The best PoB Breaks for Autumn 2024

The changing leaves and quieter tourist spots make this season perfect for those seeking a more intimate exploration of Britain's diverse landscapes. This autumn, why not embrace the art of slow travel and set off on a multi-destination UK road trip that allows you to truly savour each moment…

Enter PoB Breaks, a collection of carefully curated experiences that celebrate the essence of slow travel and showcase the very best of British hospitality. Whether you're drawn to the changing colours of the landscape, the harvest-time flavours, or the cosy atmosphere of country houses as the nights draw in, these carefully curated autumn breaks invite you to truly immerse yourself in the varied experiences our nation has to offer.

For those who prefer to craft their own adventure, peruse the interactive map, which not only highlights our collection of independently-owned luxury properties, but also pinpoints local activities and experiences. If you're looking for a more structured approach, PoB Breaks offers expertly designed itineraries catering to various passions – be it gastronomy, wellness, culture, or outdoor pursuits. These suggested routes can be followed in full or customised to create your perfect autumn break experience. So, pack your favourite jumper, hit the road, and prepare to fall in love with Britain's autumnal allure all over again.

Let's explore some of the most inspirational PoB Breaks awaiting you this autumn…

For those fascinated by architectural history and the interplay of design with nature, this new, 6 night break through southern England is particularly enchanting in autumn. Begin your 210 mile trip at Gravetye Manor, just a stone's throw away from London, where the 1,000-acre grounds showcase the legacy of pioneering gardener William Robinson in a riot of autumnal hues. Inside, oak-panelled rooms and ornate ceilings contrast beautifully with the modern glass extension housing the Michelin-starred restaurant, offering panoramic views of the season's changing palette.

As you journey southwest, the New Forest National Park beckons with its ancient woodlands ablaze in gold and russet. Stay at the Montagu Arms in Beaulieu, where the arts and crafts exterior harmonises with the surrounding foliage. Explore the forest's autumnal beauty, watching for wild ponies amidst golden leaves and perhaps witnessing the traditional pannage, where pigs roam freely feasting on fallen acorns. Choose between cosy traditional rooms or modern courtyard suites, and savour seasonal fare showcasing the forest's bounty at The Terrace restaurant or the welcoming Monty's Inn.

Conclude your architectural autumn break at Hartwell House in the Vale of Aylesbury, where the grand country house, featuring both Jacobean and Georgian elements, is framed by the Chilterns' autumn splendour. Explore the grounds as leaves crunch underfoot, discovering the historic Ionic temple and obelisk against a backdrop of copper and gold. Inside, the regal rooms once occupied by exiled French royalty, offer a cosy retreat from crisp air. Dine on seasonal delicacies in the ornate dining room, then relax by a crackling fire, perhaps with a glass of warming port.

For those yearning for rugged landscapes and rich traditions, this 8-night, 300-mile Scottish odyssey is particularly magical in autumn. Begin in Edinburgh, where the golden light of the season illuminates the castle and Old Town, creating a photographer's paradise. Rest your head aboard Fingal, a luxury floating hotel, or indulge in the opulence of Prestonfield House, both offering cosy retreats from the autumn chill.

As you journey north, witness the Highlands transform into a tapestry of russet and gold. At Cromlix, owned by tennis star Andy Murray, enjoy foraging experiences and whisky tastings that celebrate the bounty of the season. In Braemar, the Fife Arms offers the perfect base for exploring the autumnal splendour of the Cairngorms National Park, where red deer engage in their annual rut – a spectacular sight and sound of the season.

No autumnal Scottish staycation would be complete without a whisky tasting at the Macallan Distillery, where the spirit takes on extra warmth and depth in the cooler weather. Stay nearby at Ness Walk, an idyllic, secluded retreat nestled on the leafy banks of the River Ness, right in the heart of the vibrant and historic city of Inverness. From here, traverse the North Coast 500, and marvel at the dramatic coastline framed by heather-clad hills in their autumn colours. Conclude your highland adventure at The Torridon, where you can cosy up by a roaring fire after a day of leaf-peeping and wildlife spotting.

Autumn provides the perfect temperatures for a cycling holiday, and this 8-night, 110-mile tour of Sussex offers stunning seasonal views. Start at Ockenden Manor, on the way to which you can cycle past vineyards busy with the excitement of the grape harvest. Along the coast, the sea takes on a moody beauty in autumn, with migrating birds providing an ever-changing spectacle.

The South Downs Way is particularly beautiful at this time of year, with beech woods turning golden and views extending for miles under clear autumn skies. After your rides, relax in the spa at Bailiffscourt Hotel, or enjoy seasonal treatments at Park House Hotel & Spa.

Conclude your British cycling holiday with a ride through London's Hyde Park, where autumn colours provide a stunning contrast to the city's architecture. Stay at The Hari in Belgravia, perfectly positioned for exploring the capital's seasonal events and exhibitions.