As the seasons change, the UK offers a variety of affordable autumn getaways for those looking to enjoy the crisp air and vibrant colours. From foraging in historic gardens to stargazing in dark sky parks, there is something for everyone.
Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire is hosting an autumn festival in its walled garden from 24-26 September and 1-3 October. The event features food markets, foraging trails, and theatrical entertainment including wacky races and a dragon maze. Entry is free with palace admission (£30 for adults for palace, park and gardens; £19 for park and gardens only; children £17 or £9), and glamping nearby starts at about £75 per night.
For a nature-focused retreat, Little Retreat in Lawrenny, Pembrokeshire, offers luxury dome tents with private wood-fired hot tubs and outdoor bathtubs. Guests can choose from guided wild swimming sessions (from £55 per person), foraging and feasting experiences (£135 per person), or wellbeing classes. Two nights in a dome tent sleeping four or five start from £370.
Galloway Forest Park in Scotland, an international dark sky park, is the setting for a stargazing weekend at the Selkirk Arms hotel in Kirkcudbright from 29-31 October. Hosted by astronomer Steve Owens, the package includes talks, stargazing walks, and a visit to Dark Space Planetarium, priced at £289 per person for two nights with dinner and breakfast.
The Malvern Autumn Show (24-26 September, £18, under-16s free) at Three Counties Showground features giant vegetable competitions, artisan food stalls, and gardening talks. Nearby accommodation includes the Cottage in the Wood hotel (doubles from £199 B&B) or camping at Eastnor Castle (pitches £12 per night until 30 September). The Serpent Trail in Surrey and Hampshire offers a 65-mile hiking route through heathland, with opportunities to see rare reptiles and birds. Pied A Terre Adventures runs a five-night self-guided trip from £525 per person B&B.
