Top Autumnal and Winter Breaks in the UK

Crowned the UK’s first national park in 1951, the Peak District is still one of the UK’s top parks for outdoor exploring. The area is home to a rugged and diverse landscape that includes limestone valleys, placid lakes and hilltops (it’s not called the Peak District for nothing!) that offer dramatic panoramic views of the un-spoilt country setting.

The park is one of the UK’s top destinations for hiking, an activity which is all the more perfect come the cooler weather of autumn. The park is littered with an abundance of routes, including 34 miles of trail that is maintained by the Park Trust all year-round. There are also guided walks and tours of the park for those that want to learn about the park’s nature and wildlife as they go. But, those looking for a real challenge will also want to check out the Friends of the Peak District's 190-mile Boundary Walk that encompasses the entire park. 

The 4-star B&B Peacock Inn in Bakewell comes with a restaurant and bar/lounge and is the perfect location to set up a base camp. Other options include the Robin Hood Farm B&B and Historic Water Mill.

For the shopaholics, Birmingham is probably already on your radar. The UK’s second city is home to the iconic Bullring, which is one of the largest shopping centres in the country. While the modern-day shopping centre is housed in a purpose-built structure, there has been a market located on the site since 1154. 

But, those visiting the city during the winter months will be in for an added treat…

The Frankfurt Christmas Market comes to Birmingham every November and December and has become hugely popular with residents and visitors alike. The largest authentic German market outside of Germany and Austria has a collection of over 180 stalls that will transport you to a winter wonderland and leave you fully in the Christmas spirit.  

As well as the perfect place to pick up presents for friends and family, the market has a wide variety of food and drink stalls filled with traditional German staples including pretzels and bratwursts, which can be enjoyed against a backdrop of live music from the bandstand. 

For those looking to make the most of their stay, the 4 star Macdonald Burlington Hotel has the market on its doorstep.

There are few landscapes in the UK that can capture the imagination quite like Scotland’s highlands. To say the landscape is diverse is an understatement. And it’s these captivating hills, mountains, moors and lochs that combine to make the perfect outdoor playground during the autumn months. 

As well as great terrain for hiking, the Highlands’ rocky hills are perfect for mountain biking. And, whether you are an experienced rider or a complete novice, there are routes to suit all abilities - guided rides are also available to help you find hidden trails and make sure you don’t miss the white knuckle ride of your life. The area’s range of rivers and lochs are also perfect for white water rafting, canoeing, paddleboarding and sailing - enough to keep all adventurers busy no matter their age.

For those feeling particularly brave, the Highlands is also home to the UK’s biggest (literally) challenge: Ben Nevis. Standing at 1,345 m tall, Ben Nevis is certainly not for the faint-hearted. But, those up to the approximately 4-hour climb will be rewarded with some of the most breathtaking and undisturbed views that the UK has to offer. 

Inverness is the most populated area of the Highlands and the 3-star Glen Mhor hotel has an ideal location right on the riverfront.

With buildings dressed in gorgeous Georgian architecture and iconic ‘Bath stone’, Bath is a city that’s easy on the eye no matter what time of year you visit. But, as the winter nights draw in, the city has a huge amount to offer those seeking a city getaway.

Once you’ve enjoyed some of the best shopping in the South West of England, a trip to the renowned Bath Spa facility will definitely be in order. You might want to start with the array of multi-sensory experiences in the Wellness Suite, before taking in the 2 magnificent baths which are fed by the naturally warm and mineral-rich waters that the Romans first discovered beneath the city thousands of years ago. You can also enjoy Bath’s picturesque skyline from the rooftop bath, which is even more spectacular when the city lights up after sundown. 

Those visiting Bath in early December will also want to take in the annual switching-on of the city’s Christmas lights. The event has a carnival-like atmosphere as the city becomes bathed in a spectacular light display that can even rival the likes of London’s Oxford Street. The ceremony can also make for great celeb-spotting, with famous residents including Nicholas Cage having previously been bestowed the privilege of lighting the city up for the Christmas period. 

The boutique 4 star Harington’s Hotel offers stylish, cosy rooms for those winter nights and is located right in the city centre.