From rustling leaves to pouring rain, autumn is the time to see England is at its most beautiful

Autumn is perhaps the most underrated season in England. Whilst temperatures are cooler than summer, it’s still warm enough to be outdoors. The glowing colours of orange and red leaves throughout the British countryside are simply stunning. It’s a time to start enjoying the cosiness of hot drinks and hearty food as the days grow shorter.

We all know it might rain but we’re appropriately prepared for this – gone are the summer days where we kid ourselves we definitely won’t need an umbrella!

So where to go this autumn season? Look no further for an array of places to enjoy an English autumn.

DUNKERTONS CIDER TOUR

Does a cidery tour, alongside cider and cheese tastings, sound like your idea of a jolly weekend? We thought so. Dunkertons Cidery showcases the process of apple to bottle whilst delighting your tastebuds. You can enjoy a half pint of organic cider on arrival plus tasters of three more paired with fresh cheese, chutney and bread. You even get to take home your own glass goblet! This is a great day out with a partner or group of friends.

BURNHAM BEECHES

Burnham Beeches is a nature reserve in Buckinghamshire, the perfect place to don your wellington boots and explore one of the woodland trails on offer. This site of special scientific interest offers a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life all year, but is particularly spectacular in autumn. The woods are predominantly made up of beech trees which provide the stunning rainbow of warm oranges and yellows in this post-summer season. So if you’re seeking a classic autumnal scene, here’s a spot you shouldn’t miss.

PICK-YOUR-OWN FARM

Visiting a pick-your-own farm is a great reason to get outside at the start of the autumn season. You can make the most of late-blooming fruits such as apples, pears and plums – ideal for some weekend baking – or stock up on root veg for nourishing meals as the cooler months approach. Our favourite British classic is a good old apple and blackberry crumble!

There are a number of pick-your-own farms that stay open into autumn. We wanted to highlight Hewitts Farm in Kent as they also have a lovely farm shop on site.

THE COTSWOLDS

Year-round, the Cotswolds is a picturesque patch of British countryside. Packed with historic market towns, walks through rolling fields and cosy pubs, it’s the perfect place for a vacation at this time of year. You’ll also benefit from lower prices than in summer and reduced numbers of visitors before the Christmas rush. Wyatts Garden Centre is a lovely spot to enjoy coffee with a view of the surrounding nature!

THE ABBEY INN, NORTH YORKSHIRE

Autumn is the time to reintroduce Sunday roasts and what better place to go than the winner of 2023’s Best Sunday Roast? According to the Rate Good Roasts panel, The Abbey Inn scored 97% across various categories.

For those who have missed fluffy roast potatoes, big Yorkshire puddings and delectable gravy through the summer months, this one’s a must-visit. The luxury country pub also offers rooms so you could even make this a full weekend trip.

STARGAZING IN NORTHUMBERLAND

Autumn is a brilliant time to stargaze in England as the nights are longer and darker. The Andromeda Galaxy is best observed during these months as it’s high in the sky after sunset. Northumberland National Park became England’s first International Dark Sky Park due to its low levels of light pollution and commitment to maintaining these conditions. This means it’s one of the best places in England to go stargazing and their website offers many suggestions for the optimum constellation-spotting areas.

TULLEYS PUMPKIN FESTIVAL

If you fancy an upgrade from the annual visit to the local pumpkin patch, we’ve got you covered. Tulleys Pumpkin Festival in West Sussex offers an autumnal extravaganza. In addition to your standard pick-your-own pumpkin, the festival has food vendors, a ferris wheel and live roaming characters. Whilst this is certainly a family friendly affair, children aren’t a requirement. There’s a pumpkin themed bar serving draft beers and cocktails, as well as evening only tickets for a moonlit experience with live music.

RICHMOND PARK & PUB

Take a stroll through London’s Richmond Park to enjoy the free-roaming red and fallow deer. The golden light shining through the autumnal leaves offers nothing but a peaceful walk. This is an easy escape away from the sights and sounds of the big city.

Of course the only right way to end a walk like this is at a British pub. We’d highly recommend The Marlborough – it has a large outdoor beer garden, much of which is sheltered for the changing of seasons. They offer both food and drinks, with plenty of classics including fish and chips and scotch eggs.