Top Picks for an Autumn Getaway: 5 Places to Visit
Autumn is a great time to get away. The summer crowds start to disappear, the temperatures cool down, and some destinations become even more beautiful as the leaves change colour.
For those looking for a little inspiration, these five destinations offer something different for an autumn escape.
Lisbon, Portugal
Best for: Autumn sunshine, city exploring and good food
If the thought of colder weather isn't quite appealing yet, Lisbon is a great place to escape to. Portugal's capital often stays pleasantly warm into autumn, making it a good time to explore the city without the heat and crowds of the summer months.
Lisbon is a city best explored on foot, although be prepared for a few hills along the way! Wander through the narrow streets of Alfama, admire the colourful tiled buildings and stop at one of the many viewpoints overlooking the rooftops. The yellow trams are a familiar sight around the city, and there's always something interesting to photograph along the way.
Food is another good reason to visit. Grab a pastel de nata from a local bakery, find a small restaurant serving traditional Portuguese dishes or spend an evening listening to Fado music.
If you have a few extra days, it's worth heading outside the city too. Sintra is known for its colourful palaces and gardens, while Cascais is a lovely coastal town for a change of scenery.
Lisbon is a good choice if you're after a European city break that combines culture, food and a chance of some late-season sunshine.
Northumberland, England
Best for: Coastal walks, Roman history and countryside escapes
For a completely different kind of autumn escape, Northumberland is a wonderful option for anyone looking to spend time outdoors. With its wide-open landscapes, historic castles and dramatic coastline, it offers plenty of space to slow down and enjoy the changing season.
Bamburgh Castle is one of the highlights of the coast. Sitting above the beach, it makes quite a sight against the sea, particularly on a clear autumn day. You can spend time walking along the sand, exploring the nearby villages or heading to Seahouses for a wander around the harbour.
Northumberland is also a great destination if you enjoy history. Hadrian's Wall stretches across the north of England, following the route of the Roman frontier built nearly 2,000 years ago. There are several places where you can walk along sections of the wall and explore the remains of Roman settlements.
A cosy cottage or a country pub makes a good base for exploring the area. Just remember to pack a waterproof and a warm layer or two, as the weather can be unpredictable!
The Black Forest, Germany
Best for: Woodland walks, traditional villages and thermal spas
The Black Forest is a destination that brings back some lovely childhood memories for me, as I lived there for a year when I was younger. It's the sort of place that feels made for a slower-paced autumn trip, with woodland walks, small towns and plenty of opportunities to stop for a coffee and something sweet.
The region is in southwest Germany and has a mix of dense forests, rolling hills and pretty lakeside towns. Titisee is one of the best-known places to visit, with shops and cafés along the lake. I remember visiting the little towns around the lakes, where the shops were filled with traditional wooden cuckoo clocks and Christmas decorations.
Triberg is another good stop if you want to see traditional cuckoo clocks and visit the famous waterfalls.
Badenweiler is a great place to stay, especially if you're looking for somewhere to relax as well as explore. It's a small spa town known for its thermal waters, and the Cassiopeia Therme is a lovely place to spend a few hours unwinding in the warm pools. After a day walking through the countryside, it sounds like a pretty good way to spend an afternoon!
Having a car is useful if you want to explore more of the Black Forest, as some of the smaller towns and scenic spots are easier to reach that way. You can spend your days driving between villages, stopping whenever somewhere catches your eye and enjoying a slice of Black Forest gateau along the way.
Paris, France
Best for: A classic city break, cafés and street photography
Paris is always a good idea for a city break, but autumn brings a different feel to the city. The trees in the parks begin to turn golden, the cafés feel a little cosier and it's a lovely time to spend a few days wandering around without trying to fit too much into each day.
Start with a walk through the Tuileries Garden or Luxembourg Gardens to see the autumn colours, then head into the surrounding streets for a bit of exploring. Le Marais is a great area for independent shops, cafés and historic buildings, while the streets around Saint-Germain-des-Prés are perfect for stopping for a coffee and watching the world go by.
Paris is also a brilliant city for photography. Of course, there are the famous sights, but some of the best pictures can come from the everyday details: an interesting doorway, balconies covered in plants, people going about their day or a quiet street just around the corner from somewhere busy.
And then there's the food. Whether it's a fresh croissant from a bakery, a long lunch in a neighbourhood bistro or a pastry picked up while exploring, there are plenty of excuses to stop along the way.
If the weather takes a turn, you can always spend an afternoon in one of the city's museums or galleries. There's enough to keep you busy whatever the forecast, although leaving a little time to wander without a plan is part of the fun.
Lake Lucerne, Switzerland
Best for: Mountain scenery, lakeside towns and peaceful walks
For an autumn getaway with a bit of wow factor, Lake Lucerne is hard to beat. Surrounded by mountains and dotted with little lakeside towns, the area has some beautiful scenery, particularly when the leaves start changing colour.
The old town is full of historic buildings, colourful painted façades and narrow streets, while the famous Chapel Bridge is one of the city's best-known sights.
The lake is a big part of the experience, and taking a boat trip is a great way to see more of the surrounding landscape. You can travel between lakeside villages and enjoy views of the mountains from the water, without having to spend the whole day walking.
Switzerland isn't the cheapest destination, so it's worth planning ahead if you're travelling on a budget. Staying in Lucerne and using public transport can make exploring the area easier without having to hire a car.
If your idea of an autumn getaway involves fresh air, beautiful scenery and a few peaceful days away from the usual routine, Lake Lucerne is definitely worth considering.
Which autumn getaway would you choose?
Autumn is a great time to get away and explore somewhere new, whether that's a city you've always wanted to visit or somewhere a little quieter where you can switch off for a few days. Each of these destinations has something different to offer at this time of year, including colourful streets, cosy cafés, forest walks and lakeside views.
Hopefully, one of these has given you a bit of inspiration for your next trip. Now it's just a case of deciding where to go!
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