, England's smallest city, to see the stunning Gothic cathedral and the beautifully preserved medieval Bishop's Palace. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Roman Baths in Bath attract visitors from around the world looking to bask in its ancient thermal springs and Georgian architecture.
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Image: Somerset Levels.
With a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, Norfolk promises an idyllic escape for travellers. Norfolk’s diverse landscapes include the renowned Norfolk Broads, a network of rivers and lakes perfect for boating, fishing and wildlife watching. Expect sandy beaches and dramatic cliffs and a host of nature reserves that are awash with seal colonies and birdlife.
Historians will love the richness of this county. A magnificent Norman castle and medieval cathedral stand at the heart of Norwich, the county capital, while you can walk through history in the ancient streets of market towns King’s Lynn and Thetford. And for a taste of royalty, visit the Sandringham Estate.
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Image: Sailing the Norfolk Broads.
Celebrated for its picturesque landscapes, historic towns, and vibrant culture, Suffolk offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and rich heritage, making it an ideal destination for a relaxing getaway. Take your pick from the serene Suffolk Coast and Heaths or the unspoiled beaches at Southwold and Aldeburgh, or venture inland for a feast of picture-perfect rolling countryside, quaint villages and meandering rivers.
Suffolk is steeped in history. Visit Bury St Edmunds’ stunning St Edmundsbury Cathedral and medieval abbey, or Framlingham Castle and Lavenham where the timber-framed buildings tell the tale of the county’s medieval roots.
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Image: Aldeburgh Beachfront, Suffolk.
England’s first national park, the Peak District provides a serene retreat rich with stunning landscapes, charming villages and outdoor adventures. A region that is renowned for its diverse scenery, visitors regularly return for its rugged moorlands and limestone dales to lush valleys and picturesque rivers. Hiking and walking trails abound along the Pennine Way and the Kinder Scout plateau. Cyclists can explore the Tissington and Monsal Trails, while rock climbers flock to the gritstone edges of Stanage and Froggatt.
The Peak District is dotted with charming villages including the picturesque Bakewell and the historic spa town of Buxton, which is famed for its Georgian and Victorian architecture, thermal springs and the beautiful Pavilion Gardens. The Peak District is rich with history, from the magnificent Chatsworth House to the evocative ruins of Peveril Castle. And wherever your day may take you, you can count on cosy country pubs serving hearty meals, local ales and a welcoming place to unwind and escape from any inclement autumn weather.
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Image: Hope Valley, Peak District.
Renowned for its stunning lakes, mountains, and charming villages, the Lake District is a sanctuary for outdoor enthusiasts. Charter a boat to explore the shimmering Windermere, Ullswater and Derwentwater lakes, or climb the verdant hills and dramatic mountain peaks that frame these magnificent waterways. With 3,000 km of trails within its reach, the Lake District offers endless routes for hiking and sight-seeing.
As rich in culture as it is scenery, visitors can make the most of William Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage and Beatrix Potter's Hill Top Farm, which paint a picture of the authors’ rich lives and literary works. After a day of exploring, visitors can take their pick from some of the most-celebrated pubs and hotels within the UK – whether you opt for fine dining or Cumbrian staples such Cumberland sausage and Herdwick lamb, expect to wash them down with a pint of locally brewed ale and a very warm welcome.
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Image: Coniston Water, Lake District.
Visit Scotland and you can expect rugged landscapes, ancient castles and vibrant culture. Edinburgh’s historic streets are laced with ancient buildings, where the iconic Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the National Museum tell the story of this enchanting city, and the Royal Mile bustles with street performers and tour guides all year round. The distinctive architecture of the world-famous Victoria Street will transport you to Diagon Alley, with an array of shops selling magical wands and spell books, wizarding sweets and potions.
Head north and you will be treated to some of the most awe-inspiring scenery in the UK. The Scottish Highlands is home to the craggy mountains and deep glens of Glencoe, and the mysterious Loch Ness, which is shrouded in legend. The Cairngorms National Park is a paradise for outdoor adventures, while the Isle of Skye has a delicious blend of dramatic landscapes, charming villages and historic castles.
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Image: Victoria Street, Edinburgh.
Small but incredibly diverse, Wales is rich with gems, from hardy coastlines and picturesque mountains to medieval castles and bustling towns, which make it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs and culture seekers alike. The Snowdonia National Park is home to Wales' highest peak, Mount Snowdon. Climbers visit come rain, shine or snow to explore majestic mountains, serene lakes and cascading waterfalls, while the Wales Coast Path stretches more than 870 miles, with spectacular views, dramatic cliffs and sumptuous sandy beaches. The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is a must for walkers and wildlife enthusiasts with its weathered cliffs and no end of photo opportunities.
Wales is steeped in history, with a wealth of historic landmarks and ancient fortresses scattered throughout the country. UNESCO World Heritage sites Conwy Castle, Caernarfon Castle and Harlech Castle are architectural delights offering a rare insight into the country's medieval past. The ruins of the ancient Welsh monasteries at Tintern Abbey and Valle Crucis Abbey evoke a sense of tranquillity, while the industrial heritage of Blaenavon and the Big Pit National Coal Museum provide a glimpse into Wales's more recent history.
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Image: Snowdonia, Wales.