Top National Parks in the UK to Visit During Autumn
Cosy | Country Pubs | Countryside | Outdoor Activities | Pub Accommodation | Posted 2024.10.04
As the UK transitions into autumn, the country’s natural landscapes are set ablaze with vibrant hues of red, orange and gold. It’s a magical time of year when national parks become some of the best places to witness the changing seasons, with crisp air serene walks and wildlife preparing for winter. Whether you are a nature lover, hiker or photographer, the UK’s national parks offer incredible autumn experiences. Here’s a guide to the top national parks to explore this season.
Lake District National Park
Location: Cumbria, North West England
First on the list of the top national parks is The Lake District – a perennial favourite, but it’s especially stunning in autumn. As the leaves turn, the park’s iconic lakes and fells reflect the fiery colours, creating dramatic vistas at every turn. Visit Grasmere and Ambleside for quaint autumnal walks or hike up Catbells or Scafell Pike for breathtaking views. Don’t forget to enjoy a warm, cosy pub by the fire after a day of exploring.
Stay in a Pub Nearby
The Wordsworth Hotel is a historic, dog-friendly retreat situated in the heart of Grasmere and cradled by two acres of glorious gardens. With picture postcard views, their 38 inviting bedrooms and suites provide the perfect base from which to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the lakes. Grasmere is nestled in a vale in the centre of the Lake District and named after its adjacent lake.
Book your stay here: The Wordsworth Hotel
The Wateredge Inn is a dog and family-friendly pub perched on the banks of lake Windermere, with breathtaking views and a waterfront terrace. Their en-suite bedrooms include good options for guests requiring a single, twin, family or dog-friendly room. The pub is surrounded by majestic Lakeland fells and is just a short stroll from Ambleside town centre. For the ultimate luxury book one of their suites.
Book your stay here: The Wateredge Inn
Peak District National Park
Location: Derbyshire, Staffordshire, Greater Manchester, Yorkshire
The Peak District offers rolling hills, rocky outcrops, and picturesque villages, making it a perfect autumn escape. As one of the UK’s top national parks, it’s known for its stunning moorlands and valleys, which come alive with golden bracken and rich autumn tones. For something off the beaten path, explore the lesser-known limestone valleys of Dovedale or hike up to Mam Tor to watch the sunset over a fall-coloured landscape.
Stay in a Pub Nearby
The Bulls Head sits in the heart of the Peak District National Park and has breathtaking views looking out over Mam Tor and Peveril Castle. The pub has five comfortable double and twin en-suite bedrooms, some of which are dog-friendly. The beautiful village of Castleton is located at the western end of the Hope Valley. Book a stay, tie up your walking boots and explore nearby walks and caverns.
Book your stay here: The Bulls Head
The George is a beautifully renovated 500-year-old coaching inn, nestled in the Peak District’s Hope Valley. The pub sits in the picturesque village of Hathersage, in the heart of the Derbyshire Dales and has a collection of 24 contemporary-styled en-suite bedrooms. Book a stay and visit Chatsworth House or the charming town of Bakewell and enjoy idyllic walks to Mam Torr and Padley Gorge.
Book your stay here: The George
New Forest National Park
Location: Hampshire and Wiltshire, South England
Autumn in the New Forest feels almost otherworldly. The park’s ancient woodlands become a tapestry of colours, and it’s an ideal destination for a peaceful retreat. During this season, you can spot wildlife such as wild ponies, deer, and pigs roaming freely, scavenging for acorns. A leisurely bike ride or walk under the vibrant canopies of trees makes for an unforgettable experience.
Stay in a Pub Nearby
Forest Park Country Hotel & Inn, was originally built in 1893 as a private house. Located close to the centre of the village of Brockenhurst, many of their luxurious en-suite bedrooms overlook the panoramic gardens or New Forest National Park. There are good options for families, and solo travellers, and some bedrooms are dog friendly. Book this nature lover’s paradise today!
