Summer is over, and with it the prospect of relaxing holidays, exciting adventures and thrilling discoveries of new places and pastimes vanishes over the horizon.
Or does it? Just because the sun is no longer at its hottest, it doesn’t mean that we cannot enjoy some time away from it all in a beautiful location – and we don’t even have to travel all that far to achieve it either. The UK boats some truly spectacular holiday destinations, many of which really come into their own at this time of year. Whether you are after tranquil countryside, vibrant shopping and culture hotspots, fascinating historical sites or bracing coastal areas, the UK has it all – and now is the perfect time to discover it.
The end of summer heralds the return of school for the children. If you can consider a holiday during term-time, this brings with is several benefits, from financially advantageous deals to quieter, less crowded destinations. More grown-up travel, such as walking holidays can also be considered – some great places for autumnal walking include the Lake District, Yorkshire and the Cotswolds. The colours in the trees are spectacular at this time of year, with the reds, browns and yellows bursting into vibrant shades as the trees shed their summer foliage and prepare for winter.
City breaks are great choices for shorter autumnal breaks aimed at recharging the batteries, and there are some great theatres, nigh spots and retail to be found in places such as Manchester, Edinburgh and Brighton. In the run-up to Christmas, the theatres and concert halls are full of thrilling seasonal productions – and not just pantomime either. Retail enthusiasts will also enjoy the numerous Christmas markets springing up across the country, bringing with them tempting and evocative tastes and smells of the festive season.
Even if you wait until half term to bring the children on holiday with you, the UK in autumn is still a fantastic travel destination. Whether the little ones love wrapping up warm to play in fallen autumn leaves or enjoy exploring fascinating zoos or historical castles, the UK has everything they need to bring a holiday to life. All without needing to travel for ages, learn a new language or handle unfamiliar money.
The summer of 2012 was an unprecedented one for the UK and London in particular. The joyous pomp of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations, followed by the athletic brilliance and flawless organisation of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games has put the UK firmly on the global map. It would seem a shame not to take advantage of its renewed standing and use the next few weeks and months of autumn to explore what’s right on our very doorstep!