11 of the best autumn breaks in the UK

When it comes to truly great autumn holiday ideas, Scotland offers a wealth of opportunities for cosy retreats in breathtakingly beautiful countryside. And for whisky lovers, there’s no better time of year for a tour of the finest distilleries in the land. You’ll find many big brands and boutique producers in the capital,  Edinburgh, to the Isles of Jura or Harris,  and dotted around the land. But to truly raise your spirits, head to the home of The Macallan —the mighty single malt magicians —in Speyside, where you can enjoy a guided tour of the distillery and taste the amber liquid.

And for a double measure of whisky and wildlife, autumn breaks in Ayrshire are hard to beat. In this beautiful region, you can fill your days with field sports and the majestic sight of rutting red stags and sample the national liquor when the autumn sun goes down.

Where to stay: Glenapp Castle, an award-winning luxury hotel in Ayrshire, offers a wealth of country sports such as deer stalking and pheasant shooting, as well as fishing and falconry. And in addition to fine dining, it’s renowned for its excellent whisky tasting experiences. The hotel’s whisky connoisseurs will invite you to sample an array of different whisky styles from the Scottish lowlands, to the highlands.

Seeking a sweet little autumn break in the UK that’ll transport you to a bygone era? Make your way to the lovely haven of Lavenham in Suffolk. Lavenham is one of the best-preserved Medieval towns in the UK, with more than 320 beautiful Grade II-listed timber framed buildings, many of which are protected by English Heritage. Granted ‘market status’ by Henry VIII, it became a thriving centre for the wool trade, and by 1524 Lavenham was ranked the 14th richest town in the country thanks to the famous Lavenham Blues cloth.

Today, you’ll discover a charming farmer’s market on Sundays, curiosity shops and traditional pubs —and a wealth of attractions on your doorstep, including The Talbot Trail, a a series of 14 statues around Sudbury, the Suffolk vineyards, and stately homes such as Kentwell Hall and Helmingham Hall Gardens.

Where to stay: Tuck yourself away in Tudor splendour at The Swan at Lavenham, a stunning 15-th century hotel with cosy nooks and roaring fires — as well as a delightful spa —located in the heart of this charming town.

Sometimes all you really need is a restorative weekend spa break. The UK boasts some of the very best luxury spa hotels in the world, all offering a tempting selection of treatments and a wide variety of wellness facilities and programmes. For inspiration for a restful British escape, peruse our Wellness Collection featuring PoB’s most stunning spa hotels.

Whether you’re in the mood for a city break or a rural escape, you’re sure to find a spa hotel that hits the spot, but in the autumn months, there’s something extra lovely about taking a spa weekend in a countryside hotel where you can sip your herbal teas in front of a log fire.

Where to stay: For weekend spa breaks with a botanical theme, The Elms Hotel & Spa in Worcestershire is sure to melt your heart. This boutique manor house which offers award-winning fine dining is also home to The Greenhouse Spa — a very chic sanctuary for R&R.

If your idea of heaven is hunting down antiques and curiosities and discovering arty hangouts, there’s a little place in Pembrokeshire that’s perfect for weekend breaks in the UK for couples. The quaint little town of Narberth has a wealth of Welsh charms: its thriving high street is packed with independent shops and cute cafés, and you’ll find a full calendar of local events from arts fairs to live music. Known for its arts scene, it's a great place for finding unusual art works, as well as high quality artisanal fayre.

The town is also your gateway to the glorious Pembrokeshire Coast National Park that stretches inland along the banks of the River Cleddau — and the gorgeous Pembrokeshire coastline with its many walking trails is within easy reach.

Where to stay: The very best of Welsh hospitality awaits you at the Grove of Narberth, a celebrated luxury country house hotel with award-winning restaurant in a prime spot in the Pembrokeshire countryside.

Did you know that it’s possible to spot migrating whales and dolphins off the Yorkshire coast? Pack your waterproofs and binoculars and make your way to the harbour village of Staithes. From here, you can set sail on one of the many boat trips, including the Seabirds and Whales Twilight tour —a four-hour guided adventure to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

Late summer is the best time to spot minke whales but bottle-nosed dolphins are now seen all year round on the coast, and in increasing numbers. And if you’re a bit of a twitcher, there’s bird life galore — Arctic Skuas, Great Skuas, Long-tailed Skuas, Sooty Shearwaters, and Atlantic Puffins to name but a few.

Where to stay: Check into the Feversham Arms Hotel & Verbena Spa, a Mediterranean-inspired retreat tucked away in the Yorkshire market town of Helmsley that invites guests to feast on fabulous food and have a whale of time in its chic spa.

When it comes to combining beachcombing with a history tour, the picturesque island of Jersey offers a multitude of experiences for a great autumn weekend break in the UK. As the summer crowds disperse, the island reveals its quieter charms and autumn temperatures are perfect for cultural tours and sightseeing.

Wander on golden sand around stunning bays and immerse yourself in Jersey’s rich heritage. Must-see attractions include the imposing medieval Mont Orgueil Castle and a tour of the thought-provoking Jersey War Tunnels, where you can learn the true story about life on the island under the German occupation during World War 11. Then explore the charming streets of the capital, St. Helier, famous for its fabulous jewellery, boutique shopping and waterfront bars and restaurants.

Where to stay: For breathtaking ocean views, decadent dining and first-class beachside facilities, The Atlantic is one of the very finest hotels on the island, offering memorable escapes for families and couples.