Book your stay here: Forest Park Country Hotel & Inn
The White Buck sits in the heart of the New Forest, a short drive from the village of Burley, four miles from Ringwood. The pub has 20 stylish en-suite bedrooms, including good options for guests who require a suite, double, twin, accessible, or dog-friendly room. Book a stay and experience some of the finest accommodations in the forest, delicious pub classics, and proper beers and ales.
Book your stay here: The White Buck
Snowdonia National Park
Location: North Wales
With its towering peaks, cascading waterfalls, and sweeping valleys, Snowdonia offers a rugged, wild beauty in autumn. The park’s dramatic landscapes are framed by brilliant autumn colours that seem to glow in the crisp, clear air. For adventurous souls, climbing Snowdon or exploring the less-crowded Carneddau range provides a perfect mix of autumn scenery and mountain views.
Stay in a Pub Nearby
Gwesty Links sits just a ten-minute walk from Llandudno Bay Beach and near to the centre of Llandudno. The pub has 15 affordable en-suite double, twin, or family bedrooms. Their seasonal menus are full of delicious pub classics, and there is also a light menu perfect for a quick pub lunch with a pint. Snowdonia National Park is a 45-minute drive away, and North Wales Golf Club is nearby.
Book your stay here: Gwesty Links
The Bull’s Head Inn sits in the heart of Beaumaris, close to Beaumaris Castle and the town’s beaches. Dating to the 15th century, this beautifully refurbished pub has 30 en-suite bedrooms including good options for solo travellers, families, and guests bringing their dog. The perfect base for adventures in North Wales. Book a stay and enjoy glorious views over the Menai Strait and Snowdonia.
Book your stay here: The Bull’s Head Inn
Cairngorms National Park
Location: Scottish Highlands
The Cairngorms, the largest national park in the UK, is a haven for autumn adventurers. In October and November, the landscapes transform into a golden spectacle, with its vast forests and heather-covered hills in full autumnal bloom. If you’re lucky, you might spot red deer or the elusive capercaillie as wildlife becomes more active before winter sets in.
Brecon Beacons National Park
Location: South Wales
The Brecon Beacons offer a mix of dramatic mountains, waterfalls, and open moorlands, making it an ideal destination for an autumn break. The park is particularly known for its waterfalls, and as rainfall increases in autumn, these become even more spectacular. The area’s forests and hillsides glow with deep reds and oranges, creating perfect opportunities for photography and peaceful nature walks.
Stay in a Pub Nearby
The Castle Hotel is the oldest in Wales, perfectly situated in a tranquil location with beautiful riverside and mountain views. Steeped in history, their Inn serves local ales and ciders. In the summertime, al fresco drinks can be enjoyed on the terrace with views of the Brecon Beacons National Park. The Castle has 43 comfortable single, double, twin, family, and four-poster en-suite bedrooms.
Book your stay here: The Castle Hotel
Exmoor National Park
Location: Devon and Somerset, Southwest England
Exmoor National Park’s rugged coastlines, dense woodlands, and sweeping moorlands are transformed by autumn’s golden glow. For those seeking a quieter escape, Exmoor offers tranquil walks along the River Barle or through the ancient oak woodlands of Horner Wood. In the evenings, Exmoor’s status as a Dark Sky Reserve makes it one of the best places to stargaze on clear autumn nights.
Stay in a pub nearby
The Exmoor White Horse Inn is an award-winning 16th-century pub situated in the heart of the moor. They sit on the banks of the River Exe and are surrounded by breathtaking views of the Exmoor National Park. They have 28 characterful bedrooms and welcome dog-friendly stays in a selection of their rooms. The old town of Exford is about ten miles from Minehead and the Devon coast.
Book your stay here: The Exmoor White Horse Inn
Autumn in the UK’s national parks is a time of quiet beauty when nature slows down and puts on its most colourful display. Whether you’re seeking dramatic mountain landscapes, peaceful woodlands, or wildlife encounters, these parks offer something special for every kind of autumn adventurer. Pack your walking boots, camera, and a flask of tea, and immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the season.
Written by
Lucille Skinner