best places to visit uk october

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20 of the best autumn escapes around the UK

These breaks revel in the glorious change of season, and take in everything from foraging and festivals to stargazing and glamping

Harvest twist at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire

The traditional harvest jamboree is given a modern twist in Blenheim Palace ’s walled garden this year, with an autumn festival promising food markets, foraging trails and theatrical entertainment such as wacky races and a dragon maze trail by a collective of artists and designers(24-26 September and 1-3 October, free with entry, £30 per adult for palace, park and gardens or £19 park and gardens, child £17 or £9, blenheimpalace.com). Pitchup.com has several glamping sites nearby, from about £75 a night sleeping two

Foraging and glamping in Pembrokeshire

With ancient woodland all around, and the winding tributaries of the Cleddau estuary for dips and kayaking, the setting is right for a long weekend of relaxation in nature at Little Retreat in Lawrenny. Luxury dome tents have private wood-fired hot tubs and outdoor bathtubs, but it’s the choice of experiences on offer that makes it special. Guided wild swimming sessions range from an introduction to cold water swimming (£55pp, with the Wim Hof method of cold shower preparation in advance recommended for the colder season) to an outdoor sauna experience on the banks of the River Dyfi (£85pp). Or choose a full day’s foraging, feasting and fishing followed by an evening meal (£135pp) of fungi, seaweed and hedgerow ingredients cooked by Matt Powell , who plans to open a restaurant at the site. Wellbeing classes, art lessons and walks can fill other spare moments. Two nights in a dome tent sleeping four or five from £370

Stargazing in Dumfries and Galloway

Milky Way and stars over Loch Stroan, Galloway Dark Sky Park, Galloway Forest

Galloway Forest Park , in the south-west of Scotland, is an international dark sky park with more than 7,000 stars and planets visible to the naked eye and the Milky Way often observable as well. Close by in Kirkcudbright, the Selkirk Arms , a cosy hotel with simple neat rooms, is running a stargazing weekend at the end of October. Hosted by top Scottish astronomer Steve Owens from the Glasgow Science Centre , it kicks off with drinks, canapes and dinner before a talk each evening, with stargazing walks to the harbour and out into the dark sky park, as well as a visit to the town’s new Dark Space Planetarium . 29-31 October, two-night dinner, B&B package including activities £289pp, selkirkarmshotel.co.uk

Autumn festivals in Malvern, Worcestershire

An autumnal view from the Malvern Hills.

Nothing says autumn like a giant vegetable competition, and the Malvern Autumn Show (24-26 September, £18, under-16s free but tickets required) claims its contest is one of the biggest of the bunch. Held in the Three Counties Showground at the foot of the Malvern Hills near Ledbury, it features artisan food and drink stalls and talks by gardening gurus. For a treat, stay at the gorgeous Cottage in the Wood boutique hotel (doubles £199 B&B), whose fine restaurant has woodland views. Or camp at Eastnor Castle , which is most beautiful in autumn, and which was used as a set for the TV drama Succession – the deer park and arboretum are beautiful in autumn ( pitches until 30 September £12 a night, entry to castle and grounds £12.50 adult, £7.50 child). Nearby Tenbury Wells hosts an Applefest on 2 October, while the National Trust’s Croome estate (£12/£6) provides more lovely autumn walks.

Nature-spotting multi-day trek in the South Downs

Hiking is particularly pleasant in the mild temperatures of a classic autumn, and rural routes are buzzing with wildlife and alive with colour. The 65-mile Serpent Trail , snaking through heathland in Surrey and Hampshire, was created in 2005 but has been altered this year to follow a more picturesque route. Beginning in Haslemere, it winds through the South Downs national park and finishes in Petersfield, with sculptures dotted along the way. Here, you can see live adders, sand lizards and smooth snakes – Britain’s rarest reptiles, which, unusually, give birth to young in September. In autumn green tiger beetles and black darter dragonflies may still be around too, and the heather is in bloom, bilberries are ready to pluck and birds such as stonechats, woodlarks and Dartford warblers decorate the breeze with their song. Pied A Terre Adventures has a five-night self-guided trip staying in a different place each night, from £525pp B&B . Trail notes, GPS and OS Map App, and bag transfers are included, as are suggested places to eat and drink (patadventures.com)

Walking and dining on the Suffolk coast

The cute village of Orford on the Suffolk coast has lots going for it – pretty streets of pubs and delis, a quay and the Crown and Castle , now a smart bistro with 21 rooms. You can see Henry II’s 12th-century castle from the windows, and nearby, for spooky autumn walks, is mysterious Orford Ness. This long spit, which once served as a military base, has now been commandeered for wildlife and is a National Trust nature reserve . Aldeburgh is a few miles north, and there’s leaf peeping in nearby Rendlesham forest . The hotel has a list of walking routes, with varying lengths designed to burn off the calories guests eat in the restaurant that night. Go for the 45-minute ramble and you might only have a main of Orford-landed skate wing with chorizo and crab butter, but do the full 7½-hour hike and you could amply justify half a dozen Butley Bay oysters to start, plus a pud of strawberry cheesecake with Pimm’s jelly and cucumber sorbet, and take the hotel’s posh picnic with you. Doubles from £170 room-only in September, £114 in October, crownandcastle.co.uk

Whisky and wildlife in the Inner Hebrides

South of Skye and Mull, the island of Islay (pronounced I-luh ) is rich in wildlife and famed for its peaty whiskies. Responsible Travel’s five-day Inner Hebrides autumn wildlife tour covers both, with departures scheduled on 22 and 29 October and 5 November. The primary draw at this time of year is birdlife, including oystercatchers and skylarks on the Kintyre peninsula, eagles on the sea cliffs of Oa nature reserve , and 20,000 barnacle and white-fronted geese arriving at Loch Gruinart and Loch Gorm from Greenland in October. One day is dedicated to a coastal pathway that links the Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg whisky distilleries, with seal viewing and a wee dram or three to warm the cockles, alongside a distillery tour. F our nights for £965pp , including transfers from Oban and some meals

Get that start-of-term feeling in Sussex

Autumn at West Dean College and Gardens.

Embrace those nostalgic new-school-year feelings autumn can trigger by booking on to one of West Dean College’s short courses in arts and conservation, in a rural setting in the South Downs national park . You can try botanical drawing, with a focus on feathers, bark and seed pods and how to bring out fine details (20-23 September, £381pp), or botanical painting in the colours of the season (7-10 October, £393), a course suitable for beginners. A novices’ pottery course (1-3 October, £289) will allow you to explore slip decorating; there’s a leatherwork masterclass (2 November, £148) for making tool sheaths and other cases; traditional English basket making (19-21 November, £298); and there’s even a class on how to make a steel besague, a piece of 15th-century armour (16 October, £163) – plus many more. West Dean has rooms available on site from £127pp for two nights, including dinner and breakfast. To the south are Chichester, for shopping and dining, and the beaches of Hayling Island and West Wittering; next door is the Weald and Downland Living Museum , an outdoor collection of historic downland buildings where autumn events include a historical music weekend on 25-26 September.

Retreat in the trees in Northumberland

Autumn colour on the estate at Wallington, Northumberland

Fiery displays of autumn colour are provided by vibrant acers, and by the red squirrels foraging for winter stores at the National Trust estate at Wallington . The families who lived here for 300 years planted expanses of woodland, including exotic conifers and other trees from around the world that can be explored today on a “ heritage tree trail ”. Near the estate, the National Trust has a new holiday cottage, Rothley Lakehouse , surrounded by woodland and wetlands. The house, which sleeps 13, overlooks the 250-year-old Capability Brown lake, where bats, badgers and otters frequent the shore. Bikes can be rented to explore trails to nearby villages such as Wallington, or further afield to Blyth , to Rothbury for antiques, and quaint Morpeth . The luxurious main lodge sleeps 10, with three more staying in the guest cottage (£ 2,600 for three nights in September, £1,950 in October , £1,625 in Novembe r)

A fruitful season of art exhibitions in London

Hogarth and Europe 3 November 2021 – 20 March 2022, Tate Britain Image: William Hogarth A Scene from ‘The Beggar’s Opera’ VI, 1731 Tate

Autumn spells a new season of art shows in the capital, including the first major exhibition of experimental painterly woodcuts by American abstract expressionist Helen Frankenthaler at Dulwich Picture Gallery . The Royal Academy of Arts summer exhibition, in its 253rd year, launches on 22 September, and it has a show of late Constable works from 30 October, while at the National Gallery, Poussin and the Dance shows the 17th-century baroque artist’s works depicting classical gods and mortals in movement, from 9 October. Hogarth’s greatest pieces are shown with those of some of his peers in the Hogarth and Europe exhibition at Tate Britain from 3 November, while 2017 Turner prize winner Lubaina Himid’s multidisciplinary show starts at Tate Modern on 25 November. Trained initially in theatre design, she has been pivotal in contemporary British art. Displaying work by emerging artists, Paddington’s Inhabit hotel has luxurious double rooms (from £150 B&B, inhabithotels.com) and aims to be environmentally and socially conscious, with a wellness area, Peloton bike classes, Tokyo bikes for hire, and collaborations with 20 social enterprises. A second location is due to open nearby before the end of the year.

Explore the nature, history and sights of Jersey

beauport jersey Inntravel’s Jersey Island Escape walking break

Just a few miles off the coast of Normandy, Jersey has become more popular than ever in a year with scant international travel options. Inntravel’s new four-night Jersey Island Escape was launched this year to show off the Channel Island’s sandy bays, rare birds and second world war history, and runs until the end of October. Based at a hotel in the harbour village of Saint Aubin, it offers leisurely self-guided exploration, furnishing walkers with route notes, maps and an island bus pass. Highlights include walking the tidal island causeway to La Corbière lighthouse, spotting red-billed choughs at Sorel Point and a tour of Battery Lothringen at Saint Brélade, one of the best-preserved coastal artillery defences in western Europe. From £595pp in October, including four nights’ B&B accommodation, one dinner and return taxis from Jersey airport to the hotel

Cycling and cider in Herefordshire

The new 48-mile cycling circuit in Herefordshire’s Golden Valley expands on the popular cider trails launched last year. The Porter’s Perfection circuit starts from the village of Dorstone, in the shadow of the neolithic monument Arthur’s Stone, and tours several west Herefordshire craft cider makers. A leisurely ride along peaceful back roads with glimpses of rolling hills takes in Orgasmic Cider Company’s orchards, a horse-drawn mill at the 17th-century Fair Oak Cider farm, and the county’s oldest pub, Dorstone’s Pandy Inn . The route can also be tackled in smaller, bite-size sections. The aptly named Cider Shack from Ty Gwyn Holidays is a tiny holiday home for two in rural splendour comprising two sheds, fire pit, outdoor bath and log-burning stove. Two nights at the Cider Shack (tygwynholidays.co.uk) costs £240, or the Pandy Inn B&B has doubles from £85

Cattle droving festival and steaming in the Lake District

MV Western Belle, an Ullswater Steamer approaching Pooley Bridge on Ullswater

The annual droving event on 28-30 October signals the shift from autumn to winter in the northern Lakes. The main event, with performers and a street market, is in Penrith but the lakeside community of Pooley Bridge also throws its own. Mask-wearing is a major feature of the event, which celebrates the cattle droving that has taken place in rural Cumbria for centuries and culminates in a flame-lit procession of horned and cloaked locals. A visit can be combined with hiking sections of the 20-mile Ullswater Way, linked by the Ullswater Steamers and tinged with autumnal colours at this time of year. Close to the path, the Quiet Site holiday park offers toasty-warm family camping pods with electricity, some of which are dog-friendly. Camping pods sleep two adults and two children from £ 150 for two night s, some availability during the droving

Coast and castles in County Antrim

Ballygally Castle on Antrim’s scenic Causeway Coastal Route feels a world away from the big city, yet is only 26 miles from Belfast – and in autumn room prices are lower. At this time of year there’s more breathing space along the busy coastal road, which runs to Northern Ireland’s most visited attraction, the Giant’s Causeway . The castle dates from 1625 and overlooks sandy Ballygally Bay. Nearby is the improbable early-20th-century feat of engineering called the Gobbins (£20/£14.50), a wild seacliff walk of spiral staircases and suspended bridges, with tunnels once used by smugglers. There’s also paddleboarding off the Ballygally beach (if weather permits), the Norman Carrickfergus Castle on Belfast Lough and, an hour north near the Giant’s Causeway, coasteering at Portrush or Ballintoy (available year-round, wetsuits provided). Doubles at Ballygally Castle from £120 B&B

Glamping at Hadrian’s Wall

Hadrian’s Wall, near Housesteads, in late Autumn2D8TDET Hadrian’s Wall, near Housesteads, in late Autumn

Ancient sites seem more atmospheric as the season turns misty, none more so than Hadrian’s Wall. A mile from the wall, just outside the town of Brampton, lies Hadrian’s Wall Country Yurts (from £218 for a yurt sleeping two adults and two children for two nights, hadrianswallglamping.com). There are two yurts – both have woodburners, one has a wood-fired hot tub – and they share a paddock on a smallholding that rears sheep, chickens, and the owners’ small children. Guests can take atmospheric walks at dusk to some of the best-preserved sections of the wall. Eight miles east at Walltown country park near Greenhead , there is a self-guided, geolocated sound walk, Collision and Conflict, which uses music, sound and storytelling to explore these borderlands via a GPS-triggered app (until 1 October). For more outdoor adventuring there’s the Pennines AONB , and Northumberland national park – renowned for its stargazing. For a pint or three, Walton village’s Old Vicarage Brewery has a cosy bar serving its own ale and those of other microbreweries. It also has room s for £75 B&B.

Delving into the past in Avebury, Wiltshire

You can now stay at one of six new self-catering stable units at the Farm at Avebury , making it easier to visit the neolithic and bronze-age attractions of the North Wessex Downs area of outstanding natural beauty this autumn. The 12-hectare family holding is in the middle of Avebury world heritage site , home to prehistoric Silbury Hill, the West Kennet Long Barrow tomb and the world’s largest stone circle. It’s surrounded by a patchwork of fields and round barrows that’s perfect for walking. Contemporary and self-contained, the stable units only opened in July, and there’s still plenty of availability till the end of November. The stables sleep between two and six, or you can rent the lot for a big family get-together. The farm sells produce boxes containing its own eggs, grass-fed beef, farm-made rapeseed oil and more. Less than a five-minute walk away is the 17th-century thatched Waggon & Horses pub. One-bedroom stable from £99 a night (two-night minimum)

Cooking, wild food and carving in the Cotswolds

A handful of new activities and courses will tempt visitors to linger outdoors in the Cotswolds this autumn. The 200-year-old Burleigh Court manor house (doubles from £129) near Minchinhampton has launched a Wild Foodie Foraging experience (from £65, or £239 for a couple with overnight stay) that includes a foraging walk and a wild food lunch prepared by the head chef Shaun Jones. The hotel is also running new three-hour autumnal wild wreath-making sessions with cream tea (£69) on 2 and 10 October. For wood-gathering and fire cooking or limestone carving, Cotswolds National Landscape (formerly the AONB) has new experience days (from £45) running through October. It has teamed up with Cotswold Hideaways to offer rural skills weekend packages, with 10% off experience days for visitors staying at properties such as the Garden Studio near Stroud, a cosy one-bedroom apartment which has availability in October from £399 for three nights.

Literature in Manchester

After the physical event was cancelled last year, the Manchester literature festival (9-17 October) is back with live talks and readings for 2021, including sessions with Booker prize winner Bernardine Evaristo and Primal Scream frontman Bobby Gillespie. Manchester became a Unesco city of literature in 2017, thanks to its historic ties to radical writers including Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. They worked together at Chetham’s Library (free, closed weekends), founded in 1653 and thought to be the oldest public library in the world, which has just reopened after a multimillion-pound renovation. In between literary sessions, grab a beer at local Cloudwater Brew Co ’s new Piccadilly taproom. The Kimpton Clocktower hotel on Oxford Street, opened last year, has loft-style rooms inside the sumptuously restored Grade II-listed building. Doubles at Kimpton Clocktower from £135 room-only in October

Art and culture in Great Yarmouth

Community and Diversity by Henry Boon for Reprezent Project

Banksy’s visit over the summer gave Great Yarmouth’s arts scene a leg up, adding to the Norfolk resort’s growing street art collection. Take a walk to find murals by John Dashwood, which speak to the town’s literary and seafaring heritage, and the Yarmouth mural by Kevin Parker, one of 30 that social enterprise group Reprezent Projects is having painted to engage young people and attract visitors. For October, the team behind May’s Norwich festival is launching Norfolk Wonder, including a new sound trail for Great Yarmouth by composer Ela Orleans. In time for half-term, the spectacular pyrotechnics display Fire on the Water (£6 for up to 6 people, 21-31 October and 3-6 November) will bring a new night-time performance trail to the resort’s Waterways pleasure park, with dance, acrobatics, water projections, light installations and fire shows. Clippesby Hall campsite has some October availability in its Tilly shepherd’s hut, which sleeps two adults and two children, from £130 for two nights

Waterfalls in Wensleydale, Yorkshire Dales

The Wensleydale Experience Yurts Dan Berry

Petite Temple Folly , operated by farm holiday outfit Wensleydale Experience, offers a unique stay, with a fire pit for stargazing and a wood-fired hot tub for two. The nearest village is Aysgarth, a mile away, famous for its triple-drop waterfall once painted by JMW Turner. The walkers’ hub of Hawes is just a little further, home to Wensleydale Creamery, with tastings of the area’s most famous product, and Wensleydale Experience’s farm, which offers award-winning tours and hands-on farming days alongside a handful of yurts. Hardraw Force is another cascade worth seeing, reached by a pretty riverside trail. At the trailhead, the wood-beamed Green Dragon Inn serves homemade pies by an open hearth. Temple Folly sleeps two for £15 0 a night in October (three-night minimum, limited availability), wensleydale-experience.com

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2025 dates now live, september 11, 2023, destination: cotswolds, in this article, october in the uk: places to visit & things to do.

October is one of the most beautiful months to visit the UK. Daylight hours are still fairly long, the woodlands adopt a beautiful fall glow, and the weather is still usually balmy, which is perfect for hiking, family activities, and exploring cities.

Whether you’re after a mountain adventure, a beach escape or a city break, we’ve found the best places to visit in the UK this October, from lesser-known corners to must-see spots.

Walking Breaks

If you love the solitude of hiking in the mountains , there are two places in the UK you need to visit this October: Wales and Scotland.

The usually moderate fall weather is perfect for long days out hiking in England, although we still recommend packing a raincoat – it is the UK, after all.

Wales is home to a variety of the UK’s best-known peaks like Snowdon, Pen y Fan in the Brecon Beacons, and Crib Goch.

The former two are quite popular during weekends, but there are alternative routes you can take up Snowdon if you want to avoid the crowds on the main track, like the Rhyd Ddu Path or the Snowdon Ranger Path – there’s also a train if anyone in your group doesn’t fancy the hike!

If you’re looking for something a little more remote, there are plenty of hikes in Snowdonia National Park, for all abilities.

Cadair Idris (893m), is bang in the heart of the Park, and the six-mile Minffordd Path offers miles of views, plus the added bonus of a wild swimming spot at Llyn Cau.

Scotland is home to the highest peak in the UK, Ben Nevis, standing at 1,345m, so if you want a challenging climb, this is it.

The main path, which starts at the Ben Nevis Hiking Centre, is the best one for beginners.

If you’re looking for a great base from which to explore the Highlands, Glencoe is one of the most spectacularly located villages in Scotland, surrounded by mountains, formed over millennia of shifting glaciers and volcanic eruptions.

Known as the ‘Outdoor Capital of the UK’, you’re in the perfect location to explore the Lochaber area, where you can go for a ramble in An Torr Wood, visit the peaceful lake of Glencoe Lochan or head deep into the mountains and soak up the 360° views.

Beach Breaks

Cornwall is beautiful all year round but it can get a little overcrowded (and over-priced) during the summer, which is why October is the perfect time to visit .

With a wild rugged landscape, beautiful beaches and some of the UK’s best restaurants serving the freshest seafood, there are plenty of activities to keep you and the whole family entertained.

For sandy long beaches, head to Perranporth, Watergate, Porthcurno Beach or the Bude Sea Pool, where you can relax, swim and even go stand-up paddle boarding.

You could grab a bucket and line and head to a rock pooling beach, like Castle Beach in Falmouth or Port Isaac, to see what creatures you can find lurking in the cracks – just make sure you put them back after.

If you love seafood, then you can’t go to Cornwall without immersing yourself in the foodie scene. A few favourites are Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant ( Rickstein.com ), the famous Mussel Box ( Musselbox.co.uk ), and Adam Handling’s Ugly Butterfly ( Uglybutterfly.co.uk ).

A little further up the coast is Devon. Much like Cornwall, it boasts plenty of seaside towns, quaint villages and the famous Jurassic Coast, which offers beautiful and challenging hiking routes.

For beach strolls and even a little bathing (if it’s warm enough), head to Woolacombe Beach in North Devon.

Bantham Beach is also beautiful for a family day out. Situated at the mouth of the River Avon, it’s backed by sand dunes and rolling hills.

If you’re after beach activities, Bigbury on Sea Beach has plenty of rockpools and Dawlish Warren Beach has amusement rides, golf and watersports available.

If you’re with the family, the National Aquarium ( National-aquarium.co.uk ) and Tamar Trails ( Tamartrails.co.uk ) offer a fun day out, too.

For something a little different, visit the ancient fishing village of Clovelly. Or why not take a trip to Alder Vineyard ( Aldervineyard.uk )?

City Breaks

While some people love Scotland for the mountains, the capital city of Edinburgh is a great place for a weekend getaway.

From the unmistakable Edinburgh Castle ( Edinburghcastle.scot ) and the National Museum ( Nms.ac.uk ) to the Royal Botanical Gardens ( Rbge.org.uk ), Auld Reekie’s not short of things to see.

You could also combine culture with hiking, by heading into the nearby Pentland Hills or climbing Arthur’s Seat.

Colourful house on Victoria Street, Edinburgh

London is a city that defies easy summary. There are enough galleries and museums to keep you occupied for weeks – if not months – like the Tate Britain and Modern ( Tate.org.uk ), Natural History Museum ( Nhm.ac.uk ) and Science Museum ( Sciencemuseum.org.uk ).

Culture aside, famous markets like Portobello Road Market ( Portobelloroad.co.uk ), Camden Market ( Camdenmarket.com ), and Brick Lane rub shoulders with iconic must-see landmarks like Buckingham Palace ( Rct.uk ), Westminster Abbey ( Westminster-abbey.org ) and the London Eye ( Londoneye.com ).

For some downtime, take a stroll through Hyde Park ( Royalparks.org.uk ), enjoy a picnic in Haywards Heath, or head to one of the many incredible restaurants and bars.

A Family Getaway

The cotswolds.

The Cotswolds is a must-visit in the UK . Stretching across the counties of Warwickshire, Wiltshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, there’s so much to do and see, from wandering around typical honey-coloured villages and medieval castles to a country pub walk .

Sudeley Castle ( Sudeleycastle.co.uk ) is a great day out, as is a visit to Chedworth Roman Villa ( Nationaltrust.org.uk ) to marvel at the remains of one of the grandest Roman villas in Bath.

If you fancy eight days of solitude, views, and ambling in the countryside, you could walk The Cotswold Way , starting in Chipping Campden and finishing in Bath.

15 Things to do in the UK During October

Aside from the variety of places to visit during the fall months, the UK is packed with events and things to do.

From films, food festivals and family fun galore, we’ve rounded up a few of the best of them.

Take the family to Apple Day, in London, for a day of arts, crafts and activities (October 1); Fulhampalace.org , Fulham Palace, London.
Discover the world’s best new films at the BFI London Film Festival (4-15 October); Whatson.bfi.org.uk , Southbank Centre, Royal Festival Hall, London.
Eat your way around the East Midlands Food Festival (7-8 October); Meltonfestivals.co.uk , Livestock Market Scalford Road, Melton Mowbray. LE13 1JY
Book tickets for the highly-anticipated Time Traveller’s Wife at the Apollo (from October 7); Stagedoor.londontheatredirect.com , Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 7EZ.
Visit Powderham Food Festival near Exminster (7-8 October); Powderhamfoodfestival.com , Powderham Castle, EX6 8JQ.
Immerse yourself in the Scottish International Storytelling Festival (13-29 October); Sisf.org.uk .
Meet your favourite celebrity chef at the Dartmouth Food Festival (20-22 October); Dartmouthfoodfestival.com .
Enjoy the Silhouettes and Shadows Puppet Show in Cornwall (23-27 October); Nmmc.co.uk , National Maritime Museum, Cornwall TR11 3QY.
Give yourself a scare at the Edinburgh Horror Festival (26-31 October); Edhorrorfest.co.uk .
Take a steam train through the Scottish Highlands; Strathspeyrailway.co.uk .
Marvel at the animals at the Cotswolds Wildlife Park; Cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk , Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens, Bradwell Grove, Burford, Oxfordshire OX18 4JP.
Spend a month discovering the culinary delights of the London foodie scene with the London Restaurant Festival; Londonrestaurantfestival.com .
Enjoy family fun at Arlington Court’s Autumnfest (every day in October); Nationaltrust.org.uk .
Get your Halloween spook on at the Jack The Ripper Museum, London; Tickets.london , 12 Cable St, Aldgate, London E1 8JG.
Pick your own fruit and visit the animals at Hatton Adventure World in Warwickshire; Adventure.hattonworld.com , Hatton Adventure World, Dark Lane, Hatton, Warwickshire, CV35 8XA.

