{"id":781944,"date":"2026-09-25T07:40:11","date_gmt":"2026-09-25T07:40:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/781944\/"},"modified":"2026-09-25T07:40:11","modified_gmt":"2026-09-25T07:40:11","slug":"everything-is-golden-readers-tips-for-a-great-autumn-day-out-in-the-uk-united-kingdom-holidays","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/781944\/","title":{"rendered":"\u2018Everything is golden\u2019: readers\u2019 tips for a great autumn day out in the UK | United Kingdom holidays"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Gambling on sunshine at Loch Lomond<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">I love Loch Lomond in autumn. I\u2019d start with a walk around Balmaha village and a stretch of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westhighlandway.org\/the-route\/\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">West Highland Way<\/a>, pretending I\u2019m there for the scenery rather than earning the right to eat something massive afterwards. Autumn is when it looks best: orange hills, cold air, dramatic clouds and the constant Scottish gamble of whether you\u2019ll get sunshine, sideways rain, or both within 10 minutes. I finish, if I\u2019m not driving, with a wee dram to properly round things off.<br \/>Pete<\/p>\n<p>Cornwall\u2019s wild autumn seasThe coastal path from Godrevy. Photograph: Peter Lane\/Alamy<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">The rough beauty of Cornwall\u2019s sea views appeals to me. A great autumn day involves walking along the staggered cliff edges between <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitcornwall.com\/things-to-do\/nature-and-wildlife\/godrevy-to-portreath-national-landscape\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Godrevy and Portreath<\/a>. The isolated nature of the coastal paths makes me feel as if the sea is singing just for me, while below the waves go wild, waiting to be admired. On this walk, you will be rewarded with the most breathtaking views, lone benches and burnt orange sunsets.<br \/>Oliwia<\/p>\n<p>A hydro-powered house in NorthumberlandCragside was a technological marvel of the 19th century, with hydroelectric power and hydraulic gadgets. Photograph: Jonathan Ayres\/Alamy<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">When I first visited the National Trust\u2019s<a href=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com\/?id=114047X1572903&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nationaltrust.org.uk%2Fvisit%2Fnorth-east%2Fcragside&amp;sref=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/travel\/2026\/sep\/25\/readers-favourite-autumn-days-out-uk&amp;xcust=abTestParticipations%7Cfronts-and-curation-editorial-test%3Ab\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" rel=\"sponsored noreferrer noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"> Cragside<\/a> in Northumberland, a staff member at the entrance made the bold claim that it was \u201cthe best place in England\u201d. In autumn you can really see their point. The estate\u2019s 1,000 acres are covered with a huge variety of trees that transform the landscape into a mixture of reds, oranges and deep greens, contrasting perfectly with the often misty Northumberland weather. It\u2019s a perfect autumn day trip for woodland walks, possibly stopping for a picnic at one of the many lakes or gardens, and visiting the extraordinary hydro-powered Victorian house with its pioneering gadgets.<br \/>Everly<\/p>\n<p>ProfileReaders&#8217; tips: send a tip for a chance to win a \u00a3200 voucher for a Coolstays breakShow<\/p>\n<p> Guardian Travel readers&#8217; tips<\/p>\n<p>Every week we ask our readers for recommendations from their travels. A selection of tips will be featured online and may appear in print. To enter the latest competition visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/travel\/series\/readers-travel-tips\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">readers&#8217; tips homepage<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&#8211;<\/p>\n<p>Thank you for your feedback.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">&#8211; back sections make it manageable without losing the drama. <br \/>Bonita Philp<\/p>\n<p>Deep in the forest in the Scottish BordersLichen on fir trees in the Glentress Forest. Photograph: Tom Richardson Scotland\/Alamy<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\"><a href=\"https:\/\/forestryandland.gov.scot\/visit\/destinations\/glentress\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Glentress Forest<\/a> in the Scottish Borders is hard to beat on a crisp autumn day. Start with a walk or mountain-bike ride through the forest, when the trails are surrounded by copper, red and gold, and climb high enough for brilliant views across the Tweed valley. Afterwards, warm up with coffee and something sweet at the cafe before heading into nearby Peebles for a wander along the river and around its independent shops. It feels properly remote despite being less than an hour from Edinburgh. And, whether you\u2019re cycling or walking, autumn is when the forest is at its most spectacular.<br \/>Remi Lapeyre<\/p>\n<p>Birmingham\u2019s secret oasisWinterbourne Gardens. Photograph: Michael Kemp\/Alamy<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.winterbourne.org.uk\/\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Winterbourne House and Garden<\/a> at Birmingham University is a wonderful little oasis in Edgbaston, just outside the city centre. A beautiful Arts and Crafts style house, set in stunning gardens, it is a lovely place for a wander and is especially beautiful on a sunny day in early autumn when everything is golden. See herons at the reservoir, talk to friendly robins by the walled garden and browse the bookshop. Have coffee there and then head into nearby Harborne for lunch or dinner. <br \/>Rachel<\/p>\n<p>Rivers and ruins in a Lancashire valleyThe River Roddlesworth near Darwen. Photograph: Walker\/Alamy<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">Rocky Brook is the name given by locals to the River Roddlesworth, which flows through a wonderful wooded valley at the edge of the West Pennine Moors. The woodland, planted by Liverpool Corporation Waterworks, provides plenty of autumn colour. A network of paths allows exploration of the woods and the ruins of Hollinshead Hall and well house. There\u2019s a public car park, cafe and pub (the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trustinns.co.uk\/pub\/royal-arms-ryal-fold-tockholes-darwen-bb3-0pa\/\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Royal Arms<\/a>) at Ryal Fold, and for those who walk north-west through the woods there\u2019s also the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hareandhoundsabbeyvillage.co.uk\/\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Hare &amp; Hounds<\/a> at Abbey Village. Four buses a day run from Blackburn to the Royal.