The North American trend of travelling to view or photograph the changing leaves is taking root on this side of the Atlantic, with new research revealing that almost three quarters (73%) of UK adults are planning a seasonal escape this year to enjoy the beauty of the changing leaves.
Britain’s love of autumn travel is growing, with more than two in five adults (43%) saying they are more likely to plan an autumn break than they were three years ago, while autumn has overtaken every other season to become the nation’s favourite time for a UK staycation (35%).
Almost three fifths (58%) would rather experience autumn in the UK than travel abroad, according to a poll of 2,000 UK adults commissioned by Travelodge, with four in five (82%) believing the UK boasts some of the world’s most beautiful autumn colours and scenery.
The research also highlights a growing appetite for exploring beyond the traditional tourist trail. More than four in ten (43%) would rather discover a lesser-known destination than visit a popular hotspot, suggesting autumn is becoming an increasingly important season for regional tourism.
To identify the nation’s favourite places to experience autumn, Travelodge asked Brits to vote for the UK’s top destinations for autumnal seasonal scenery.
Taking the crown was Bolderwood in the New Forest, Hampshire, famed for its woodland trails lined with sweet chestnut, oak and beech trees that turn vibrant shades of red, orange and gold each autumn.
Second place went to Loch an Eilein in the Scottish Highlands, where golden foliage surrounds a picturesque island castle, followed by Allen Banks in Northumberland, renowned for its dramatic riverside woodland walks. Completing the top five, Coed y Brenin in Eryri (Snowdonia) and Sheffield Park & Garden in East Sussex tied in fourth place. Both were celebrated for their striking seasonal displays, with Coed y Brenin showcasing crisp mountain forest trails alongside rushing waterfalls, and Sheffield Park & Garden renowned for its fiery acers reflected in historic waterside lakes.
Britain’s Top 10 Destinations for Autumn Scenery:
-
Bolderwood, New Forest in Hampshire (38%)
-
Loch an Eilein, Scottish Highlands (32%)
-
Allen Banks, Northumberland (26%)
-
Coed y Brenin, Eryri (Snowdonia) (21%)
-
Sheffield Park & Garden, East Sussex (21%)
-
Glen Affric, Scottish Highlands (20%)
-
Lanhydrock Estate, Cornwall (18%)
-
Loughrigg Tarn and Elterwater, Cumbria (17%)
-
Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire (17%)
-
Westonbirt Arboretum, Gloucestershire (16%)
Enjoying the autumn colours and scenery tops the list of reasons for taking an autumn escape (48%), followed by the opportunity to enjoy countryside walks (38%) and fewer tourists (31%). Meanwhile, one in four (24%) also cited better value hotel prices in autumn than peak summer, making it an attractive time to travel.
According to UK adults, the perfect autumn day includes a woodland walk (36%), a country pub lunch (20%) and a scenic drive (10%).
And Brits aren’t just soaking up the scenery, they’re capturing it too, with three quarters (75%) having taken photos specifically to capture autumn colours or scenery showing just how much the changing landscape has become part of the seasonal getaway experience.
A Travelodge spokesperson said: “It appears the North American phenomenon of travelling to view the changing colours has officially arrived in the UK, with many of us choosing to explore local autumn landscapes rather than heading abroad.
“Our research shows a real shift towards discovering hidden gems off the beaten track, making autumn an increasingly important season for regional travel. “With more people seeking out lesser-known destinations, autumn presents a fantastic opportunity to explore parts of the UK that might otherwise be overlooked, so with 600 hotels nationwide, Travelodge offers a brilliant base for visiting Britain’s finest seasonal destinations.”
Plan your next autumn adventure and find the best rates across 600 UK hotels using Travelodge’s Best Price Finder.
