BBC Morning Live presenter Helen Skelton has shared her favourite autumn activities as Brits embrace the cooler weather after a record-breaking summer heatwave. The presenter spoke as a new study revealed that three-quarters of Brits said the soaring temperatures have made them appreciate chillier weather more.
Brits ready for 'cosy season'
A whopping 74% of people admitted that the high temperatures this summer have made them more grateful for cooler weather. Staycations, day trips and long walks are amongst the activities the nation put on hold this summer, as the study reveals two-fifths (40%) of Brits say they are more excited than ever for the autumn season.
Following a summer spent dodging the heat, 25% of Brits surveyed in the South Western Railway study said they're ready for 'cosy season'. Countryside walks (41%), visiting a pub (34%) and tucking into a Sunday roast (33%) all feature amongst the top ten activities considered far more enjoyable during autumn.
Helen Skelton's autumn advice
Ahead of summer drawing to a close on August 31, Helen explained: "Autumn is one of my favourite times of the year to get outdoors. After the heat of summer, there's something really refreshing about crisp air, cooler days and seeing the landscape start to change."
She added: "It's a brilliant time for exploring somewhere new, walking and making a proper day of it - especially if there's a cosy pub and a roast waiting at the end. I think we sometimes assume the best time to get out and explore is during summer, but autumn has so much to offer."
Helen continued: "The temperatures can be far more comfortable for a day trip or long walk, the colours are incredible and places often feel a little calmer once the summer rush has passed. For me, some of the best days are the simple ones - getting outside, discovering a new stretch of coastline or countryside and spending time with friends or family. You don't always need a big holiday or complicated plans - sometimes just jumping on a train and exploring somewhere different for the day is exactly what you need."
Plans for autumn trips
The survey found that more than half (53%) are already making plans for a UK-based trip this autumn, with two-fifths (39%) stating they're more inclined to embark on a staycation or day trip in autumn rather than summer. Visiting the coast (36%) came out on top of the list of destinations Britons want to reach by train this cosy season, followed by the countryside (29%) and cities (24%).
An adventurous 15% expressed a desire to visit somewhere entirely new, while for one in ten, food and drink destinations are firmly on their bucket lists. To encourage the nation to embrace the invigorating change of season, South Western Railway has launched a sale on rail travel across its network, urging Brits to discover the south west and beyond from as little as £3.
