Slovenia’s rustic, tranquil vibe
We loved Ljubljana in Slovenia during autumn, but less than an hour’s drive away is the beautiful Lake Bled. It has a rustic and tranquil vibe, its focal point being the Assumption of Mary church on its island. The lake is surrounded by mountains and forests, and it is these that bring the place alive. The leaves turn a stunning array of orange, yellow, red and purple, creating an unforgettable scene.
Colin Snoad
East Yorkshire’s big sky land
Welwick Saltmarsh is a Yorkshire Wildlife Trust reserve on the north bank of the Humber estuary, 11 miles east of Hull. A walk along the flood banks on an autumn day is magical. This part of East Yorkshire is “big sky” land. On a rising tide, flocks of thousands of wading birds and waterfowl flood the sky and form swirling clouds as they come into roost in the saltmarsh. Scandinavian thrushes escaping the cold of winter float in from over the North Sea and settle in hedgerows to gorge on hawthorn berries. Hen harriers glide in to roost as the sun sets in the west and you can look across the estuary and see Grimsby Dock Tower backlit against a sky of ambers, pinks and darker inky blues.
Rob Dalziel
Killiecrankie’s gorge, Perth and Kinross
Walk the Soldier’s Leap at Killiecrankie, where a redcoat soldier leapt five metres across the River Garry, fleeing the Jacobites more than 300 years ago. The views from the bridge at the southern end of the gorge are spectacular in autumn. Listen for woodpeckers and keep an eye out for red squirrels and pine martens. Stop by the visitor centre to read up on history and geology and enjoy a well-earned coffee and slice of homemade cake. The area is beautiful year-round, but never more so than when autumn’s colours fully reveal themselves. Trains from Edinburgh to Pitlochry from £25 return, with onward local bus connections to Killiecrankie.
Greg Malkin
Stuck in a rut? Head for the Hertfordshire woods …
The Ashridge Estate in Hertfordshire, owned by the National Trust, is best known for its spring bluebells but it’s beautiful in the autumn too. The woodland is ablaze with russets and golds, and you might even hear and see deer rutting which is incredible to behold. There are lots of different walks to suit different ages and abilities, with the obligatory National Trust shop and cafe at the end of your visit for cake and a hot drink. It’s free to enter with a suggested donation for car parking, so it’s a wonderful day out during this cost of living crisis.
Ellie Grana
Guardian Travel readers' tips
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Magical lakeside views in Powys, Wales
From the charming Lake Vyrnwy hotel, perched on a hillside above the Victorian dam in Powys, there are fabulous views down the lake, where uninterrupted woodlands dipping down to the water’s edge hide multiple birdwatching hides and tranquil paths. It’s possible to forget the outside world exists and just settle in by the fireside to watch the weather change along the lake. They often put on offers this time of year, with rooms available from £150 a night, although it’s worth paying extra for a lake view.
Ruth
Dorset’s breathtaking shores
My favourite place in autumn is Arne, Dorset. This beautiful, unspoilt nature reserve has everything you could want: heathland, forest and a lovely beach with all kinds of nature and wildlife. Arne is stunning year-round, but in autumn it really comes to life. Walk through the golden-leaved trees, over the heathland (watch out for the wild deer) to the breathtaking shores of Shipstal beach. You won’t believe you’re in the UK. It’s spectacular.
Janine Coletta
Morning mists in the Lake District
Feel the peace and enchantment of autumn by the shore of Bassenthwaite Lake facing Sale fell in the Lake District. The early morning mist rises from the lake through Wythop Woods. Sit quietly observing red squirrels hunting for hazelnuts. Take the path from Scarness past the solitude of Bowness Bay and marvel at the wonderful wildlife among the reeds. Wander further on to St Bega’s church, pause for thought, and admire the browns and purples of Ullock Pike rising up behind you. A short walk through the impressive gardens of Mirehouse, lit up with bright red and orange berries, leads you to Dodd Wood and the The Old Sawmill Tearoom for a warming hot chocolate.
Katharine
Croatia’s plump figs and pomegranates
Take the passenger ferry from Split to Korcula, one of Croatia’s most beautiful islands. Around every corner during our autumn break a new joy was discovered. Who knew the mighty pomegranate grew right there on waterside trees, with luscious plump figs growing roadside like weeds? We took local buses, ferries and boat taxis to explore nearby islands Badija, Vrnik and Mljet – a national park with turquoise saltwater lakes to soothe aching bones, and excellent hiking and biking trails for the agile. Badjia hosts a spectacular Franciscan monastery, and before walking far at all you will be face to face with the friendliest of fallow deer. Beware though, autumn is for rutting.
Maggie Farrell
Hereford’s ancient woodlands
The dedicated Autumn Garden at Queenswood Country Park and Arboretum gives spectacular colour displays throughout the season. It is just off the A49 between Leominster and Hereford and includes a 19-hectare (47-acre) tree collection with over 1,200 rare and exotic trees from all over the world and 123 acres of ancient woodland, which is designated as a site of special scientific interest. There are way marked walks and animal-themed treasure trails for children. Admission is free, with proceeds from car parking, the cafe and shop going to the Herefordshire Wildlife Trust.
Nick Tranter
Winning tip: treetop walks in the Black Forest
The Black Forest in Germany is special year-round, but in autumn it really comes alive. The vastness of the forest, with the trees transforming to beautiful colours, needs to be seen to be believed. I also recommend a Baumwipfelpfad (tree top walk). There’s a great one at Bad Wildbad, where an elevated wooden path takes you high into the treetops to immerse yourself in this incredible scenery, with a stunning horizon beyond.
Melina
