5 Cosy UK Autumn Stays
A lot of people are mad about summer ending, but the last few months have been so busy that I personally feel soready to slow down and embrace the cosier seasons. I love autumn so much - I love the colours in nature at this time of year, I love the “fresh start” feeling and I tend to feel energised by the change in pace.
And, of course, the slower season is a great excuse for a cosy weekend away. So, if you also feel ready to embrace crisp walks, beautiful autumnal colours and somewhere lovely to come back to at the end of the day, here are five of my favourite UK stays for an autumn escape.
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1. The Bull, Charlbury
The Bull is a beautiful “pub with rooms” but feels more like a boutique luxury retreat - with standalone bathtubs, king-sized beds, and genuinely some of the best pub food I’ve had. I stayed for two nights but it would work just as well for a one-night countryside escape from London.
Charlbury is a charming Cotswolds village and I was surprised as to how easy it was to reach without a car. Unlike many other spots in the region, you can get the train from London and be in the Cotswolds in under 2 hours. With lots of scenic walks and cycle routes nearby, it’s a perfect base for a relaxing weekend away.
I took a direct train from London Paddington and arrived in just over 1 hour. The station is a 10-minute walk to the hotel and village centre, which makes arriving and getting around super easy. If you want to explore more of the Cotswolds, you’ll need a car.
However, to make the most of your stay without one, you can grab some food or a coffee from the Charlbury Deli and Cafe (just across the road from The Bull), before heading out for the Charlbury Circular Walk. Or you can get the train just one stop along to Kingham. From there, you can do a lovely countryside walk (around 1 hour) to Daylesford Organic Farm.
Best for: excellent pub food and exploring the Cotswolds without a car.
2. Spring Water Cottage, Wiltshire
I photographed this lovely cottage last year and arrived with very little knowledge and a bit unsure of what to expect. Stepping inside, I was immediately struck by its charm and style.
The interiors were SO beautiful - from the colours to the furnishings, the whole space was so warm and inviting and felt as though I was looking at a perfectly curated Pinterest board. It’s a place I’d love to revisit in the future, and one that’s sure to inspire anyone with an appreciation for countryside homes and interiors.
You can take a train direct from London Paddington station to Pewsey station (or you can choose a slightly longer indirect service) with total travel time around 1.5 to 2 hours. From here, you can organise a taxi straight from the station to the cottage which takes approximately 15 minutes. I’d recommend pre-booking this in advance for both journeys to and from the cottage as the number of taxis are very limited!
The house is surrounded by the beautiful English countryside so you should pack your walking boots and enjoy the fresh air. You can also walk 15-mins to nearby Planks Farm Shop to stock up on local produce or stop for a kitchen lunch in their café. I didn’t get time to do this but it looked very cute.
Best for: beautiful interiors and a peaceful countryside escape.
3. Unplugged at Bronwyn, Snowdonia
A couple of months ago, I was kindly gifted a three-night stay with Unplugged at Bronwyn, one of their most remote off-grid cabins. Whilst the idea is to completely switch off from your phone and the constant distractions of everyday life, I also used the trip to reconnect with nature, rediscover my creativity and simply slow down for a few days.
If you’ve been following my content and blog, you’ll know this type of stay is my dream. Spending all day out in nature and coming back to a cosy, comfy bed? Dreamy!
This little cabin is tucked away on the edge of Eryri National Park so it offered the perfect balance of peacefulness and easy access to some of the most beautiful walks in North Wales. I would highly recommend the location to anyone craving a proper reset.
The cabins are compact but have everything you need for a long weekend stay. Inside, you’ll find a VERY comfortable double bed (with the dreamiest Piglet in Bed bedding), a small kitchenette with everything you need to prepare simple meals (no microwave or toaster btw), a small dining table, a wood-burning stove and bathroom.
Large windows frame the surrounding countryside, making nature feel like part of the cabin itself (definitely a highlight of the stay). Outside, there’s a deck with seating, making it the perfect spot for your morning coffee or an evening drink as the sun begins to set. With no traffic noise and very little around you, it’s incredibly peaceful.
Best for: feeling fully immersed in nature and getting away from everyday life.
4. Artist Residence, Brighton
Artist Residence Brighton is just a short walk from Brighton station, making it an easy getaway by train and many of the rooms offer beautiful sea views. I was very lucky to stay in their one of their spacious balcony sea view rooms (as I was shooting some content for them) - starting my day with a coffee and sea view was a true treat.
If you’re looking for a boutique hotel with character and sea views, Artist Residence Brighton is a perfect choice. It’s ideal for a romantic getaway, a solo escape or mini break with friends. It’s a short walk from the Lanes, Brighton Pier, and some of the town’s best shops, cafes, and vintage stores. Whether you want to explore or just relax by the sea, everything you need is close by.
For a more adventurous stay, you can take the bus towards Eastbourne, which leads you to the start of the Seven Sisters hike. The full hike can be challenging in parts due to the steady inclines and descents, but you don’t need to do the whole thing to enjoy it - there are plenty of shorter, scenic options if you prefer a more relaxed day out. For the classic postcard view, head to the Coastguard Cottages at Cuckmere Haven.
Best for: a seaside escape, beautiful views and the option to do get out into nature.
5. Wildhive Callow Hall, Peak District
From the moment you arrive at Callow Hall, you feel a real sense of calm. The estate itself is set on 35 acres of woodland, gardens and wildflower meadows, so even staying close to the hotel still feels like an escape into nature.
The Peak District hotel is made up of the main house, woodland “hives” and larger woodland treehouses so you have plenty of options on where to stay. Similar to Unplugged, you feel immediately immersed in nature without having to leave your bed!
There is plenty you can do, even if you are travelling without a car. You can grab a coffee or a drink and sit in the hotel’s cosy snug or the outdoor terrace - both have gorgeous views of the countryside and rolling hills.
There are also plenty of walking and cycling trails you can do straight from the hotel. You can find ideas for trails on AllTrails - for example, we chose to do part of the “Ashbourne North Circular”, a moderate level walk that explores the Derbyshire countryside.
The hotel also has a wellness space with treatments, yoga classes and a sauna, which adds to the whole slow countryside escape feeling (this was closed during my stay but has now opened)!
Or just simply sit in the meadows with a good book.
Best for: a slow countryside escape and Peak District walks.
Final Thoughts
There’s something about autumn in the UK that makes a weekend away feel even more special. The crisp mornings, leaves changing colour, pubs, long walks and the promise of coming back to somewhere warm and cosy at the end of the day.
I love these kind of trips at this time of year - nothing too complicated or over-planned, just somewhere beautiful to stay, a few good walks to explore and plenty of time to enjoy being there. And, if the last few months have been anything like mine, take autumn as a good excuse to slow down for a couple of days!
Thanks for reading,
T.
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