holidaylodges.co.uk highlights seven UK destinations worth considering this autumn, from the New Forest and Cotswolds to the Lake District and southern Scotland.
Autumn is becoming an increasingly popular time for UK breaks, with travellers looking to make the most of changing landscapes, cooler temperatures and quieter destinations once the summer season comes to an end. Searches for ‘Autumn Holidays 2026’ are up by +3,100% in the past 12 months, suggesting that more travellers are looking ahead to autumn when planning their UK breaks.
Beyond the changing scenery, autumn offers plenty of reasons to explore the UK, from countryside walks and wildlife spotting to visiting local towns and attractions. The Cotswolds, New Forest, Lake District and Scotland each offer a different type of autumn break, whether you’re looking for a walking trip, a chance to see wildlife or simply somewhere to enjoy the outdoors.
For travellers planning a short break, choosing accommodation close to these experiences can also make it easier to explore without spending hours travelling between attractions. A lodge can provide a practical base for a walking weekend, a family trip or a dog-friendly break, while properties with features such as private hot tubs and outdoor space offer somewhere to relax after a day out.
To highlight some of the UK’s destinations worth considering this autumn, holidaylodges.co.uk has selected seven locations that offer a mix of scenery and attractions during the season, alongside nearby lodges that can be used as a base for exploring.
The Cotswolds for walking, villages and countryside
The Cotswolds is a popular choice for an autumn break, particularly for travellers looking to combine walking with visits to some of the region’s well-known towns and villages.
The changing colours provide a reason to explore the area’s countryside at this time of year, while destinations including Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold and Broadway offer plenty to do when you’re not out walking. Broadway Tower is also worth adding to an itinerary for its views across the surrounding countryside.
Autumn can also be a good time to visit the Cotswolds outside of the busiest summer period, making it easier to explore the villages and local attractions at a slower pace.
Where to stay: Bluewood Lodges, Kingham
Set in a peaceful bluebell wood near the Cotswold village of Kingham, Bluewood Lodges offers a relaxing base for exploring the surrounding countryside. The collection of luxurious lodges features contemporary interiors, spacious decking and outdoor hot tubs, with dog-friendly options available.
The lodges are around four miles from Chipping Norton and within easy reach of popular Cotswold spots including Stow-on-the-Wold, Moreton-in-Marsh and Bourton-on-the-Water. Guests can also visit nearby Daylesford Organic Farm, just three miles away, or make the most of the surrounding walking and cycling routes before unwinding in the private hot tub.
The New Forest for woodland walks and wildlife
The New Forest is particularly suited to an autumn walking break, with its extensive woodland, heathland and network of trails providing plenty of opportunities to explore on foot.
The area is home to free-roaming ponies, donkeys and deer, while the changing season brings a different look to the forest as the leaves begin to turn.
Visitors heading to the New Forest between September and November may also see pigs taking part in the area’s traditional pannage season, when they are released into the forest to feed on fallen acorns. For those staying in the area, towns and villages including Brockenhurst, Lyndhurst and Beaulieu provide places to stop for food, explore local attractions or break up a day of walking.
Where to stay: Riverside Retreat, Beaulieu
Riverside Retreat sleeps four guests and is located alongside the Beaulieu River. The property has a raised deck and access to walking routes, making it a practical option for visitors wanting to spend time exploring the New Forest.
Devon for countryside and lakeside walks
Devon offers a combination of countryside, woodland and coastal scenery, making it suitable for a range of autumn breaks.
For those looking to see the changing colours, the woodland and parklands of National Trust properties such as Killerton, Castle Drogo and Arlington Court offer plenty of opportunities for autumn walks, while the wider county has plenty of towns, villages and coastal routes to explore.
Further west, visitors can head towards Dartmoor National Park for more open landscapes and longer walks.
Devon’s coastline also means an autumn trip doesn’t have to be limited to the countryside. Areas around Salcombe, Sidmouth and Ilfracombe offer coastal walks and seafronts to explore, giving visitors the option to combine woodland and countryside days with time by the coast.
Where to stay: Cabana Lakeside Lodge 3
Cabana Lakeside Lodge 3 sleeps six guests and three dogs and is set within a wooded valley, with views across the surrounding lake.
The lodge has a private hot tub and outdoor space, while countryside trails provide opportunities to explore the area without needing to travel far from the property.