Like our pick of the best things to see and do in the UK this October? To really catch the month in all its seasonal finery, check out our pick of the country’s best fall walks .

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23 of the Best Destinations to Enjoy England in Autumn

Last Updated 1 August 2023

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Windsor Castle in England glimpsed between Autumn trees in a park with brown leaves scattered on the grass between the two rows of trees and the stone castle visible between both rows in the distance.

The weather has officially turned, the leaves are changing, and Autumn has hit England with full force! But that doesn’t mean it’s time to stop exploring.

There are hundreds of amazing places to explore around the country. Like our amazing national parks, made all the more beautiful by autumn colours. Or our culture-rich cities, historic towns, and incredible heritage buildings. Or how about hitting the English coast for a windswept clifftop walk?

I’ve gathered recommendations from some top bloggers to create this list of the best destinations to enjoy autumn in England. From haunted Halloween destinations and quirky autumnal festivals, to glorious landscapes for hiking and adventure… there’s plenty to keep you busy this season!

RELATED POST: Autumn Packing List for England

Dorset AONB

The new forest.

North Coast of Cornwall
Westonbirt Arboretum, Cotswolds

Hadrian’s Wall Country

Peak District
Matlock Bath
Forest of Dean

Stratford-upon-Avon

Grizedale forest .

South Downs Way
Marlow, Buckinghamshire

Bourton-on-the-water, Cotswolds

Autumn in england: the quicklist, best england autumn destinations.

There’s a map and a short version of this list at the bottom of this page. In the meantime, keep reading to discover the best Autumn destinations in England…

The Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is one of the most spectacular places to visit during autumn in England. Few other regions can boast quite such an amazing range of landscapes.

Kimmeridge Bay in Dorset with a small stone circular tower on top of a low grassy headland above a small shingle and rocky beach. The tower and headland are perfectly reflected in the water in the way.

Head to the rugged and wild Jurassic Coast for windswept hikes. Or to any of the historic seaside towns for cosy pubs and amazing seafood! Further inland, you can enjoy the autumn colours of the stunning Dorset countryside. Puddletown Forest, near Dorchester , is a brilliant choice! And nestled amongst the rolling hills of Purbeck, Corfe Castle is another fabulous place for an autumn hike.

Recommended by: Mal, Raw Mal Roams

Low Autumn sunlight streaming through the yellow and orange leaves of trees in the New Forest with the ground covered in reddish brown leaves and brown ferns

The New Forest is a National Park situated in Hampshire in the south of England . The New Forest is a great destination all year round, but visiting in Autumn can be particularly rewarding.

There are vast areas of gorgeous heathlands that in September turn pink and purple, creating a beautiful contrast with still, green pastures. The New Forest also has a large population of cute wild ponies. These live within the boundaries of the park and can be spotted in many locations.

A visit in October and early November will be rewarded with picturesque scenery. Enjoy the rich red and golden colours of trees shining in the autumn sun. The park has hundreds of different walking and cycling trails to choose from for every level. And when you get cold, head to Lymington. There, you can warm up with a hearty roast dinner in one of the cosy traditional pubs.

Recommended by: Suzanne from Meandering Wild

Looking across a section of the North Cornwall Coast in England in Autumn with the sea a very dark greyish blue and the sky overcast. There is a small, rocky cliff with jagged grey rocks at the bottom. there are two small stone buildings, partly ruined and without roofs, on the sloping edge of the cliff over the sea.

In autumn Cornwall becomes a serene and calm place. After the bustle of the summer months, exploring the north coast is the perfect way to spend the autumn.

The surf beaches in Bude and Newquay are quieter but the waves continue to be as good as they are in the summer. The autumn storms make clifftop walks invigorating. Waves crash up the steep cliff faces and break over the harbour walls, a stunning and imposing force of nature. Inland, the small villages start to have a more cosy feel with pubs welcoming visitors with open fires.

As with other places the tourist spots are less visited. In autumn, Tintagel Castle, Geevor Tin Mine and Lands End are often a more pleasant experience where you can take your time to explore.

READ MORE: How to Spend 4 Days in St Agnes and the North Coast of Cornwall

Recommended by: Cath – Travel Around Ireland

Delicate Acer trees with bright red leaves in westonbirt arboretum in the cotswolds england in autumn with some yellow trees out of focus behind and the floor covered with red and yellow leaves

The Cotswolds area of England is a beautiful place to visit in Autumn. There is an abundance of woodlands and forests to wander through and enjoy the colourful spectacle that is autumn in England. Rivers meander alongside splashes of yellow, orange, red and brown.

Along with the natural woodlands, you can also visit some arboreta in the area. None are more beautiful than Westonbirt Arboretum . Located near the picturesque town of Tetbury, Westonbirt delights visitors with autumn colours from late September to early November.

In the Old Arboretum, visitors can see stunning colours from oaks, horse chestnuts and acers. While over in the Silk Road part of the arboretum, the landscape is awash with colours from trees, shrubs, and plants from around the world. Make sure to visit the Maple Loop to see the stunning Japanese Acers.

Recommended by: Monique at tripanthropologist.com

Section of Hadrians Wall in England taken at sunset in autumn. there are parts of an old ruined wall visible running uphill with a wide grassy valley beyond and the sun setting over the hill on the far side with a small woodland silhouetted against the orange sky.

Hadrian’s Wall extends for 73 miles (or 80 Roman miles) across northern England from Bowness-on-Solway on the west coast, to Wallsend in the east. Northern England in the shadow of the wall is known as Hadrian’s Wall Country. You know you’ve arrived when you start driving on the extremely straight Roman roads!

The moors turn golden in Autumn and the hordes of hikers completing the whole, or just sections, of Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail, are much reduced from their peak summer numbers. It’s hard to explain the remote feeling in the Scottish borderlands. It’s just you, the wind, and the sheep, following this ancient Wall built as the most northern outpost of Roman Britannica.

Cycle, camp, and explore the forts along the Wall (such as Housesteads and Birdoswald). Take one of the many Hadrian’s Wall walks , and hike the National Trail among the stunning Autumn foliage in northern England!

Recommended by: Jenny, Peak District Kids

close up of a highland cow with very long, reddish brown fur and long horns. the cow is standing on a grassy hilltop beside some heather looking at the camera with the green hills of the Peak District behind.

The Peak District is a beautiful destination all year round with its green rolling meadows and dramatic escarpments. But come Autumn, the heather moors and woodlands turn to their rusty hues and the morning chill brings impressive cloud inversions in the valleys.

On those crisp blue-sky days, there’s nothing better than a long walk in the hills or along an escarpment to appreciate the season. Followed, of course, by a hearty home-cooked meal next to a roaring log fire in a cosy village pub.

Our favourite walks for this time of year are Baslow Edge or Padley Gorge . Or perhaps stroll the impressive Chatsworth Estate (it’s free to walk through). Alternatively, hop on your bike and enjoy one of the many traffic-free cycle trails along disused railway tracks.

Recommended by: Steph & Lewis from Book It Let’s Go!

Matlock Bath in Derbyshire is a great Autumn destination in England. Starting mid-September and running until the beginning of November is the annual Matlock Bath Illuminations .

The illuminations date back to 1897, when they were first held to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. There are lights strung around the town and Derwent gardens. There’s also a fantastic, illuminated model boat parade along the River Derwent. To this day the parade still features one ‘candle-lit’ boat in the traditional Victorian style.

The boat parade and shows are open every weekend from 6pm on Saturday and Sunday. Other attractions include a live band, craft stalls and a firework display. It can get very busy, especially on Saturdays, so we recommend booking tickets in advance . Matlock Bath has a few accommodation options and you must try the fish and chips during your visit.

Recommended by: Nichola, Globalmouse Travels

Looking down at Clifton Suspension Bridge above the River Avon in Bristol, the bridge has a stone tower on either side with long grey metal cables between each one holding up the bridge. the banks fo the river are covered with a dense forest with green and golden leaves.

Bristol is the perfect Autumn destination in England. The city has delightful outdoor walks, an iconic skyline, and tree-lined boulevards which look perfect as the days shorten and the leaves turn red and yellow.

Start your visit by exploring the Georgian streets of Clifton Village. Enjoy a stroll across the world-famous Suspension Bridge, and grab a bite to eat at the tranquil Clifton Lido. Don’t forget to take a little shopping trip around the independent shops in the historic Victorian Arcade.

Head into the city centre, passing Banksy’s unmistakable art on Park Street. If you’re looking for things to do in Bristol with kids make sure that you pop into We the Curious . This interactive hands-on science museum is perfect for rainy days. There’s also an aquarium nearby. If you’re peckish don’t miss Za Za Bazaar, a huge world street food restaurant all under one roof.

Recommended by: Rose, Where Rose Goes

The circular building of Radcliffe Camera in Oxford England built from beige coloured stone and decorated with many pillars, with a domed grey roof, taken in Autumn

Oxford is a lovely destination to visit any time of year. However, the red leaves against golden stone are particularly Instagrammable in autumn. There are also many cosy cafes, like Georgina’s Cafe in the Covered Market. Perfect for curling up with a cuppa or hot chocolate with marshmallows!

Whether you’re visiting as a day trip or spending a weekend in Oxford , there’s plenty to keep you busy. Even if you have bad weather, you can nip out to explore the main Oxford attractions. Most of these are conveniently close together like the Radcliffe Camera, Bodleian Libraries and Bridge of Sighs.

The many museums like the Ashmolean and Pitt Rivers are fantastic places to shelter from the cold and learn about Oxford in days gone by. At the Pitt Rivers, you can see the world’s only dodo tissue remains. It’s thought these inspired Charles Dodgson (pen name, Lewis Carroll) to write the Alice in Wonderland books.

Recommended by: Dymphe, Dymabroad

Close up of a section of red ivy over a white wall and stone archway in Kynance Mews in London in Autumn

London is a great city to discover, especially in autumn! There are plenty of places for a great autumn experience, as you can see beautiful autumn colours everywhere.

One of the best places for this is Kynance Mews. This is a street with a stunning entrance gate that’s covered by many red leaves in autumn. Kynance Mews is one of the best photo spots in London as well!

Another beautiful place to visit is Hyde Park, where thousands of trees create incredible autumn scenery. Going to Kew Gardens is also a fun thing to do. This is a beautiful botanic garden – and the colours at Kew Gardens are gorgeous during autumn!

Recommended by: Richard, RJ on Tour

A wide, calm river in the Forest of Dean in England taken at Autumn with trees with red leaves amonst the green pines on the far bank of the river. A small group of people wearing raincoats are sitting on a wooden picnic bench on the closer bank looking at the river.

Located towards the west of Gloucestershire is the stunning ancient woodland of The Forest of Dean . It comprises of 100 square kilometres of mixed woodland to explore on foot or riding a bike. Autumn is special in the Forest of Dean due to the fantastic colours of the trees. This is also a great time for spotting wildlife, as creatures are busy preparing for the winter months.

Recommended by: Maja, Away with Maja

The towers of York Minster appearing above red Autumn Leaves at the end of a narrow alleyway

York is a fantastic destination in England to visit in autumn. While the city is beautiful year-round, seeing the leaves change colour as you stroll around the City Walls or through Museum Gardens is a must!

There are also several fantastic festivals that take place in York during this time of year. The York Food and Drink Festival brings together some of the best foodie experiences in the area. The York Beer and Cider Festival takes place over a September weekend at the racecourse. And the York Balloon Fiesta is a completely free multi-day festival in the autumn as well!

Sometimes called the “Most Haunted City in Europe,” York is great for visiting around Halloween, too. Attractions like the York Dungeon and York Maze are ideal. Or exploring the city on a ghost tour will spook both adults and kids alike.

England Autumn Destinations: Map

Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
The New Forest, Hampshire
Hadrian’s Wall Country
Stratford-Upon-Avon
Grizedale Forest
Bourton-on-the-Water, Cotswolds

Are there any more great places to visit in England during Autumn? Scroll down to share your favourites in the comments!

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2 thoughts on “23 of the Best Destinations to Enjoy England in Autumn”

Hey Emily! Thanks for sharing this post. Oxford is my favorite, no matter what part of year it is, I don’t have any specific reason for this choice but I think I have some special associations with it.

It is a very lovely city!! I have friends there so have visited many times, it’s such a beautiful place!

Best places to visit in October in the UK and beyond

by Kathryn Burrington | England , Europe , Rohan

Best places to visit in UK in October, South Downs National Park

One of my favourite times of year for travel is October, as the days grow shorter and the weather becomes cooler. Both in the UK and throughout the rest of Europe there’s less demand for holiday packages and hotel rooms, so prices drop and popular locations are less crowded than in the summer months. But where are the best places to visit in October in the UK and beyond. Here are my top 10 choices for the best October holidays in the UK, Europe and beyond and my tips for getting the most out of your travels.

This post is brought to you in association with Rohan , the outdoor and travel clothing specialist. Some links in this article are affiliate links .

Best places to visit in the UK in October

October is a great time of year for wildlife watching in the UK. Our hedgerows provide a feast of berries, nuts and seeds and many animals tuck in, building up fat reserves before they hibernate. For keen photographers like me, there’s a softer golden light and often glorious sunsets, not to mention the wonderful colours of autumn foliage. Here are a few ideas for the best October short breaks and days out in the UK.

1. Country estates to see the annual deer rut

October is the time to see one of the UK’s greatest wildlife spectacles; the deer rutting in our woodlands and country estates, as the stags fight to prove their dominance. The New Forest in Hampshire is home to all six species of deer found in the UK, but there are a great many more excellent locations throughout the country including Eastern Moors in the Peak District, Margam Park in Glamorgan, Galloway Forest Park in Dumfries and Galloway, and Knepp in West Sussex.

2. Southern islands for red squirrels

On Brownsea Island, which makes a great day trip from Poole in Dorset, the red squirrels are easier to spot as they come down from the trees in search of beach nuts and sweet chestnuts, burying many to save for the winter months ahead. No longer found in southern and central England apart from on Brownsea Island and the Isle of Wight, they’re an absolute joy to watch scurrying along the ground and over fallen trees. Red squirrels can also still be found in parts of Northern England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland, but for us southerners we must head for the islands to see them.

Red squirrel on Brownsea Island, Poole, Dorset, England

3. Woodlands for autumn foliage

Loch Lomond, the Lake District, Wye Valley, the New Forest, there are so many wonderful woodlands to explore in the UK and enjoy the glorious reds, yellows and oranges of our fall foliage. The show varies from year to year, depending on the weather, so hope for no strong winds or heavy rain, which can cause the leaves to drop before they develop their full autumn colours. Join one of my guided walks in October for some lovely views of the forests of the South Downs National Park .

Celebrate Autumn | Places to visit in October

4. Wetlands for migrating birds

Equally fascinating are the autumn bird migrations, which are easily observed at the many RSPB reserves and Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust centres found across the country. Summer visitors leave, and winter migrants return, coming from Iceland, Scandinavia, Eastern Europe and Siberia.

One of my favourite spots for bird watching at this time of year is Pagham Harbour, an RSPB Nature Reserve in West Sussex which you can read about in my post Autumn Walks around Pagham Harbour .

Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve, West Sussex, England

Top October Travel Tip: Be prepared for changeable weather In many parts of the world the weather in October can vary greatly from one year to another and even from one day to the next. You may experience warm, sunny days as well as wet, chilly ones. Layering your clothes is ideal for this and if there is any chance of rain make sure you have a good set of waterproofs, including waterproof footwear. Nothing puts a dampener on your holiday more than wet, cold feet. If you have the right gear with you, you can get out and explore your destination whatever the weather.

The Ascent Jacket

My Ascent Jacket from Rohan is perfect for keeping me warm and dry whatever the English weather throws at me in October. It’s completely waterproof, highly wind-resistant and highly breathable and has all the usual Rohan features of being hard-wearing, easy to wash, fast drying and (possibly my favourite of all) crease-resistant. I like to team it with this hooded top and a pair of waterproof Dry Roamers or Ambler Trousers , depending on the weather forecast.

Ascent Jacket by Rohan, the perfect waterprrof jacket for autumn in the UK

Where to travel in October in Europe

In southern Europe you’ll not only find cheaper prices and fewer crowds than in the summer months, but the temperature is more comfortable. It’s still lovely and warm, as is the sea for a swim, but it’s a pleasanter temperature if you like keeping active. Here are my top picks for October holidays in Europe.

5. Santorini, Greece

Santorini is popular for good reason. It’s stunning! I visited in October a few years ago and had a fabulous week. It was hot enough for a bit of sunbathing and a dip in the sea, but we spent most of the time visiting different villages and walking in the countryside. In the summer heat I think the latter would have been hard going.

6. Rome, Italy

Just like Santorini, Rome in the height of summer is simply too hot and too busy. October is a much better month for city breaks in southern Europe, with average highs in Rome still in the lower twenties and not too much rain. Take romantic walks along the river, sip coffee in an elegant square while people-watching and explore the layers of history that are all around you in Rome.

7. Tenerife, Canary Islands

The weather is pretty good all year round in Tenerife , but from July to September it’s more suited to a beach holiday. In the winter it’s warm, but not hot enough for swimming. If you prefer an active holiday with a bit of beach time, which is my perfect combination, October is the ideal month to visit and is the perfect time to explore the trails of Teide National Park or the Masca Gorge. And again, outside of school holidays, it’s cheaper too.

October holidays | Teide National Park, Tenerife

8. Munich, Germany

The Oktoberfest folk festival is celebrated across Germany with eating, dancing and beer drinking, but it all started back in October 1811 in Munich. These days it starts in September and ends in early October and is celebrated throughout many European countries, but for the authentic experience head to Munich in the first week of October, the month from which the festival takes its name.

Top October Travel Tip: Don’t underestimate the Sun While temperatures in Europe will certainly be cooler than the summer months, sunrays can still be strong, especially in southern Europe. Make sure you take sun cream, a sun hat and sunglasses — it’s not just your skin that is sensitive to the Sun, your eyes are too.

The Elite Jacket

Rohan’s Elite Jacket is perfect for travelling to southern Europe in October. While you’ll probably enjoy warm sunny days, you may still get some rain. The Elite jacket is extremely light and packs up small, so is easy to carry with you just in case. It doesn’t compromise on performance, however, and is just as waterproof, wind resistant, breathable, high wicking and hard wearing as the Ascent Jacket.

Where to travel long-haul in October

Travelling outside of school holidays will save you even more if you are heading for a long-haul destination. Here are my two top picks of October holidays outside of Europe.

9. Hokkaido, Japan

I visited Japan for the first time in November last year. I had always thought the spring for the cherry blossoms would be the best time to visit. Having seen Japan in its autumnal finery, I’ve changed my mind. We missed the height of the fall foliage colours, but even so, many of the trees still had leaves on them and the russet colours looked glorious set against clear blue skies. In October, the best part of Japan to visit for autumn colours is Hokkaido in the north, with the best fall colours then moving southwards as the days grow shorter heading into winter.

10. Ontario, Canada

I’ve visited Canada many times now but always in either early or late Spring. I’m planning my next visit for the autumn, to see the magnificent fall foliage that is said to give New England a run for its money. Our plan is to take the train through the Agawa Canyon in the Algoma region of Ontario to go ‘leaf peeping’, as it is known in North America.

October holidays | Visit Canada - Agawa Canyon Tours - Why visit Canda in the Autumn

Photo courtesy of AgawaTrain.com

Top October Travel Tip: Thanksgiving in Canada In Canada, Thanksgiving is celebrated in October, so while there are generally fewer crowds and cheaper prices throughout the month, during Thanksgiving weekend itself banks and shops will be closed and you can expect some crowds.

The Bergen Jacket

If you are travelling to cooler climes in October, Rohan’s Bergen Jacket is a great choice. It is longer than the majority of waterproof jackets that are available, offering more protection against the cold, wind and rain. The Bergen has all of Rohan’s signature features and looks great both in the city or in the countryside.

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Hi Kathryn, All these places are beautiful indeed. A good piece of advice. Thank you.

Thanks Victor! Hope you find my suggestions useful.

October’s a lovely time to travel! I was in Santorini at this time a couple of years back and it was lovely and sunny but so less crowded than in summer. Japan’s top of my autumn wish list next though.

I was in Santorini in October too a few years ago. We had one day that was really hot, a beach day as the locals called it, but the rest of the week was pleasantly warm and perfect for those who like to keep active.

I just love the variety of options here! You look especially seasonal in that photo in Pagham Harbour with your Rohan Ascent jacket – loving that golden light too!

It is so beautiful around Pagham Harbour, especially in the golden hour. I keep going back there!

October, or shoulder season, is a fabulous time to travel and avoid the worst of the crowds. Some beautiful autumn photos here – I’ll be digging my boots out and enjoying the best of the English countryside this month.

It really is a lovely time of year to explore so many places.

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Hello, I’m Kathryn, a travel writer, photographer and holistic therapist based on the south coast of England.

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Top 10 Places to Visit in the UK in October

Do you often find yourself gazing out of the window, wishing you were paying a visit to a beach somewhere hot and sunny? Maybe you just fancy whisking yourself away to a faraway land to learn about the culture of a different country. Honestly, sounds a lot like myself, maybe I’m just turning this into a ‘self expression agony-aunt diary’, kinda thing.

Nevertheless, we’re all in a bit of a tricky situation at the moment. Travelling abroad is a bit of a risky move, for most of us anyway. However, I believe that this has given us all an opportunity to see the beauty of our own countries! Especially with Autumn rolling around. Here are some places to visit in the UK this (or any) October!

I had to put this on my #1 spot because it’s always been on my hit list and I’m 99.9% sure I’ll be visiting there on my next leisurely trip. Located in North Yorkshire, but right over to the West Coast, the seaside town of Whitby is famous for many things; fishing, beaches steam trains and much more. I’ve heard the fish and chips are good – I’ll have to remember that one and do a comparison with my local favourite The town is most famously known as the ‘Gothic Capital of the UK’, most famously for being the inspiration of the book ‘Dracula’, you can read more about that here . Not only that, but during the last weekend of October, the annual famous Whitby Gothic Weekend is held here. There is known to be a lot of Steampunk enthusiasts who visit Whitby too, which would explain the steam train!

You only have to visit York once and see its iconic architecture to notice the history that seeps out of it. The Capital of my county, Yorkshire, is one that holds a special place in the hearts of many fellow Yorkshire men and women who were bred in God’s Own County, okay I’m getting ahead of myself now.

When visiting York you will find many famous buildings. Such as; York Minster and the City Walls, built by the Romans who founded the city, you absolutely can’t miss them. Another location is The Shambles, which is said to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley from Harry Potter!

Not only is York a city of its own, but it’s also practically a city lost in time. It’s like it almost belongs on Route 66 if they had a way of teleportation to historic towns! Definitely visit here if you haven’t already, and don’t forget to head on over to Haworth before leaving Yorkshire. This is another one on my doorstep and a favourite local village of mine!

visit places haunted uk britain ariverofroses a river of roses

Knaresborough

This is another one on my hit list. It’s actually not too far away from me at all; short of an hour, in fact! ‘Mother Shipton’, is the local legend of a lady named Ursula Southeil, who was supposedly born in the cave way back in 1488. Ursula was known to be what is commonly known as a Prophet and Fortune Teller. It is said that there is a well adjacent to the cave contains water that turns objects to stone!

Along with Mother Shipton’s Cave, you can find Knaresborough Castle. Today, Knaresborough Castle has sadly amounted to a mere ruin, but you can learn about the history here .

I’ve been to Edinburgh twice in my life, once when I was about 6 years old when I thoroughly embraced the historic culture and wanted to learn more. I hated history at school, but I loved it in my spare time. The second time I went with college when I was about 19, and I was more interested in the alcohol and local open mic nights. Both were great times!

Some iconic places to visit in Edinburgh are, Edinburgh Castle, The Whisky Museum, and The Palace of Hollyrood House. In fact, there are 13 castles in Edinburgh, so take your pick, and don’t forget your woolies!

Stratford-Upon-Avon

As William Shakesphere once said… “I live here”, and apparently he still does to this day! This was a contribution by parents who took a trip to Stratford-Upon-Avon quite a few years ago now. But it’s always been a city that’s been on my hit list, and one that’s struck out to me – can’t wait to visit!

The picturesque and very charming Stratford-Upon-Avon (promise I’m not flirting with Shakesphere here) is classed as a medieval market town, just below the city of Birmingham. Visit here if you love the look of Tudor buildings, because they’re traditional here, and the streets are lined with them!

Now, this one wasn’t one that sprung to my mind, but more on the news reports that claim it is home to the most haunted village in the UK. Pluckley a very historic little haunt, with a church that dates back over 600 years!

