Autumn is a magical time for exploring the UK’s glorious scenery. With vibrant colours and fresh sunshine, now is the time to plan a getaway. We love to move into a new season by planning a fabulous short adventure with friends, family, romantic partners, and sometimes solo. Here are our best UK mini breaks, Autumn 2023.
Orford, Suffolk.
The lovely village of Orford on the Suffolk coast is a top pick within our team.
In the middle ages Orford, was a key port and fishing village. Historic Orford Castle was built by Henry II. Later passed on to Richard I, it is extremely well preserved and a delight to visit. We also love the pretty streets, cosy pubs and trendy delis. Stay at the Crown & Castle, a stylish bistro with rooms, for great views of the castle and delicious food!
Nearby, you will find Orford Ness, a stunning National Trust nature reserve. Here you will find three walking trails (two open only seasonally). Look out for numerous breeds of wetland and wading birds, Chinese water deer, hares and a rare breed flock of sheep.
Jersey
Just a few miles off the coast of Normandy, Jersey is a favourite short escape. The island’s sandy bays, wonderful cuisine, rare birds and second world war history are just some of the elements that make Jersey a fascinating destination.
Walk the tidal island causeway to La Corbière lighthouse. Take a tour of Battery Lothringen at Saint Brélade, one of the best-preserved coastal artillery defences in western Europe. Pluck delicious Jersey strawberries from roadside honesty boxes and wander through fields of wildflowers.
There is something delightfully international about the vibe in Jersey. Breath-taking landscapes meet al fresco piazzas, and epic coastlines provide a backdrop to a gentle pace of life.
We recommend L'Horizon Beach Hotel & Spa. This cool hotel is a fusion of Mediterranean charm and Brit vibes. The hotel’s interior is tranquil and sophisticated, with a stunning terrace boasting fabulous views over St Brelade’s Bay.
https://www.handpickedhotels.co.uk/lhorizon
Cycling and cider in Herefordshire
For lovers of cycling and cider, we recommend taking the 48-mile cycling circuit, The Porter’s Perfection circuit, from the village of Dorstone.
You will explore lush countryside, patchworked with apple orchards and artisan cider producers. Linking the rolling hills and glorious Golden Valley, is a network of peaceful backroads perfect for cycling. Do not forget to stop for home-made apple juice and artisan, locally produced ice-cream.
For a shorter ride, you can choose from either the north or south sections of this route.
During your leisurely ride along peaceful tracks, you’ll pass the Orgasmic Cider Company’s orchards, a horse-drawn mill at the 17th-century Fair Oak Cider farm, and the county’s oldest pub, Dorstone’s Pandy Inn.
For an intimate couples break, we love the Cider Shack from Ty Gwyn Holidays, a cute holiday home for two with a fire pit, outdoor bath and log-burning stove.
For a fabulous dining experience, visit Drovers Rest Farm. Here, food is farmed organically with no artificial pesticides, fertilisers, or hormone injections for Drover’s animals. Enjoy a home grown and foraged menu, incorporating delicious jams, relishes, pickles, sloe gin, elderflower cordial.
Why not sty over in one of the cosy rooms?
https://www.droversrest.co.uk/
Whether you choose to travel with friends, family, a romantic partner or solo, we wish you a stunning Autumnal adventure!
