This time of year makes us think about the immortal words of 60s quartet The Mamas & the Papas – 'all the leaves are brown' – which means it's time to head into the countryside and experience the stunning colours of fall before they disappear. Why not make a weekend of it, and book yourself an autumn break? From cosy pubs with rooms and boutique B&Bs to cottages with log burners, there are plenty of options to mull over. Read on for a few of our favourite places to stay in autumn.
The New Forest
To make an autumn break of it, how about the fantastic Careys Manor Hotel, positioned right in the midst of the National Park, with great comfort, the SenSpa, a pool and more? There's also sister property the Montagu Arms in nearby Beaulieu, that's home to the highly-rated Terrace Restaurant. Out and about, amble the two-mile riverside walk to Buckler's Hard. Another top option is Cottage Lodge Hotel, an eco-conscious boutique property on the edge of Brockenhurst with 16 rustic-chic, individually designed bedrooms.
Fore more options, check out our New Forest accommodation, with everything from country house hotels and rural cottages to scenic hostels.
RHS Wisley, Surrey
For a top autumn break, The Stag on the River sits on the river in Godalming, a charming 17-century pub with top-notch service and food and seven timber-framed bedrooms. Part of the local Grosvenor Pubs group, another top option is The Kings Arms in Egham. For something a little different, Denbies Vineyard Hotel fits the bill – a rural 17-room retreat where you can take a tour, sample estate wines, and eat at one of the on-site restaurants.
Kenn for more? Check out our Surrey accommodation guide.
Diwali, The Midlands
Just outside the city centre, try the contemporary Edgbaston Park Hotel. And for self-catering places to stay across the region, there are plenty of choices, from Cruckbarn, a super-stylish rural retreat and cosy Cider Mill Cottage near Worcester to Peak Boutique Cottages in Leek, Well Furlong Cottage in Worcestershire, and Sheriff Lodge in Matlock. For an upscale country house hotel, check into Brockencote Hall just outside Kidderminster or The Cavendish Hotel at Baslow, and if it's something a bit quirky you're after, take a look at The Tawny in Staffordshire, Riverside Cabins in Shropshire, Talton Lodge Glamping and Barn in Warwickshire, or Forest Holidays Sherwood Forest.
For more, have a look at our accommodation in the Midlands and book yourself an autumn break!
The Lake District
For self-catering luxury check out Cassius Living, a collection of properties in and around Bowness-on-Windermere, or Lowfield House in Little Langdale valley. Or how about stylish bed and breakfast Victorian House in Grasmere, elegant hotel The Belsfield on the banks of Lake Windermere, boutique B&B Randy Pike in Ambleside or The Yan that's also home to a first-rate bistro? For a secluded spot near Farleton Fell, take a look at Once Upon A Fell, and if you're seeking a romantic lakeside Ullswater bolthole, it's all about The Boathouse at Knotts End.
Haven't found what you're looking for? Check out our guide to accommodation in the Lake District for more autumn break options.
Sussex Bonfires
We have tons of excellent accommodation choices, from The Nest, a charming cottage on the edge of the Ashdown Forest, and Upper Barn, an eco-friendly property in the South Downs National Park to Simple Getaway and their range of first-rate properties. And let's not forget boutique B&B cum music venue Trading Boundaries, and Honeybridge Estate, offering self-catering for groups plus a swimming pool, tennis courts and more. Hotel-wise, check out historic Bailiffscourt with its rather lovely spa or their sister pub just down the road: The Black Horse, Climping. There's also boutique bolthole The Old Rectory, and for an exclusive use option, Fair Oak Farm sleeps up to 32!
For more autumn break recommendations, check out our guide to Sussex stays.
Scotland
In terms of accommodation, there's chic self-catering for up to 12 at 94DR in Edinburgh, luxury hotel Murrayshall Country Estate in Perthshire, luxe log cabins at LazyDay Cottages in the Scottish Borders, and The Manor House, an elegant hotel overlooking Oban Bay. It's also worth checking out Highland Perthshire Holiday Homes, self-catering for groups at Gulabin Lodge, five-star boutique B&B The Viewmount, and dog-friendly country house retreat Trigony House Hotel & Garden Spa.
Check out our Best of Scotland page to find more incredible places to stay all over the country for an autumn break.
If you've enjoyed our autumn breaks blog, why not check out our Inspiration page? Or, for a range of offers, head to Hot Deals.
And for more property suggestions, browse our guides, from romantic retreats and dog-friendly hotels to cottages with hot tubs.
Image 1 from: https://www.thenewforest.co.uk
Image 2 from: https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley