For the poet John Keats, it’s the season of “mists and mellow fruitfulness”. For us, autumn means muddy boots, crisp fresh air and snuggling up in front of an open fire as the nights draw in. It’s bracing bike rides, crunching through piles of leaves and a cosy cottage to return to at the end of the day. Autumn family breaks in the UK are about all this and more.
The Best Places for Autumn Family Breaks in the UK
Perhaps you’re picturing a Halloween holiday filled with movie nights and family board games. In that case, look for cosy cottages for autumn breaks with added extras including open fires and log burners. Or maybe when you think of UK autumn getaways for families you lean towards muddy hikes, mountain bike trails, cottages with beautiful countryside on the doorstep and the added bonus of bike storage. There’s no one size fits all when it comes to the perfect family holiday, but all the cottages in our handpicked collection have one thing in common: they offer the chance to spend quality time together. Have we convinced you yet that cottages make the best places for autumn family breaks in the UK? There’s more…
Why Autumn Is the Perfect Season for Multigenerational Family Holidays
Book one of our larger cottages and bring grandparents along too. After the summer rush, autumn’s slower pace makes it the perfect time of year to up-size for a family holiday to remember. Popular tourist attractions are quieter, making for relaxed days out, while the longer evenings mean plenty of time for family bonding. Look for autumn family breaks in the UK that offer something for everyone – soft play barns and pools for the kids, plus fishing, golf and strolls for the grandparents. You can also search our collection to find autumn cottage holidays in the UK within walking distance of a pub. (After all, you might as well take advantage of having babysitters close at hand!)
Photo: Monnington House and The Cider Mill, Herefordshire
Top UK Destinations for Autumn Family Breaks
Here are some of our favourite places for autumn countryside breaks in the UK:
Lakes, forests (and pigs): Countryside breaks for families don’t come better than the Lake District. See its sweeping valleys turn to shades of orange and yellow – all reflected in the chilly blue waters of its lakes.
Photo: Cranmer Country Cottages, Norfolk
Or enjoy a ramble under a colourful canopy of oaks in the New Forest in Hampshire, where you might also catch the seasonal spectacle of pigs foraging for acorns among the fallen leaves.
Photo: The Cart House, Hampshire
Halloween horrors: If you want Halloween thrills, seek out UK autumn getaways for families that are close to theme parks and attractions. Head for Staffordshire or the Peak District and treat the kids to a day out at Alton Towers’ Scarefest, which includes scare mazes, horrifying rides and spooky family fun.
Photo: Ford Old Hall Barn, Staffordshire
Northern Lights: Darker nights mean more opportunities to catch nature’s most spectacular light show. For autumn family breaks in the UK that offer a real chance to see the magical Northern Lights, look for cottages near Galloway Forest in Scotland or the Northumberland Dark Sky Park at Kielder.
Photo: Heavenfield Cottage, Northumberland
Fun Autumn Activities for All the Family
Kids and long walks don’t always go hand in hand. Here are some ways to keep the whole family entertained as you stroll:
Fly a kite: Autumn’s blustery days make for perfect kite-flying weather.
Forage for berries: The UK’s woodlands and hedgerows offer up nature’s bounty for free in autumn – from jewel-like blackberries to hard-to-reach hazelnuts. Make sure you know what you’re picking.
Find fungi: Keep an eye out for different coloured fungi on autumn walks. Remember: they don’t all look like mushrooms and they don’t all grow on the ground.
Wildlife watching: From Brighton’s starling murmurations to Norfolk’s adorable fluffy seal pups, which can be seen from late October, autumn family breaks in the UK offer the perfect opportunity to witness some of Britain's most spectacular wildlife events.
Star gazing: Look out the windows after dark to see how many constellations you can spot. In mid-October, you might also catch the Orionid meteor shower.
Photo (top): Heath Farm Holiday Cottages, Oxfordshire
Facilities to suit everyone
Step one of planning any family holiday? Make sure the kids are happy. Many of our most popular autumn cottages boast added extras such as on-site games rooms, soft play areas and indoor pools to keep kids entertained whatever the weather.
With that taken care of, it’s your turn to relax. Browse our range of cosy cottages for autumn breaks to find properties with luxuries such as open fires, log burners and hot tubs – perfect for warming up after a refreshing countryside walk.
Photo: (Top - Beacon Hill Farm, Northumberland), (Left - Cae Du, Conwy), (Right - Higher Wiscombe, Devon)
Tips for Planning the Perfect Autumn Escape
It’s easy to forget a few details when you’re planning your autumn getaway. Here are some things to remember:
Check your dates: In 2025, October half term falls from Monday 27 to Friday 31 October for most families with school-age children.
Pack a spooky costume: Don’t forget about Halloween at the end of the month. Look out for local events that you can get involved in. If you’re planning on trick or treating, take fancy dress supplies with you.
Don’t forget waterproofs: Autumn family breaks in the UK come with a strong probability of rain. Dress for the weather – macs, wellies and even waterproof trousers are recommended.
Book Your Cosy Autumn Family Break Today
Premier Cottages’ luxury cottages are perfect for autumn family breaks in the UK. Whether you’re looking for cosy boltholes where you can snuggle up in front of an open fire, a place with onsite entertainment for rainy days or a large property that’s big enough for extended family gatherings, we’ve got the perfect cottage for your family.