Britain’s record-breaking summer has started to feel like a distant memory. But Sykes Holiday Cottages’ pick of the six prettiest places for an autumn getaway show that the change in seasons could be a very welcome one.
Where should you take a break this Autumn?
From a typical Yorkshire Dales town to a picture-perfect part of the Lakes, this list will have your choice of cosy staycation sorted.
Gunnislake, Cornwall
This charming West Country village is located on the border of Devon and Cornwall and lies on the banks of the River Tamar. Gunnislake is within easy reach of Dartmoor and the market town of Tavistock, renowned for its pannier market.
The area is ideal for an autumn escape, with plenty of red and gold-hued woodland to explore. Visitors should wrap up warm to cycle one of the many trails on and around the moor.
Littleborough, South Pennines
Set beneath hills and wild moorland on the edge of the Pennines, Littleborough is surrounded by some of the North West’s most scenic countryside, which is beautiful during this time of year.
Nearby Hollingworth Lake and Country Park spans 118 acres against the dramatic backdrop of Blackstone Edge. Rent a boat on the lake, take one of the many guided walks or simply relax at one the park’s cafés, restaurants or pubs.
Icklesham, East Sussex
Autumn is a great time to take in the East Sussex coast. Icklesham is a lovely village set in High Wealds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The village boasts two award-winning pubs and the coast is just a few miles away. Camber Sands lies to the east and is home to the only sand dunes in East Sussex – a good location for a peaceful, autumnal stroll along the beach. Travellers can also visit Pevensey Castle and Battle Abbey, which is the site of the famous Battle of Hastings.
Haworth, Yorkshire Dales
Known as the home of the rugged moorland that inspired Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights, this picturesque place has been described as the village that time forgot, with its myriad of antiques shops, alleyways and cobbled streets.
This Yorkshire Dales destination can be enjoyed whatever the weather. Moody skies only add to the drama of the moors and the Brontë waterfall is a wonderful sight come rain or shine.
Far Sawrey, Lake District
The idyllic village of Far Sawrey is the inspiration for several of Beatrix Potter’s books and is a brilliant base for an autumn escape to the Lakes. Discover Potter’s beloved home at Hill Top Farm or explore 17th century cottages in nearby Hawkshead.
The Lake District has a wealth of pubs and inns to sample, some of which date back centuries. Roaring fires and low ceilings are still very much the norm, and the end of peak tourist season means there’s more chance of bagging the cosiest seats.
North Kessock, The Highlands
North Kessock is just miles from Inverness in the Northern Highlands. The main village consists of a long line of buildings along the shore, with a steep wooded hillside immediately behind them.
Autumn is the best time to visit to explore the Ord Hill, a forested ridge on the Black Isle, just across the Kessock Bridge and overlooking Inverness.
Nearby Beauly Firth is teeming with wildlife, and bottlenosed dolphins and seals can often be spotted there.
Guests can enjoy an autumn staycation at one of these locations with Sykes Holiday Cottages. Breaks can be booked by visiting www.sykescottages.co.uk or by calling 01244 617683.