Hey Owlets,
The leaves have begun to turn, the sun now sets before 8pm and the rain has returned (not that it ever really left - what happened to summer this year?!). With summer being mostly a non-starter, I’m uncharacteristically excited for the darker months this year. I’m already wondering where to hang fairy lights, thinking about purchasing my favourite home fragrance in candle form and dreaming of pumpkin picking and bundling up to go for a wander on a chilly day. On that note, I wanted to share a few places that are my absolute favourite spots to spend a cosy autumn day.
Bath, UK -
Bath is an ideal city for a weekend break at any time of year; in the summer you have festivals galore and beautiful architecture to explore and in winter the city transforms into a wintery paradise. Autumn is a somewhat under-rated time to visit the city, but it’s secretly my favourite. As Bath waves goodbye to the summer tourists and braces for the Christmas shoppers, the city enters a lull. The independent shops are open but not over-run, the restaurants are still busy but you can always get a seat, you can enjoy peace and quiet in the museums and the historic limestone buildings reflect the beautiful reddish tones in the autumn leaves. Don’t get me wrong, I love the hustle and bustle of Bath in the summer, but there’s something special about feeling like you’re the only one that’s been let in on the secret for a while which makes Bath one of the best places to enjoy autumn in the UK. If you’re wondering where to go in Bath, you need to visit Dough (best gluten free pizza I’ve ever had), Beckford Tower, the art galleries (Victoria and Holburne are my favourites), The Boater, The Courtyard Cafe and Milsom Place. The arcades also provide a great mix of eclectic shops and cosy cafes, and are definitely worth exploring!
The Cotswold Villages -
Looking to step back in time for a few hours? Try exploring the Cotswold villages on an autumnal afternoon. I personally do my best to avoid the Cotswolds during summer, having seen what a few viral Instagram posts did to them, but the Cotswolds is undoubtably one of the best places to visit in autumn in the UK. As the tourists disappear you can enjoy a quiet stroll through chocolate-box streets without feeling like you’re fighting for every inch of space you take up. Snag the window seat in the local pub to enjoy the views with lunch or a hot drink, take time to explore the little hole-in-the-wall independent boutiques and explore the surrounding woodlands in the peace and quiet. If you’re not sure where to start, Castle Combe is the most Instagram-famous and empties out after summer so autumn is the perfect time to visit. For beautiful tree-lined streets along the river banks, head to Bourton on the Water or Stow on the Wold. If you’re looking for some equally beautiful but less visited villages, I’d suggest Painswick (known as the “Queen of the Cotswolds” but strangely less visited than the likes of Castle Combe), Broadway for its boutiques and art galleries, or Burford for a Cotswold “village” feel with a bit more to do than just admire the views.
Bristol -
Having spent many an autumn traipsing through soggy London streets before getting overheated on the tube, I thought I hated cities in the colder months but it turns out you just need to visit the right city (spoiler alert: it’s not London).
Admittedly I’m rather biased as it is my home town, but Bristol is the perfect spot for a weekend city break in autumn. Packed to the rafters with culture and heritage and famous for the residents’ “give it a try” spirit, there’s always something new to see (even when the weather isn’t at its best). You’ll find a wealth of museums across the city centre and beyond that are perfect to explore while you shelter from the rain. Venture into Clifton Village for a walk along tree-lined streets on a cool day or explore the independent shops in the arcade (or head to Gloucester Road for the cooler, more laid back small businesses). Bristol is known for being the quirky foodie - expect a wealth of independent restaurants serving up locally sourced and seasonal food that caters to all budgets, international eats, and plenty of one-of-a-kind cafes and bars. A few must-visits during a chilly trip to Bristol include The Glassboat, Small Street Espresso, Left Handed Giant, the Old Vic and M Shed.
If you don’t mind a bit of rain, love feeling cosy and prefer to avoid busy places then Autumn is arguably the best time to visit the UK. Expect to find peaceful spots for a hearty meal, warm and welcoming bookshops and museums and art galleries to capture everyone’s interests.
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