With summer rapidly becoming a memory and Christmas still a little way off we think this is the perfect time of year to plan a getaway. Take the kids, bring friends, or just escape on your own- you choose – either way a getaway is an excellent way to break up routine and have a little fun before the year is out. There are a whole range of places right here in the UK that are ideal to visit at this time of year and in fact many of the loveliest are at their very best in autumn. Take a look at our ideas for top last minute autumn getaways...
The Lake District
With beautiful lakes, forests and mountains the Lake District is a wonderful place to visit at any time of year but in autumn it really comes into its own. Nowhere does autumn colours quite like the Lake District and if you haven’t seen it yet quite frankly it’s about time you did. Ulverston in South Lakes is a great little town to use as a base. It has a plethora of small independent shops, from bookstores to clothing boutiques, an indoor market and a range of great cafes. You’ll also be a short drive from both Lake Coniston and Lake Windermere- two of the most beautiful lakes in the area. Don’t miss a visit to Brantwood House the home of John Ruskin and if you care to make the journey, visit Holker Hall where you can see a range of deciduous trees in all their autumn splendour.
Cornwall
Cornwall is a great place to visit at this time of year, away from the crowds of summer and Penzance is a wonderfully quirky town to choose to go to. It has narrow streets, granite cottages and fabulous views of the sea. It’s also on Cornwall’s south coast so is often less windy than the exposed north coast, so no matter what the autumn weather decides to do, you should still be able to get out and explore. There are many fabulous walks from the town along the stunning Southwest coast path, as well as a range of great routes which will take you inland to explore the rest of what the area has to offer. Be sure to visit the excellent Newlyn Art Gallery nearby and pay a visit to the lovely Buttercup tearoom for the best cream tea. For excellent last minute accommodation try some last minute holiday cottage offers online, with a reputable company such as Late Lettings.
Scotland
The land of castles and lochs is made even more beautiful at this time of year by the lack of midges. (Trust us you won’t realise why this is a place to be avoided at peak summer until you’ve experienced it!) The area around Beinn Eighe national park is very special and you’ll be amazed by the range of activities which are still possible at this time of year. Head up to Gairloch for an afternoon’s horse-riding, hike into the hills to enjoy the scenery, or play a round of golf on what is possibly one of the world’s most scenic golf courses. Dinner at the Torridon Inn is a treat too, with good hearty home-cooked fare and you’ll find many a friendly local to sink a few beers with into the evening if you choose.
Of course there are many other fabulous places to visit in the UK too, so why not find out where your favourite is? Where will you choose for a last minute autumn getaway?
