The end of the summer, when the schools have gone back, is the perfect time to plan an autumn break. Spending a week unwinding is the perfect antidote to everyday life's busy pace.
Many people imagine the perfect autumnal experience to be a visit to the east coast of America but here in the UK we have arboretums, woods and landscapes to rival any fall in New England.
Autumn is one of the most spectacular seasons in the British countryside with hedgerows and trees full of blackberries, sloes, plums, apples, pears and nuts and leaves turning from green to golden yellows, oranges, deep reds and all colours in between. Who doesn't love walking through crunchy leaves and collecting shiny conkers.
Late Availability Cottages have a range of beautiful holiday homes where you can unwind, relax and just enjoy the onset of autumn. Whether you are looking for a cottage for two or a large holiday home for a group of people we have something to suit everyone.
With none of the hassle of flying abroad you can reach perfect holiday homes with well equipped kitchens and all the other home comforts that make staycations so relaxing. Within a few hours of leaving home you can be settled in to your holiday accommodation ready to make the most of your autumn break.
Spend your days walking through the countryside or along a windy beach or visiting gardens and arboretums. In the evening take a stroll to a local pub with a roaring open fire and enjoy a meal and a couple of drinks.
In the comfort of your well equipped holiday cottage make blackberry crumble and sloe gin with the fruits you have foraged from the hedgerows.
Without having to travel too far you can reach the perfect destination for a relaxing autumn break in the UK.
Before you head off on your holiday make a plan of the places you would like to visit. The UK is home to many amazing arboretums and gardens. Throw in a visit to a local stately home before they close for the winter.
Why not visit:
Check out the National Trust and National Trust for Scotland websites for inspiration and information on some of the best gardens and properties across the UK.
As well as spectacular autumn colours in the countryside, across the UK you will find a range of other activities to enjoy as the nights start closing in.
Cities and towns all over the UK have ghost walks that will set your spine tingling. From Edinburgh to York, Chester to Oxford be brave and book one for Halloween.
No matter where you choose to spend your autumn break make sure you don't miss out on bonfire night. All over the country venues large and small will be lighting up the sky with bonfires and fireworks.
Large firework displays are spectacular. If you are lucky enough to be able to see one from your holiday cottage, enter into the spirit of things by putting jacket potatoes in the oven and having a few sparklers and a glass of mulled wine in the garden while you watch the display.
Alternatively, go to a smaller local event and soak up the atmosphere with the locals and then join them in the pub for a drink to warm up afterwards.
Even though to some people it may seem quite early, wandering around small towns, looking in the local shops, is a great way to start your Christmas shopping. Supporting the local economy while you are away is essential and local craftsmen and women offer all manner of quirky, one off gifts just waiting to be discovered.
As autumn draws to a close and the run up to Christmas starts why not spend some relaxing time during your autumn break writing your Christmas cards with notes inside them to your friends and family. So many of us dash off our Christmas cards in a panic as last posting days approach. This year don't let that be you. Book your self catering autumn break with Late Availability Cottages now.