It is said that the village itself is known to host 15 known spirits within it, often seen by residents and visitors. Pluckley is also known to be the home of the ‘Screaming Woods’, which I don’t recommend going to, as it is known to be a dangerous place. But you can always research to your heart’s desire!

Like the birthplace of Shakespeare in Stratford-Upon-Avon, I was born in Nottingham! I was adopted at the age of 1 though, so I had to turn to Google for this one.

Wow though, I’ve just looked now. The National Justice Centre (I’m a True Crime enthusiast), The City of Caves, and a pub built in 1189 – I have to go here.

I first learnt about Bath when watching a vlog from The Michalaks – fantastic content creators; unfortunately, they don’t make the same vlogs anymore but I highly recommend it!

Bath is known, not only for the strikingly beautiful architecture of the city as a whole but also for the Roman Baths. The Roman Baths is a world heritage site all of its own. Available for tours of the original building, including parts that are no longer in general operation. Pictures of the place look like a scene straight out of Game of Thrones!

Didn’t wanna put the Yorkshire rivals on here, but I kind of had to, all thanks to the Pendle Witches! As the story goes, back in 1612, a total of 12 witches from around the Pendle Hill area in Lancashire, were executed for the murders of 10 men. They claim to have constructed the murders via witchcraft!

There ain’t much to see on Pendle Hill, it’s basically the picture above. However, you can always pay a trip over when you’re visiting York – kill two birds with one stone and all that (as long as its not 10)… (actually, don’t go killing birds).

There are many, many, many histories nestled within the streets of Norwich. I’m going to come back with more once I’ve heard back from a friend who lives there.

One story I can tell you is the tragic one of a ghost called Sara. Sara worked at a Brothel at 19 Magdalen Street. One frantic night she had a disagreement with a customer which lead to her death by strangulation.

Did you Enjoy This Post?

Thank you for reading! Please let me know your thoughts below, and don’t forget to check out my last two Blogtober posts!

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Top Short Autumn Breaks & Weekend Getaways in the UK

Crisp days, misty mornings and kicking up the leaves surrounded by a glorious explosion of colour means it’s autumn, the perfect time for a holiday or short break. The kids are back in school, the crowds have gone and the weather has yet to turn wintry.

In our autumn travel guide, we share travel tips and highlights for our top places for autumn colour and adventure in the United Kingdom. Whether you’re looking for weekend breaks, autumn holiday ideas, city breaks or want to visit some of Great Britain’s national parks and glorious landscapes, you’re in the right place!

Six Reasons for an Autumn Getaway in the UK

Is autumn a good time to visit the UK? We think it’s one of the best times, and here’s why;

The fall season in the UK is simply stunning, with vibrant autumn colors across cities and landscapes, and the low sun and early morning mists shrouding the countryside and architecture, making every vista Instagram-worthy!
The weather will still have a bit of summer warmth, and an Indian summer in September is a real possibility.
Fewer tourists travel during the autumn months, they’re all hunkering down for the winter to come or recovering from their summer holidays, so attractions and tours are quieter.
Flights, car rental, hotels, and holiday homes will be cheaper during the shoulder season months between summer and winter, making the UK in the fall a budget friendly option.
Seasonal food is at its best in autumn, with the harvest in and many specialties available. Think delicious woody mushrooms, slowly caramelized pumpkins, sweet roasted chestnuts, and newly picked apples, and you have the flavors of autumn.
Autumn festivals are common in the UK, as the country celebrates a successful summer and gets ready for the cold of winter. Think Guy Fawkes or Bonfire Night and Harvest Festival when the bounty of the land is celebrated.

Weather in UK in Autumn

When is autumn in the UK? Autumn starts on 1st September and ends on 30th November every year.

Early autumn is usually warm and if you’re lucky you might get an Indian summer in September. However, if you’re travelling for those autumn colors, you’re unlikely to see much of a change during September, as it’s the cold that causes trees to become dormant and the leaf colour to change.

In the south of the country in early autumn you can expect average temperatures to be around 14 to 18° celsius (57 to 64° fahrenheit) during the day and in Scotland, 10° celsius (50° fahrenheit).

The further north, and the deeper into autumn you go, the more unpredictable the weather becomes. This is the season of high winds and rain, so always pack a waterproof coat and shoes or boots.

UK Travel Resources

Here are the websites and services we personally use and recommend for travelling in the United Kingdom.

Search for affordable flights to England with Skyscanner
Search for availability and book hotels and accommodation in UK with Booking.com
Find and book the best campsites in UK with Eurocampings
Book the cheapest and most reliable hire cars in UK with Rentalcars.com
Find and hire your perfect motorhome or campervan with Motorhome Republic
Get highly rated, reliable and trustworthy travel insurance with True Traveller
Check if you need a visa and arrange your documents with Visagov

Autumn UK Destinations Map

How to use this map – Use your fingers (or computer mouse) to zoom in and out. Click or touch the icons to get more info about a place, and click the arrow in the box top left to open the index. To add to your own Google Maps account, click the star next to the title of the map.

Cairngorms National Park, Aberdeenshire, Scotland

Explored by Sophie & Adam of We Dream of Travel

Scotland is renowned for its stunning autumn foliage, and during the autumn season the trees come ablaze in a myriad of warm tones. One place in particular where these are at their best is the Cairngorms National Park , situated in the eastern Scottish Highlands.

Covering 1,748 square miles, Cairngorms is the largest national park in the British Isles, larger than both the Lake District and the Peak District combined. As such, it covers a diverse variety of landscape including mountains, heather moorlands, forest, wetlands and even a sandy beach at Loch Morlich! The Cairngorms should definitely be included on your Scotland itinerary .

The spectacular autumn colours can be seen throughout the park and can be enjoyed by taking a walk or bike ride along one of the many routes, making the Cairngorms one of the best UK autumn breaks for activity lovers.

Munro bagging is a popular activity in Scotland – summiting one of the mountains over 3000ft (known as Munros!). There are 282 Munros in Scotland and over 50 of them are located in Cairngorms National Park, including the second highest peak in the UK – Ben Macdui. Bagging a Munro while hiking through colourful foliage is definitely one of the best ways to enjoy the autumn season!

RELATED POST – Eight Incredible Scotland Road Trips

Other Things to Do Nearby

There are plenty of other things to do in this outdoor lovers paradise such as shooting, fishing, water sports, bungee jumping, golf, mountain biking and hiking.

For those who prefer more gentle pursuits, there are six whisky distilleries in the national park and eight Scottish castles to visit as well as following the Outlander Trail. It is also home to Britain’s only free-ranging herd of reindeer!

Just an hour away is the vibrant and lively city of Aberdeen , a great start or finish point for any Cairngorms trip.

Stay at Muckrach Country Manor Hotel in Grantown On Spey. With five star reviews, this restored hunting lodge is one of the best hotels in the area and oozes Scottish hospitality and cosy autumn style. On the edge of the national park, the views from the ten acre hotel estate are spectacular and the hotel can organise all sorts of activities and adventures.

Stourhead Gardens, Wiltshire, England

Explored by Suzanne of Meandering Wild

Stourhead Gardens are part of the National Trust Stourhead House in Wiltshire in south west England, just a short distance from the main A303 at Mere. Designed and built between 1741 and 1780 these classic British gardens have been attracting visitors since they opened in 1740.

The gardens were inspired by the buildings in Rome with the lakeside Pantheon being the largest building in the grounds. Smaller grottos and temples are dotted around the large lake.

In autumn the trees turn into a spectacular riot of colour which is reflected in the lake. They frame the old buildings in a show of amber and red which makes them feel as if they have been in the landscape forever.

The trees and colours are best viewed from the lakeside and it is worth walking around the water to see the display from all the different angles and in different lights. Stourhead is particularly beautiful in the morning when the Pantheon and Grotto are in sunlight.

The gardens regularly see engagements taking place, there are several spots perfect for a proposal, making Stourhead a great destination for romantic breaks!

If you are feeling energetic then walking out to King Alfred’s Tower and climbing to the top will give you stunning views across Wiltshire and Somerset and the full colour of the autumn landscape.

RELATED POST – Road Trip England – 10 of the Best Routes

Stourhead sits in a perfect triangle and you could spend a day in Bath , Salisbury or Stonehenge. Or base yourself close to Stourhead and visit both beautiful historic cities and the awe-inspiring Stonehenge and Avebury Stone Circle over a long weekend break.

Longleat House and Safari Park is just ten minutes away, both the historic Elizabethan house and safari park make a perfect day out for a family holiday. There are also lots of National Trust and English Heritage properties in the area, you just need to choose which one to visit!

Stay at the Castleton House B&B in Mere, just a few miles from Stourhead. You’ll be warmly welcomed to this charming and comfortable B&B, which makes the perfect base for exploring the area and serves an amazing full English breakfast to set you up for the day!

Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Gloucestershire, England

Explored by Helena of Helena Bradbury

Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, is a Forestry England park, tucked away in the South Cotswolds in Gloucestershire. Just 30 minutes from Bristol and and an easy day trip from London , Westonbirt Arboretum is a must-visit in the southwest to see beautiful autumn colours.

Although the arboretum is open year-round for visitors to enjoy and connect with nature, it really comes into its own during the autumn months! From fiery Japanese Maples to vibrant yellow Acers, the range of colours is stunning and there are infinite pathways and trails to see it all from.

With over 600 acres and 2,500 species of trees, you could spend hours exploring, but to find the best autumn colours head to the Colour Circle and Acer Glade area or walk round the Loop Trail. This is where you can freely walk among the beautiful red Maple trees and vivid yellow Acers.

On the other side of the park, you’ll find the Treetop Walkway which leads to the Concord Glade. Although the trees here are less vivid, the range of greens, yellow and oranges are still just as beautiful to see from the walkway above.

On the edge of the Cotswolds and within an easy drive of Bath, Cirencester, Gloucester and Bristol, this area of outstanding natural beauty in the south west of England has much to see and do.

Spend a weekend in historic Bath and take a dip in the thermal waters or take a cycle tour of the Cotswolds and visit the gardens of Highgrove House .

Stay at the Hare and Hounds Hotel . With a Trip Adviser Travellers Choice award in 2020, this traditional English country house hotel is on the doorstep of the Arboretum, just a mile away and boasts a popular bar and restaurant with cozy decor and log fires – perfect for autumn short breaks and exploring the local area.

Westonbirt, a great place for autumn weekend getaways UK

Is this your first time visiting the UK? Get all the information you need in our United Kingdom Travel Guide , including what to pack, the best time of year to go, getting there and practical tips to help you have the best trip!

Glenariff Forest, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland

Explored by Phil & Izzy of The Gap Decaders

Known as the Queen of the Glens, Glenariff is one of nine glens in Antrim and is widely considered to be the most beautiful. One of the must-sees on the island of Ireland , Glenariff Forest Park is a National Nature Reserve and covers over 1,000 hectares with planted woodland, lakes and waterfalls which are glorious in autumn.

The timber walkway that winds through the park and glen alongside the river gorge was built around 100 years ago and have been carefully renovated to provide a wonderful 3km trail known as the Waterfall Walk. The route takes you through the park, passing three rushing waterfalls and clear pools en route. Make sure you take sturdy footwear as the wooden boards can get slippery with waterfall spray and leaves.

The wider forest is home to many endangered species, including the red squirrel, Irish hare and hen harrier bird. Try the 9km Scenic Trail , one of several longer walking routes through the forest which give spectacular views and glimpses of wildlife and the stunning surroundings ablaze with vivid autumn colours.

The trail takes you to the Inver River gorge, almost to the Ess-na-Crub Waterfall. After crossing the river, you begin a long and winding climb gaining around 200m of elevation over a kilometre. At the top of the climb there are spectacular views over the Glen and across the sea as far as the Mull of Kintyre.

RELATED POST – Causeway Coastal Route: The Best Road Trip In Ireland?

Game of Thrones fans will love Northern Ireland, there are nine iconic filming locations to search out along the north east Antrim coast. Just an hour away, is the breathtaking Giant’s Causeway , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a must see when visiting this corner of the UK.

If you have more than a few days, drive the Causeway Coastal Route to see the wonderful land of myth and legends that is Northern Ireland. If you prefer the bright lights, head an hour south and visit Belfast , a vibrant and welcoming city coming into its own as a tourist destination after years of conflict.

Stay at Portnagolan House B&B at Cushendell, a fifteen minute drive north from the forest. This homely B&B has lush gardens and stunning sea views from its elevated position, which is just a few minutes away from the local village.

Gorge of Killiecrankie, Perthshire, Scotland

Explored by Heather of Conversant Traveller

Just three miles north of Pitlochry the dramatic Killiecrankie Gorge is one of the most spectacular locations for seeing the autumn colours in Scotland. This National Trust conservation area has a circular woodland walk along the River Garry, starting at the visitor centre and taking in all the major sites of the gorge.

The footpaths are fairly easy to negotiate, but sturdy footwear is advised especially if it’s been raining recently. The forested riverbanks are a riot of golds, oranges, yellows and reds during September and October, and the footbridge over the water at the Pass of Killiecrankie is a favourite spot for taking photographs.

The gorge of Killiecrankie is one of the best places to visit in Perthshire for historians, as it was the site of one of the bloodiest battles during the Jacobite Risings in 1689. It’s well worth walking up to the viewpoint at Soldier’s Leap, where a Redcoat soldier is reported to have jumped eighteen feet across the ravine to escape the pursuing Jacobites.

Salmon can often be seen jumping around the falls here and keep an eye out for red squirrels and woodpeckers which are quite prolific during autumn.

This is a truly beautiful corner of Scotland. Visit nearby Faskally Wood which is transformed into The Enchanted Forest in autumn, complete with music and lights which illuminate the trees with beautiful bright colours.

Head for the Pitlochry Dam Visitor Centre , where you’ll find incredible views over the river Tummel, before heading upstream to the Braur waterfalls to try your hand at canyoning !

Stay at Craigatin House and Courtyard . This well positioned Victorian property offers well designed and chic bedrooms and a stunning extension which houses the dining room, where you’ll enjoy a hearty and delicious Scottish breakfast.

Killiecrankie, goof for countryside weekend breaks uk

The New Forest, Hampshire, England

No list of the best autumn breaks would be complete without including The New Forest . Designated a national park in 2005, this ancient forest was once a hunting ground for William the Conquerer and is an easy day or weekend trip from London .

Today, the forest covers an area of 566 km2 and is made up of huge areas of unspoilt woodland and heathland divided by river valleys, and a beautiful coastline. This haven for wildlife will reward you with sightings of New Forest ponies, deer, cattle and pigs which roam freely amongst the ancient landscape.

The New Forest countryside transforms over autumn, with huge swathes of vibrant colours and atmospheric misty mornings followed by crisp days, perfect for exploring.

The abundant heather is stunning in September with vibrant pinks and purples contrasting with with the yellowing leaves of the deciduous trees of the forest, displaying some of the best autumn colours in the UK.

A wonderful setting for hiking, cycling, water sports and all manner of outdoor activities, and close enough to London for a last minute getaway from the city, The New Forest makes a perfect weekend break whatever the time of year. Autumn just adds to the experience!

RELATED POST – Top 16 New Forest Outdoor Activities

There is so much to do in The New Forest that you’ll probably want to spend most of your break there. But if you have longer and want to explore further afield, head for Hurst Castle , built by Henry VIII on Hurst Spit in the Solent, towards the western borders of the forest.

The Historic city of Salisbury is just ten miles north. With its soaring cathedral spire and Stonehenge on the doorstep, it makes for a great day out.

Stay at Cottage Lodge Hotel in Brockenhurst, deep in the heart of the forest. This ultra friendly family run hotel got a Trip Adviser Travellers Award in 2020 – no surprise when you are offered tea and cake on arrival! You’ll also find individually styled cosy rooms and charming period features, lending this hotel a home from home feel.

Elan Valley, Powys, Wales

Elan Valley is a stunning area rich with wildlife and nature in the heart of Mid Wales and perfect for a family break , autumn holidays or a Welsh road trip.

The valley comes alive with colour in the autumn months as the heather and bracken cover the landscape in vibrant shades of orange and brown. Inhabited since the stone age, the rural valley is now famous for its spectacular dams and scenery.

The nearest large town is Rhayader, on The Cambrian Way, a hiking route which spans 298 miles from Conwy in North Wales, over the Brecon Beacons to Cardiff in the south.

Enjoy a hike or bike ride around one of the reservoirs of the valley or gain some height amongst the rocky crags and admire the striking autumn colours of the trees and their reflections in the still waters.

Visit all of the six dams of the Elan Valley to really appreciate the history of these beautifully designed and engineered masterpieces.

Over 80% of the valley is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), home to reservoirs, aqueducts and wildlife. The area also has International Dark Sky Park status , meaning that there is very little light pollution. On clear nights you can see constellations, planets and stars so clearly you feel you could reach out and touch them – perfect if you’re in a campervan or motorhome !

RELATED POST – Wales Road Trip – A Stunning Route & Itinerary

Wildlife lovers should visit the Red Kite Feeding Centre based at Gigrin Farm where you can see the breathtaking spectacle of hundreds of red kite whirling through the air and feeding. At Valley View , you’ll be introduced to falcons, hawks and owls and get the chance to try handling these magnificent birds yourself.

There are several remains of castles in the nearby area, typified by mounds or earthworks. Good examples of these are Rhayader Castle and the scheduled monument of Tomen Llansantffraid.

Stay at Penbont House B&B , where you’ll receive a warm Welsh welcome. Perfectly positioned in the heart of the valley, the views over the reservoirs, dams and mountains are fabulous.

North York Moors, Yorkshire

Autumn in the beautiful North York Moors starts in September and lasts through to November. The cooler months of September and October are perfect for hiking and cycling as the rising sun finds its way through the morning mists which cloaks the dales, making the moors a photographer’s paradise.

Autumn starts as the heather flowers in a purple haze as far as the eye can see. The annual Staithes Festival of Arts & Heritage celebrates the village’s arts and fishing heritage, and brings pop up art, culture and tearooms to the pretty coastal location every September.

You’ll also catch the last of the traditional village and agricultural shows during September, and then it’s just a matter of waiting for the trees to explode into autumn’s spectacular colours which heralds the onset of winter.

RELATED POST – UK Road Trip – 18 Unmissable Routes

Autumn means fungi so get yourself booked onto a fungi foray to find out which ones you can safely pick and eat. The Yorkshire Arboretum runs a couple of fungi forays which teach you how to identify common, and not so common species, or join Tees Valley Wildlife Trust who often run sessions.

In the autumn, whales move south along the east coast of Yorkshire, following the shoals of mackerel and herring. Late August through to early November is the best time to go whale watching, and trips run from Staithes on traditional fishing boats regularly.

Along with harbour porpoises and white-beaked dolphins, minke whales are spotted regularly, but sei, fin and even large humpback whales have been seen in recent years too.

Stay at The Feathers Hotel in Helmsly, in the heart of the North York Moors National Park. With views of Helmsly’s Castle and three cozy bars serving cask ale and local produce, this is a great place to cozy up for an autumn weekend.

North Yorkshire perfect for holidays weekend breaks

Other low season holiday ideas…

Sheffield Park Gardens, Uckfield, East Sussex

Explored by Suzanne of Hello Sussex

Sheffield Park Gardens near Uckfield in East Sussex, England is the perfect place to visit for breathtaking autumn colour. The gardens were intentionally planted for fine autumn foliage so a display of vibrant red, yellow and intense orange hues is guaranteed.

Sheffield Park House, a private dwelling, is set in the vast gardens interspersed with lakes, walking trails and parkland, all surrounded by woodland. The main garden is the focus for autumn foliage with many species of shrubs and trees planted by Arthur Soames specifically for autumn colour.

The gardens have Grade I listed status to recognise their international importance for autumn colour and are run by the National Trust.

The best viewpoints are where the colourful planting and impressive trees edge the lakes. Here you’ll get twice the glorious colour as the foliage reflects in the water.

Five beautiful lakes make up the gardens with pathways and trails following the water’s edge. Be sure to spend time wandering through the woodland glades to seek out some of the magnificent trees.

Take a ride on the nearby Bluebell Railway or a walk with Alpacas to enjoy the best of this beautiful part of south east England.

Just ten minutes north is Ashdown Forest, for more glorious colour, and also the home of Winnie the Pooh.

Stay at the legendary Griffin Inn in the nearby picturesque village of Fletching. You’ll find cozy and quirky bedrooms, log fires and a seriously good, locally sourced menu.

Sheffield Park Gardens, good for UK getaways October

Bodiam Castle, Robertsbridge, East Sussex

Explored by Pierre of French Moments

Bodiam Castle is arguably one of the most romantic medieval castles in England. The 14th century moated castle is set in East Sussex, not far from the Kent border. It is said that the purpose of Bodiam castle was to protect the south coast of England from raids by the French .

In the 19th century the castle ruins were saved from demolition by a local figure, MP John ‘Mad Jack’ Fuller. The restored fortress features defensive towers, crenellated battlements, a wooden portcullis, spiral staircases… all the elements that bring back the time of the knights to our world.

Autumn is one of the best seasons of the year to visit the grounds. Beside the fact that there are fewer visitors, the colours of autumn are a feast for the eyes. Make sure to bring your camera for colourful photos. The characteristic coloured foliage of autumn beautifully reflects in the moat of the castle.

To enjoy a view of Bodiam castle and the vineyards from a high point, walk the main road south in the direction of Staplecross. After crossing the railway tracks, turn right onto a country lane called Quarry Farm. About 300 metres further on is the Hub, a café and shop stocked with locally sourced products.

Bodiam Castle is not the only attraction to see in the area. The surrounding countryside is bursting with vineyards which turn to yellow and rust coloured tones in October. Take this great Kent vineyard wine tour, enjoy tasting different varieties and leaning about English wine.

If you prefer a bit less booze and a bit more activity, a fantastic way to see this beautiful county is on an bike tour! A must-do is the popular attraction of the Kent and East Sussex Railway , a vintage steam train that connects Bodiam and Tenterden via the glorious Weald landscape.

Stay at the excellent George Inn in Robertsbridge, just a few minutes from Bodiam. This 18th century coaching inn offers sumptuous and elegant bedrooms and an award winning restaurant to tempt your taste buds with local produce and wines.

Bodiam castle and moat, one of the best countryside breaks UK

The Shropshire Hills, Shropshire, England

Explored by Anja of The Travelling Twins

I have seen quite a bit of the world, but the beauty of Shropshire always leaves me speechless, especially in the autumn when its forested hills adopt their new colours of yellows, gold and bronze.

The Shropshire hills are known as an “AONB”. My friend Google clarified this for me as Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It covers over 800 sq km and was designated in 1958, but the description is as true today. It spans from Clun Forest in the West across the Long Mynd, and Caer Caradoc in the centre of the county and then runs twenty miles along Wenlock Edge towards the historic Iron Bridge gorge.

Shropshire’s hills vary in geology, including craggy outcrops and smooth rolling heathland. In autumn however it is the forested hills, especially those to the East including the Wrekin with oak, beech and pine, and the beech woods to the south around Ludlow which really shine with the glory of vivid colour, making this area one of the best places for autumn breaks in England.

Fifty of the best hills are highlighted on the AONB website . Explore them on foot, along waymarked trails. Some are accessible even without a car. Small market towns like Ludlow, Church Stretton and Craven Arms are accessible by train.

These forested hills also offer pastoral views across Shropshire’s timeless rolling landscape grazed by sheep and cattle, and ancient hedgerows dotted with oaks, often framed by bright or heavy dark skies. This is what I love most in Shropshire of course, just after my favourite English town of Shrewsbury.

Both Stokesay Castle and Ludlow Castle are in the area and tell the story of how this part of England was shaped by history. Take a stroll through historic Ludlow, a pretty market town renowned for its foodie vibe and independent shopping scene. Discover the award winning beers of the Ludlow Brewing Company when you take a tour of their brewery and enjoy a pint afterwards!

Stay at the Clive Arms in Ludlow. This stylish and award winning restaurant with rooms delivers on both fronts. Open beams, colourful prints, baths in the bedroom and a convivial bar set the scene. The restaurant offers first class informal fine dining and competes well in a town known for its food.

The Shropshire Hills, good for short breaks UK

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh, Scotland

Explored by Lucy of On The Luce

The Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh are a peaceful haven where you can escape the bustle of the city at any time of year, but autumn adds a sprinkle of extra magic.

These Edinburgh gardens were founded in 1670 by two doctors studying medicinal plants and moved to the current site in 1820. They stretch over 70 acres just north of the city centre, with great views of Edinburgh’s skyline. The gardens have over 10,000 species of plants and trees, divided into sections of different vegetation.

On a crisp, sunny autumnal day take a walk through the Woodland Garden with its Giant Redwoods, where leaves turn glorious shades of red, gold and orange from late September through to October. There’s also the hillside Chinese gardens, a rock garden and the Japanese katsura trees – nicknamed the caramel tree for the caramel smell it produces when the leaves fall.

Or if the weather’s not so good you can warm up with a hot chocolate or coffee in the garden café or head inside one of the glasshouses. There are ten glasshouses, each recreating a different climate with exotic plants from the tropics to the desert.

