Autumn Getaways

Autumn breaks are great for anyone who loves wrapping up for a bracing walk or settling down beside a warming fire. With the sun’s lingering warmth and shorter, quieter days, this glorious season heralds a riot of colour and provides the perfect backdrop for family half-term adventures, active getaways or something more relaxing. 

Our friends at the National Trust have a fantastic selection of cosy holiday cottages situated in glorious locations throughout the UK. We’ve picked out some of the best of them for you to discover on your next autumn getaway.

Images: Rothley Lakehouse, National Trust / Mike Henton

Steeped in history this luxury lakeside cottage is ideal for special occasions, celebrations and family gatherings. As well as the cottage’s stunning interior, outside there’s a large, enclosed garden with views of Rothley Lake – perfect for some al fresco dining – and the surrounding area is full of wildlife to spot including deer, owls and pheasants.

Rothley Lake was inspired by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, who was born in Northumberland and was one of Britain’s most famous landscape designers. There are many places nearby to explore too, such as Hadrian’s Wall, Northumberland National Park, Alnwick Castle and Gardens, and Northumberland International Dark Sky Park. Plus, a wealth of walking and cycling routes around Northumberland's countryside and coast, including the cycle route from Wallington to Blyth or a lovely river walk at nearby Wallington.

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Image: Old Slaughter House, National Trust / John Miller

With its exposed beams, lots of natural light and countryside-inspired décor, this quaint cottage is full of character and an idyllic setting for an autumn country break. Nestled right on the Oxfordshire border, the cottage is surrounded by nature, like the nearby woodlands and fields, making it perfect for long walks and time away from life's hustle and bustle. 

You get your own private area at the back, which is ideal for a post-walk cup of tea and there’s also a free-standing bath in the bathroom for those cold rainy days when you want to just soak and unwind with a book. Perfect for couples who love the outdoors, it’s located down a quiet lane with the countryside on your doorstep, making it great for a walking or cycling holiday any time of the year. The local pub and tea-room in Coleshill village, is only a short walk away, so you can unwind with a drink after a day exploring the nearby Coleshill Estate. The historic town of Lechlade for a river-based adventures is just a short drive away too. With nature and history are on your doorstep, what more could you need?

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Images: The Old Rectory, National Trust / Mike Henton

For a unique group getaway on the coast, you can’t get much better than this historic cottage on the Gower Peninsula. Offering a panoramic view of Rhossili Bay and Worms Head Island, Rhossili Old Rectory is the only building situated on this world-famous bay. Built in the 1800s, the house has had an intriguing past – from its role as a base for radar workers during the Second World War, to starring in the hit TV series Torchwood. 

Recently renovated, the house is full of coastal charm in which to relax and unwind in, including snuggling in next to cosy log burners and when evening comes the garden is the perfect place to sit out and watch the sun set over the beach. Whether you want to explore the surrounding golden sands, fly a kite, build sandcastles, walk along the cliff-top, swim in the sea, or surf at one of South Wales’ best surf spots, Rhossili Bay has it all. 

Located halfway between the two picturesque villages of Rhossili and Llangennith, it’s convenient if you fancy sampling the menu at one of the village pubs. There is also easy access to the Wales Coast Path which runs immediately behind the house.

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Images: Ferry Cottage, National Trust / Mike Henton

Situated on the fringes of Agatha Christie’s beloved holiday home, Greenway, this glorious two-bedroom, chocolate-box cottage peeks out through romantic woodlands and sits just metres from the water’s edge of the sparkling Dart Estuary. Dotted with sailing boats and Dittisham village in the distance, the views are idyllic. 

Away from the cottage’s charming, thatched exterior and sleekly designed, ultra-modern interior you can take a short hop over the river to the classic riverside pub, Ferry Boat Inn – just ring the bell at the jetty and the ferry man will soon arrive to take you across! Alternatively, you can jump on the foot ferry which sails to Dartmouth or take any number of walks along the famed English Riviera. Or if you prefer, loop onto the South West Coast Path and hike along the subtropical coastline from Brixham to Paington, where you can catch the steam train back to Greenway Halt station. Glorious!

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Image: Aran, National Trust / John Miller

Whether it’s walking, wildlife or some peace and quiet that you’re looking for, Aran has it all. This characterful yet simple accommodation, located on Crawflwyn Estate is surrounded by many walking trails and stunning Welsh scenery, so you definitely won’t be short of places to explore.

If you fancy heading up Snowdon, the Watkin Path can be accessed from the next village, Nant Gwynant and this being Snowdonia you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to walking routes in the local area, including the legendary trail of Dinas Emrys, and two large lakes, Llyn Gwynant and Llyn Dinas. And once you’ve had your fill of the hills you can head for the beach with Porthmadog and Portmeirion approximately 10 miles away. Closer to home, the small village of Beddgelert is less than a mile away with a range of pubs, tea rooms and a few local shops for you to explore.

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For more National Trust cottages, visit: nationaltrust.org.uk/holidays/holiday-cottages