England in Autumn is amazing. You can find great foliage and fall vibes. Let me show you all of the very best places to experience Autumn in England. If you’re looking for cheaper trips, foliage, romantic experiences and lesser crowded attractions than this is the destination for you. Autumn is the shoulder season in England, so the rates will be better, and the weather only slightly cooler. Because England is quieter in the Autumn, you’ll get to see more and really enjoy the seasonal spirit. Let me show you some of the most places in England to visit on your fall vacation.
This post may contain compensated links, which means, at no cost to you, I earn a commission. Read our disclaimer here.
What you need to know about exploring England in Autumn
The UK in Autumn is still warm in early Autumn. It’s the perfect time to enjoy the shoulder season without the prices and the crowds. If you want to see beautiful foliage however, you’ll need to come later in the season. Prepare to rug up as winter approaches and plan your itinerary with shorter daylight hours in mind.
When it comes to October holiday destinations, England has that perfect combination of temperate weather and beautiful fall leaves. Whether you’re enjoying autumn in London or in the country side, you’re in for a beautiful experience.
Enjoy a pop of autumnal colour in the Cotswolds
The quaint stone villages and beautiful country side make the Cotswolds one of the prettiest places to enjoy Britain in Autumn. Villages such as The Slaughters and Stowe-on-Wold come alive with ivy lined walls burning red.
Make sure to stroll through a church yard or two . The combination of a misty morning, amber leaves and ancient stone building is magical.
The Cotswolds is one of the prettiest places to take an Autumn walk. Blenheim Palace is the perfect place to explore and crunch fall leaves underfoot.
READ | If you love Roman ruins, visit nearby North Leigh Roman Villa
READ | Visit the Cotswolds most beautiful village – The Slaughters
A trip to England in Autumn would be incomplete without punting in Cambridge
Rug up and enjoy the beach to yourself in York
Fall foliage is king, but why not mix it up with a trip to the beach? The summer crowds have packed up and long expansive beaches like those in York are perfect for an autumnal walk.t
Walk down the sea wall at Bridlington to the beach. When the tide is out, the sand stretches for miles. Unlike Beachy Head and other beaches on the South Coast of England, Yorkshire has stunning sandy shores.
Autumn brings wales and porpoises to the York Coast. Boat tours run from Staithes and allow you to get up close.
If you’d prefer to head a little further inland, the moors come alive with heather. It is a purple haze as far as the eye can see. Autumn is apple harvest season and the perfect time to enjoy a cider. Try it warm and spiced to warm up post exploration!
READ | Bridlington – Yorkshire’s prettiest seaside village
READ | Love the beach? Why not explore Beachy Head in East Sussex?
READ | Plan your trip and visit England’s most beautiful cathedrals (hint, one’s in York!)
Immerse yourself in beautiful foliage at Bedgebury Pinetum
A pinetum is a botanic garden that focuses specifically on conifers. Bedgebury Pinetum is one of the largest of its kind in the world. Despite focussing on conifers it also has a large range of deciduous trees.
Instead of a hike, why not bike ride through the autumnal foliage? The park features miles of gravel paths perfect for all ability levels. When the fall foliage is at its peak it’s absolutely stunning riding through a canopy of red. It’s a bucketlist place to experience Autumn in England and one of the prettiest days out in Kent.
There is an onsite cafe, lake and easy parking. Bedgebury Pinetum is located in Kent. It’s an easy drive from London and there is plenty of parking.
ESSENTIAL TRAVEL TIP : TAKE GREAT PHOTOS EVEN WITHOUT A DSLR
Cosy up in an Oast House in Rye
Experience Autumn in London
Take a walk along the Thames. Its the perfect place to spot iconic sights like Big Ben framed in an autumnal leaf frame. Towards November the sky lights up with fireworks to celebrate Guy Fawkes Day. It’s simply unmissable. Additionally, many of the Christmas lights are turned on in early November. Celebrating Christmas in London is a truly unforgettable experience.
PLAN | Visit late Autumn and experience the London Christmas lights
READ | Discover the best things to do in London at Christmas
Experience Bonfire night in Lewes - An essential England Autumn experience!
Whilst London celebrates Guy Fawkes Day, there’s no celebration like Lewes. Lewes is the home of Bonfire night and the village in which you’ll see the best parades and celebrations.
Lewes is on the Brighton and Eastbourne lines, so easily accessed from London. Additionally it is around 1 hour’s drive from Rye and the Bedgebury Pinetum.
Arrive early to get a great spot to watch the parades. There are multiple vantage points throughout the town, so there is plenty to see. It’s a unique fall experience in England that you surely won’t forget.
The ancient township of Lewes is also very beautiful. It is the location of Anne of Cleaves house (one of Henry VIII’s wives), a castle and beautiful traditional stone buildings. Arrive during daylight to explore. Festivities start at sunset.
READ | Come back to the region in winter to experience the nearby Burning of the Clocks festival
More reasons to experience Autumn in England
Save me for later!