Most impressive is the original Victorian Temperate Palm House, which was built in 1858 and is one of the tallest traditional palm houses ever built. The gardens are free to enter, making it a great thing to do in Edinburgh on a budget .

RELATED POST – Edinburgh One Day Itinerary – Map, Tips & Guide

If this is your first city break in Edinburgh , you’re in for a treat! History buffs will love a tour of the ancient fortress of Edinburgh Castle, home to the famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo . Reputed to be one of the most haunted cities in the UK, discovering Edinburgh after dark, with wee dram thrown in, is perfect for ghost hunters!

Wanderers and shoppers alike will enjoy exploring the medieval old town and elegant Georgian ‘new’ town, with it’s beautiful neoclassical buildings, wide streets and open squares.

Stay at the Cheval Old Town Chambers , a stones throw from the Royal Mile. These luxury serviced apartments in the heart of Edinburgh are beautifully decorated and cleverly designed and with a 24 hour concierge, you’ll have everything you need on hand. Check availability in good time, the apartments get booked up early.

The Isle of Skye, Scotland

Explored by Kat of Wandering Bird

Scotland is one of the best places in the UK to visit in autumn, and the Isle of Skye is one of the prettiest places in Scotland!

The scenery is spectacular any day, but the added colours of autumn, combined with the blue backdrop of the sea and the mountains of the Highlands is extra special.

Autumn is by far the best time to visit- the large crowds from summer have gone, (along with the midges!) but the days are still warm enough and long enough to make the most of them.

There aren’t a large number of trees on the Isle of Skye, but every hillside and field are covered in heather and bracken which turn incredible shades of gold, red and amber during Autumn.

The best way to experience all these colours is to get high, hiking up on one of the many routes to a good vantage point. One of the best is the Old Man of Storr on the Trotternish Peninsula. On a clear day, you can see for miles and the autumn colours are breathtaking.

In autumn, you might be lucky enough to have some of the main attractions to yourself. Visit the famous Fairy Pools , a natural swimming pool in which you can swim (although I wouldn’t recommend it in autumn!) or take a tour of the Talisker Distillery and sample their famous single malt whisky.

There are three castles on the island where you can visit and find out more about the clans of Scotland and Skye.

Stay at Marmalade in pretty Portree. This beautiful, contemporary hotel is in the centre of town, surrounded by lush gardens and glimpses of a spectacular view of the Cuillin hills. With great service, delicious home-made food and a per night price that won’t burn a hole in your pocket, this is your perfect Isle of Skye retreat.

Corfe Castle, Dorset, England

Explored by Emily of Dorset Travel Guide

With its idyllic English countryside and stunning coastline, Dorset has many amazing spots to enjoy autumn colours. But one of the most impressive and photogenic holiday destinations has to be Corfe Castle . This striking ruin stands on a hilltop at the centre of the Isle of Purbeck , looking out over the rolling Purbeck hills and dense woodland. It looks incredible at any time of year, but during autumn when the surrounding countryside turns golden, the vista is a must-see.

Corfe Castle was built over one thousand years ago and has a rich history dotted with gruesome tales and grisly ghost stories! It was destroyed during the English Civil War in 1646, so today the ruins stand as a testament to one of the most important moments in the country’s history.

The neighbouring village of the same name is one of the prettiest in Dorset, and its cute stone cottages look particularly picturesque in an autumnal setting.

Keen photographers may want to get up early and climb one of the opposite hills in order to capture the morning mist creeping over the valley. There are numerous walks circuiting the castle which will take you through peaceful autumn woodland and up hills for some incredible views of the captivating ruins.

You can also visit Corfe Castle itself, which is managed by the National Trust, for the chance to explore the ruins and their fascinating history. Its hilltop position affords one of the most breathtaking views in the whole of Purbeck.

Finally, don’t miss the chance to enjoy a Dorset cream tea at the Courtyard Café and Tearoom – and pop into the next door model village before you leave for a chance to explore the castle and town in miniature.

RELATED POST – A South England Road Trip to Dorset & The New Forest

Much of the Purbeck coast line is know as the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO protected site with outstanding fossils and landforms – there were dinosaurs here! Head for Kimmeridge and the Museum of Jurassic Marine Life to explore more.

On the eastern side of the Isle of Purbeck is Studland Bay , a vast area of sandy beaches and heathlands with fantastic views of Old Harry Rocks from the South West Coast Path.

For bucket and spade holidays lovers, take the Swanage Railway steam train to the seaside resort of Swanage and eat fish and chips on the front!

Stay at Olivers , a friendly and very well located guest house in Corfe village itself. Just 200m from the castle and 300m from the steam railway station, this is a perfect spot to spend a few days.

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Autumn escapes: 10 of the best places to visit in October

Looking for the best places to visit in October? Whether you want to escape to a tropical paradise or check out one of Europe’s top cities for a dose of culture, KAYAK has the low-down on the top spots to visit in early autumn,

Looking to stay a little closer to home? Enjoy crisp days and vibrant autumnal scenery right here in the UK. Explore one of the dozens of incredible national parks , stroll around gardens awash with bright red and orange leaves, or enjoy an off-season seaside escape.

A young boy wearing a full-face diving mask swimming in the sea with towering palm trees looming the water.

The 10 best places to visit in October

Prague, Czech Republic
Barcelona, Spain
Galapagos Islands
The Cotswolds
North York Moors
Antrim Coast

Best places to visit in October outside the UK

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One of the very best things about October, or autumn as a whole, is that it marks the end of the busy tourist season. No matter where you go, you’ll likely find fewer people and far more space to explore. Looking for an active or restful holiday? One of these international destinations is sure to catch your eye:

1. Mauritius

THEME_PERSON_TRAVEL_SCUBA-DIVING_OCEAN_ADVENTURE-shutterstock-portfolio_1610285818

Flight time: 14 hours
Learn more: Mauritius travel guide

Dreaming of a tropical island escape? Mauritius is a year-round tropical destination with turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, flourishing vegetation, all kinds of activities, and a rich cultural experience.

October marks the very beginning of the summer season and it’s easily one of the best times to visit for peace and quiet. Most people flock to the island nation from December onwards, so getting there in October will see you avoid the high traffic of later months.

Some of the best things to do in Mauritius in October include exploring the Underwater Waterfalls, hiking through the Black River Gorges National Park and partying at Flic en Flac/Grand Baie over the weekend. And with average temperatures of 26°C, there’ll be plenty of reasons to hit the beach.

2. Prague, Czech Republic

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Flight time: 2 hours
Learn more: Prague travel guide

Prague is the cultural capital of the Czech Republic, teeming with dramatic societies, theatres, art, music clubs , and a range of cultural programs to get involved in throughout the year. If you’re interested in a foreign culture,

Prague is one of the best places to visit in October in Europe because there are very few tourists and flights are often cheap. A few things worth checking out include the Designblok Festival of Fashion, the International Jazz Festival, the Autumn Festival, and the National Gallery Exhibitions.

Evenings and early mornings in Prague during October can be pretty chilly. Make sure you pack enough warm clothes. Also, due to the weather, some local attractions shorten their operating hours, so do your research before you go.

Prague’s fresh October nights are the best time to sample the city’s street food. Tuck into baked potatoes, roasted meats, and some traditional beer. Zdraví!

3. Barcelona, Spain

A man walking his bike along an alley between old buildings.

Flight time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Learn more: Barcelona travel guide

Looking for somewhere to visit in the October half-term? Barcelona has plenty of things to do for the whole family . Spain’s most famous city is teeming with tourists during the summer months. Come early autumn, though, you’ll find it’s far calmer. The Barcelona weather in October is typically lovely, with wonderfully balmy daily average temperatures of 21°C.

Kids will love visiting the city’s soft-sand beaches for paddling and sand-castle building. Park Guell (Gaudi’s masterpiece) is enchantingly whimsical and great fun to explore as a family.

Football fanatics will love visiting Camp Nou, while Barcelona Zoo has been a popular attraction for over 100 years. You’ll also find plenty of delicious grub to fill your bellies. Don’t skip visiting La Boqueria Food Market for all kinds of local and artisanal delights.

4. The Galápagos Islands

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Flight time: 21 hours (via Guayaquil)
Learn more: Ecuador travel guide

If you love animals and nature, you won’t want to miss out on a trip to the Galapagos Islands. These islands play host to a huge range of incredible animal life. They’ve flourished for hundreds of years thanks to very few predators and little human contact.

The islands give you the opportunity to get close to some of the world’s most remarkable wildlife in their natural habitats. Walk alongside giant tortoises that live to over a hundred years old, meet nearby perching birds and sit face-to-face on sandy beaches with the local sea lions.

Thanks to the minimal presence of people, you can experience these islands in their most natural and pristine state. October is a great month to book, too, as the weather is cool but dry and there are very few crowds.

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Flight time: 18 hours 30 minutes
Learn more: Peru travel guide

For those looking for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, Peru awaits. It’s one of the best places to visit in October in South America and is most well-known for the legendary Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

Nestled high on the high slopes of the Andes, the ruins continue to reveal Inca Empire mysteries to this day and draw in millions of visitors every year. Book a trip in October (the final month of Peru’s dry season) and you won’t just have the chance to visit this historical site without the crowds. There are also scores of other legendary attractions scattered throughout the country.

Why not plan a hiking trip through the Colca Canyon? It’s twice as deep as the Grand Canyon and home to the town of Chivay with its highly sought-after hot springs. You could also visit the floating reed islands of Lake Titicaca: home to the Uros indigenous people that pre-date the Incan civilization. Or, consider exploring the Rainforest of the Peruvian Amazonia – the second-largest portion of the world’s biggest jungle.

Best holiday destinations in October in the UK

If you’d rather keep your flight domestic or travel by train, there are a bunch of destinations to check out in the UK during October. Many give you the chance to soak up some seriously spectacular scenery- think crunchy leaves, russet-hued forests and clear blue skies.

6. The Cairngorms

A contrasting landscape featuring barren land, a majestic mountain range, and rolling hills, set against a backdrop of cloudy blue sky.

Journey time from London: 1 hour 35 minutes flight to Aberdeen
Learn more: Scotland travel guide

Scotland never fails to wow with its incredible scenery. The Cairngorms National Park in Aberdeenshire is no exception and it’s easily reachable via Aberdeen or Edinburgh from London .

The Cairngorms sit in the eastern Scottish Highlands and it’s the ideal place to spend your October trip thanks to its stunning autumn colours. The national park covers a diverse range of landscapes, from heather moorlands, mountains and wetlands to forests and even Loch Morlich Beach.

October is the perfect time to enjoy hiking and biking along the many routes available. The locals call their mountains ‘munros’ and bagging (conquering) one amid the autumn foliage is a popular activity. The area is also home to several historic gems, including Balmoral Castle and the Highland Folk Museum.

Why not also venture to Aviemore? While it’ll still be too early for snow, the mountain resort is awash with beautiful scenery and thrilling activity options.

Find stays in Aberdeen

7. The Cotswolds

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Journey time from London: 1 hour 30 minutes by train, 2 hours by car
Learn more: Gloucester travel guide

The Cotswolds are easily one of the UK’s most idyllic regions for a relaxing break. The area, which is famed for its charming villages and bucolic scenery, is particularly breathtaking in the autumn months – including October.

Some of the very best autumn foliage can be found in Westonbirt. Also known as the National Arboretum, it’s a Forestry England park that you’ll find hidden away in the South Cotswolds. It’s about a 30-minute trip away from Bristol , too, if you fancy combining a visit with a city escape. Although Westonbirt is open all year round, it transforms into a colour-filled wonderland in October. Picture vibrant yellow Acers and Japanese Maples that look like they’re on fire.

Over 2,500 species of trees are spread out over 600 acres, meaning you could spend hours exploring. A few things worth checking out include the Treetop Walkway leading to the Concord Glade, the Colour Circle, Loop Trail and the Acer Glade.

8. North York Moors

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Journey time from London: 3 hours 30 minutes by train, 4 hours 30 by car
Learn more: York travel guide

The North York Moors are a breath of fresh air throughout the year. Nevertheless, the picturesque and tranquil surroundings are especially gorgeous during the autumn months. The region’s vibrant colours and rolling landscapes are just begging to be explored, too.

October, and the cool, crisp air that comes with it is the perfect time to go hiking and biking in one of the most extensive heather moorlands in the UK. You’ll be able to gaze out at a purple haze of flowers as far as the eye can see! You can even make your way to the nearby Yorkshire Arboretum to experience a fungi foray.

Fancy a brisk seaside stroll? The North Yorkshire coastline is within throwing distance and inundated with charming seaside towns. Wander through the cobbled streets of the former-smuggling town, Robin Hood’s Bay. Or, if you’re visiting towards the end of October, you’ll find various spooky Halloween events being hosted at Whitby Abbey.

9. Antrim Coast

A person standing on the edge of an iconic landform featuring majestic basalt columns rising from the sea against the backdrop of a scenic twilight sky.

Journey time from London: 1 hour 25 minutes flight to Belfast
Learn more: Antrim travel guide

Another epic place to visit in October in the UK is the Antrim Coast. The Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Northern Ireland hosts some of the country’s most photographed scenery – including the world-famous Giant’s Causeway.

By October, the summer crowds will have dispersed, although you might encounter more visitors during the October half-term. If you’re keen to soak up all the Antrim Coast has to offer, why not enjoy a road trip along the Causeway Coastal Route? It takes you between Belfast and Derry, passing through glorious glens and charming seaside towns.

Game of Thrones fans will be in heaven as the area was a key filming location for many of the series’ episodes. You’ll also have countless castles to explore, plus a few distilleries if you fancy sampling a local tipple.

10. The Wye Valley

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Journey time from London: 2 hours by train, 2 hours 45 minutes by car
Learn more: Hereford travel guide

For a rural retreat to remember, say hello to the Wye Valley. It offers some of the most beautiful scenery in all of Britain, including the winding River Wye. The entire region borders South Wales and it’s truly breathtaking during the autumn months.

If you’re looking for the most iconic view in the Wye Valley, head up to Symonds Yat Rock. You’ll be able to see lush treetops for miles around, plus a truly idyllic section of the river. Afterwards, venture down to its shores and hop over on the old-fashioned ferry to enjoy a meal at Ye Olde Ferrie Inn.

One of the popular things to do in the Wye is to take to the river on a paddleboard, kayak or canoe. If you’re blessed with fair weather in October, head downstream and stop off at different B&Bs or campsites along the way. Or, wrap up warm and spend an evening atop the water while you watch the sun go down.

Other things worth exploring around the Wye Valley include Goodrich Castle: one of the finest and most well-preserved medieval castles in England. Alternatively, discover the ancient woodland in a little village called Fownhope. There’s also Lee Paget’s wood which offers hikers a chance to meander along the unbeaten paths while bird-watching through binoculars. Bliss.

Fancy a sunny beach break this autumn? Escape the chill and check out our guide to where’s hot in October and November around the globe.

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9 places to enjoy an autumn break in the UK

Where to go this September, October and November

Ideal for staycations in the country, where you can soak up the beauty of nature, our favourite autumn breaks in the UK take you to some of Britain's most glorious corners.

Whether you're set on escaping to the coast or in search of a mountain adventure, you'll want to browse our autumn holiday ideas in the UK.

So, grab your walking shoes and a waterproof jacket (because you can never be too prepared with the British weather) and get outdoors to explore more of the likes of the Scottish Highlands , the Isles of Scilly and Yorkshire this autumn.

Here are the best autumn getaways, whether you're after a romantic break in September, a weekend break in October or autumn escape in November.

See rutting stags in the Highlands

a red deer cervus elaphus stag's head with majestic antlers peering over a hummock towards the camera, known as the monarch of the glen in the scottish hightlands they are britain's largest native deer

Early October is the most exciting time of year to experience the sights and sounds of mighty stags rutting at dawn in the Scottish Highlands. It's home to the three main species of deer – red, fallow and sika – and provide an iconic backdrop for these fierce battles over potential mates.

You can also explore the Highlands on an exclusive October break with presenter Monty Halls, as you sail on the elegant Lord of the Glens, experience the colours of the region while enjoying a ride on the Jacobite steam train and have plenty of time for wildlife spotting.

Walk and taste the flavours of the Isles of Scilly

The incredible Isles of Scilly is a walker's paradise, where you can hop from isle to isle, exploring unspoilt landscapes. Enjoy the exotic Tresco Abbey Garden , listen for the migrating birds making their annual pilgrimage and look out for the seal pups on the rocky coasts. Autumn is a forager's dream too - berries and edible seaweed are the ones to look out for.

BROWSE ISLES OF SCILLY HOTELS

Check out Country Living's exclusive gardens and wildlife tour of the islands this October, including guided walks, a visit to Tresco Abbey Garden and talks with experts on the islands.

FIND OUT MORE

Watch the colours change in Bath

Bath is beautiful in autumn, when the crunchy, golden leaves carpet the ground, the air is crisp and you can celebrate the flavours of the season. This is the time to savour the local ingredients (try the Michelin-starred Olive Tree ), soak up the steaming water of Thermae Bath Spa and cruise the River Avon before winter sets in.

It's also a fabulous time to visit the museums, like the Holburne Museum, and take in the autumn colours of Victoria Park.

BROWSE HOTELS IN BATH

Spot dolphins and whales in Yorkshire

Head to the fishing village of Staithes on the North York Moors coastline throughout September and October and hop on-board one of the boat trips for a chance to see the graceful lines of dolphins, porpoises and whales as they follow the shoals of herring southwards.

The scenic boat trips are also a good opportunity to spot the wealth of birdlife along the coast – from Artic skuas through to razorbills and gannets.

BROWSE HOTELS IN STAITHES

Have a woodland adventure in Hertfordshire

Hertfordshire is the ideal place for an autumn break if you're looking for sublime scenery and plenty of rolling countryside to try new country pursuits. One place we love is luxury hotel The Grove that boasts 300 acres of countryside and a jam-packed schedule of fun things to do. The country estate invites you to explore its expansive woodland by foot, bike or Segway. You can also try clay pigeon shooting or channel your inner Robin Hood with an exciting game of archery - all while soaking up the season.

When you're ready to unwind, you'll want to head to the Sequoia Spa, which has a 22-metre indoor pool, Jacuzzi and heat experience rooms. Cosy autumn evenings are best spent in the hotel's lounges, where you can sip delectable cocktails or warming mugs of hot chocolate.

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Discover Hampshire’s wine revolution

Just 80 miles north of the chalk hills of Champagne lie the chalk downlands of southern England. Each is, in fact, a part of the same geological structure, enjoying virtually identical soils and a very similar climate that's great for producing sparkling wine. Hambledon and Hattingley Valley are two of the beautiful locations for tastings and discovering the UK’s sparkling wine – plus stocking up for the festive period!

For a fabulously boozy escape, check in to the grade II listed Old Vine in the heart of Winchester, where you can enjoy classic pub food during your break.

Take in the rich reds of Brownsea Island

red squirrel wildlife staycations 5 remaining locations to see the endangered mammals

For an autumn break full of wildlife, take a trip to Brownsea Island, just a short boat ride from Poole Harbour. As autumn sets in, the woods and heathland begin to turn, filling the island with fiery foliage and russet-coloured bracken.

Brownsea’s most famous residents – red squirrels – come down from the tree canopy to store food at this time.

BROWSE PLACES TO STAY IN POOLE

Explore Edinburgh in its seasonal glory

October and November are ideal months for autumn breaks in Edinburgh, when you can take in the season's colours and visit the city at a slower pace. Take a walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens, enjoy whisky tastings and discover Scotland’s crown jewels at Edinburgh Castle.

The medieval Old Town is perfect for a stroll at this time of year and there are many quirky corners of the city just waiting to be discovered, such as hidden gem Dunbar’s Close.

BROWSE BEST HOTELS IN EDINBURGH

Look out for rare wildlife along the Wales Coast Path

Autumn is the best time for spotting wildlife along the Wales Coast Path , with many sections designated as nature reserves and areas of special conservation. In Pembrokeshire, the unspoilt coastline provides some of the best places in the UK to spot grey seals, with over 5,000 Atlantic grey seal pups born from September to December every year.

The waters off the Pembrokeshire coast are also protected, giving walkers the chance to spot basking sharks, blue whales, turtles and Risso dolphins.

BROWSE PEMBROKESHIRE HOTELS

Want more ideas for autumn?

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15 of the best holiday destinations for October

Our guide to the best places to go in october, from croatia’s dalmatian coast to city breaks in bruges or vienna.

O ctober is a time of change, the first full month when hours of sunshine in the southern hemisphere overtake the north once more. In much of Europe, North America and temperate Asia, it’s the classic autumn month, although you may still be too early or late for the best leaf-peeping, depending on the location. Short-haul travellers from the UK can catch the last rays of the Med season free of the summer crowds, while it’s also a great time for hiking and convening with nature before the winter shutters come down — or for spoiling the nippers during half-term. Read on to discover the best holiday destinations for October.

Main photo: surfers on the beach at sunset in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria (Alamy)

1. Bruges, Belgium

Why go in October? For a crowd-free city break Autumn sees a lull on the cobbled streets of Bruges , bypassed by much of history after its medieval golden age. Summer city-breakers have gone, and Christmas market hordes have not yet arrived. This more reflective time of year brings a new beauty to canal-boat trips, and makes a good case for hot chocolate stops. If it rains, you can still take in a wealth of art in galleries such as the Groeningemuseum. With less footfall in old-town streets, why not stay at the heart of it all? Save the historical details for trips outside when you stay at Sablon Hotel, which has a pared-back contemporary style within a 16th-century townhouse.

• Best hotels in Bruges

2. Canary Islands, Spain

Why go in October? For warm seas It takes a little while for sea temperatures to catch up with the sun, which means that October sees the warmest waters off the beaches of the Canary Islands , while otherwise the weather is still balmy, down only slightly from July and August highs. Half-term holidays aside, visitor numbers will also be lower than in the summer peak. Gran Canaria is the most central of the seven main islands, with its own range of microclimates, from high-up pine forests to the sand dunes of Maspalomas.Seaside Palm Beach is a big resort set between Maspalomas beach and a palm-fringed lagoon-style pool, with retro 1970s design and lots of family activities.

• Best things to do in Gran Canaria

3. The Berkshires, Massachusetts

Why go in October? For a dash of autumn colour New England is the unofficial capital of all things autumn (sorry, “fall”), and if you’ve missed the boat in the mountain areas of Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, where peak leaf-peeping season can come in late September, the western reaches of Massachusetts will pick up the red-and-orange baton from early to mid-October. In the rolling hills of the Berkshires, you’ll find a great variety of colour, as well as self-serve apple orchards, farm-to-table dining, Shaker heritage and increasingly elaborate Halloween decorations as the 31st approaches. In the north of the Berkshires, Tourists is laid out like a classic motel, but with a style that mixes backwoods cabin with clean-lined design pad.

• Best road trips in the US

4. Dalmatian coast, Croatia

Why go in October? For island-hopping without the scrum During summer, Croatia’s ancient walled towns often resemble the battle scenes from Game of Thrones , and not just the ones filmed locally. With average temperatures staying in the high teens through October in the coastal south of Croatia , you should still get a sunny greeting if you hold off until the school holidays are well behind you. Dubrovnik could be the start of a trip along the Adriatic shore to fellow historical magnet Split, or the focus of a smaller break taking in nearby islands too. Five-star Villa Dubrovnik has the best of both worlds: the classic view of Dubrovnik’s old town across the water, but also a more private seaside perch.

• Best beaches in Croatia

Children at play around Tonle Sap, near Siem Reap (Alamy)

5. Siem Reap, Cambodia

Why go in October? For a landscape at its most exuberant The six-month rainy season in Cambodia’s heartland comes to an end in October, and if you arrive in the latter part of the month, then with some luck you’ll see the countryside in full emerald brilliance while also benefiting from lower hotel rates, before the beginning of the high season in November . The city of Siem Reap is the gateway to exploring the temples of Angkor, and also the floating villages on the vast lake of Tonle Sap, now at its fullest after the rains. Templation is an oasis midway between central Siem Reap and Angkor Wat, with suites and villas set around a generously sized pool.

• Eight essential tips for seeing Angkor Wat

6. Inari, Finland

Why go in October? For aurora hunting One of the many myths that surround the northern lights is that it must be as cold as possible to get the best display. Really all that’s needed is darkness and clear skies, plus luck, so if you don’t fancy spending hours outside at around -15C, visit in October when temperatures in Finnish Lapland (drier than many other aurora locations) hover just above zero. There may be some early snowfalls, but the lakes won’t be frozen over yet, making for dazzling reflections should the aurora appear. Wilderness Hotel Inari & Igloos looks out on to the island-dotted expanse of Lake Inari, with log cabins and glass-roofed alternatives for possible aurora sightings from your bed.

• The 17 best places to see the northern lights

The café of the Museum of Art History in Vienna (Alamy)

7. Vienna, Austria

Why go in October? For coffee-house culture One of the most beloved events of the Viennese calendar falls on the first Saturday in October, when museums across the Austrian capital open through to the small hours during the Lange Nacht der Museen (Long Night of the Museums). A single ticket means you can dip in and out as frenetically or as mindfully as you like, with Vienna ’s famous coffee houses on standby to provide a starting boost/next-day redemption. For peak efficiency, stay near the museum-rich western part of the Ringstrasse. 25hours Hotel beim MuseumsQuartier is packed full of colourful and eccentric design, only two streets away from the city’s biggest concentration of museums.

