As we head into autumn, make the most of the last bit of sun before the nights draw in. Our holiday cottages are the perfect place to get away. Think sunsets paired with al-fresco dining and blankets, peaceful countryside walks and calm mornings.
Why early autumn is the best time for a holiday cottage break
Early autumn has a quality all of its own. It’s warm enough to enjoy the countryside without wrapping up, but cool enough to throw on a jumper. The summer crowds have gone and golden hour is at its best. It’s the perfect time to get away while everyone else is packing their garden furniture away.
Al-fresco dining with pizza ovens and BBQs
All of our cottages are built for outdoor eating, with a pizza oven and BBQ ready for whatever the season allows.
Fire up the pizza oven
A wood-fired pizza on a crisp, sunny afternoon is one of the genuine pleasures of an autumn stay. Enjoy the warmth from the oven, get cosy under a fleece blanket and dig into a dinner made together rather than delivered.
Enjoy one last BBQ before winter
Early autumn is arguably the best time of year to use the barbecue. The heat’s more forgiving, there are fewer flies and wasps to contend with, and there’s something satisfying about one last proper grill session before winter.
Our top holiday cottages for an autumn escape
If you’re weighing up where to stay, these four cottages suit an autumn break especially well.
Hillbyre, Cotswolds: for the views
Long afternoon light does something special to a view over the Cotswold hills, and Hillbyre’s outlook is worth sitting outside for while the weather still allows. Explore more of our Cotswold holiday cottages.
Butterfly, Lincolnshire: for the hot tub
Warm days and cooler evenings are exactly the conditions a hot tub is made for. A soak under a clear autumn sky at Butterfly is a different experience to a summer one, and arguably a better one.
The Grange, Lincolnshire: for families and large groups
With more space to gather, The Grange is ideal for garden games by day and cosy evenings inside. It’s the best of both worlds.
Curlew, Oxfordshire: for a peaceful escape
Overlooking the North Wessex Downs National Landscape, Curlew is built for slowing down. It’s a quiet spot to appreciate the last of the sun without needing to travel to find it.
How to prepare for an autumn cottage break
The trick to autumn days is layering. A blanket over the bench, a jumper within reach, maybe a throw for the evening: small additions that let you stay outside a little longer than you would otherwise manage. For more ideas, read our guide on what to pack for a holiday cottage stay.
Autumn walks from your holiday cottage
The same crisp air that makes early autumn perfect for outdoor dining is ideal for walking too. A morning stroll through changing leaves, followed by lunch in the garden once the sun’s properly up, is the kind of simple, unhurried day that autumn does better than any other season. Need inspiration? Discover the best walks near your holiday cottage in Lincolnshire.
Book your autumn holiday cottage before the season turns
Every year, the window between “still warm enough” and “definitely time to move indoors” closes faster than expected. If a stay built around long lunches, garden dinners and one last barbecue sounds appealing, now’s the time to book, whether it’s a weekend away or a family break over October half term.
Check availability and start planning your last-of-the-sun escape.