Escape to England's coast – it’s awesome in Autumn

Forage for fungi, spot dolphins or unwind at a spa, whether romantic break or fun with friends, step into an autumn of new experiences.

Durham and the North East Coast 

If you’re after an early autumn romantic break take a look at the east-facing beaches on the Durham Heritage Coast , you’ll find some of the most magical sunsets in the country.  

And this year access is even easier, Grand Central has launched a train route from London stopping at Seaham which takes around three hours, so a last minute autumnal getaway from the south is now a simple hop on the train.  

Seaham Hall Hotel & Spa is an outstanding luxury, five-star property, its Coastal Lodges  offer the perfect setting for an indulgent escape. Nestled within the hotel grounds, these spacious lodges with private hot tubs combine premium comfort with stunning surroundings, ideal for crisp autumn evenings.   

Whether for a group getaway with friends or peaceful retreat by the sea, the lodges provide a luxurious base to unwind, reconnect and experience the beauty of Durham’s coast.  

While you’re here, make use of the hotel’s recently opened a new Zen Garden in their on-site spa. Experience the newly transformed Zen Garden at Seaham Hall  Serenity Spa, a £1 million outdoor wellness space designed to bring guests closer to nature and relaxation. Featuring heated infinity pools, a cold plunge pool, fire pits and beautifully landscaped surroundings, the Zen Garden offers a peaceful sanctuary, soak up the calming benefits of thermal therapy while enjoying the sights and sounds of the coast.  

Whether you're indulging in a spa day, a luxury overnight stay or a wellness-focused getaway with friends, a stay here guarantees you’ll leave feeling refreshed, rebalanced and ready for autumn.  

Get outdoors on the Yorkshire Coast 

For coast-lovers, autumn’s the perfect season. Gone are the crowds, beaches are carefree and there’s still enough warmth for al fresco dining and relaxing. If this is your vibe, East Yorkshire’s the place, quieter and after the buzz of summer, returned to coast lovers.  

Not much beats a crunchy autumnal walk, celebrate the great outdoors at the Walking East Yorkshire Festival , 12-20 September. Choose from short, accessible walks on flat terrain to longer coast and countryside rambles.  Spot seabirds and grey seals at Flamborough  and Bempton Cliffs , follow tranquil inland routes around the Yorkshire Wolds, many walks are led by experienced guides.  

Bridlington makes a great base for exploring, close to Bempton Cliffs and Sewerby Hall and Gardens . Take your pick from luxurious dining at Salt on the Harbour with its delicious locally-landed seafood, the dog-friendly self-catering accommodation at Number One Seagate  to glamping pods and vineyard stays.  

In the North York Moors National Park  autumn officially starts in September and runs to November, perfect for walks and cycling. Morning mists and purple flowering of heather make the moors a photographer’s dream at this time of year. Catch the last of the agricultural shows in local villages and drink the first pressings of Ampleforth and Husthwaite cider.  

If you’re planning a woodland walk, book into a fungi foray to identify and forage edible mushrooms, take a whale watching trip from Staithes , spot porpoises and white beak dolphins and snuggle under the stars at the Dark Skies Festival in October. 

Overnight in a castle tower, wake up to wildlife or pick pumpkins, the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness promises a harvest of the best food and drink and coastal calm. 

Overnight in a castle tower, wake up to wildlife or pick pumpkins, the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness promises a harvest of the best food and drink and coastal calm.

Explore the South East Coast. 

What makes Folkestone , Hythe and Romney Marsh so special is the way every autumnal experience sits within easy reach of the next. Spend the morning walking across the Kent Downs, enjoy lunch overlooking the harbour, encounter giraffes on an afternoon safari at Port Lympne Reserve, unwind in a beachfront Sea Scrub Sauna and finish the day with an award-winning dinner before retiring to a boutique hotel by the sea.  

What’s more there are beaches for every season. From the colourful fishing boats at Dungeness to the peaceful shores of Sandgate, Hythe, Littlestone and Greatstone, every beach offers something different throughout the year and in autumn the sunrises are sublime. Watch stormy seas roll while enjoying crispy fish and chips in autumn sunshine, the coast is always worth exploring, whatever the time of year but straight after the summer rush, it comes into its own.   