• Best affordable hotels in Vienna

8. Gauja and Kemeri National Parks, Latvia

Why go in October? For outdoor living Latvia is off the beaten track for most fans of autumn colour, and up there in the Baltic states the season is usually at its peak in mid-October, if not earlier. While the capital Riga is centrally located for excursions, you can make more of the day by staying close to either of two scenic attractions: Gauja National Park for kayak trips past forested riverbanks and rust-coloured cliffs, or Kemeri National Park for boardwalks or “bog-shoeing” in a strange realm of not-quite-land, dotted with cranberries. Glimpse aristocratic grandeur of two centuries ago at Birinu Pils, a castle hotel set in parkland near the western end of Gauja National Park.

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (Getty Images)

9. Albuquerque, New Mexico

Why go in October? For a blast of hot air In early October, the desert climate of New Mexico’s largest city begins to cool, and creates ideal conditions for the world’s largest balloon festival. Over nine days, more than 500 hot-air balloons rise into the vivid skies of the American southwest at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. The spectacle draws crowds, so it’s worth booking well ahead for hotels close to the action, given the dawn starts. Elsewhere, it’s also a pleasant time to visit the state’s art and heritage centres, including Santa Fe and Taos. Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm is a dreamy 1930s-era working ranch in Albuquerque’s north, with 25 acres of lavender fields (peaking in July).

10. Mahé, Seychelles

Why go in October? For some off-grid solitude Monthly temperatures in the Seychelles don’t vary that much, given these Indian Ocean islands’ location near the Equator. However, October usually marks the changeover between the southeast and northwest trade winds, and in the lull it matters less which side of the islands you stay on. While the white sands on Praslin and La Digue get the most camera love, you’ll be flying in to the main island of Mahé in any case, where you’ll find many fine beaches, and forests home to rare species. STORY Seychelles is a graceful beach resort in Mahé’s northwest, with the mountainous green backdrop of Morne Seychellois National Park.

• Best beaches in the Seychelles

11. Somerset and Devon, England

Why go in October? For dark-sky fun After the bounty of Somerset’s apple orchards is spent, the deeper, darker phase of autumn draws in, with Exmoor National Park the best place to experience it. It’s not just about the changed colours of the landscape; the Exmoor Dark Skies Festival is held over 17 days towards the end of October, with a wide variety of stargazing events taking advantage of this protected area of low light pollution. As well as introductions to astronomy, evenings are devoted to night walks, meeting Exmoor ponies and farm feasts.Dunkery Beacon Country House is an elegant eight-room retreat inland from Minehead, with views over the rolling Exmoor landscape.

• Best hotels in Devon

12. Petra, Jordan

Why go in October? For the perfect conditions The ancient Nabateans, who carved the city of Petra out of rock, were experts at mastering their desert environment, but for visitors to Jordan less used to its extremes, October makes the perfect time to visit; no longer as fiery as the summer months, but not yet with the evening chills of winter. The odd rain shower may also bring bursts of greenery. The great majority of visitors stay in the gateway town of Wadi Musa, and enter by the twisting Siq canyon for the big reveal at the end.Petra Guest House Hotel has above-average character (including a bar in an original Nabatean tomb), but the prime advantage is its location as close as possible to the start of the Siq.

13. Rajasthan, India

Why go in October? For post-monsoon beauty The main (southwest) monsoon retreats from northern India in October, leaving a land refreshed. In Rajasthan, which has comparatively little rain anyway, temperatures have cooled slightly, and the end of the month brings festivals, overlapping into November depending on the Hindu calendar. As well as the nationwide celebration of Diwali, with its multitude of lights, the Pushkar Camel Fair is one of the biggest events in the region, bringing a cavalcade of colour to a livestock market in an otherwise sleepy town.In the Rajasthani capital Jaipur, the ornate Royal Heritage Haveli is set in an 18th-century former hunting lodge.

• Best festivals in India

14. Alentejo, Portugal

Why go in October? For traditional ways of life The inland south of Portugal is parched in summer, but its rustic beauty and traditional rhythms come alive in the more forgiving temperatures of autumn. The region’s famous cork oaks have had their renewable bark stripped, to leave deep-red living sculptures. While wine estates are busy, olive growers are preparing for their own harvest at the end of the month. The region might feel remote in parts, but there’s a good selection of imaginative rural hotels, often in historic quintas (estates), to offer a true taste of Alentejo. Sao Lourenco do Barrocal is a family estate dating back 200 years, now equipped with a spa and offering an incredible number of activities.

• Best tours of Portugal

A humpback whale breaches in Hervey Bay (Alamy)

15. Hervey Bay, Australia

Why go in October? For whale-watching without the crowds Between July and November each year, Hervey Bay in Queensland becomes a nursery ground for humpbacks that stop here on their annual migration. October is really the end of the season for whale-watching, as most tours stop at the end of the month. But for Brits flying over to Australia , this time of the year benefits from the slightly cheaper airfare of the shoulder season, while temperatures are still manageable before the tropical summer highs. Couple your visit with a trip to nearby K’gari for more wild adventures including camping, hiking and mountain biking. Stay at Ramada by Wyndham Hervey Bay, which mixes resort facilities such as an outdoor pool and restaurant with self-catering apartments.

• Best things to do in Australia • Where is hot in October? • Best beach holiday destinations in October

Additional reporting by Qin Xie

Take me there

Inspired to book an October holiday? Here are the best packages from Tui and Jet2 Holidays .

16 of the best places to visit in November

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The 15 best places to visit in the UK in 2024

From charming seaside spots to bustling cities, we’ve got all the staycation inspo you need right here

For all the bucket list places around the world, it can be easy to forget that we actually have some pretty amazing places to explore right here on our doorstep. Sure, the British weather can have a mind of its own and train travel can leave a lot to be desired, but if you’re willing to put up with all of that, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by what there is to discover.

From quaint coastal towns with trailblazing restaurants and bustling cities with an edge of their own, to gorgeous islands that feel nothing like the UK , these are the parts of the country that should hands-down be on your staycation wishlist for next year. These places have thriving food, drink and arts scenes, they’re home to exciting new openings and they have plenty of big events for you to scribble into your calendar, pronto.

Thinking of planning a holiday a little closer to home next year? By sifting through all of the hottest launches for next year and using our expert knowledge of cultural scenes around the country, Time Out’s UK team has curated the very best British destinations for you to plan a trip to in 2024. And the best part? Y ou can visit most of them easily, cheaply and without having to catch a flight. Time to get booking!

RECOMMENDED: 📍 The best things to do in the UK 🏖️ The best seaside towns in the UK 🏘️ The best Airbnbs in the UK

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Where to visit in the UK in 2024

1. Bristol

Should we really be surprised that (apparently) everyone is moving to Bristol ? Its cultural scene is just as exciting as London ’s, but it’s still only a short coach journey away; it has picture-perfect streets and bustling, diverse nightlife. And i n 2024, its arts offering is only getting better. A musical adaptation of the 2006 film ‘ Starter for Ten ’ is coming to the renowned Old Vic theatre from February 29 to March 30, while DIASPORA! , a brand new festival showcasing BIPOC global ethnic majority artists – across theatre, dance, music, visual and digital arts, as well as poetry and spoken word – is launching in May. Undershed , a new immersive gallery, is on track to launch in Spring, and Boxhall – a street food, beer and events space by the same people who behind London’s Boxpark – will also open its doors.

The perfect day Start with grabbing a coffee from Clifton Coffee Roasters before pottering around Gloucester Road and perusing the many shops (it’s the largest strip of independent retailers in Europe). Then, hop on a Bristol Ferry water bus tour to see the city from the water . Finally, feast on a dinner of Spanish small plates at Bravas (or check out one of the city’s other excellent restaurants ), before heading out to rave the night away at one of the many DIY-style clubs .

Plan your trip The 2024 edition of Bristol’s newest music festival, Forwards , takes place on August 31 and September 1. 2023 headliners included Aphex Twin, Erykah Badu and Raye .

📍 The best things to do in Bristol 🍴 The best restaurants in Bristol

2. Hull

Hull became a surprising capital for the UK’s LGBTQ+ community in 2023. From Monroe’s to Unit 49 and Cherry’s – named after the late ‘Ru Paul’s Drag Race’ star Cherry Valentine – an influx of new gay bars and clubs means Hull’s new Freedom Quarter is slowly growing its ecosystem of queer-friendly spaces. As well as its thriving LGBTQ+ scene, in 2017 the East Yorkshire city was also named the city of culture. It’s got The Deep , an enormous aquarium with 3000 species, a picturesque old town which survived the city’s relentless WWII bombings, and lots of up and coming indie art galleries like Ground and Artlink . Don’t sleep on Hull.

The perfect day Get your caffeine fix at Still. by Two Gingers Coffee before having a wonder around Hull’s charming old town or pottering in the shops at Hepworth’s Arcade . After that, head to indie events space Ground to check out whatever arty happenings they have on. Finally, stop for a pint at Ye Olde White Hart before heading to one of the infamous 13-hour parties (yes, really) at Gate No. 5 .

Plan your visit Pride in Hull will take place on July 29, 2024.

📍 The best things to do in Hull

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3. Isles of Scilly

A lot of people say that the Isles of Scilly are the British version of the Caribbean – and you know what? We’d totally agree. This stunning archipelago off the coast of Cornwall is largely unspoilt, with white stretches of sandy beaches, turquoise waters and plenty of opportunities to go island hopping and dolphin spotting. But there’s more, too: head to the local museum to immerse yourself in the islanders’ deep sense of culture and tradition, sink yourself silly on local ales at seaside pubs or indulge your sense of adventure by snorkelling over the many under-the-sea shipwrecks. Bliss.

The perfect day Travel to the islands by Skybus from Land’s End – it only takes 20 minutes, and there’s a gorgeous view. Once you arrive, make your way over to St Mary’s Riding Centre to take in the stunning scenery on horse-back. If that’s not your thing, hire bikes and explore the coastal trails of St. Mary’s islands before taking a transfer boat to St. Agnes to visit the Turks Head for a hearty pub lunch made using local ingredients. Once your food goes down? It has to be time for a swim.

Plan your trip The Isle of Scilly food festival is a ten-day celebration of local provenance taking place in September, with mouth-watering events like beach BBQs and vineyard tours.

📍 The best places to visit in Cornwall

4. London

Ah, good old London . No matter how many times you’ve visited or how long you’ve lived there, you’ll always find new things to discover in the capital. There are a tonne of new restaurants to feast at, all sorts of gorgeous hotel openings and plenty of fresh cultural things to do. Most notably, in 2024, you can dance at Drumsheds , the mammoth warehouse club housed in a former IKEA, catch a blockbuster exhibition – like Yoko Ono at the Tate Modern or The World of Tim Burton at the Design Museum – and see epic new West End performances ( Mean Girls , anyone?).

The perfect day For lunch, grab a delicious loaded sandwich at Dom’s Subs on Hackney Road for (or treat yourself to a boujee meal out at Morito ), before perusing the cute independent shops on Columbia Road and gawking over the even cuter animals at Hackney City Farm . Head over to Soho for a late-afternoon pint at the iconic French House , then round off your day with a delicious pre-theatre dinner at the newly opened Forza Wine at the National Theatre , before catching a play.

Plan your trip Book tickets to see the stage adaptation of Studio Ghibli’s ‘ Spirited Away ’, taking place at the London Coliseum from April 30 until August 24.

📍 The best things to do in London 🍴 The best restaurants in London

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5. Belfast

The Norn Iron capital is criminally underrated. If you’re yet to discover its welcoming warmth and cultural vibrance, 2024 is the year to change that. Over the next twelve months Belfast has mega ambitions to deliver its biggest ever cultural celebration via a project dubbed ‘ Belfast 2024 ’. Set around the theme of ‘People, Place and Planet’, the whopping programme of 24 large-scale commissions and over 200 events, workshops and activities includes a collaboration with the Eden Project, a guerilla gardening scheme aimed at rewilding the peace walls in the west of the city and an immersive music showcase celebrating Belfast’s contemporary Black culture.

The perfect day Begin with a wholesome morning stroll through the Botanic Gardens , followed by a hefty brunch at Output . Then wander through the parliament buildings at Stormont and the monumental Titanic Belfast museum. In the evening, find your way to The Muddlers Club hidden within the historic back streets of the Cathedral Quarter, or if you’d rather eat in, order from cult favourite Mexican place Boojums . Round off the evening by grabbing a pint accompanied by some banging live music at the Dirty Onion .

Plan your trip The cultural celebrations kick off from March and will run through to November. Make sure to be in the city on March 17 for an ‘enhanced’ edition of St Patrick’s Day shindigs.

📍 The best things to do in Belfast

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6. St Andrews

Forgive us for including two Scottish seaside towns in this list (see: number 14), but it’s a good excuse to plan a road trip, right? A coastal gem in the Kingdom of Fife, St Andrews is home to an ancient university, three stunning beaches, botanic gardens, multiple pubs, a famous golf course and not much else. But it’s also beautiful, extremely walkable and very peaceful, and if you’re after a bit more action, it’s also close enough to Dundee to plan a day trip to the renowned V&A museum . St Andrews has also been tipped to be a hit set-jetting destination for 2024 with the town featuring heavily in the final season of ‘ The Crown ’, thanks to it to being where Prince William met Kate Middleton while at university. Fans, come this way.

The perfect day Line your stomach with a delicious fry up from Northpoint (which claims, like many places in town, to be where ‘Will met Kate’). Then, you’ll probably want to go for a lofty beach walk on West Sands, where ‘Chariots of Fire’ was filmed, before returning to town for some fresh fish and chips from Cromar’s (if the weather allows, eat them on another nearby beach: Castle Sands). In the evening, catch a local show at The Byre Theatre or sink some pints at one of the town’s many pubs: Aikman’s and Brew Co. are very good choices.

Plan your trip V isit in July: most of the students will have left for the summer and you might actually get to enjoy the beach with some sun.

📍 The essential guide to Scotland

7. Lewes

‘Like a box of toys under a great amphitheatre of chalk hills... on the whole it is set down better than any town I have seen in England’: so said William Morris about Lewes in the 1800s. The sloping Sussex town has been a favoured haunt of artsy progressives, not least Virginia Woolf, Vanessa Bell and the rest of the bohemian Bloomsbury set. In 2023, it gained a brand new cultural space in the form of Charleston in Lewes (head here in the new year to catch the ‘Bring No Clothes: Bloomsbury and Fashion’ exhibition, closing March 3). There’s more, too: as you wonder Lewes’ charming wonky streets you’ll stumble past the former home of Anne of Cleves, Lewes Castle , a hodgepodge of artisan stores and delicious foodie spots – as well as the most bonkers pub in the UK, the Lewes Arms.

The perfect day Take the brand new Sussex Art Shuttle and travel a short distance outside of town to see Charleston Farmhouse , before heading back for a veggie burger at Bun and Bean and a pastry dessert from Flint Owl Bakery . Spend the afternoon learning about the history of the castle and Lewes Priory , then browse the independent shops in The Needlemakers . Finish with a meal and a movie at Depot .

Plan your trip The stunning Glyndebourne Opera House is hosting a festival of world class opera from May 16 to August 25, while the incredible extravaganza that is Lewes Bonfire Night is taking place around November 5.

📍 The best things to do in Lewes

8. Newcastle

There’s plenty to shout about in Newcastle (and not just the nightlife, though we love that too). The city’s food scene already had a pretty good reputation, but new openings in 2023 have really seen it thrive, like natural wine and pizza spot Bawn and new brunch spot Cafeteria : a sort of posh style greasy spoon, which seem to be all the range now. Pair this with a load of great galleries and pubs, the legendary Wylam Brewery and Tyneside Cinema and seriously reasonable prices and you’ve got a cracking weekend away. Or you might just want to pack up and move there. It happens.

The perfect day Grab a coffee (with a view) at La Verne Vintage , before walking waterside and over the Quayside bridge. Head to the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art and wander through whatever exhibition is on, before heading to the very top floor for fantastic views over the city. Then head to Ouseburn, Newcastle’s coolest neighbourhood, and grab a pint and a banging vegan lunch at The Ship Inn . If you’ve got an itching for more art, check out the Biscuit Factory next door. After a few more pints, hit up World Headquarters for a night on the Toon.

Plan your trip The Newcastle Fringe 2024 will run from July 18 to 29. Catch shows at the very cool Northern Stage as well as a number of pubs.

📍 The best things to do in Newcastle

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9. Falmouth

Falmouth has always been Cornwall’s cooler town. Home to Exeter and Falmouth university campuses, student life here has brought a bit of vibrancy and edge to the quiet cobbled streets – but there’s always been a glaring gap when it came to the question of nightlife. Recently, though – thanks to new music venue The Cornish Bank – its late night credentials have shot up. From Klub Nos Lowen, a cult folk music night, to up and coming indie bands, this spot is the ideal place to absorb some of the county’s best culture.

The perfect day Start with a paddle at Gyllyngvase Beach, then warm yourself up with a coffee at Gylly beach cafe . Then check out the independent boutiques and galleries on the high street. (Shout out to Mirri Damer jewellery and Wild Pony vintage.) After grabbing some grub from Harbour Lights fish and chips, head to Chain Locker for a harbourside pint before moseying on to a gig at The Cornish Bank. If you have time, pop in to Beerwolf too, a charming pub/bookshop.

Plan your visit T he annual worm charming championship (you read that right) takes place in late May every year. The Sea Shanty Festival takes place on June 14 to 16 2024, and Falmouth Week , an extravaganza of music, sailing and local culture, takes place on August 9 to 18 .

📍 The best things to do in Falmouth

10. Manchester

Manchester never fails to serve up a cultural banquet. After a huge year that saw the launch of Factory International at Aviva Studios, the rescue of grassroots gig venue, The Snug , and the long-awaited reopening of Manchester Museum , 2024 is set to be another big one. The star of the show will be the huge, innovative Co-op Live which is opening in April, backed by Bruce Springsteen and Harry Styles and already has the likes of Liam Gallagher and Oilvia Rodrigo lined up to perform. And in much-anticipated news for its food scene, L’Enclume chef Tom Barnes is opening his first solo restaurant, Skof , in the Noma district in spring.

The perfect day Swing by Idle Hands to fuel up on carbs and caffeine before perusing around the Northern Quarter’s indie shops (don’t miss Queer Lit or the Craft and Design Centre). Pick from a huge range of edible options at Mackie Mayor for lunch (or head to the Michelin-starred Where The Light Gets In , for something special) then use the new Visit Manchester Pass to check out the National Football Museum and take a craft beer tour of the city. End with a tipple and live music at YES .

Plan your trip Head up some time between October 23 and 27 to catch the Worldwide Music Expo , which is set to attract over 2,600 big guns from the global music industry.

📍 The best things to do in Manchester 🍴 The best restaurants in Manchester

11. Ramsgate

Last year it was all about Margate , but now, another neighbour has joined Kent’s roster of cosy, culture-filled seaside towns that everyone’s getting obsessed with. Enter: Ramsgate , a walkable gem with a hell of a lot of character. Check out one of its locally-run galleries and studios (including Level 11 , specialising in dog pics), and don’t miss filling up at one of its new food offerings: this year, bar/restaurant Seabird arrived on the scene , as well as new monthly pop-up Catch at the Camden Arms , serving up a delightful seafood set menu. Oh, and the world’s biggest Wetherspoons is here. You heard us.

The perfect day Pull up at Ramsgate Station and stroll towards the seafront, stopping at The Modern Boulangerie on Harbour Street for brunch and a ridiculously good cinnamon roll. Take a coffee to go and spend time checking out Ramsgate’s indie shops, from the records at Vinyl Head to the pottery, books and glass at Island Vintage . Head to the harbour and head out on a seal-spotting boat trip , before grabbing a sunset pint at the Royal Harbour Brasserie . Finally, warm up with pub grub at The Bedford Inn (top tip: you can rent a room at their brand-new hotel too).

Plan your trip Go when it’s sunny and try to catch the town’s International Film Festival in June or the Festival of Sound in August.

📍 The best things to do in Ramsgate

12. Norwich

Hugged by the marshes and woodlands of Broads National Park, Norwich brings the ancient to the contemporary — from its cobbled alleyways and two dazzling cathedrals to the modern exhibitions at the Sainsbury Centre and its Michelin-star prowess. In summer 2024, Norwich Castle (which was apparently one of Europe’s most important mediaeval fortresses) is set to reveal the results of a mighty £15m revamp, due to include redecorated rooms and the restoration of its 12th century Norman keep. As the self-proclaimed ‘City of Stories’ and England’s first UNESCO City of LIterature, you’ll be enchanted by Norwich’s tale.

The perfect day Order your morning drink of choice at Strangers Coffee then stop by the city’s 900-year old market on Gentleman’s Walk to check out the organic produce and food stalls. Save room for dessert so that you can enjoy elevenses at Figbar then take in the magnificent architecture of Norwich Cathedral and check out the curiosities hiding within the antique shops on Elm Hill. Round it all off with dinner from Grosvenor Fish Bar .

Plan your trip A c elebration of queer art and ideas, Queerfest Norwich is happening February 8 to 24.

📍 The best things to do in Norwich

13. Alnmouth

For a tranquil seaside break in 2024, the tiny fishing village of Alnmouth on the border between Scotland and England is a solid bet. Think: wild, windswept walks, pastel-coloured fisherman’s cottages, freshly-caught fish and blissful peace and quiet. Three surrounding beaches make up part of Northumberland’s 40-mile long coastal path — which happens to be a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, recently renamed ‘National Landscapes’ – and as such, there’s a delightful cluster of wildlife to look out for, including adorable puffins and grey seals.

The perfect day Sit down for an A.M. coffee and fresh kippers on toast at Bistro23 before checking out Almouth’s cluster of independent stores like Scots of Alnmouth and Jane and Harry’s. Then stop by the Ferry Hut , a bitesize museum dedicated to the ferrymen of yesteryear. Spend the afternoon adventuring along the coastal path before indulging in a well-earned dinner at The Whittling House .

Plan your trip Alnmouth Arts Festival is happening on June 15 and 16, with more than 50 designers and craftspeople exhibiting their work in venues throughout the village.

14. Ullapool

A tiny village and port around 45 miles from Inverness in the Scottish Highlands, Ullapool is well situated for walkers and cyclists to get their dose of the great outdoors: explore the nearby Corrieshalloch Falls, scramble up Stac Pollaidh mountain or to hop on a ferry to the Outer Hebrides. But there’s more to this place than just hiking boots and anoraks. Ullapool also going under something of a cultural renaissance, with Scotland’s most remote club night bringing of-the-moment electronic DJs to the area and The Seafood Shack and new 3AA Rosette restaurant The Dipping Lugger attracting foodies from far and near. The town was recently chosen as one of Time Out’s most underrated travel destinations in Europe, so get down soon.

The perfect day Wrap up warm and drive over to the foot of Stac Pollaidh mountain, with its spectacular peak of Torridonian sandstone. Reward yourself with a packed lunch on the top after a two-hour climb, before heading home and warming up in The Ferry Boat Inn where you can enjoy a slap-up dinner with some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever eat.

Plan your trip The next Baile/Baile club nights take place on February 3 and March 2, showcasing some of Scotland’s most exciting DJ talent.

15. Wrexham

Who’d have thought a small Welsh city would have been taken over by Hollywood celebs and become the subject of an extremely popular Disney+ documentary? Wrexham, home to the formerly flailing football club Wrexham AFC, became one of the UK’s hottest tourist destinations after A-listers Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney bought the club in 2020. The city is also home to St Giles’s, one of the most stunning churches in Wales. Then there’s the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct – a huge 18-arched stone and cast iron structure carrying the Llangollen Canal across the River Dee – and two National Trust properties, Erddig Parkland and Chirk Castle . In 2024, the national Football Museum for Wales is also expected to open, with exhibitions on Welsh language communities, fan culture and LGBTQ+ experiences.

The perfect day Start the day at Aussi brunch spot Lot 11 . After fueling yourself, you’re obviously going to want to check out The Racecourse, the stadium that’s home to Wrexham AFC. Then you’ll need to grab a pint at The Turf , the football team’s pub of choice. For the afternoon, hop in the car for a 20 minute drive to check out the gorgeous views from the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and surrounding World Heritage Site.

Plan your trip Wrexham Feast , an annual food and drink festival, takes place in late September.

📍 The best things to do in Wrexham

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The best holiday destinations in October

By Sarah James

October can be many things. It can be the dreamy scent of bonfire smoke on restorative air; pumpkins on porches; blazing leaves. Or, Down Under, it might be the abundance of spring – and a fine time to explore new Aussie cooking . In much of Asia , rains and humidity are abating, so both riotous cities and off-grid escapes are at their best. And with the steamy, congested summer a distant memory, it’s the savvy traveller’s time for a classic California road trip , or an in-demand beach break. We’ve got October holiday ideas for sustainable touring, shopping, stays and getting around, too. For more, see our guide to where is hot in October .

