Cosy Getaways: Best Countryside Retreats For Autumn
![Cosy Getaways: Best Countryside Retreats For A]()
Autumn is the UK’s best-kept secret season for travel. The crowds have gone, the landscapes are ablaze with colour, and every countryside lane feels like it’s been dipped in gold. It’s the time of year for log fires, crisp walks, hearty meals, and cosy hideaways where you can truly relax.
So, whether you’re seeking a romantic weekend away, a family holiday, or just a quiet reset, we’ve rounded up the best countryside retreats for autumn plus all the insider tips you’ll need to plan, pack, and travel smoothly.
Why Autumn Countryside Escapes Are Special
Autumn in the countryside is all about slowing down and savouring the moment. Picture yourself crunching through leaves on a woodland trail, watching mist roll over hills in the morning, then returning to a cottage where the fire is already crackling.
It’s also a great time to travel because:
- Fewer crowds: Popular villages and trails are quieter than in the summer.
- Seasonal events: Harvest festivals, food markets, and cosy bonfire nights.
- Nature at its best: Trees in full fiery colour, and wildlife preparing for winter.
- Lower prices: Accommodation and travel often cost less in shoulder season.
Where To Escape To This Autumn
![]()
1. The Cotswolds - Golden Villages & Rolling Hills
The Cotswolds are perhaps the ultimate autumn destination. Villages like Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold are at their most picturesque, with honey-stone cottages framed by blazing foliage. Popular walks include the Cotswold Way and Broadway Tower, which is particularly striking at sunset.
Where To Stay: Many companies offer stone cottages and barns, with log burners and dog-friendly spaces, so you can really experience the Cotswolds atmosphere.
Best For: Couples seeking romance, families after a slow weekend, and walkers who love a view.
Tripp Recommendation: Our Escape Collection is a stylish and practical design that matches the charm of cosy cottages and village strolls.
2. Lake District - Lakeside Strolls & Cosy Pubs
The Lake District in autumn feels like something from a painting. Grasmere, Ambleside, and Keswick become a patchwork of red, orange, and gold. Walks around Derwentwater or Buttermere are perfect for crisp mornings, while evenings call for a pint in a fireside pub.
Where To Stay: Cabins near Windermere or luxury lodges in Grasmere, with many offering hot tubs with sweeping lake views.
Best For: Walkers, photographers, and anyone who enjoys hearty food and rustic charm.
Tripp Recommendation: The Holiday 8 Collection is perfect with extra space for boots, layers, and waterproofs, making it ideal for outdoor adventures.
![]()
![]()
3. Scottish Highlands - Hot Tubs & Starry Skies
Few places rival the drama of the Highlands in autumn: picture golden valleys, lochs glistening in low light, and the chance to glimpse the Northern Lights.
Where To Stay: Highland lodges and cabins offer a magical mix of comfort and wilderness, often with cosy touches like log burners or private hot tubs.
Best For: Adventure-seekers, couples, and those looking for something truly unique.
Tripp Recommendation: Rugged yet stylish, the Retro collection is perfect for Highland adventures, offering space for chunky knits, hiking gear, and all-weather layers.
4. The New Forest - Woodland Wandering & Wild Ponies
The New Forest is an autumn wonderland, with wild ponies roaming under fiery canopies. Cycling is a brilliant way to see the forest, and nearby Lyndhurst and Brockenhurst villages are filled with cafes perfect for warming up.
Where To Stay: Cosy cabins and boutique B&Bs nestled deep in the woods.
Best for: Families, pet owners, and nature lovers.
Tripp Recommendation: The Chic Collection combines durability with elegant design, making it perfect for woodland getaways where you want practicality without compromising on style.
![]()
![]()
5. Yorkshire Dales - Rolling Hills & Market Towns
The Dales are all charm in autumn, with wide landscapes dotted by dry-stone walls and charming villages like Grassington and Hawes. The Dales Way is a popular walking route, while local pubs offer hearty Yorkshire puddings and slow-cooked stews.
Where To Stay: Traditional stone cottages and countryside inns are dotted across the Dales, offering snug fireplaces, hearty breakfasts, and easy access to walking trails.
Best For: Hikers, foodies, and anyone seeking wide open space.
Tripp Recommendation: The Horizon Collection is strong and dependable, with space for chunky knits and hiking gear.
6. Cornwall & Devon - Coastal Charm With Autumn Warmth
Though famous for summer escapes, Cornwall and Devon shine in autumn. Beaches are quieter, making coastal walks along the South West Coast Path even more special. Retreats like woodland domes in Devon or Cornish seaside cottages offer the best of both worlds, sea air and countryside calm.
Where To Stay: Coastal cottages and countryside lodges are plentiful, many with sea views, wood-burning stoves, and easy access to walking trails.
Best For: Couples, surfers, families, and those who want a combination of coast and countryside.
Tripp Recommendation: The Breeze Collection is lightweight and easy to manoeuvre, ideal for coastal and countryside escapes.
![]()
![]()
7. Wales - Valleys, Castles, & Cosy Cabins
Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons are incredible in autumn. Think misty mountain views, waterfalls surrounded by red leaves, and castles that feel straight out of folklore.
Where To Stay: Rustic cabins and countryside cottages are plentiful across Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons, many offering log burners, hot tubs, and dramatic views of the valleys.
Best For: Families, hikers, and adventurers.
Tripp Recommendation: The Style Lite Collection is robust but versatile, with room for outdoor kit and all-weather clothing.
Making The Most Of Your Autumn Break
Autumn isn’t just about the views, it’s about the experiences that come with them:
- Go Walking: National Trails like Hadrian’s Wall, Cotswold Way, or Lake District loops are stunning in autumn light.
- Visit Harvest Festivals: Many villages host apple-picking, cider pressing, or pumpkin fairs.
- Sample Seasonal Food: Try venison, pheasant, or hearty root vegetable dishes in local pubs.
- Stargaze: With darker nights, autumn is ideal for spotting constellations and even the Milky Way.
- Cosy Indoors: Board games, local ales, and nights by the fire are part of the magic.
Travel Tips For Getting There
- By Train: Many retreats are accessible via mainline stations: try Bath for the Cotswolds, Windermere for the Lakes, and Aviemore for the Highlands.
- By Car: Driving offers the most flexibility, especially for hidden cabins. Remember, country roads can be narrow, so pack light and smart.
- By Coach: A budget-friendly way to reach larger towns before transferring to your retreat.
Your Autumn Adventure Awaits
Wherever you choose, the right Tripp luggage makes every journey smoother, lighter, and more stylish. From the rolling hills of the Cotswolds to the dramatic lochs of Scotland, autumn is the season to slow down, breathe in fresh air, and recharge. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, a family adventure, or a solo escape, the UK’s countryside is waiting to welcome you.
- 17th September 2025
