Do you fancy a good pumpkin season? You’re in luck because autumn in the United Kingdom is nothing short of spectacular. From lower temperatures to shorter days, and of course, the whole country draped in vibrant hues of yellow, orange, and red. There’s so much to look forward to at this time!
To maximize your autumn trip, we’ve narrowed down the most beautiful and most fall places you need to visit in the UK.
Visit Oxford and traditional Cotswold villages
Visit the historic city and its iconic university
Let’s start with a classic that will surely make you feel like you’re at the heart of autumn. Take the Oxford & traditional Cotswold villages day tour to visit the historical city!
See Oxford University and appreciate its architecture that mixes Romanesque and Gothic styles. Its Great Hall of Christ Church College, in particular, will blow you away!
Discover the autumn beauty in the British countryside
You’ll also definitely love your stops at the villages of Bibury and Burford. The traditional Cotswolds houses are built with limestone that matches well with the orange foliage. Talk about cottagecore!
These are surely picture-perfect spots to show you’re having a full-blown pumpkin season in the UK.
Ride a river cruise in Oxford
Wade through the RIver Thames and appreciate Oxfordshire's beauty | Photo by Steve Daniels on Wikimedia Commons
While you’re away from the busy streets of London, take this opportunity to ride a serene river cruise in Oxford. As you make your way through the riverbanks, you'll enjoy more of Oxford’s architecture and landscapes, including countryside estates and historic bridges, all under the autumn leaves.
If you have a full and hectic itinerary for an autumn season in the UK, this tour will be a peaceful pause to really appreciate nature’s beauty.
Walk through Blenheim Palace’s gardens
Have a lovely walk in the gardens of Blenheim Palace
Blenheim Palace isn’t just an architectural wonder full of British history and exquisite artifacts. While there’s a lot to check out inside this great house, the Blenheim’s gardens should be a top priority on your autumn trip in the UK!
The Formal Gardens of Blenheim Palace stretch for 90 acres. The Water Terraces, the Secret Garden, and many more make for lovely scenic walks you can only experience in the UK.
Klook Tip: Enjoy a full-blown pumpkin season in the UK when you visit Blenheim Palace from late October to early November for their annual Halloween Trail! The Palace Gardens will be transformed into a spooky space for visitors!
Ride the Jacobite Steam Train through the Scottish Highlands
Live your fantasies of the Hogwarts Express aboard the Jacobite Steam Train | Photo by Clément Proust on Pexels
For a magical autumn trip in the UK, we highly recommend the Jacobite Steam Train & Scottish Highlands tour from Edinburgh.
Visit the scenic Scottish Highlands in all of their autumn glory aboard the Jacobite Steam Train, or what Potterheads might be familiar with as the Hogwarts Express! You’ll pass over the historic Glenfinnan Viaduct as seen in the film series. Plus, see the dramatic valley and quaint village of Glencoe.
Aside from the breathtaking views, tourists have found this to be an engaging, insightful tour because of the friendly expert guides sharing their knowledge of the area.
Visit Downton Abbey
Reminisce scenes from Downton Abbey at Highclere Castle | Photo by Richard Munckton on Wikimedia Commons
Go on a Downton Abbey tour and visit the great house of Highclere Castle, where the award-winning series was shot. Explore its beautiful halls and the Egyptian collection housed in the estate.
This is really more for fans of the series, but looking at the incredible building and the landscape surrounding it, you’ll realize why this place is so loved by many.
More Cotswolds houses await you at Brampton and Shilton, where Downton village, including Isobel Crawley’s house, was set. This will definitely feel like a deeper dive into British culture (TV and aristocracy). But hey, what’s a better way to enjoy autumn in the UK than walking through iconic houses?
Enjoy tea at the Milestone Hotel
Sip on a cup of English tea and enjoy delicious treats
An autumn trip to the UK, or in any season for that matter, is not complete without tea! Live out your posh fantasies with afternoon tea at the Milestone Hotel (it’s just a short walk away from Kensington Palace).
Indulge in a handpicked selection of teas, as well as a curated menu of finger sandwiches, pastries, and many more treats! Dress in smart casual attire and take a seat at either Cheneston’s Restaurant, the Park Lounge, or the Conservatory. It’s quite luxurious, and you get to enjoy all of this for a full 105 minutes!
Go bar hopping
Get to know London’s rich pub culture through hidden bars
Last but definitely not the least on our list is the London half-day bar hopping tour! This is a special walking trip through the royal district, discovering historic hidden pubs only a few know.
Pass through secret tunnels and old alleyways as you hear about silly stories of British figures, from Charlie Chaplin to Ed Sheeran! You’ll be quite surprised. It’s a genuine, deep dive into Britain's rich pub culture. And the best part: you go as a small group, and the spots are crowd-free!
How to go around the UK
Access all the major cities of Great Britain
Have an (autumn) breeze travelling from London, Oxford, and all the way to Edinburgh with the BritRail Pass!
Access the national rails across England, Wales, and Scotland through 1 mobile ticket. You’ll get UNLIMITED train rides for a FLEXIBLE duration; choose from 2 days up to 1 month!
Plus, enjoy as many journeys as you need on the London Airport Link services, including Heathrow Express, Gatwick Express, and Stansted Express.
FAQs for autumn in the UK
What is there to do in the UK in autumn?
With the temperate weather, it’s the perfect time to see iconic sites, take scenic walks, and drink pumpkin spice lattes! If you love wearing layered outfits, this is your time to shine!
What months are autumn in the UK?
Like most of the Global North, autumn months in the UK are from September 1st to the very end of November.
Is autumn a good time to visit the UK?
Yes! You’ll avoid the scorching heat of summer and the freezing temperatures of winter. It’s a sweet spot for the weather, and the orange leaves blend perfectly with the old architecture across the UK, making your trip cozy and picturesque.
Where is good to go in October in the UK?
Aside from grand, historic buildings, we highly recommend visiting the Cotswolds houses, as these old houses will really give off the autumn charm. You should also take walks in other parks and gardens, such as Richmond Park and Stourhead Gardens, to name a few.
Fancy a fall season in the UK?
Walk under the autumn leaves in Oxford | Photo by Toby Ord on Wikimedia Commons
Are you excited for autumn in the UK? But wait! For a cozy and hassle-free visit, prepare your layered outfits, and don’t forget an eSIM UK for easy navigation. This way, you can enjoy theorange foliage and beautiful sites with no inconveniences weighing you down.
Related Articles
What is Klook?
Klook is a leading pan-regional experiences platform in Asia Pacific, purpose built to digitalize experiences and make them accessible to every traveler.
Our mission is to build the digital infrastructure for the global experience economy — empowering merchants to share their passions and travelers to discover the heartbeat of each destination. We operate a mobile-first, curated platform featuring diverse experiences across global destinations.
✨ Follow us for more deals and inspiration for your upcoming travels