Our choices for the best holiday destinations in October

Temperature: 27°C high; 16°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 4 hours 30 minutes Time difference: GMT+2

Perfect autumn beach destination: Europe, a Mediterranean island, but so far south-east it has the climate of the Middle East. Enter Cyprus. A rich history and eclectic culture, a blissful climate and fantastic beaches. Away from the dramatically beautiful coastline and the beachfront hotels is the lesser-explored interior, the Troodos mountains – the Cotswolds of Cyprus – with their vineyards and hillside villages and friendly tavernas.

Where to stay: Anassa is one of our favourite hotels in Europe, particularly for families. For a more adult stay, try the glossy beachside Amavi in Paphos. For more options, see our pick of the best hotels in Cyprus .

Los Cabos, Mexico

Temperature: 33°C high; 23°C low Season: dry Flight time from UK: 15 hours 20 minutes Time difference: GMT-7

Beachy Eden ‘Cabo’ is all about switching off in style. This sun-drenched spot is always hot hot hot: where smart hotels such as the One&Only have restaurants by elite chefs such as Jean-Georges Vongerichten and host birthday parties for starry guests including Jennifer Aniston. In winter, all and sundry come for the weather (it rains in summer). Praise be for October, then, when the mercury’s high but occupancy low. Los Cabos is actually two towns at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula – Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. The latter retains more traditional charm, and has the chicest hotels: mid-century fans will love Thompson’s The Cape. Don’t miss Puerto Raiz in San José del Cabo, an outdoor foodie hub with two restaurants and a distillery, set within 13 acres of orchards and gardens. All produce is sourced onsite – including for the distillery’s spirits and cocktails – while cheese, meat and seafood come from local purveyors in neighbouring Baja towns such as La Paz and Todos Santos.

Where to stay: One&Only Palmilla , an elegant retreat and one of the best hotels in Los Cabos .

Mauritius, Indian Ocean

Temperature: 25°C high; 20°C low Season: winter Flight time from UK: 12 hours Time difference: GMT+3

It's springtime in Mauritius in October; the weather is warming up after a long, warm winter. But it's not yet humid or rainy. Huge Indian Ocean-sized flowers are bursting in bloom and animal hoots and chattering come riffling out of the rainforest. There’s not a lot you can do about the carbon-belching flight to Mauritius, but, once you’re there, you can opt for a sustainable stay. Mauritius Conscious Travel offers solar-powered glamping with vegetarian meals sourced from an onsite garden, plus motor-free day trips by sea kayak, mountain bike and climbing rope. If anyone offers you a trip to Mauritius at any other time of year, we urge you not to turn it down. But October is definitely a goodie.

Where to stay: For a private stay, Maradiva is a smart all-villa resort. At Shangri-La Le Touessrok , guests can enjoy exclusive access to a private island. See more of the top hotels in Mauritius .

Provence, France

Temperature: 20°C high; 12°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 2 hours by plane; 6.5 hours by Eurostar Time difference: GMT+1

Everybody goes to Provence in summer. But for food, for tranquillity, for scenery, October is deeply delicious, its vineyards a vibrant ochre, morning mists shrouding the glades of the Luberon at dawn. Autumn is the season of wine and truffles and food festivals, when Provence’s slow-paced villages are uncrowded except for locals, markets heaped with harvest spoils. And the weather is still largely warm and dry – ideal T-shirt weather for country walks and bike rides.

Where to stay: Hôtel Crillon Le Brave is a classic favourite; while Coquillade has just reopened after a facelift, a restored Provençal village in the Luberon, with spoiling suites, a destination spa, and its own vineyards.

Málaga, Spain

Temperature: 24°C high; 15°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 2 hours 45 minutes Time difference: GMT+1

On Spain ’s sunniest costa, Málaga’s exuberant young crowd has injected a fresh energy into this little seaside city, earning it a reputation for being a pocket-sized Barcelona , where you’ll find sizzling art and food scenes and late-summer heat. Its charming old town, though small, is packed with buzzy little restaurants and boutiques selling artisan-made fashion and homewares; there’s a museum dedicated to Picasso and a theatre run by Antonio Banderas, both Málaga natives. More modern kicks are found at the regenerated port with its Rubik’s-Cube-like Pompidou Centre. And why not explore Málaga carbon-free – Urban Bicycles rents out the most beautiful handmade mint-green bikes for cruising along the promenade, which runs from the city centre to the beach bars north of the city.

Where to stay: At the 18th-century Palacio Solecio , which opened in 2020 after a full overhaul to become the city’s most beautiful hotel, and the latest in Pablo Carrington’s stable (along with Formentera’s Gecko Hotel & Beach Club and Mallorca’s Cap Rocat).

The Greek islands, Greece

Temperature: 24°C high; 16°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 3 hours 40 minutes Time difference: GMT+2

The more southerly of the small Greek islands – the Dodecanese and the Cyclades – are still hot and sunny well into October – and there are some sensational beaches on which to enjoy it. Rhodes, with the lovely cobbled Lindos and parties in its ancient ruins. Milos , which has some of the best beaches in the Greek Islands. We love unspoilt Symi, Nisyros and Patmos ; while Santorini and Mykonos are eternal big-hitters. Pick any one, they're all lovely. Or go island-hopping around them all. Just remember: cruise ships are an issue on the Greek islands, disgorging thousands into small port towns and diverting visitors to just a small number of shops and restaurants. If you’re island-hopping, opt to do it by sailboat instead: this is not only more environmentally friendly, but smaller vessels can take you to more off-the-beaten-track beaches, coves and towns.

Where to stay: We have a long list of the best Greek island hotels to choose from. In terms of the newest openings to know about, Once in Mykonos Luxury Resort is a chilled hideaway for young families and dapper partygoers. Another name to note is Oku Kos , which effortlessly combines local culture with relaxation.

Japanese Alps, Japan

Temperature: 20°C high; 9°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 13 hours 45 minutes Time difference: GMT +9

The masses might go mad for cherry blossom season, but arguably Japan ’s most arresting sight is its Alps in autumn. Vibrant reds, oranges and yellows sprawl across the ranges, reflected in jade-green lakes and rivers. Hiking trails get very busy, but the outstanding vistas more than make up for it, and the ever-organised Japanese excel at high-altitude mountain huts, where you can get a private room and bento box-style dinner. Afterwards, the spa towns around Takayama are adept at soothing aching limbs. Upmarket ryokans, such as Fukuji Onsen’s Yumoto Choza, offer both outdoor and indoor hot-spring baths, fine-dining kaiseki dinners and gorgeous traditional rooms with tatami mats and sliding paper screens.

Ningaloo Reef

Temperature: 33°C high; 16°C low Season: spring Flight time from UK: 16 hours 45 minutes to Perth direct, then 1 hour 50 minutes to Learmonth for Ningaloo. Time difference: GMT+8

Off the coast of Western Australia , the country’s most pristine coral reef has become known as a marine superhighway. Diving and snorkelling trips are technicolour dreams, teeming with fish, turtles and sharks, and Ningaloo Reef is one of only a handful of places in the world where you can swim alongside whale sharks and humpback whales, when they journey alongside the reef on their on their way to feeding grounds in the Antarctic. Or take a boat out as they breach, dramatically, out of the water around you.

Where to stay: Guests can walk straight from their safari tent at Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef – the only hotel in the Cape Range National Park – into the marine-rich waters of the reef. The tented camp’s local guides will unearth the wonders of sea and bush, and arrange experiences such as swimming with whales.

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Temperature 1426ºC Season winter Flight time from UK 13h 30m Time difference GMT2 Marking the turn of winter into...

Temperature: 14–26ºC Season: winter Flight time from UK: 13h 30m (one change) Time difference: GMT+2

Marking the turn of winter into spring, October is a wonderful month to visit this storied Indian Ocean island. The weather is dry and warm, the nights are cool, the jacarandas are in bloom, and it is egg-laying season for turtles and birthing season for lemurs – poster girls for Madagascar’s unique and diverse indigenous wildlife, which is found in abundance from the country’s ancient forests to its dreamy white-sand beaches.

Where to stay: On cast away fantasy Nosy Ankao off Madagascar’s north coast, Miavana is the best eco-lodge in the country: a five-star private-island resort dedicated to conservation, with expert guides to take guests lemur-and turtle-watching, fishing and diving. Abercrombie & Kent offers the 13-night Classic Madagascar trip from £5,960pp.

Darjeeling, India

Temperature: 17°C high; 10°C low Season: winter Flight time from UK: 13 hours 20 minutes Time difference: GMT +5.30

This month marks the end of monsoon season, and an excellent time to visit India’s most famous hill station as the rain and fog peel back to reveal extravagant Himalayan views. Top of the list should be a sunrise visit to Tiger Hill, to see the frosted peaks of the world’s third-highest mountain, Mount Kanchenjunga, bathed in a peachy glow. The effect is said to be best in mid-October; keep your eyes peeled and you’ll even spot Everest on the left. Other than that, it’s a relaxing time tasting the ‘Champagne of teas’ at local plantations, riding the UNESCO-listed steam railway (affectionately known as ‘the toy train’) and taking afternoon tea in Victorian-style heritage hotels.

Where to stay : Ging Tea House is among the oldest tea estates in the region, from which you can take lovely guided hikes. Or see more hotels across India for gorgeous monsoon views . Do remember that water scarcity is a huge problem in Darjeeling, so look for hotels with responsible practices around conservation (such as rainwater harvesting), and be mindful of how much you use.

Vienna, Austria

Temperature : 15°C high; 5°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 2hrs 25 minutes Time difference: GMT+1

Though Austria’s capital is better known for grand imperial palaces and an even grander musical legacy (Mozart and Beethoven), one of the city’s finest assets is its urban vineyards. Forget a designated driver, just take the tram to the pretty outer suburbs, where rows of vines spread across grassy slopes, as skyline views and the Danube stretch out below. October marks the harvest, when the vineyards are at their greenest and winemakers open up their operations to enquiring minds (and mouths). There are several designated wine trails to follow, where vintners hand out samples from both cellar and kitchen, and autumn’s mild, sunny days are ideally suited to frolics in the fields. Where to stay: Park Hyatt Vienna , a magnificently grand stay – one of our favourite hotels in Vienna .

Austin, Texas

Temperature: 27°C high; 14°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 10 hours 25 minutes Time difference: GMT-6

Austin’s other festival happens in October: Austin City Limits , in Zilker Park – an altogether easier shebang to negotiate than SXSW if you’re not in the industry. And autumn brings glorious weather to Texas – blue skies, mild warm days, low humidity – which is just right for a road trip out of the USA’s coolest, weirdest state capital across the high Texan desert to find historical charm in San Antonio and more weirdness, along with knockout art and sensational food, in Marfa. Rent bikes at Lance Armstrong’s Mellow Johnny’s Bike Shop , fired up by a farm-sourced, single-origin, Fair-Trade, shade-grown, home-roasted coffee from the shop’s Juan Pelota Cafe.

Where to stay: The Texas-based Bunkhouse group has places to stay in Austin and San Antonio, including Austin’s Carpenter Hotel in a former union hall near Zilker Park and beautiful Hotel Havana in a riverside house in San Antonio, while avant-garde hotelier Liz Lambert, a true original, is behind the out-there trailer park El Cosmico in Marfa.

Churchill, Canada

Temperature: 1°C high; -5°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 21 hours 30 minutes Time difference: GMT -6

Better to be a visitor than a resident in Arctic Churchill, which in autumn earns the dubious honour of becoming “polar bear capital of the world”. As the surrounding Hudson Bay freezes, these massive mammals – male polar bears can weigh as much as 10 men – invite themselves over, in search of seals. Great news for wildlife watchers, who can board specially reinforced tundra buggies to get up close to earth’s largest land carnivore; not so great for the people of Churchill, who are apt to find polar bears hanging around like delinquent youths at the local bus stop. The largest groups gather in October. Consider a tundra buggy safari with Frontiers North Adventures , respected locally for thoughtful initiatives including creating the town’s first recycling programme; employing staff and sourcing supplies from within the community; and investing in causes such as Churchill’s Canadian Junior Rangers and non-profit conservation outfit Polar Bears International .

Atacama Desert, Chile

Temperature: 25°C high; 5°C low Season: spring Flight time from UK: 21hrs Time difference: GMT -4

The world’s driest desert isn’t the hottest, but it is perhaps the most starkly beautiful – so Mars-like that actual Mars rovers are brought here for test drives. Red canyons and sand dunes, whooshing geyers and steaming volcanoes, salt flats and hot springs stretch out as far as the eye can see. It’s largely devoid of a drinking water supply or any natural shade, so there are few settlements, which means no pollution, explaining why it has also lately garnered buzz as a premier stargazing destination. The fabulously remote Explora Atacama, for example, has a private observatory as well as a spa and bespoke-bred horses. October, shoulder season, offers a holy trinity: empty vistas unspoiled by fellow visitors, lower room rates and temperate daytime conditions. Don’t ignore the highland hamlets and historic sites in the Atacama region – spending your tourist dollars here helps to sustain local and indigenous communities and preserve their heritage. Where to stay: Hotel Wara , a spacious and rambling escape in the desert. Explora Atacama , meanwhile, is a gorgeously rugged ranch turned spoiling escape, with a spa, an observatory and an exemplary restaurant.

Watch a video of a dramatic ride across the Atacama Desert

Rome, Italy

Temperature: 22°C high; 12°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 2 hours 30 minutes Time difference: GMT+1

Tutti Italia is on holiday all month long in August. You might think that would make Rome relatively quiet, with every Roman gone to the beach, but it's not; it's unbearably busy and unbearably hot. July, too, is unbearably busy and hot; so is much of June. May and September used to be quieter, but lots of people realised that and now they are busy too. Winter can be a bit miserable, though Christmas is quite busy. So October, by default, becomes our month of choice to visit Rome , when it is less busy, still lovely and warm, and you can selfie at the Trevi Fountain in that magic late-summer sunlight without quite so many tourists ruining the view.

Where to stay: Hotel de' Ricci , a retro-cool hotel in an artsy neighbourhood and one of the best hotels in Rome .

The Lake District, UK

Temperature: 10°C high; 2°C low Season: autumn Travel time from UK: 3 hours by train from London Time difference: GMT+0

Even when it rains – and it does rain here, a lot – the Lake District must be one of the most wistfully beautiful places in the world. Never more (many would say) than in fiery autumn, when mist and woodsmoke mix in the morning and good days are pin-sharp, bright with red-gold trees and bracken covering the fells. If only someone could capture such beauty in words.

Where to stay: Foodies will love the Michelin-starred restaurant at Gilpin Hotel & Lake House . For a quant village stay, check in to The Black Bull Inn . For a private stay, we love the look of this cosy Airbnb near Ullswater . For more, check out our list of the best Airbnbs in the Lake District .

New England, USA

Temperature: 17°C high; 7°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 7 hours 15 minutes Time difference: GMT-5

As above, except with less rain, and leafpeepers (for that is what they call them here) tend to drive to look at the Fall foliage rather than put on walking boots. Combine the fiery Vermont countryside with a Boston city break.

Where to stay: Castle Hill Inn , the best places to watch the boats become silhouettes against the Atlantic Ocean, one of the best things to do on Rhode Island .

Temperature: 35°C high; 16°C low Season: dry Flight time from UK: 14 hours Time difference: GMT+1

You can make a convincing case for Botswana as the world’s greatest safari destination. The government’s “low impact, high experience” mandate makes for more intimate camps; Serengeti-like jeep scrums just aren’t a thing. Then there’s the Okavango Delta, an immaculate wetland wilderness teeming with life. (Conservation is so successful that South Africa relocates endangered rhino here.) Tourism tails off in October because of rising heat, but the flooded Okavango is water-cooled, while a lack of vegetation – munched over the dry winter – puts game-viewing at its peak. Prices drop towards the end of the month, and the new, solar-powered Qorokwe Camp by Wilderness Safaris, sitting on its own lagoon, is a slick pick. A bush walk with the San – the indigenous people of the Kalahari desert – conserves their culture in more ways than one, fostering both education for visitors and employment for the San. But do your research before booking: some tours can be less than respectful. Where to stay: Xigera Safari Lodge , a lodge putting a swish edge on sustainability, or read about the best Botswana safari holidays in the Okavango Delta .

Seville, Spain

Temperature: 26°C high; 14°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 2 hours 45 minutes Time difference: GMT+1

A hot destination right now, the winds of change are finally blowing through old Seville – and October is the best time to visit for fresher air, when the winding streets are a little less sultry but no less romantic. Culturally there's a lot happening, from pop-up galleries and cafés to a gastronomic revolution.

Where to stay: For a taste of truly regal extravagance, book in to Hotel Alfonso XIII . For more, see our edit of the best hotels in Seville .

Temperature: 29°C high; 24°C low Season: summer Flight time from UK: 18 hours Time difference: GMT-11

With the summer crowds gone, low rainfall and mellowing prices before the winter holidays, what better time to head for Hawaii? Of course, there’s more to the archipelago than Big Island: Kauai for secret swimming holes and charming local bars; Oahu for top food and surf; and even Maui, with its ever-popular 30 miles of beach, has some hush-hush stuff up its sleeve – seek out the rural artists’ community at Makawao, or go on an agri-visit to Surfing Goat Dairy, a farm on the slopes of a volcanic crater. Given the amount of importing that goes on here – and that goes for hotels, restaurants and shopping chains as much as groceries – shopping local helps the Hawaiian people maintain an identity that is uniquely their own. Buying locally made fashion not only guarantees designs that are true to the culture, but supports master weavers and artisans: see the likes of Hana Hou (Big Island); Native Intelligence (Maui); Na Mea Hawaii (Oahu); and Ohana Shop (Kauai). Where to stay: Four Seasons Resort Lana'i , an alluring escape.

Perugia, Italy

Temperature: 18°C high; 8°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK : 2 hours 35 minutes Time difference: GMT+1

It’s not difficult to get excited about a place that holds an annual 10-day festival celebrating the world’s favourite sweet treat. Every October, Umbria’s capital in central Italy hosts cooking classes, exhibitions and (most importantly) tasters to celebrate the town’s most famous export – chocolate. It’s a diabetic’s purgatory, a sweet lover’s dream and a local staple. The Belgians have their pralines, Oaxaca has its drinking chocolate and the Swiss have Lindt – but Perugia is home to baci. The word translates as “kisses”, and the story goes that a young chocolatier created a special sweet for her paramour, wrapped in a love letter and – naturally – sealed with a kiss. Today, baci somewhat seductively resemble a nipple, and still come wrapped in romantic proverbs and poems. Perugia is also a town rich in history and art, set on a hilltop peppered with medieval aqueducts, curious cobbled staircases and views that appear out of nowhere.

Where to stay: Find boutique hotels in Tuscany and Umbria, Italy

The Galapagos Islands

Temperature: 25°C high; 19°C low Season: dry Flight time from UK: 13 hours Time difference: GMT-7

Out of this world all year round – there is no other wildlife like this on earth. However for maximum nature shows, it's peak season for fish and birds from June until the end of October in the Galápagos Islands . It's also when there's least rain. Wait until October and most of the other tourists will have gone back to work; plus the sea should have warmed up a bit in case you were thinking of taking a dip (and you should) to get up close to the phenomenally varied marine life. And while most visitors explore the Galápagos via small cruise ships, it is possible to book land-based tours, where you’ll stay on several islands and take small- boat excursions by day. This means eating at locally run restaurants, visiting land-based businesses (such as farms), and exploring the human history of the islands, too.

Where to stay: Finch Bay , one of the island’s longest-standing hotels as recommended in our expert's guide to the Galapagos .

Taipei, Taiwan

Temperature: 27°C high; 22°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 13 hours 30 minutes Time difference: GMT+7

Yet to draw the trend-obsessed like Tokyo , or shoot to relevance like Seoul , the Taiwanese capital is a broadly undiscovered, just-as-thrilling blend of both. From Taoist temples to record-setting skyscrapers, flashy shopping malls to throbbing, neon-lit night markets, it’s a fascinating cultural smash: all cheap street-side beers and grilled cuttlefish on a stick one minute; a bonkers club with a waterfall on the dance floor the next. Towards the end of October the rain stops, humidity dials down and skies clear, so you can take in the glitzy cityscape, best viewed from the 230ft Miramar Ferris Wheel, or the 89th floor of once-world's-tallest tower, Taipei 101.

Where to stay: There’s more bling at the W , where room categories have names like Fabulous and Extreme Wow.

Temperature: 31°C high; 25°C low Season: summer Flight time from UK: 12 hours Time difference: GMT+6

October is the beginning of dry season in Vietnam’s north and south, where monumental natural spectacles and buzzing city scenes both abound. Up top, hill station Sapa is the gateway to misty treks; the capital Hanoi is all chaos, condensed-milk coffees on low plastic stools and some of the best food you’ll ever taste. Down at the bottom, the Mekong Delta is a whole world bobbing on canals and streams; and Ho Chi Minh City is where the bohos go – don’t miss The Café Apartment, a nine-storey block stuffed with fairy-lit mini-boutiques and craft coffee stores. High season creeps up in November, so it’s also the last chance for lower rates. In Sapa, the most popular activities are trekking the terraced slopes and staying with hill tribes, and the best way to do both is with Sapa O’Chau . This social enterprise, founded by a single mother from the Black Hmong tribe, is a nonprofit homestay and trekking service, which puts funds back into the community: improving village schools, providing English classes to Hmong guides and street vendors, distributing winter clothes to local children, and more. Where to stay: An Lam Retreats in Ninh Van Bay , one of the best hotels in Vietnam .

Adelaide, Australia

Temperature: 21°C high; 12°C low Season: spring Flight time from UK: 21 hours Time difference: GMT+8:30

Sydney and Melbourne – so yesterday. It’s Adelaide’s time to shine, and how. The wine-producing Adelaide Hills had long overshadowed South Australia’s coastal capital, but a vital new food scene is changing all that. And thank the Hills’ surrounding farms for fresh finds that Adelaide’s urban rivals can only covet. All that natural bounty is paired with October’s crisp air, as the beginnings of spring slough off winter’s edge. If you fancy getting off-grid, CABN has a number of tiny houses tucked into the South Australian wilderness, less than an hour’s drive from Adelaide’s CBD. These solar-powered minimalist escapes also have composting loos and rainwater catchment, and sit close to conservation parks, heritage bushland and wine country.

Read more about the best restaurants in Adelaide

Mendocino, California

Temperature: 14°C high; 12°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 11 hours Time difference: GMT-8

October is when Northern California finally gets its act together, dropping the fog and chilly winds that never fail to surprise under-dressed tourists, opting instead for more Cali-appropriate shimmering sunshine and bright, blue skies. It’s also the ideal time to make the road trip to one of the state’s best-kept secrets, Mendocino County: a thrilling coastal drive 160 miles north of San Francisco, with enough dramatic sea cliffs, lanky redwoods and crashing ocean to put Big Sur to shame. Mendocino town looks like a slice of New England picked up and dropped off on a California headland, and recalls its 1950s bohemian heyday with a surplus of art galleries and no chains. That hippie spirit also lives on in the Mendocino wine region, known for the country’s biggest haul of organic vines. Try a true taste of Mendocino at Harbor House Inn , where the 25-seat dining room hosts an ever-changing, hyper-local menu that has been awarded the county’s first-ever Michelin star. Everything you eat here has been sourced from within a 30-mile radius.

Where to stay: Half an hour up the coast, The Inn at Newport Ranch is a place of wild extremes. Or see more of the best hotels in California for more ideas.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Temperature: 35°C high; 24°C low Season: winter Flight time from UK: 7 hours Time difference: GMT+3

Summer is when Dubai hibernates: as the desert city heats up to 40 degrees Celsius and beyond, even skyscrapers seem to perspire, the al-fresco fun packs up and everyone bolts for the AC-cooled inside. But in October Dubai springs to new life: beach clubs reopen, restaurant terraces are jammed and a dip in the Arabian Gulf no longer feels like swimming in a scorching-hot spring. Temperatures in the high 20s also make a desert excursion less like an episode of Bear Grylls ’ Born Survivor. Enough of the world’s biggests and tallests? Poke into the boutiques, galleries and Foster + Partners-designed buildings of the freshly minted Dubai Design District. Where to stay: Al Maha , an exclusive desert haven set within a conservation reserve. See more of our favourite hotels in Dubai for more ideas.

Temperature: 19°C high; 8°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 10 hours Time difference: GMT+5

The remote Himalayan kingdom known for its Gross National Happiness Index, pristine peaks and precariously perched Tiger’s Nest Monastery, makes a point of exclusivity – foreign visitors face a hefty daily tariff for the privilege of stepping within its borders. The payoff, of course, is the rare purity of a nation largely untouched by the outside world. Given that much of Bhutan’s pleasures are found in hikes to sacred mountains and remote temples, the cool mountain air and clear skies of October make it a prime time to visit. The Six Senses Bhutan – comprising five different lodges – adds a touch of luxury to some of the country’s most scenic valleys and forests. The daily tariff ensures that Bhutan only deals in sustainable tourism – limiting visitors in this way protects the kingdom’s culture, land and traditions. But you can make sure the money you spend goes directly to the Bhutanese you meet by shopping in local markets, eating in neighbourhood restaurants and sleeping in heritage properties or homestays.

Where to stay: Read our spa review of COMO Uma Paro, Bhutan .

Temperature: 26°C high; 13°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 5 hours Time difference: GMT+2

Perhaps the most captivating country in the Middle East, Jordan has an embarrassment of spectacular things to see: ancient and awe-inspiring Petra, the Roman city of Jerash, the Dead Sea, the Red Sea, great desertscapes where you can stay overnight in a Bedouin camp. In October there are still bright sunny days that light the rock of Petra up rose-red; but it is cool enough to journey into the Valley of the Moon on camel or horseback by day, and warm enough to sleep out under the starry sky by night. Don’t miss the opportunity to camp out in Wadi Rum. A co-operative of Bedouin tribes runs the majority of trekking and camping trips, and they rely on tourism to hold onto their traditional way of life.

The Turkish Coast

Temperature: 26°C high; 13°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 4 hours Time difference: GMT+2

Turkey's beautiful Aegean and Bosphorus coasts are still hot in October, the beaches uncluttered by holidaymakers. There's a distinctly Greek feel to these regions, and between the coves you'll find dreamy boutique hotels that are good value for money out of season, and unexpectedly boho fishing villages. Alaçati is one of our favourites; and picturesque Selimiye, an hour from Dalaman, tipped (by us) as the new Kalkan. Likewise Istanbul – too prickly, too hot in summer – is more pleasant to explore out of season.

Where to stay: Mandarian Oriental in Bodrum , a glamorous, starry beach base. Alaçati is a good spot for small boutique hotels – a better bet for eco-friendliness than a sprawling coastal resort. The Stay Warehouse is a super-cool, adults-only converted brewery built from regionally sourced, recycled wood, bricks and glass, and the restaurant serves platters of local fruit, olives and cheese.

Spain Balearic Islands Menorca view of Macarella beach

Temperature: 23°C high; 16°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 2 hours 25 Time difference: GMT+1

Mallorca and Ibiza get the lion’s share of the Balearic spotlight. But little Menorca is just as beautiful. In the summer, this tiny island’s roads are largely closed to private vehicles to avoid congestion and protect the natural environment – especially around the most beautiful beaches. By October, things have calmed down, and most summer tourists have left. More fool them: Menorca is still warm and sunny well into the autumn, and the sea – warmed by the Mediterranean sun all summer – is still pleasant to swim in. In shoulder season, you can explore at your own pace.

Where to stay: at Menorca Experimental , a handsome, pared-back hideout from the Parisian Experimental Group, or at Christine Bedfor , a smart townhouse in Mahon.

Temperature: 21°C high; 14°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 3 hours 20 Time difference: GMT+1

Sicily’s long been drawing Italo-philes after something a little different to the mainland – more rugged, more fierce – but the White Lotus effect has really ramped up tourism to this little island over the past few years. See what all the fuss is about by planning a trip in October when the oppressive summer heat has finally died down, and the peak-season crowds have melted away. The landscape here is extraordinary; cities plonked at the bottom of smoking volcanoes, glossy islands cast away in the sea, and gently crumbling grandiose architecture that hints at a patchwork of influences from Moorish to Norman. You’ll also find some of Europe’s best food here; fat tubes of cannoli and refreshing granita that you won’t stop talking about even after you leave.

Where to stay: In Palermo, we love Villa Igea (which was featured on our 2023 Gold List ) or stay at Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo , set against the backdrop of Mount Etna.

Team Wanderlust | 26 July 2023

23 best places to visit in october.

With temperatures and tourist numbers dropping, October is a fine month to travel. Here’s how to make the most of the shoulder season…

When it comes to top travel experiences, bring on October. Golden leaves, reduced fares, empty trails and some of the world’s most spectacularly colourful festivals beckon.

Whether you’re looking to add on an extra layer or jet off in search of the last dregs of summer, we’re sure you’ll find something inspiring in our selection.

If you want to see the full list, keep scrolling. If you know your travel style, click to your chosen section using one of these handy links:

The best October destinations for nature and ideal weather
The best longer-term travel experiences for October
The best October destinations for arts and cultural experiences
The best places to visit for wildlife watching in October

Here are 23 of the best places to visit in October...

The best october destinations for arts and culture, 1. albuquerque, new mexico.

Hot air balloons launching at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (Shutterstock)

For nine days in October, part of the Rio Grande Valley is transformed into dreamscape, thanks to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta – the largest hot air balloon festival in the world.

From dawn until dusk, balloons of all shapes and colours fill the sky as festival-goers' necks crane in amazement. The most popular event is the Special Shape Rodeo, during which animals, rockets and spacemen (not real ones) take to the sky.

Fijian women performing a traditional Make dance (Shutterstock)

Fiji’s National Day is 10 October. In the week leading up to it, Fiji celebrates its cessation from the British empire, and the nation's vast ethnic diversity. The run-up is packed with religious and cultural events, and culminates in a large military parade with canon blasts.

On the day itself, Fijians reenact the signing of the Deed of Cessation in period costume from 1874, and hear speeches from the president and others. For a glimpse of the different religions and cultures that make up Fiji’s vibrant tapestry, plan your visit around this week.

This is a good time to visit Fiji for more than the festival. The islands enjoy a nice climate this time of year.

3. Berlin, Germany

Berlin Cathedral illuminated during the festival (Shutterstock)

If you’re looking for an excuse to visit Berlin (aren't we all? ), then why not go for the Berlin Festival of Lights ?

Enjoy a city break in Germany’s chic capital, while its iconic monuments in its historic streets are illuminated throughout the evening and night. The cosmopolitan city becomes a stage, using light to tell touching and emotive stories.

The festival is one of the largest light art festivals in the world, showcasing some of Germany’s brightest artists, alongside other global stars.

4. Austin, Texas

Austin City Limits Festival in Zilker Metropolitan Park (Shutterstock)

Head to Zilker Park in Austin, Texas for one of the world’s legendary music festivals: Austin City Limits .

Every year, over 400,000 people descend on the park to attend this iconic festival, offering a wide variety of musical genres: from blues and rock n’ roll to folk and hip-hop.

For many revellers, the food line-up is as eagerly anticipated as the tunes. Austin is a city known for good food, and festival-goers can expect a bounty of Texan classics. Grab a bratwurst from Austin institution Scholz Garten, or some organic Texas meats from Ranch Hand.

6. Alberta, Canada

Jasper Dark Sky Festival (Parks Canada & Ryan Bray/Alberta Tourism)

As the months begin to get darker in the Southern Hemisphere, the night skies get brighter. Jasper National Park in the Canadian province of Alberta takes advantage of this with its spectacular Dark Sky Festival .

The world's second largest Dark Sky Reserve is extremely accessible thanks to a town located within it. However, little artificial light can be found within the park, making it perfect for stargazing and even spotting the aurora borealis.

Events during the festival involve drone light shows, musical performances from orchestras, science demonstrations and a selection of space experts and speakers to answer your burning questions.

The exciting event also has a strong focus on the indigenous communities who once lived here, with fireside chats with Warrior Women , a sunset ceremony and guided plant walks.

7. The Florida Keys, Florida

All dressed up for Fantasy Fest (Carol Tedesco, Florida Keys News)

The US island city of Key West bursts to life with revellers during its annual Fantasy Fest . Held every October, the festival takes on a different theme every year.

The 10-day celebration invites people to connect with their creative side by dressing up in dazzling costumes and joining in with the many events in this jam-packed festival schedule, including masquerade parties, costume competitions, live music and theatre productions.

The climax of the festival takes places on its final weekend, when thousands gather to watch Fantasy Fest's lavish grand parade on Whitehead Street and Duval Street. Expect spectacular giant floats, exotic marching bands and plenty of colour.

9. Hitachinaka, Japan

Kochia flowers in Hitachi Seaside Park, Hitachinaka (Shutterstock)

If you’re willing to embrace autumn, rather than fight it, then travel to Japan’s Kanto region to see some spectacularly colourful leaves.

Hitachi Seaside Park, a public park in the Ibaraki Prefecture, is famous for two seasons and two flowers. In the springtime, the nemophila flower, also known as ‘baby blue eyes’, is in bloom and paints the hillside a Maya blue. The flowers' petals obscure all grass so that, on a clear day, the hills might be a reflection of the sky.

In the autumn, the magical kochia flower is the star of the show. This spherical plant sprouts in pom poms all over the hills and turns a vivid shade of crimson.

This natural wonder is all natural, but very intentional: the park's planners carved a winding path along the hillside and planted an abundance of Kochia flowers on either side.

10. Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakech, Morocco (Shutterstock)

If you’re after a bit of hustle and bustle, Marrakech is the place to go. If you don’t want to combat ridiculous heat on top of it, then you're on to a winner with October.

You'll benefit from a visit during the shoulder season. Not only are the already-busy streets less blocked with tourists, the oppressive summer heat gives way to a more reasonable climate,

The city also makes a great jumping off point for exploring Morocco's more natural landscapes. A couple hours' drive will take you into the Atlas Mountains, where you can enjoy autumnal hikes surrounding the town of Imlil, nestled within Tubkal Valley. Alternatively, Agafay Desert is also easy to reach and offers a variety of unique glamping experiences.

12. Ethiopia

The rock-cut churches of Lalibela (Shutterstock)

The rains of Ethiopia’s monsoon season can continue into September, but by the following month they should all have filtered away, leaving the highlands and northern circuit a mass of pristine green baize broken only by broad flourishes of yellow meskel flowers. It’s a great time to go exploring.

Up in the north, the rock-cut churches of Lalibela need little introduction. These medieval pilgrim sites are incredible creations (an attempt to recreate Jerusalem in Ethiopia), but just as interesting are the lush and lesser-seen islands of Lake Tana, where boat trips reveal richly painted, centuries-old monasteries that are still used for worship.

When it comes to walking, treks among the Simien Mountains, home to grazing gelada baboons, are spectacular. Or head south to the central Bale Mountains, where verdant slopes wrapped by low-hanging mists hide rare sightings of the Ethiopian wolf.

The best long-term travel experiences in October

13. santiago de compostela, spain.

Pilgrims walking beneath eucalyptus trees on the Camino de Santiago (Shutterstock)

The Camino de Santiago is a pilgrimage to the shrine of apostle Saint James, located in the grand Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in north-west Spain. Pilgrims have been travelling across the region for over 1,000 years, earning certain routes UNESCO World Heritage status.

Today, the pilgrimage is embarked upon by all kinds of travellers. If not for religious reasons, for self-discovery, personal betterment, or simply the joy of walking.

You may choose your own starting point, but to receive a certificate of completion you will need to walk the last 100km of the journey, so distance is a factor. Where you begin the trek will also be influenced by your route choice. There are a number of established routes to pick from, ranging from 100km to 1,000km. The town of Pamplona is a popular starting point.

October is a good month for this adventure. Established routes will see fewer travellers, and the weather is milder this time of year, resulting in pleasant hiking conditions. It's not quite as wise to cross the Pyrenees, though, as temperatures on the mountain range can drop below freezing in autumn.

17. Queensland, Australia

Brisbane, Australia (Shutterstock)

For a longer, more adventurous trip, fly to Brisbane in Queensland , Australia and work your way up the coast to Cairns in the north of the country.

Chase the sun along Queensland’s tropical west coast and enjoy the vibrant cities, diverse wildlife and picturesque beaches. This is not the hot, dusty Australia many of us think of: Queensland encompasses tropical, subtropical and equatorial climate zones.

October is a comfortable month in this part of the country with balmy days and cool nights. The sea is warm and perfect for water sports. As well as diving in the Great Barrier Reef, try kayaking and paddle-boarding – it should be easy to rent equipment up and down the coast.

While shorts and tees are acceptable, pack a light jacket and a pair of trousers. After a long, slow day on a sun-kissed beach, a loose pair of jeans will allow you to explore Queensland’s cities comfortably in the evening breeze.

The best October destinations for wildlife watching

18. madagascar.

Lemur Catta in Madagascar (Shutterstock)

December to March constitutes the rainy season in Madagascar, so your best bet is to visit during the local spring months. October hits the sweet spot, just as the island is warming up.

Expect a peachy average high of 26 ° C and a sea temperature of 25 ° C. The coastal waters are bright turquoise and dead calm, perfect for snorkelling.

A large tropical island with a relatively low population density, Madagascar is home to a diverse set of wildlife. To most of the world however, the island is recognised as the home of one creature in particular: the ring-tailed lemur.

Ring-tailed lemurs give birth in September and carry their young for the first few weeks. The pups (yes, pups) cling to the hair on their mother’s backs as they scamper around the forest. If that isn’t worth seeing, we don't know what is.

A female moose in the Swedish countryside (Shutterstock)

Trek to central Sweden to spot moose! Mooses? Mice? – The Swedes call them älg .

As a nation Sweden has the highest moose population per kilometer squared, however spotting them in the wild can be exceedingly difficult. So, it's a trip suited best to the experienced animal tracker.

There are roughly 300,000 to 400,000 moose in Sweden, depending on the time of year. They're extensively hunted in winter, keeping the spring population around the 400,000 mark.

The end of September and beginning of October is mating season. The bulls bellow loudly to attract a mate and if successful, will breed with several cows. This is the best time to see Sweden's national animal as the bulls' ostentatious behaviour make them easier to locate.

If you want to hedge your bets, there’s a moose safari company offering tours, with at least one successful sighting documented every year since 2003.

21. Cambodia

A Sun Bear (Shutterstock)

Encompassing the Gulf of Thailand coastline, the Mekong Delta and the Cardamom Mountains , Cambodia is home to an abundance of wildlife.

The nation is currently seeing various large-scale conservation efforts take place, after years of civil war, illegal deforestation and poaching took a significant toll on indigenous animal populations.

Tragically, the Indochinese Tiger, once native to Cambodia, is believed to be extinct, against a wider trend of tiger population decline on the Asian continent.

While a lot of its animals are endangered or on conservation lists, Cambodia is still home to many fascinating species, including the sun bear, leopard cat, river dolphin and elephant.

Make sure your trip to see them supports sustainable tourism. Koh Kong Wildlife Release Centre (in the province of the same name), for example, is in excellent choice.

The centre offers one to three day experiences, allowing you to see Cambodia's creatures up close and personal. The centre receives rehabilitated animals that have been rescued from traffickers and poachers and release them into the wild.

22. Churchill, Manitoba

A Churchill polar bear (Shutterstock)

Touted as the polar bear capital of the world, Churchill is an extremely remote town situated on the Hudson Bay coast in northern mainland Canada.

There are no roads in or out of the 900-strong community, only a train that departs Winnipeg thrice weekly and takes about 48 hours in total. Luckily for polar bear enthusiasts, you can fly to a nearby airport by plane or helicopter fairly regularly.

The town sees a high amount of polar bear activity thanks to its position beside the bay on the Hudson Plains. The world’s largest land predators migrate through the region when the Hudson’s ice melts in the summer. The bears return to the coast in the autumn and wait for the bay to freeze over again.

Because of the migration, Churchill’s inhabitants frequently find themselves living alongside the mammals. Stories of polar bears roaming the streets and tapping on windows are common, and allegedly, the town enforces a law against locking car doors – in case a passerby needs to escape from a rogue bear.

October is the best time to see polar bears here, as they’ve returned to the coast but are not yet able to pass through onto the ice.

While polar bears are usually solitary animals, they often group together during the wait, presenting the opportunity to see multiple bears at once. Tours operate using large, raised tundra vehicles – although you may not need to leave town to spot one.

Hippos in Busanga Plains (Alamy Stock Photo)

During the wet season, heavy downpours turn the Busanga Plains, in the north of Kafue National Park, into a giant wetland that is only accessible as the floodwaters begin to recede in June.

For five months only, it offers up wild safari encounters. It’s possible to spot red lechwe bounding among the dambos (shallow wetlands), spy over 500 species of bird, catch incredible lion sightings and catch rare glimpses of cheetah in this part of Africa. It’s not dubbed the mini Serengeti for nothing.

October is the last month that the rains hold off and the camps stay open, with wildlife easier to spot among the drier bush. There aren’t an abundance of stays, but look out in particular for the nest-like pods of Chisa Busanga Camp, which are unlike anything else. You can also take hot air balloon tours over the plains just as the dawn mists are evaporating.

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The Best Places to Travel in October

By Caitlin Morton

Best Places to Travel in October Neuschwanstein Castle

As much as we love beach lounging in summer and exploring snowy wonderlands in winter, there’s something extra special about traveling during the fall. Aside from fewer tourists and lower prices, October brings harvest festivals, Halloween parties, and the best foliage of the year. (And those warm beaches are still open, if you’re willing to fly for them.) Whether you’re looking to view some spectacular fall foliage or escape to the warm Caribbean this year, these are 10 of the best places to travel in October.

Note: Due to the Delta variant of coronavirus, it’s a good idea to consider extra precautions if traveling this fall. We recommend investing in “ cancel for any reason ” travel insurance and only booking changeable flights and accommodations. It’s also crucial to obtain medical insurance that will cover you abroad, and to research different countries’ case and vaccination rates when choosing your destination.

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Salem, Massachusetts

It’s Halloween this month, so where better to book a trip than America’s unofficial witching capital? Snag a room at The Hotel Salem or The Merchant (they’re both owned by Lark Hotels, famed for its funky makeovers of countless New England inns) and then make your way into town. Salem celebrates its connection to the occult all month with a program of events, including horror film festivals, séances, and a fair with psychics on hand to read your future. (See complete calendar here .)

During the festivities, it’s worth pausing to consider the history of Salem’s witch trials at the 1692 Salem Witch Museum. The museum recreates the trials using actual documents as the basis for its life-size stage sets, and hosts an exploration of witchcraft in all its forms through the ages.

Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is one of the best places to travel in October, as the month signals the height of springtime in the southern hemisphere. That means you can plan on tons of outdoor activities, from walking among spring blooms in Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden to touring vineyards in Franschhoek. You could also spend an entire trip hopping between Cape Town’s best beaches. Camps Bay Beach is worth visiting for the views of Lion's Head and the Twelve Apostles alone, as is Windmill Beach (a 10-minute walk from Boulders Beach) for its warm water and boulders you can jump off.

Stay at Readers’ Choice Awards darling Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel , 15-room Georgian-era townhouse tucked away in a residential street in Gardens (a fashionable neighborhood known for its restaurants, bars, and interior shops). The street-level luxury suites come with their own spacious sun terraces and private pools, making you feel like you’re in an incredibly beautiful private home.

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Known as “the most photographed event in the world,” the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (October 2 to 10) does not disappoint, offering families and travelers the chance to get up close with hundreds of seven-story balloons ranging from cute animals to Darth Vader. You'll want to wake up before dawn to get a prime viewing spot for the Mass Ascension, when all the balloons rise together to the tune of "The Star Spangled Banner."

You can crash later that night at Hotel Chaco , a sleek, contemporary property with Native American–inspired art and architecture located in the heart of Old Town. That ideal location and perfect October weather means you can explore all the museums and markets downtown without breaking a sweat.

Loreto, Mexico

We’re big fans of the Baja California Sur peninsula in Mexico, with its beautiful scenery and luxury resorts. While most tourists flock to Los Cabos , set your sights on the underrated city of Loreto. Located about 230 miles north of Cabo, the town is best known for its secluded, unspoiled setting on the Loreto Bay National Marine Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

For stress-free planning, book a stay at Villa del Palmar Beach Resort & Spa at the Islands of Loreto , where guests can enjoy scuba diving tours, cultural city tours, whale watching excursions, kayaking, surfing, and ATV desert tours. After a day spent adventuring, head back and unwind at the 39,000-square-foot Sabila Spa or one of the resort’s five swimming pools.

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Aspen, Colorado

Aspen may seem like a bit of an obvious choice (hello, mountains famously full of yellow leaves), but obvious isn’t always a bad thing. Hotel Jerome is a great place to set up camp, with a huge array of activities on tap for guests looking for an outdoor adventure—think horseback riding in the Rockies, riding a Jeep through alpine backcountry, and stand-up paddleboarding along the Colorado River. The hotel can also arrange day trips to the Maroon Bells, a pair of mountains that is one of the most photographed spots in the entire state. In fact, professionals are known to flock to the shores of Maroon Lake well before sunrise to nab that stunning fall shot.

The Bavarian Alps, Germany

An autumn trip to southern Germany is about so much more than Oktoberfest (which has been canceled for 2021 anyway). Fall may be the best season to visit the Bavarian Alps , when the weather is perfectly cool and the mountains transform into a technicolor dreamscape. The season is prime for outdoor enthusiasts as well, with areas like Berchtesgaden and Lake Tegernsee lending themselves to some epic scenic hikes. Shutterbugs are never disappointed by the Disney-esque Neuschwanstein Castle, whose white turrets look best against a backdrop of deep reds and oranges.

Spend at least a couple days tucked away in Hotel Bachmair Weissach , a modern alpine property located in the lake town of Tegernsee. With walls adorned with antlers, a cloistered courtyard, plaid carpets, and scalloped wood balconies off each of its 141 rooms, it will fulfill every romantic Bavarian fantasy you can think of.

View from Cherry Tree Hill to tropical coast of Barbados

Barbados made headlines in 2020 when it announced its Welcome Stamp visa for sun-seeking digital nomads. Valid for 12 months, the visa allows anyone earning over a certain salary to live and work remotely temporarily. If you’re not ready to commit to a year-long visit, it’s still worth flying down here in October. Book an oceanfront villa at The Crane , one of the country’s finest resorts, and spend a few days exploring the Bajan rum circuit.

Though it’s now ubiquitous across the Caribbean, rum was formally first distilled at the Mount Gay Rum headquarters in 1703. Head to its visitor center and you’ll be able to learn more of that history, as well as sample a range of great dark and white blends. Then head to Bathsheba Beach on the east coast—one of the best stretches of sand in the world—where you'll find big, surf-able waves and shallow pools carved by the coral reef right off the shore.

Asheville, North Carolina

Don't discount the South when it comes to fall foliage, especially the Blue Ridge Parkway and Carolina mountains. Make Asheville your home base for exploring the parkway in both directions: to the south, drive to Pisgah National Forest, filled with waterfalls and fall foliage–covered hills on view from Looking Glass Rock, and to the north, the curving Linn Cove Viaduct hugs Grandfather Mountain, offering some of the parkway’s most iconic views.

Get a dose of the funky lifestyle in downtown Asheville: sample the African-meets-Appalachian food at Benne on Eagle , browse fem theory and queer lit at Malaprop's Bookstore and Cafe , and drink a Strawberry Milkshake IPA at Highland Brewing Company . Stay at Asheville's best boutique property, The Foundry Hotel, for comfortable rooms with exposed brick walls, a chic lobby bar, and a restaurants serving up modern spins on comfort food.

Santorini, Greece

More than two million people visit Santorini each year. To dodge those crowds—and to experience a more authentic side of the island—plan your trip during the off-season in October and November. Visit Red Beach and take in the legendary sunsets in Oia, of course, but then search for some more under-the-radar spots. Only one in 20 travelers to Santorini goes to Akrotiri, an almost perfectly preserved ancient city and archaeological site. Visit some wineries at Vlychada, or hire a guide to take you around Akrotiri.

Then get some rest at Incognito Villa , located at the end of a dirt track on the beach near Monolithos and the airport. It has its own garden and a little pool, and you can walk in either direction along the beach to a taverna. Even in the height of summer, it is amazingly quiet.

Hudson Valley, New York

If you're looking to totally lean into the cider-sipping, sweater-wearing, pumpkin-picking vibe of fall, look no further than the Hudson Valley. Aside from offering primo leaf peeping opportunities, October is the best time to go apple picking or sample some hard cider made from local produce at Angry Orchard. Alternatively, take in a movie at the Four Brothers Drive-In Theater or celebrate Halloween with the Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze in the grounds of Van Cortlandt Manor ( advance reservations required). More than 7,000 pumpkins are displayed there each night, including a 25-foot-tall Statue of Liberty, all of which are carved onsite by a team of 1,000 volunteers.

Look to Warren Street in the heart of town for accommodations: either at the retro Rivertown Lodge , complete with wood fire burners and bicycles to borrow, or the relatively new Maker Hotel , filled with one-of-a-kind pieces of furniture and a restaurant serving up ingredients sourced from local farms.

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Best places to visit in october 2024.

Fall is here, and in many regions the leaves have changed and are ready for their close-up. While in some destinations you'll still have to contend with foliage-seeking tourists, other top getaways in October offer a bit more breathing room after the departure of summer crowds. Taking into account these factors, as well as expert opinion, traveler sentiment and array of sights (among other details), U.S. News chose the best places to visit in October. Have a favorite? Vote below to influence next year's list.

Yellowstone National Park

Zion national park, british virgin islands, serengeti national park, buenos aires, black forest, asheville, nc, acadia national park.

If "White Lotus" piqued your interest in a Sicilian getaway, but you don't quite have the budget to splurge, plan a trip for October when the summer tourists have gone home. At the start of the offseason, hotel rates in this Italian paradise can drop to almost half of their peak prices. You'll still be able to squeeze in some of the season's last beach days as temperatures typically remain in the 70s. What's more, the streets are likely to be less crowded, so you can easily spend your days sauntering through the region's quaint villages and sampling exquisite Mediterranean cuisine.

