With overseas travel not looking to return to its pre-pandemic levels for some time, most of us will be taking our holidays within the British Isles for the time being, letting us see some of the incredible beauty we have close to home.

Autumn is a great time for a close to home escape. Although you might have to contingency plan for some unsettled weather, golden, red, yellow and brown shades give the countryside a poetic depth as the evenings draw in.

Without further ado, here are some of our recommended Autumn escapes:

Stay in a medieval Monmouthshire house

Nestled in the Llanthony Valley on the edge of the Brecon Beacons, Llwyn Celyn is regarded as one of the most spectacular medieval houses in Wales. Constructed in 1420, the building was restored by the Landmark Trust. The house serves as an excellent base for exploring the evocative ruins of Llanthony Priory and the hiking and biking trails of the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons.

Price: Four nights from £964. The cottage sleeps 8 (landmarktrust.org.uk)

Off-Grid Glamping in Dorset

The Gathering Camp in Dorset is a perfect escape from the routine of daily life. Located a mile and a half from the nearest road, the camp is a collection of four shepherds huts and a large communal living hut with a campfire and a wood-fired hot tub.

The sleeping huts are insulated and fitted with wood burners, perfect for keeping cosy on those chilly autumn nights. Deer and badgers are frequent visitors to the campsites and camp owners Ali and Adam can introduce you to the resident herd of red deer on request.

Price: Camp 6 from £325 per night  (canopyandstars.co.uk)

Walk the Scottish Highlands

The Highlands are at their finest in Autumn when any tourists have retreated south and the midges have departed. Expect snow capped mountains and russet-red moors filled with the roars of rutting stags.

Wilderness Scotland offer an Autumn Highlands walking trip, taking in incredible locations such as the Great Glen and Glen Affric. This easy walking holiday lets you enjoy the dramatic sights each day, enjoying a cosy fire and warm meal in the evenings.

Price: £1,095 per person including accommodation in an eco-friendly boutique hotel and transfers from Inverness  (wildernessscotland.com)

Forage in the Forest of Dean

Tudor Farmhouse, on the edge of the Forest of Dean, is a stylish boutique hotel that couples luxury with an authentic autumnal experience. Expect homely bedrooms, open fires and a restaurant serving food sourced from within a 20 mile radius. This Autumn the hotel will be offering foraging trips where guests will be able to find delicious mushrooms, berries and herbs from the surrounding woodland. The hotel’s head chef will then cook a gourmet lunch using the ingredients that guests have found.  (tudorfarmhousehotel.co.uk)

Price: Overnight packages from £300 per couple

Source

https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2018/sep/23/20-top-autumn-getaways-city-breaks-uk-europe  – prices all checked and upated for 2020