<br \/>Graham Dean<\/p>\n<p><a data-ignore=\"global-link-styling\" href=\"#EmailSignup-skip-link-19\" class=\"dcr-76akua\">skip past newsletter promotion<\/a>Free newsletter |Twice a week<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-vf9hps\">Sign up to The Traveller<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-djbwnz\">Get travel inspiration, featured trips and local tips for your next break, as well as the latest deals from Guardian Holidays<\/p>\n<p><img src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/1790322011_864_500.jpg\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"dcr-gx9601\"\/><\/p>\n<p id=\"EmailSignup-skip-link-19\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-label=\"after newsletter promotion\" role=\"note\" class=\"dcr-76akua\">after newsletter promotion<\/p>\n<p>Twisted oaks and fungi in the Peak DistrictSessile oaks in Padley Gorge. Photograph: Septemberlegs\/Getty Images<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com\/?id=114047X1572903&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nationaltrust.org.uk%2Fvisit%2Fpeak-district-derbyshire%2Flongshaw-burbage-and-the-eastern-moors&amp;sref=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/travel\/2026\/sep\/25\/readers-favourite-autumn-days-out-uk&amp;xcust=abTestParticipations%7Cfronts-and-curation-editorial-test%3Ab\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" rel=\"sponsored noreferrer noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Longshaw estate<\/a> in the Peak District is perfect for an autumn stroll. Both Oaks Wood and Bolehill Quarry have a huge variety of fungi in their hidden depths. The twisted oak trees in <a href=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com\/?id=114047X1572903&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nationaltrust.org.uk%2Fvisit%2Fpeak-district-derbyshire%2Flongshaw-burbage-and-the-eastern-moors%2Fpadley-gorge-and-burbage-brook&amp;sref=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/travel\/2026\/sep\/25\/readers-favourite-autumn-days-out-uk&amp;xcust=abTestParticipations%7Cfronts-and-curation-editorial-test%3Ab\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" rel=\"sponsored noreferrer noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Padley Gorge<\/a> look at their most spectacular on early autumn misty mornings. It\u2019s easy to explore pathways on the estate with the friendly free social walk every Wednesday. Finish a wonderful day with a treat in the cafe.<br \/>Katharine<\/p>\n<p>A lime tree avenue in NottinghamshireClumber Park\u2019s avenue of trees is one of the longest in Europe. Photograph: Eye35 Pix\/Alamy<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\"><a href=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com\/?id=114047X1572903&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nationaltrust.org.uk%2Fvisit%2Fnottinghamshire-lincolnshire%2Fclumber-park&amp;sref=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/travel\/2026\/sep\/25\/readers-favourite-autumn-days-out-uk&amp;xcust=abTestParticipations%7Cfronts-and-curation-editorial-test%3Ab\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" rel=\"sponsored noreferrer noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Clumber Park<\/a> is a must-visit at this time of year. The National Trust property features peaceful woodlands with golden leaf carpets, crisp lakeside views and an ornamental bridge. You\u2019ll want to keep your camera handy as you enter a double tree avenue of 1,296 limes stretching three miles (one of the longest in Europe), which provides a gorgeous golden canopy. The walled kitchen garden is a favourite with its massive apple collection and seasonal displays. The apple juice I\u2019ve tried here is some of the best I\u2019ve tasted.<br \/>Asma<\/p>\n<p>A Roman autumn at Hadrian\u2019s WallLate autumn at Steel Rigg. Photograph: Donaleen Shiell\/Alamy<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">My perfect autumn day is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nationaltrail.co.uk\/en_GB\/trails\/hadrians-wall-path\/\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">walking Hadrian\u2019s Wall<\/a> from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk\/discover-explore\/places-to-visit\/hadrians-wall\/steel-rigg\/\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Steel Rigg<\/a>, when the moorland turns copper and gold and every climb rewards you with another enormous Northumberland view. Pack a flask, sturdy boots and something waterproof \u2013 the weather changes its mind even faster than I do. You only pay for parking, and shorter out- and<\/p>\n<p>Winning tip: Steaming through north WalesThe Llangollen Railway. Photograph: Paul Weston\/Alamy<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">My perfect autumn day out is a trip on the <a href=\"https:\/\/llangollen-railway.co.uk\/\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Llangollen Railway<\/a> in north Wales. There\u2019s something magical about travelling through the Dee valley on a steam train when the leaves have turned orange and gold. We start in Llangollen, grab something warm to drink, then climb aboard for the journey alongside the River Dee, watching the autumn scenery through the window. Afterwards, we wander around Llangollen, exploring the little shops. It\u2019s simple, nostalgic and feels like autumn properly arriving \u2013 especially when you hear the steam train whistle through the valley.<br \/>Chelsea<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Gambling on sunshine at Loch Lomond I love Loch Lomond in autumn. I\u2019d start with a walk around&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":781945,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[59,57,58,50,56,54,55],"class_list":["post-781944","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-united-kingdom","tag-gb","tag-great-britain","tag-greatbritain","tag-news","tag-uk","tag-united-kingdom","tag-unitedkingdom"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/781944","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=781944"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/781944\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/781945"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=781944"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=781944"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=781944"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}