If you can handle declining temps (think: 40s and 50s), you'll be rewarded with a wonderful time of year to visit Yellowstone National Park. October sees far fewer visitors than peak summer months, which means you'll encounter less traffic and won't have to jostle for a spot at top attractions like Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring. Plus, you might catch the tail end of elk rutting season and hear their otherworldly bugling. This national park's roads close for the season in November, but keep in mind that some lodging options close earlier, so book your accommodations early.

Pleasant weather, more manageable crowds and fall foliage – what's not to love about Zion National Park in October? Daytime temperatures in the 70s will keep you comfortable for activities like hiking and rock climbing, but pack layers and prepare for cooler temperatures in sunless hiking spots like the Narrows. What's more, leaf peepers won't want to miss taking the Canyon Overlook trail to catch a glimpse of the autumn colors. While fewer travelers tend to visit this national park in October than the summer months, you'll want to avoid peak times like fall break.

Beat the winter holiday rush with an autumn trip to the British Virgin Islands. Though October falls in the middle of the rainy season, this typically means brief squalls rather than days full of rain, and low season travel will mean fewer tourists and great rates on accommodations. The Moorings Interline Regatta also takes place in October, delighting sailors and landlubbers alike with its exhilarating sailboat races and nightly parties. However, these great rewards do come with a bit of risk, as well. Since this island lies in the hurricane belt, you may want to consider travel insurance for a fall trip here.

Summer is undoubtedly the most popular time to visit Iceland's capital, so an October visit will give you access to top sights sans crowds. Take in the city's quirky architecture like Hallgrímskirkja and the Harpa concert hall on a free walking tour before grabbing a craft beer or a bowl of fiskisúpa (fish soup). Temperatures may hover in the 40s, but the area's hot springs and geothermal pools will warm you right up. Plus, as a trade-off for shorter days and cooler weather, you may be able to catch a glimpse of the northern lights this time of year.

October falls within the Southern Hemisphere's spring season, so expect to enjoy long, sunny days and beautiful blooming jacarandas during an October visit to Sydney. Average daytime temperatures rest in the 70s this time of year, meaning you can comfortably check out Sydney Harbour's most famous landmark , the Sydney Opera House, and tour the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. This is also a perfect time to stroll along the coastal walk between the iconic Bondi and Coogee beaches. What's more, October is when two of Sydney's most popular events – the Night Noodle Markets and Sculpture by the Sea – occur.

Serengeti National Park's wildlife-viewing opportunities are incomparable, and visiting in October at the end of its dry season offers certain benefits. October is one of the Tanzanian park's warmest months, with average temperatures sitting in the low 80s. And while you might encounter a few short rain showers toward the end of the month, October is generally still quite dry, meaning you'll find fewer mosquitos and sparse vegetation – which makes it easier to spot animals – during game drives. The best place to catch a glimpse of migrating herds this time of year is in the Northern Serengeti.

Buenos Aires' spring shoulder season promises mild weather and moderate crowds – ideal conditions for exploring this Argentinian capital's charming neighborhoods. Come October, chic Palermo's stately trees, gardens and parks are at their finest, while 70-degree temperatures breathe new life into San Telmo's street fairs and alfresco restaurants. With the money you save on accommodations by avoiding peak tourist season, buy tickets to an opera at Colón Theater, take in a tango show or wine and dine at a parrilla (steakhouse).

Japan may be famous for its spring cherry blossoms, but Kyoto's many beautiful shrines, temples and pavilions shine even brighter among the orange- and red-hued trees that begin to dot the city in October. Strolling the tree-lined Philosopher's Path or taking in the leafy views from the Kiyomizu-dera Temple's verandah will leave you with unforgettable memories of this Japanese city. Plus, if you time your visit around October 22, you can catch two popular festivals, the Jidai Matsuri (Festival of Ages) and the Kurama no Hi Matsuri (Kurama Fire Festival).

For smaller crowds and more affordable accommodations and airfare, consider a tropical escape to Aruba in October. During this low season month, hotels slash their prices up to 50%. Plus, the island experiences some of its warmest weather (think: daytime temps in the high 80s) come October, so you can stretch out and enjoy various water sports on popular white sand shores like Eagle Beach and Palm Beach. Though October can be rainy, showers tend to be brief, leaving plenty of time for fun in the sun. Plus, since Aruba sits below the hurricane belt, storms here are unlikely.

While Germany's Bavaria region and its raucous Oktoberfest celebrations garner a lot of attention every fall, the Black Forest in southwestern Germany offers a quieter escape into nature. Despite its many evergreens, the Black Forest is one of the best destinations in the country for fall foliage. Take in the colors while driving along the Black Forest High Road, riding the Feldberg cableway or boating on Lake Schluchsee. Though you may encounter rain, the Black Forest (the birthplace of Grimm's Fairy Tales), offers plenty of enchanting villages and cozy towns to duck into.

October falls at the end of this Indonesian island's peak dry season, meaning you can enjoy great weather for most of the month without the crowds and high accommodation rates of the busier summer months. Daytime temperatures hover in the high 80s, providing ideal conditions for swimming, surfing and sunbathing at beaches like those in Padang Padang and Sanur. Families on fall break will also enjoy cooling off at the Waterbom Bali water park. What's more, tourist hot spots like Uluwatu Temple and Tanah Lot Temple are less likely to be packed in October, making it a great time for sightseeing.

As one of the first months without summer tourists, and the final one before chilly temperatures arrive in earnest, October in Lyon is a prime time to visit. Travelers can score dinner reservations and settle in for autumnal feasting in France's third largest city, which is widely celebrated for its cuisine. A stroll through Vieux-Lyon, the city's picturesque old town, will also be more pleasant without rubbing elbows with hordes of other tourists. What's more, this month, Lyon celebrates its fame as the birthplace of cinema – the Cinematograph was invented here in the late 1800s – with the Lumière Film Festival.

Nothing beats seeing the vibrant foliage take over Asheville in the autumn. With dozens of deciduous tree species showcasing vivid hues of red, yellow and orange come October, this North Carolina destination is a leaf peeping paradise. A drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the fall colors and take photos at numerous overlooks. Plus, the mild fall weather is ideal for a scenic hike through the Pisgah National Forest or a stroll around the colorful Biltmore grounds. What's more, with Asheville's booming food scene, you'll be able to cozy up for a top-notch dinner after a day of adventure.

The most beautiful time to visit Acadia National Park is October, hands down. By mid-month, this top attraction in Maine is blanketed by vibrant fall foliage, both along the coast and high atop its many mountains. And starting Oct. 7 every year, Cadillac Mountain (the tallest peak on the North Atlantic seaboard) becomes the first place to see the sun rise in the U.S. Remember to register your car for a trip up the mountain, and bundle up before venturing out to catch a sunrise; it can be quite chilly at the peak early in the morning.

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Where to go on holiday in October

Escape the summer crowds and enjoy milder temperatures with our round-up of the best holiday destinations in October

Searching for where to go on holiday in October? You've come to the right place as we've rounded up the best holiday destinations in October for this year and next.

October is the perfect month to escape to Europe to avoid the soaring temperatures and school-holiday crowds, or to marvel at the glorious snow-capped peaks of the continent's mountainous landscapes.

It's the grape harvest season in France and Portugal , making it the best time to enjoy the rolling vineyards in their autumnal beauty and indulge in plenty of wine tastings. If you're looking for the best holiday destinations in October for a memorable UK staycation , there are plenty of inviting options closer to home, too. The autumn months bring crisp mornings and golden sunlight to the UK , and it's the ideal month for escaping to a rural bolthole, where you can explore the great outdoors and curl up by a log fire as the evenings draw in. The forests put on a dazzling display of fiery foliage, and there's plenty of wildlife to spot this time of year – from rutting stags in Scotland to fluffy red squirrels in Dorset .

And while the weather can be a little unpredictable here at home, the autumn still offers the possibility of pleasant temperatures with golden sun and crisp air. So if we’ve got you dreaming of a getaway during this magical month, keep reading for our pick of the best holiday destinations in October.

As far as October staycations go, Cornwall is hard to beat. Although, as with anywhere in the UK, the weather can be a mixed bag, you'll still have a decent chance of some sunny days, and will have missed the crowds that flock to the beaches during the warmer months.

October is a good time for taking long walks along Cornwall's famously beautiful cliffs. Like the rest of the UK, Cornwall will be turning from lush summer greens to warm, autumnal hues, complemented by the vast stretches of golden sand along the Cornish coast.

Padstow, on the county's northern coastline, makes a great base for exploring some particularly glorious beaches like Harlyn Bay and Constantine Bay, before stopping for some hearty Cornish food in one of the town's many excellent restaurants.

How to visit: Good Housekeeping has a special two-night break at Rick Stein's Shepherd's Huts just outside Padstow. These cosy huts have double beds, a kitchenette, showers, and even underfloor heating for chillier autumn nights.

Your break will include food and drink galore - from breakfast at Rick Stein’s renowned Padstow Seafood Restaurant to a picnic hamper to enjoy on one of the many nearby beaches.

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Scottish Highlands

The Scottish Highlands are a land of remote islands, fairytale castles and charming port towns. There's so much to explore, from glistening lochs to towering castles, and vast national parks with majestic flora and fauna dotting the landscapes.

The Highlands are renowned for their incredible array of native wildlife, including many species of deer such as red, fallow and sika.

If you visit in early October, you're likely to witness majestic stags bellowing and clashing antlers as rutting season is in full swing. This dramatic spectacle is exciting to see - just make sure to keep your distance from these magnificent wild animals.

How to visit: We're offering a six-day cruise this October to some of the Highlands' most beautiful locations on board Lord of the Glens, a deluxe private yacht. You'll see spectacular parts of the region by train on the West Highland Railway, as you travel over the beautiful Glenfinnan Viaduct.

What's more, you'll be joined on this cruise by broadcaster Kirsty Wark, who will give a talk about her life and career and chat with guests about the history of modern Scotland.

Some of the most beautiful locations in Croatia can be found in Dalmatia, a historical region on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea. Here you’ll discover natural wonders, like Kornati National Park - an archipelago of over 80 protected islands, islets and reefs just off the Dalmatian Coast - and the serene waterfalls of Krka National Park.

Although you might associate Croatia with summer holidays, October is a great time to visit. The temperatures are cooling off, but you’ll still find average temperatures of around 20 degrees. The famously crystalline waters remain around 20 degrees too, after a long summer under the beating sun, making it an ideal time for swimming.

How to visit: Our eight-day cruise on a boutique ship will take you to some of the best spots along the Dalmatian Coast, including Kornati National Park, Krka National Park and the fascinating heart-shaped island of Galešnjak.

There’ll also be the chance to discover many of Croatia’s elegant cities, with walking tours of Šibenik, Zadar, Hvar, and Split.

Another option for exploring the Dalmatian Coast in October is our eight-day cruise on a supreme category ship which will take you to Split and Hvar as well as Dubrovnik and Mljet Island, home to a vast National Park covered in lush forests and with two deep saltwater lakes.

Northern Norway

Lovers of breathtaking natural scenery will find a getaway to Norway to be an unforgettable experience. From vast glacial fjords to thick pine forests and soaring mountains, there's so much to explore at any time of year - but an October holiday has several advantages.

October is when the first snowflakes fall in the north of the country, making the already pretty landscapes even more attractive. Plus, with the arrival of autumn comes the beginning of Northern Lights season, when the nights get longer and your chances of seeing the ethereal Aurora Borealis are at their highest. In the Arctic north, travelling in October means you're almost guaranteed to see this awe-inspiring display as you travel between glacial fjords, quaint fishing villages, and rugged islands.

How to visit: Good Housekeeping has a 15-night expedition cruise to Norway to see the Northern Lights. You'll sail on a specialist expedition ship in the company of an expert team who'll help give you the best chance at spotting the Aurora, and will also provide fascinating onboard lectures and workshops as you sail.

The autumn months are a fantastic time to explore Italy's famous lakes. Lake Como is one of the most picturesque, and has so much to offer at this time of year.

This season is a great time for walking in clean, crisp air while absorbing the magnificence of the snow-topped mountains and marvelling at the golden colours in the gardens of the lake's famous villas.

Lake Como can be quite busy in the summer months, but in October you'll be able to wander the cobbled, winding streets of the surrounding villages without having to squeeze through thrumming crowds.

October is also the time of harvest food festivals, where you can taste the freshest local produce along with a good glass of wine in many charming lakeside villages.

How to visit: On this exclusive eight-day trip with Good Housekeeping you'll stay in the historic town of Colico, on the banks of Lake Como. Highlights include a cruise on the lake, which is a brilliant way to see the opulent villas and alpine mountains in their autumnal glory.

Andalucía is Spain's most southern region, and the home of many things that typify Spanish culture. Think tapas, flamenco, white-walled villages and sun-drenched olive groves on rolling hills.

As the most southern region in mainland Europe, the summers here are sizzling, with average daytime temperatures in August reaching around 31 degrees.

While this might be ideal for a beach break in one of the region's many luxury resorts, the cooler autumn months are better suited for more active holidays, like exploring Andalucía's many historical attractions.

October weather will still be pleasantly sunny — ideal for discovering sights like Seville's Alcázar , Cordoba's historic Mezquita , and the dizzying viaduct in Ronda.

How to visit: We have a special six-day trip to Andalucía this October which will take you to Seville, where you'll see a passionate Flamenco performance, to Cordoba, where you'll enjoy a traditional Andalucian horse show, and to Ronda, where you'll learn to make traditional Andalucian tapas and visit a local winery.

Bordeaux is one of our favourite destinations in Europe for a food holiday and the city and surrounding rural landscapes are particularly resplendent in autumn.

This is when the rolling vineyards will be bursting with grapes ready to be harvested and when the countryside is adorned with brilliant gold, red, and orange leaves.

Although it's beginning to get a little chillier at night, you can still expect pleasant temperatures in October, with average highs of 19 degrees. All in all, it's a great time of year for tasting clarets at renowned vineyards, wandering the cobbled streets of historic villages, and indulging in fine French cuisine. How to visit: Join Good Housekeeping's special eight-day cruise along the Garonne and Dordogne rivers in October to discover Bordeaux at its autumnal best, with several vineyard visits and wine tastings.

Making the trip extra special is an appearance from award-winning French chef, Raymond Blanc, who'll share some of his expert knowledge of his cuisine and ethos in a Q&A and a live cooking demonstration on board the luxurious Scenic Diamond.

October is one of the best months to visit Porto, the enchanting city on the northwest coast of Portugal.

In the mid-autumn, the weather is usually still warm and pleasant, with temperatures that are more manageable for long days of sightseeing than during the height of summer.

October is also a great time to visit many of the quintas - traditional wine estates - in the surrounding Douro Valley, with the grape harvest in full swing. You can even get get involved in the harvest celebrations yourself by taking in part in traditional grape treading .

The beaches near Porto are much quieter at this time of year too, and free of the jostling summer crowds. You can spend a relaxing day ambling down the many promenades that stretch alongside miles of golden sands.

How to visit: Good Housekeeping readers can visit Porto and cruise the Douro River on an exclusive eight-day tour in October 2023. You'll get the chance to visit characterful towns, sample delicious port wines and take part in a traditional grape harvest festival.

The New Forest

The New Forest is an exquisite slice of English countryside, with its sprawling woodlands, open moors and, of course, its lovely, free-roaming ponies who've called this region home for about 2,000 years.

In the autumn, you might spot a different kind of animal roaming free in the forest. This is 'pannage' season, when pigs are released to roam free and feast on the fallen acorns.

The New Forest will likely be at the height of its autumn colour in October. Exbury Gardens are particularly mesmerising at this time of year, where the bright red and orange of fiery acers and Nyssa trees, are set against a backdrop of majestic oak trees.

How to visit: Spend two days in the New Forest with our special offer at the Montagu Arms , a welcoming hotel with an award-winning restaurant and its own pub.

You'll have tickets included to either the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, or to Exbury Gardens, where you can take in the incredible autumn colours from The Rhododendron Line, a storybook steam railway, plus dinner allowances each night.

Dorset has some of England's most idyllic coastal scenery, including the vast dune heaths of Studland Bay and the resort town of Bournemouth .

Inland, you'll find fields, farmland and gently rolling hills dotted with quintessential country villages. These are the landscapes which inspired Thomas Hardy, who based his fictional region of Wessex on this heavenly county.

There are wonderful walks to take throughout Dorset, including sections of the South West Coast Path, or through the peaceful inland countryside, stopping off at cosy pubs for lunch or a drink.

During the autumn months, the tapestry of fields and woodlands will have become a kaleidoscope of oranges, red, and yellows, making walking routes even more picturesque than usual.

How to visit: Enjoy a two-night stay at Summer Lodge in Evershot, Dorset. This Georgian manor house is a great base for long autumnal walks, or you can hop on one of the hotel's bikes to explore the village and local area.

Your stay will include dinner on both evenings, a bottle of house wine on the first night, and access to the spa.

Another great option for a UK staycation in October is a short break in London. As the most-visited city in the country, the capital can get extremely busy during the summer, especially at its world-famous monuments, like the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace.

Avoid the peak of summer and the school holidays and explore these incredible historic sites in relative peace in October.

Although the weather is famously temperamental at this time of year, there's still the chance of sunny days with crisp air, perfect for wandering around the city's parks, like Hyde Park, Green Park and St James's Park, enjoying the views and the October hues.

If you're less lucky with the weather, there are plenty of snug pubs and pretty tearooms to hunker down in as you wait for the rain to pass.

How to visit: There's no lack of excellent hotels in London , but Rubens in Westminster is a standout — especially for those hoping to visit Buckingham Palace.

The hotel is right next door to the palace and overlooks the Royal Mews, so there’s a chance you could spot royal carriages coming and going.

We're offering a two-night getaway at Rubens, including a three-course dinner in the AA Rosette-awarded English Grill and a Royal afternoon tea in The Palace Lounge.

If you're tempted by a London getaway but would prefer to stay somewhere a little further from the hustle and bustle, consider our two-night break at the Richmond Hill Hotel. You'll be on the doorstep of Richmond Park, which feels almost rural, but still within easy reach of the city.

Head into the city or explore nearby attractions like the incredible botanical gardens at Kew. Our offer includes a dinner allocation and a champagne afternoon tea.

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The United Kingdom in October: Travel Tips, Weather & More
20 of the best places to visit in the UK in the Autumn
Best places to visit in October in the UK and beyond
19 Absolute Best Places to Visit in the UK
These Are the 15 Best Places to Travel in October
10 Best Places to Visit in October 2019

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COMMENTS

The Best Places to Visit in October in the UK
4. The Scottish Highlands. Easily one of the best places to spend Autumn in the UK. From Loch Ness to Ben Nevis, the Scottish Highlands has all the dramatic scenes, fresh air and cosy pubs you could hope for. October is the perfect time to visit, the weather is still mild and the landscape is vivid and autumnal.
20 of the best autumn getaways around the UK
To explore further, Rabbie's runs several year-round tours from Inverness, taking in the long, forested shores of Loch Ness, leafy highland villages and Instagrammable places like Glen Affric ...
20 of the best autumn escapes around the UK
A novices' pottery course (1-3 October, £289) will allow you to explore slip decorating; there's a leatherwork masterclass (2 November, £148) for making tool sheaths and other cases ...
October in the UK: Places to Visit & Things to Do
Take the family to Apple Day, in London, for a day of arts, crafts and activities (October 1); Fulhampalace.org, Fulham Palace, London. Discover the world's best new films at the BFI London Film Festival (4-15 October); Whatson.bfi.org.uk, Southbank Centre, Royal Festival Hall, London. Eat your way around the East Midlands Food Festival (7-8 ...
Autumn: The Best Places to Visit in the UK
From leaf peeping hotspots in the countryside to cities with autumnal festivals or foodie festivities worth travelling to, autumn is one of the most beautiful times of year to visit the four corners of the UK. Start planning this autumn's staycation adventures now. Read the C&TH Responsible Tourism Guide.
23 of the Best Destinations to Enjoy England in Autumn
Recommended by: Cath - Travel Around Ireland. The Cotswolds area of England is a beautiful place to visit in Autumn. There is an abundance of woodlands and forests to wander through and enjoy the colourful spectacle that is autumn in England. Rivers meander alongside splashes of yellow, orange, red and brown.
The United Kingdom in October: Travel Tips, Weather & More
Weather. October is the middle of fall in the UK and the month in which the fall colors are at their brightest and best. The nights are getting longer as winter approaches, although there are still plenty of daylight hours for sightseeing. Edinburgh, for example, sees 10.5 daylight hours at the start of the month and just over 9 hours at the end.
The best autumn holidays in the UK
Go leaf peeping at Westonbirt Arboretum, Gloucestershire. Follow gentle trails through the 600-acre National Arboretum in the Cotswolds - one of the best places to see autumn leaves in the UK. Nearby Tetbury is stuffed with over 25 antique shops to sift through; the 17th-century Market House comes alive on Wednesday and Saturday mornings with ...
Best places to visit in October in the UK and beyond
Best places to visit in the UK in October. October is a great time of year for wildlife watching in the UK. Our hedgerows provide a feast of berries, nuts and seeds and many animals tuck in, building up fat reserves before they hibernate. For keen photographers like me, there's a softer golden light and often glorious sunsets, not to mention ...
Top 10 Places to Visit in the UK in October
Both were great times! Some iconic places to visit in Edinburgh are, Edinburgh Castle, The Whisky Museum, and The Palace of Hollyrood House. In fact, there are 13 castles in Edinburgh, so take your pick, and don't forget your woolies! William Shakesphere's Wife, Anne Hathaway lived here as a child - photo curtesy of Zoltan Tasy on Unsplash.
14 Stunning Places for Autumn Breaks in the UK
The cooler months of September and October are perfect for hiking and cycling as the rising sun finds its way through the morning mists which cloaks the dales, making the moors a photographer's paradise. ... Scotland is one of the best places in the UK to visit in autumn, and the Isle of Skye is one of the prettiest places in Scotland!
Autumn escapes: 10 best places to visit in October
October is a great month to book, too, as the weather is cool but dry and there are very few crowds. 5. Peru. For those looking for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, Peru awaits. It's one of the best places to visit in October in South America and is most well-known for the legendary Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
Best autumn breaks in the UK for 2023
Explore Edinburgh in its seasonal glory. October and November are ideal months for autumn breaks in Edinburgh, when you can take in the season's colours and visit the city at a slower pace. Take a walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens, enjoy whisky tastings and discover Scotland's crown jewels at Edinburgh Castle.
15 of the best holiday destinations for October
Main photo: surfers on the beach at sunset in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria (Alamy) Bruges in autumn (Getty Images) 1. Bruges, Belgium. Why go in October? For a crowd-free city break Autumn sees a lull ...
England in October: Travel Tips, Weather & More
Despite an increase in rain, October is a lovely time to experience autumn colors around the English countryside—perhaps with a self-guided road trip in the Cotswolds or a river tour in a medieval university town. If big city life is more your speed, London has plenty of action this month with a marathon (and half-marathon), a star-studded film festival, and Halloween-related events.
21 Amazing Days Out in October in England for 2023
6. Visit a zoo. Zoos make for one of the best days out in October for all the family, and there are many to choose from across England. October is a great time to visit as the weather is cooler and the animals are more active, and the autumn leaves make for a beautiful backdrop. The best time to visit is mid-morning when the animals are most ...
The 15 best places to visit in the UK in 2024
Plan your trip The Isle of Scilly food festival is a ten-day celebration of local provenance taking place in September, with mouth-watering events like beach BBQs and vineyard tours. 📍 The best ...
32 best holiday destinations in October
Temperature: 26°C high; 14°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 2 hours 45 minutes Time difference: GMT+1. A hot destination right now, the winds of change are finally blowing through old Seville - and October is the best time to visit for fresher air, when the winding streets are a little less sultry but no less romantic. Culturally ...
23 best places to visit in October
The best long-term travel experiences in October. 13. Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Pilgrims walking beneath eucalyptus trees on the Camino de Santiago (Shutterstock) The Camino de Santiago is a pilgrimage to the shrine of apostle Saint James, located in the grand Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in north-west Spain.
The Best Places to Travel in October
Aspen may seem like a bit of an obvious choice (hello, mountains famously full of yellow leaves), but obvious isn't always a bad thing. Hotel Jerome is a great place to set up camp, with a huge ...
Where is hot in October? Best holiday destinations for autumn sun
Average temperature in October: 21C. Hours of sunshine per day: 7. October falls in Malta's shoulder season, but temperatures in the capital remain high enough for an enjoyable, sun-kissed trip ...
15 Best Places to Visit in October 2024
Acadia National Park. #15 in Best Places to Visit in October 2024. The most beautiful time to visit Acadia National Park is October, hands down. By mid-month, this top attraction in Maine is ...
Where to go on holiday in October
Porto. steve_is_on_holiday // Getty Images. October is one of the best months to visit Porto, the enchanting city on the northwest coast of Portugal. In the mid-autumn, the weather is usually ...