The 15 best-value autumn breaks in the UK – still with availability
In September, it could be ignored. Now, though, it feels certain: autumn is here. Gone is the fleeting heat of summer; here are the rainy afternoons, the Halloween-themed decorations. Do not fear, however: there is still plenty of opportunity to book a last-minute autumn getaway in the UK, whether that’s a half-term hideaway, or a history-filled break in Belfast.
In fact, this might be the ideal time to book a holiday. For those looking to get outdoors, Britain looks its most spectacular in a blaze of autumn foliage. It will be quieter, too, meaning jostling for the romantic, low-lit table at a charming restaurant shouldn’t be necessary. And most importantly, many operators offer exceptionally good-value deals, considerably cheaper than in the summer months. Combine a getaway with rail promotions and attraction discounts and you could save serious money.
As the Autumn Budget (October 30) approaches, many of us will be looking for an affordable way to escape this season. Here are 15 of the best-value breaks in Britain, which, at the time of writing, all had availability remaining.
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England
An accessible trip to the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds, with its rolling hills and charming villages, is spectacular year-round, but in autumn, the summer crush has disappeared and the scenery is at its finest. And accessibility accommodations mean it is now much easier for disabled travellers to take in some of the south-west’s most impressive attractions – including a steam journey through the Forest of Dean.
How to do it: Limitless Travel (0800 711 7112), which offers fully accessible packages as standard, runs an eight-day Cotswolds, Bath & South West package starting at £2,049pp (saving £400). Plan the perfect trip with our Cotswolds travel guide.
A shopping trip to York
York is a perennial favourite, but there’s no better time to get a head-start on some Christmas shopping (while soaking up some culture, too). After wandering through the Shambles and picking up the suitably quaint trinkets, gaze at York Minster’s exceptional Gothic spires, or visit Jorvik for an olfactory tour of Viking Britain.
How to do it: Rooms at the No.1 York (01904 644744), by boutique hotel chain GuestHouse, start at £184 per night. Its Fall-Feels Staycation package includes 20 per cent off a one-night stay, or 25 per cent off a two-night stay, plus breakfast, an autumn cocktail and a spa kit for two.
A working farm in Devon
If your little ones are desperate for a furry friend, a stay on a farm might just be the respite you need. Let them collect the eggs, hand-feed goats or guinea pigs, or ride the obliging donkeys – all while taking the pressure off purchasing a pet.
How to do it: North Hayne Farm Cottages (017695 50807) in Devon offers hands-on experience at its purpose-built children’s farm, located on the outskirts of Exmoor National Park. A three-night weekend stay for four people starts at £377. Plan the perfect trip with our Devon travel guide.
A quiet weekend in Sussex
Beautiful Aldeburgh is best known for the opera, but as summer wanes, so do the crowds, meaning this slice of Sussex becomes much more intimate. Wander among independent shops, or dawdle along the beach, before hurrying back to your snug, fire-warmed cottage and diving into that book you’ve been putting off.
How to do it: The Old Post Box (0117 204 7810) is a cottage listed by Sawday’s, originally built in the 1650s as a smithy. Now, it’s an exceedingly cosy spot for a cold-weather break. Prices start at £85 per night, sleeping up to six.
A dog-friendly getaway
If you aren’t keen on leaving your four-legged friend in the kennels, an outdoorsy, fresh-air-filled location – preferably where they can be let off the lead – is ideal. Best of all, the British countryside is at its most arresting, which means those mornings outside will be a pleasure for both human and pet.
How to do it: Forest Holidays (03330 110495; forestholidays.co.uk) offers pet-friendly cabins across its 13 sites, with enclosed outdoor decking and specialist canine catering. A four-night stay for four people in Keldy, North Yorkshire, starts at £425.
Trips to the overlooked North East
The North East is one of England’s least-visited regions. It’s a curious oversight – the area has some of the most impressive landscapes, estate and fine dining of any in the country. To embrace all three, head to Raby Castle and the High Force Waterfall, following one of the most spectacular stretches of the Pennine Way.
How to do it: High Force Hotel (01833 622336), within the grounds of Raby Castle, is running a “three nights for the price of two” deal until the end of November. The offer includes bed and breakfast, plus complimentary tickets to Raby Castle, Park and Gardens and High Force Waterfall, starting at £305.
A family pumpkin patch in Essex
For a family-friendly autumn break, it doesn’t get more apt than a trip to a pumpkin patch. These gourd-filled fields are an increasingly popular way to mark the harvest season (and will allow you to be the talk of your road on Halloween). There are options across the country for a spooky day out, but spending the night away will make for a particularly special half-term.
