Autumn holidays 2019: UK escapes to book now

Old-world glamour with eco-friendly accents: Forest Side hotel in Grasmere, Lake District

The Lake District in Cumbria is a haven of historic pubs with roaring fires, craft ales and walks amid some of the most stunning scenery in the world. All this is accentuated in autumn, when the trees become a patchwork of red, brown and yellow, and hunkering down somewhere cosy has never been more appealing.

The village of Grasmere is a CW favourite in the region and within it, no hotel is quite as lovely as Forest Side. Here, glamour has been given the eco-friendly treatment: you’ll be served by waiters wearing smart tweed jackets, while dining on a menu featuring locally foraged ingredients and at tables made from recycled wood. Rooms – ranked from ‘Cosy’ and ‘Jolly Good’ to ‘Superb’, ‘Grand’ and Master’ – are kitted out with state-of-the-art bathrooms, meanwhile communal spaces boast velvet sofas and designer ornaments.

One of the biggest pulls of the Forest Side is its Michelin-starred restaurant of the same name. The kitchen was run by Kevin Tickle until recently, but is being taken over by Paul Leonard who, when at the helm of the Burlington in Bolton Abbey, saw the restaurant awarded four AA rosettes. Oh, and don’t forget to look out for the practically tame red squirrel that roams the grounds, entertaining guests as they dine.

Cost: rooms from £189 per night

Farm-to-table dining: The Pig at Bridge Place

With its positioning amidst the rolling hills of Canterbury, the latest Pig property - which opened in spring this year - is an ideal location for an autumn getaway for those who want to pair walks in the crisp countryside with hearty food and spa treatments (which here can be enjoyed in one of the onsite potting sheds or converted shepherds’ huts). The Pig at Bridge Place is housed inside a 29-bedroom, rustic-chic manor house outside the historic village of Bridge, three miles south of Canterbury. The house is riddled with period features, from large fireplaces to secret stairways and cosy crannies.

Food is just as important here as it is at other Pig properties. While the look and feel of the restaurant – housed on site in a new Coach House – is similar to that found in other Pig dining rooms, what sets it apart from its sister restaurants is the open kitchen, which allows diners to get a closer look at the action. Drink-wise, Kent is known for its ancient orchards, history of hop growing and recently planted vineyards, meaning guests can pair their meal with award-winning wines or first-class ciders and beers, all of which have been produced locally. If you like what you try, why not factor in a trip to a local vineyard on your getaway.

Cost: Doubles from £185

Scandi-chic interiors plus a stylish spa: Dormy House, Cotswolds

Rolling hills, cosy pubs and limestone homes clustered in quaint villages are just some of the things that make the Cotswolds a peaceful retreat – especially from the city's post-summer, pre-Christmas madness. While most villages here boast a number of charming B&Bs, if you’re looking to add a lick of luxury to your rural escape, we recommend Dormy House in Broadway, a village nestled in the western part of the Cotswolds and a 12-minute taxi ride south of Moreton-in-Marsh train station.

Scandi-chic furnishings, soothing interiors and a stylish spa make Dormy House a destination hotel, while the stone walls and beams that feature throughout the space speak for its 17th-century origins. Those looking for a romantic escape should book into Dormy’s Rose Cottage, which has its own hot tub, while the courtyard suites are best for families and can accomodate dogs.

Active types might be happy to learn that clay pigeon shooting, quad biking and Broadway Golf Club are all a short distance from the grounds. Meanwhile gourmets might want to book in for the hotel’s afternoon tea, evening tasting menu, or family dining at the on-site Potting Shed restaurant, where brasserie classics and a children’s menu is served.

Cost: Double rooms from £269 per night

A buzzy atmosphere and swoon-worthy views: Salcombe Harbour Hotel, Devon

It’s easy to see why Salcombe in south Devon is a popular destination. Situated in the South Hams district and close to the mouth of the Kingsbridge Estuary, it lies within an area of outstanding natural beauty. There’s also plenty to see and do: from boat trips to exploring the museum and garden at Overbeck’s, or simply looking out over the glistening waters of Mill Bay or Hope Cove Beach. While typically a summer destination, going slightly out of season in autumn is a chance to enjoy the scenery and high street hotspots without jostling shoulder-to-shoulder with other holiday makers.

We recommend staying at Salcombe Harbour Hotel with its stunning harbour view, lively cocktail bar, private cinema and spa facilities. The bedrooms here are a wash of white – from the walls to the White Company toiletries – while silver ornaments adorn the shelves, prettying the space up.

Pay a trip to the Salcombe Gin Distillery for early evening apéritifs, then make make you way to Dick and Wills to feast on a menu of locally-sourced food – while your eyes will enjoy their own feast of panoramic estuary views. If you’re looking to continue the night, meander on to the Island Street Bar & Grill, for live music and a chance to truly let your hair down.

Cost: Double rooms from £166 per night

History meets luxury: The Hoste, Norfolk

Between its beach towns dotted with vintage amusement arcades, boat trips along the Broads and wide strips of unsullied beaches, visiting certain pockets of Norfolk can feel like stepping back into a simpler time. Close to the north Norfolk coast is Burnham Market and in it, The Hoste hotel – which has been welcoming guests in some capacity since the 1650s. It’s said that Admiral Lord Nelson (a local hero) even stayed here once.

The rooms at The Hoste are notably elegant and the hotel has a small, 20-seater cinema in the basement. There’s also a small spa with fitness equipment, treatment rooms and a hot tub to help you wind down. The menu here is also excellent: expect Brancaster oysters, roasted Norfolk quail, Cromer crab and locally-reared Angus beef in the autumn months. Plus, there’s a children’s menu for little ones with an appetite for something simpler.

Cost: double rooms from £117 per night