Summary
- Enjoy the fairytale experience of exploring the picturesque villages in the Cotswolds with their vibrant fall foliage. Don’t forget a camera!
- Discover the beauty of Cardinham Woods in Cornwall, a national forest with walking trails and cycling paths perfect for enjoying the autumn colors.
- Experience the rural side of England in the Peak District National Park, with its limestone valleys and dramatic landscapes that are ideal for hiking, like the famous Pennine Way.
England is beautiful during the fall; the air is crisp and cool, the leaves are changing color, and the tourist crowds from the summer have dispersed. These are a few of the top reasons to visit England in the United Kingdom during shoulder season.
But don’t just stick to the popular City of London; there is so much more to discover in England this fall, from the country charm of the Cotswolds to the storied history of Cambridge. Here are some of the best UK destinations to visit besides the British Capital, London, this fall.
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The Cotswolds
Venice of the Cotswolds, Gloucestershire, England, United Kingdom
The Cotswolds are famous for being a hallmark of the typical English countryside. Rolling hills, low stone walls lining the winding roadways, and quaint villages are the quintessential sites of this region.
During the fall, the leaves turn vibrant shades of orange and crimson, as does the ivy on the sides of the historic homes. Pack a jacket and a camera for this fairytale experience exploring the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds!
- Where It’s Located: Central-southwest England
- Top Thing To Do: Visit the Cotswolds Wildlife Park and Gardens
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Cardinham Woods, Cornwall
Cardinham Woods, UK
Cardinham Woods is a national forest in Cornwall, England, and is the perfect fall destination beyond London.
From walking trails to cycling paths, this woodland area is a hub for local families and international visitors hoping to enjoy the autumn foliage.
- Where It’s Located: Bodmin PL30 4AL, United Kingdom
- Top Thing To Do: Cardinham Woods Callywith Circular Walk
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The Lake District
Surprise view overlooking Derwentwater, The Lake District, England
The Lake District is a famous area of Cumbria, England, known for towns like Kendal, Ambleside, and Keswick. It’s a popular vacation destination for Brits and international visitors alike.
Besides being a great place for hiking, it’s known for literary associations with famous poets and authors who were inspired by this area.
- Where It’s Located: Cumbria, Northwest England
- Top Thing To Do: Visit Lake Windermere
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The New Forest, Hampshire
New Forest National Park in the Fall
Hiking enthusiasts looking for some of the best fall colors in England this season should head to New Forest National Park in southwest Hampshire.
This gorgeous nature area is home to many walking trails and bike paths.
- Where It’s Located: Southwest Hampshire
- Top Thing To Do: Walk the Lyndhurst Hill and Swan Green Circular
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Cheshire, Greater Manchester
Fall in Manchester, UK
Cheshire is a beautiful part of northwest England in the Greater Manchester area.
It’s located close to the border of Wales and is home to an idyllic British countryside that is especially scenic when the leaves turn colors in the fall.
- Where It’s Located: Northwest England
- Top Thing To Do: Visit The Walton Hall and Gardens
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Westonbirt National Arboretum, Gloucestershire
Acer and maple trees in a blaze of autumn colour, photographed at Westonbirt Arboretum, Gloucestershire, UK.
For nature lovers, the Westonbirt National Arboretum in Gloucestershire, England, is the perfect place to visit this fall.
The arboretum is home to one of the most beautiful plant collections in the country (and the world), boasting more than 2,500 species of trees and 15,000 different plants.
- Where It’s Located: Tetbury GL8 8QS, United Kingdom
- Top Thing To Do: Walk on the STIHL Treetop Walkway for epic views
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Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
A fall day at the University of Cambridge, UK
A visit to Cambridge is a great alternative or add-on to visiting London this fall. The English city of Cambridge is a hub for academics, thanks to the University of Cambridge.
But Cambridge is more than its university. Visit the Cambridge University grounds to admire the architecture, then tour the Fitzwilliam Museum and visit the Cambridge Gin Laboratory.
- Where It’s Located: Eastern England
- Top Thing To Do: Tour the University of Cambridge grounds
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Coombe Hill, Buckinghamshire
View of Aylesbury Vale from Coombe Hill, England
Coombe Hill is a must-visit attraction in England this fall – sitting at 852 feet above sea level, the hill is the tallest point in the Chiltern Hills, Buckinghamshire. Hiking and walking in this area provide incredible views, especially on a clear autumn day.
Coombe Hill is an SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) in the UK because of its acid heathland and chalk grassland. The area has a diverse range of plants and wildlife, including 28 species of butterflies and 30 species of wildflowers.
- Where It’s Located: The Chilterns, Buckinghamshire, England
- Top Thing To Do: Walk The Coombe Hill trail
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Tyrrel’s Wood, Norfolk
Autumn leaves in Norfolk
Dating back to 1251, Tyrrel’s Wood (sometimes spelled Tyrell’s Wood or Tyrrels Wood) is also designated as an SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) in the UK.
It comprises several wooded areas owned by the Woodland Trust. Autumn and spring are the best seasons to visit for comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery.
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Peak District National Park
The Winnats Pass in Peak District of Derbyshire, England.
The Peak District National Park in Central England is a great choice for travelers visiting in the fall who want to experience the rural side of England and escape London. Limestone valleys, dramatic rocky ridges, and moorland plateaus paint the landscape here, making it photo-worthy in all seasons.
Travelers may want to hike the Pennine Way through the Peak District. This multi-day hike spans 268 miles (431 km), ending in the town of Edale.