How to do it: Down Hall Hotel (01279 731441) in Hatfield Heath, Essex, offers Pumpkin Patch Staycations from £249 per room, for two adults and two children. The package includes bed and breakfast, pumpkin-picking tickets, a hot chocolate kit, a Hallowe’en activity pack and use of the games room.
A forest holiday park in Gloucestershire
There is a wealth of holiday parks across the country – announcing your favourite at the school gates might be seen as a declaration of war. Whether it’s zip-lining through the treeline or a leisurely bike ride you favour, there is likely an option for you. Really, though, the activities matter less than the time spent outdoors as a family on a crisp autumn day.
How to do it: Whitemead Forest Park (03301 230374), in Gloucestershire, offers everything from wellness retreats to teddy-bear-making workshops. Glamping pods start from £59 per night, while stays in its log cabins start at £98 per night, both for up to six people.
A seasonal walking holiday
A walking holiday can be rather strenuous in the summer, so the milder weather can be more amenable to a considered, long-distance hike. Booking through a package allows the details to be taken care of, so whether it’s a short break in Norfolk or a trek along Hadrian’s Wall, you won’t find yourself struggling to find accommodation in the rain.
How to do it: Ramble Worldwide (01707 331133) offers a four-night Skipton and Haworth guided holiday from £695pp including blue badge guided tours, half-board accommodation, transport, entrance to Skipton Castle and the services of a Ramblers Walking Holidays leader.
Scotland
High-octane activities in Aberdeenshire
A sojourn in the autumn countryside needn’t be entirely about slow, peaceful walks. A stay at Glen Dye, a country estate in Aberdeenshire, combines the blaze of seasonal foliage with more high-octane activities such as lessons in bushcraft, axe throwing and cold water immersion. In the evening, swap survival skills for relaxation in a wood-fired hot tub, or spend time at the onsite pub.
How to do it: A two-night stay at Glen Dye (01330 850689) starts at £250 per person, including dinner on arrival, an activity at the discovery and adventure centre, a sauna session and one-day mountain bike hire.
A stargazing sojourn in Skye
Make the most of the longer nights and head to Skye, where the darker evenings mean stargazing is better than ever (and nocturnal wildlife is only ever a hair’s breadth away). The rugged island has some beautiful lodges, cabins and hotels, all designed as respite from a day exploring its coves and caves.
How to do it: Duisdale House Hotel (01470 373737) offers a Dark Skye package, starting at £369 for two people over two nights, including food and drinks vouchers, a hot-tub session, breakfast each morning, and late checkout.
Wales
A narrowboat break in the Dee Valley
Narrowboat journeys are having something of a moment, especially as it is 80 years since LTC Rolt wrote his pioneering work on Britain’s canals. Travel between the Welsh towns of Chirk and Llangollen on the highest canal aqueduct in the world, offering a panorama across the Dee Valley. And it’s ideal for novices: there are only four locks to navigate on the route.
How to do it: Black Prince’s (01527 575115) four-night Chirk to Llangollen cruise costs from £900 (saving £99), for up to six people sharing.
A beach break to Ceredigion Bay
If you didn’t manage to make it to the beach this summer, all is not lost. Ceredigion Bay is a breathtaking spot – and one that you’ll likely have all to yourself. Spend time wandering along its clifftops, before heading down to its wide sands. In the evenings, head out into the villages for fish and chips, or gather by a firepit to keep warm.
How to do it: Take shelter from the chillier weather in a cabin. Logoutt Hafod Hir, listed on Canopy & Stars (0117 204 7830) – with 20 per cent off in October and November – offers sea views while also sitting next to a private lake. From £200 for a two-night stay, sleeping two.
Northern Ireland
A history-filled break in Belfast
If your annual leave allowance is looking rather paltry, a speedy city break might be the answer. Belfast is an impressive option, combining storied history, lively shopping centres and good pubs. Its award-winning Titanic Experience Museum is a must-see exhibition, immersing visitors in the Harland & Wolff shipyard, and the doomed ship’s fateful journey.
How to do it: Newmarket Holidays (0330 341 1927) offers a four-day Belfast & the Titanic Experience Tour, including three meals, excursions and return flights, starting at £432pp.
Channel Islands
A foodie trip to the Channel Islands
If you’d like to leave the mainland but still value a short travel time, Guernsey might be the ideal autumn break. Throughout October and November, the Channel Islands operate Tennerfest, a fixed-price food festival with meals starting from, unsurprisingly, £10. Looking to explore the gastronomy scene even further? A Table in Guernsey (October 4-12) champions local favourites through farmers’ markets, street food stalls and chef cook-offs.
How to do it: Condor Breaks (0345 609 1026) offers three nights for the price of two for stays at the Peninsula Hotel. Prices start at £782, including return ferry transport and three nights’ B&B accommodation. Plan the perfect trip with our Guernsey travel guide.
