Autumn Breaks in the UK

As we enter what is surely one of the busiest domestic tourism seasons in the history in the UK, and as the search for accommodation or off-grid holidays in the UK becomes more and more desperate, let’s have a look forward to some autumn breaks in the UK.

If you want to avoid crowds, heat, or peak-time prices, then an autumn break could be the perfect way for you to get out of the city or take a pause from the old routine.

Because autumn in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland comes with its own charms. A long walk out in beautiful countryside on a crisp, clear day as the leaves on the trees turn a golden-orange, before arriving back at your quirky accommodation to light a log fire or heading to a cosy local pub doesn’t seem too bad does it?

Private Cottage Retreat in Northern Ireland

lake view in northern ireland

On this gorgeous little escape in rural Northern Ireland, you can truly escape the rush of everyday life and know you have a cosy, comfortable base from which to explore the surrounding countryside.

The cottage is located in the stunning Ring of Gullion, which means there is ample opportunity to head out hiking, fishing, cycling, or discovering the rich history and folklore of this Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

At the end of each day, you can return to your cottage, fire up the log burner, and while away the hours as it grows dark outside with a book, a glass of wine, and a view of the stars in your secluded corner of County Armagh.

Buittle Castle in Scotland

Buittle Castle with garden scenery

As a truly unique place to stay, it doesn’t get much more authentic and quirky than a genuine Scottish castle. Located near the English border, this still-working building is immersed in the beautiful natural surroundings of Dumfries and Galloway which makes for a highlight out of all our autumn breaks in the UK.

This means you’re in close proximity to long stretches of stunning coastline and many quaint little seaside towns, and your host will be more than happy to point you in the right direction for a memorable day out trying great seafood cafes, restaurants and pubs.

The building itself and the décor make for an unforgettable stay, and you’ll be served up with a proper Scottish breakfast each morning of your stay made from local produce, including eggs laid by the hens on site in the grounds.

Autumn Yoga and Wellness Weekend

group of women doing yoga on beach

A wonderful way to reset, recharge and refresh ready for winter, this autumn yoga and wellness retreat in Anglesey is a luxurious and reinvigorating escape, which combines bracing walks in the fresh sea air with top-quality yoga sessions.

You’ll stay in a luxurious country house, surrounded by lush parkland and a short walk from the wild beaches and walking trails that wind through the area. Your host will lead you on adventures to the parts of the island only the locals know, to the most secluded beaches and coves and to secret viewpoints.

Then, enjoy yoga sessions in a beautiful oak-framed yoga studio and meditation experiences that truly allow you to relax and unwind. Throughout your stay you’ll be served up with three healthy, lovingly made meals a day, and have plenty of time to stroll through the parkland or relax in the cosy old house.

Popular Autumn UK Breaks

Herefordshire

Mrs Higgs’ Woodland Retreat

Stay in this unique and isolated woodland house, take time for yourself and your loved ones, remove yourself from the cr..

Pembrokeshire

The Stables Eco Retreat in Pembrokeshire

Get off the beaten track and stay in the beautifully converted stable building, now a luxurious eco barn nestled in the ..

Anglesey

Autumn Yoga and Wellness Weekend

Head to Anglesey for a luxury yoga and wellness retreat, and really get in touch with the landscape on beautiful coastal..

Scotland

Buittle Castle – The Munches Room

Retreat to the comfort of the beautiful Munches Room in the iconic Buittle Castle. This gorgeous historical landmark is ..

The Stables Eco-Retreat in Pembrokeshire

log burner eco retreat in wales

The perfect autumn break from reality, this beautifully converted stable building in Pembrokeshire is now a cosy, comfortable eco-retreat. It’s the perfect base from which to go out exploring this south Wales wilderness, from the dramatic sea cliffs and hidden beaches, to the rolling hills and woodland that lie inland.

With 85% of the energy used in the building generated on site, and with its own log burner for those chilly autumn nights, you can be sure you’ll be staying in complete comfort with room for a group of friends or a family of up to seven people.

Spend your days castle hunting, cycling some of the stunning trails nearby, or heading out for some fine dining in the towns of St Davids or Fishguard. Then return to your little secluded corner of paradise, settle in for the evening, and totally switch off from the rest of the world outside.

Mrs Higgs Woodland Camp Retreat

wine and hot tub mrs higgs cottage

For a truly secluded break from the real world and a proper escape into the wilderness, this woodland camp retreat in Herefordshire offers the ideal location. A small stone cabin that has been reclaimed from nature, it’s completely off-grid and deep in the forest.

With amenities like hot water, a wood-burning stove and a hot tub, it also makes a wonderful cosy base for those cool autumn evenings and nights, whilst being completely off the beaten track.

Relaxing in the wilderness, your only neighbours will be the owls, badgers, foxes and deer, and the only sounds at night will be those of the wildlife surrounding you. Soaking in your own hot tub in the woods, drinking in the nature all around you as you relax and disconnect from the rush of the real world, it’s all a perfect autumn break in the UK.


At Not In The Guidebooks, we offer a wide variety of off-grid holidays in the UK, as well as local, authentic experiences in Asia, Europe, Latin America, and more. As well as quirky accommodation, we offer experiential day trips, mini-breaks, and longer adventures, designed to get you off the beaten track and not just seeing a travel destination, but really experiencing it like a local.

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