3 of the Best Places to Spend Autumn in the UK

Autumn is one of my favourite times to travel around the UK.

Yes, people may mock the Great British weather's famous indecision, but leaving the house with a raincoat AND suncream is all part of the adventure, isn't it? It all contributes to the magic of the ever-changing landscapes that this beautiful country has to offer, and as we've seen from the last few months, the rain keeps the UK's beautiful shades of green in check!

The crowds have mostly dissipated, spurred on by the threat of changeable weather, the leaves have turned every shade of red, orange and gold and no one will judge you for spending the afternoon in a cosy pub or cafe with a slice of cake and a coffee, because that's just what you do in the 'ber months.

The UK really comes into its own in autumn - maybe this is controversial but I think there are lots of destinations around the UK that look even better through the autumn lens. Whether you're in search of tree-lined streets and long walks over crunchy leaves, a cosy city break or somewhere to watch the waves crash against the shoreline, these three places are my personal recommendations and they're sure to deliver!

100 Things To Do in Bristol Without a Car

Updated September 2026

Hey Owlets,

If you're looking for a city that has it all, Bristol is THE place to visit. Over the years Bristol has become known as a foodie hotspot and a hub of arts and culture, but there's even more to it than that! This vibrant city on the water is home to a whole host of museums, adventure experiences, various attractions and so many stunning walks that I still haven't ticked them all off, having lived here for 30 years!

There are so many things to see and do in and around Bristol, but this wonderful city has one huge issue - the public transport. Bristol's spotty public transport network is so well known that it was recently discussed in parliament! 

Exploring Bristol without a car is definitely more challenging, but it's not impossible and I will say that it's gotten much easier over the past decade. There are several places that you do need a car to get to, but there are also literally hundreds of things to see and do that are accessible via public transport. In case you don't believe me, I'm going to share 100 things to see and do in Bristol without a car. I've split it into different categories so you can search by what interests you too. 

Also, if you're hoping to visit for a weekend city break I've shared a guide to visiting Bristol on a budget which goes into more detail about where to stay, what to eat and what to do on a budget.

How to Spend a Weekend in Bristol, UK on a Budget

Updated September 2026

Hey Owlets,

Just like everything else, travelling is getting more expensive. The same budget that used to stretch to a week long trip, a few long weekends or a last minute cruise is now stretched during just one trip - especially if you’re exploring a big city like Bristol. I love my hometown but it has a reputation for being pricey, and while that’s not miles away from the truth a trip to Bristol doesn’t have to cost the Earth. There are plenty of ways that you can visit Bristol on a budget and still make the most out of your trip to the city.

The Best Things to Do in Bristol This Autumn

Updated August 2026

I know I'm biased as a proud Bristolian, but there's something extra special about Bristol in autumn. The busy streets get a little quieter, local pubs start bringing entertainment inside, the city lights up with different firework displays and the autumn markets get a new buzz about them as people start planning for Christmas. 

Having lived in Bristol my whole life, Autumn is one of my favourite times of year to explore the city. After a busy summer jam-packed with events and adventures, and months of pointing lost tourists in the right direction every time you head into the city centre, autumn feels like a selfish opportunity for locals to take a breath and unwind for a while. Autumn offers the perfect opportunity to appreciate the peace and quiet between the two busy seasons, and enjoy orange-tinged views up the tree-lined streets - a sight that not many tourists stay to enjoy.

Autumn isn't typical tourist season in Bristol, but in my opinion it's one of the best times to visit - here are a few of my absolute highlights. 

In The Pursuit of Finding Joy

Hey friends,

It's been a while since I posted on The Owlet.

I started this website in 2017 as a hobby in an attempt to feed my creative side while working as a commercial event photographer and coming to terms with the fact that I now hated the job I’d worked so hard to build for myself. 

My creative outlet did a little too well and somehow became my job back in 2019, but over the last few years its been increasingly difficult to find the passion for writing that I once had an abundance of. Somewhere between the industry-wide focus on "helpful content", Google’s many updates coming in thick and fast, and multiple life-changing events in my personal life, I didn’t have the space in my brain to write for fun anymore. 

Earlier this year I lost my mum - one of my biggest cheerleaders and the person who taught me to look for the small joys in everyday life, even something as simple as enjoying a coffee with a pretty view. Somewhere in the stillness after the funeral, I  realised that somewhere along the way I'd been so busy wanting to make Mum happy and comfortable that I’d stopped looking for joy for myself. 

So a few months ago I decided to go all in on the pursuit of farming for joy and finding ways to make the days count. I spent so long saying no that my default answer to any opportunity is YES. I’m very much in the mindset of I’ll try anything once, because if you haven’t tried it then how do you know if you’ll enjoy it?