Wake up surrounded by wildlife at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve , enjoy Victorian style with modern comfort at the Hythe Imperial Hotel or choose a cosy sea view apartment at Keeper’s Cottages, there’s choice for every budget from five star luxury, boutique charm to family-run B&B.  

Kent has one of the most vibrant food scenes in the country and out of summer, fresh seafood and locally sourced produce keep independent restaurants and country pubs thriving. Fresh seafood take centre stage at Rocksalt on Folkestone harbour, splurge at the Michelin-starred Hide and Fox  or head to Pomus  for great Mediterranean flavours.   

Just a little further along the Kent coast, burnished colours, berry-filled hedges and huge bird migrations fill the skies above White Cliffs Country . Explore epic coastal walks, visit Wingham Wildlife Park , the Battle of Britain Memorial  at Capel-le-Ferne, the magnificent Maison Dieu , Dover Castle  and Walmer Castle and Gardens , most of the area’s attractions welcome visitors year-round.  

You’ll find 15 acres of impressive autumn colour at Goodnestone Park Gardens , open daily. Or visit Pines Gardens or Kearnsey Parks , all three have great cafes for a slow morning coffee or lazy lunch.  

Spend a creative session jewellery making in Deal , tee off at a Championship Links golf course or take a Dover Sea Safari, from picking your own pumpkins to taking a pygmy goat for a walk at Tiny Hooves, Betteshanger Park  between Deal and Sandwich, immerse yourself in new experiences.  

And when it comes to dining out, you’ll be in heaven. Surrounded by Kent hop fields and apple orchards, there are scores of micro-breweries and award-winning ciders, readily available in pubs and bars. Dine on fresh scallops or Tandoori monkfish at the riverside Toll Bridge  in Sandwich, good value brunch and lunch menus are on offer at The Real Deal which promises ‘posh pub grub’, a great wine list and live music, or check out the breakfasts at the Dovorian in Dover.  

The Royal Hotel  is beautifully positioned on the seafront in Deal, this 18th century Georgian hotel promises spectacular views, exceptional food and drink and a luxury stay. For something different, book the one bed Peverell’s Tower apartment at Dover Castle offering stunning views from its rooftop terrace or rest your head at The Bell Hotel in Sandwich which dates back to Tudor Times.   

If you’re planning a group trip with pals, celebrate the changing seasons with a new experience or discovering a new skill in Brighton .  

Catch a Shuttle and Vine bus and explore some of the vineyards of the Sussex countryside. Enjoy a long vineyard lunch and tasting flight at Ridgeview , Wiston , Alborne  and many more estates.  

Take the plunge at Sea Lanes , Brighton’s outdoor swimming hub, the pool’s heated to 19 degrees so you’ll get the thrills without the chills! Or why not step out of your comfort zone and take a Sky Walk at the Brighton i360 , 138 metres above the city or get arty while you party at Pinot and Picasso.  

It's time to discover the North West Coast. 

Dramatic clifftop walks, migrating seabirds and quiet beaches await in autumn on the Cumbrian coast . Top highlights include the St Bees Head Heritage Coast , the Whitehaven Coast and the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway.  

Red sandstone cliffs burst with foliage colour at St Bees Head, it makes an ideal visit in autumn, the crisp cool air bringing fewer crowds. Consider strolling the 5.5 mile dramatic coastal trail from Whitehaven to St Bees for stunning sea views while the South Walney Nature Reserve is the ideal spot for watching thousands of migrating curlews and knots.  

The Cumbria Coastal Route connects all the communities on the coast and offers plenty of reasons to visit away from the peak summer months. Book a heavy horse ride near Millom, enjoy sunsets at Maryport harbour and marina or play golf at Maryport golf club.   

When it comes to places to stay why not overnight on a Pullman Coach on the Ravenglass and Eskdale railway  or stay at The Tree House, a quirky and romantic Victorian Cumbrian cottage, just three miles from the coast? From glampsites and lodges to cosy B&Bs and dog-friendly pubs, an autumn break here promises relaxation and inspiration.