Southern Scotland for walking and stargazing
Southern Scotland provides an option for travellers wanting a more remote autumn break, with forests, lochs and open countryside offering plenty of opportunities for walking.
The region is also well known for its dark skies, making autumn a good time to combine daytime walks with an evening of stargazing. Galloway Forest Park was the UK’s first Dark Sky Park, and the longer nights from autumn onwards provide more opportunities to see the stars, weather permitting.
For those wanting to explore beyond the countryside, Dumfries and Castle Douglas offer independent shops, cafes and places to eat, while Kirkcudbright is worth visiting for its galleries, historic streets and coastal setting.
Where to stay: Woodland Retreat Cabin
Woodland Retreat Cabin sleeps six guests and offers a base for exploring the surrounding countryside. The property has a spacious outdoor deck and is within reach of local lochs, rivers and Galloway Forest Park.
The cabin also has a private hot tub, providing an option for guests to relax at the property after spending the day outdoors.
Leicestershire for a quieter countryside break
Leicestershire offers an alternative for travellers looking to explore somewhere beyond the UK’s better-known autumn destinations, with countryside, wildlife and historic attractions to discover.
Bradgate Country Park is one of the area’s highlights, with walking routes through woodland and open countryside, as well as wild deer and the remains of the historic Bradgate House. Old John Tower also provides views across the park.
Market Bosworth is another option for visitors wanting to explore the area’s history and local attractions, while the surrounding countryside offers plenty of opportunities for walking.
Where to stay: Squirrel
Squirrel is a two-person cabin that also welcomes up to two dogs, making it particularly suited to a couple looking for a countryside break.
The property is surrounded by open fields and has a private hot tub, providing a base from which to explore Bradgate Country Park and other parts of Leicestershire.
The Peak District for a walking weekend
The Peak District is another established option for an autumn walking break, with a mix of moorland, valleys, woodland and villages to explore.
Dovedale is one of the area’s best-known walking spots, with the River Dove running through a limestone valley and the famous stepping stones providing a popular route through the landscape. For wider views across the Peak District, Mam Tor is another popular choice, with a relatively accessible route leading to views across the Hope Valley and surrounding hills.
For travellers interested in local history, the ruins of Wingfield Manor offer another nearby attraction, with the remains of the medieval manor providing a stop between countryside walks.
Where to stay: Kingfisher at Manor View
Kingfisher at Manor View is a two-person glamping pod aimed at couples looking for a countryside break.
The property provides access to the surrounding countryside and is within reach of Wingfield Manor and the Peak District. A private hot tub also gives guests the option of relaxing at the property after a day out.
The Lake District for autumn walks and scenery
The Lake District remains one of the UK’s top destinations for walking holidays, and autumn provides another reason to visit as the surrounding landscape changes colour.
Areas around Buttermere, Ullswater and Derwentwater offer scenic walks, while Borrowdale and Great Langdale are among the areas worth exploring for those looking to spend more time outdoors.
The region also has plenty to offer beyond walking. Keswick, Ambleside and Grasmere provide places to eat, shop and explore, while the area’s pubs and cafes offer an opportunity to take a break from the outdoors.
Where to stay: Shefferlands Lodge at Calthwaite Hall Estate
Shefferlands Lodge sleeps four guests and two dogs and is located within the grounds of Calthwaite Hall Estate.
The property provides a base for exploring the wider Lake District, with walking and cycling opportunities nearby. Guests can also make use of the estate’s on-site bar and restaurant, while the lodge’s private hot tub provides a place to relax at the end of the day.
What to consider when booking an autumn lodge break
Ellen Sanders, travel expert at holidaylodges.co.uk says:
“Autumn is a good time to explore the UK because there is plenty to do beyond simply seeing the changing leaves. Many destinations are quieter as the summer season has finished.
We’d recommend choosing the destination around the type of break you’re looking for rather than simply searching for somewhere with good autumn colours. If you want a walking weekend, look at destinations such as the Lake District or Peak District. For wildlife and woodland, the New Forest is a good option, while Scotland offers a different type of countryside experience and the opportunity for stargazing.
For those looking for a more relaxed trip, properties with features such as hot tubs, outdoor space and on-site facilities can also mean there is plenty to enjoy without having to plan every part of the day around activities.”
To explore the full range of autumn lodge destinations and find a property for your next trip, visit www.holidaylodges.co.uk/blog/autumn-destinations.
