Here at Unique Homestays, we love nothing more than revelling in the beauty of Britain's ever-changing seasons. As we fall into Autumn and ponder how summer seemed to slip by so quickly, we showcase the best in British staycations this season. From fresh autumnal mornings to fire-lit evenings filled with the scent of blackberry pie, we’ve collected six autumnal escapes guaranteed to get you singing in the rain and have those toes tapping to the satisfying sound of golden crunching leaves…
Hugging the southern borders of the New Forest National Park, here at The Sanctuary couples can choose from toasty evenings by the woodburner or rather throw on a chunky knit for al fresco fun beside the Kadai fire pit. There’s nothing more comforting than the combination of crackling embers and a star-studded sky at this cosy bolthole’s outdoor living space.
At this luxury home nestled into a hillside within Devon’s Woodleigh Glen, a compelling landscape of berry studded hedgerows awaits autumnal games of hide-and-seek. As dusk begins to settle, a woodburner, open fire and underfloor heating invites guests to kick off their wellies and feel right at home at Phillimores.
This rough-luxe self-catering retreat bordering the Black Mountains is the perfect base for those big, bold autumnal adventures. Charity is one fine mountain hideaway - throw in open fires, bathtubs in bedrooms, a wood-fired hot tub, sauna, fire pit and the starriest night sky imaginable… and the party will never want to leave.
Pack your wax jacket and wellingtons when you head to Caspian Ranch, an ultra-luxe converted barn burrowed on the southern edge of Exmoor National Park. Featuring inspired rustic interior and a huge centrepiece fireplace, the best reward after a brisk country stomp will be unwinding with a large glass of something warming in the stylish realms of the open plan kitchen-dining area.
Faraway House makes for memorable holidays off the beaten track. The Brecon Beacons are perfect for adventurous souls who seek rolling hills, tumbling waterfalls and romantic castle ruins. Wander across the mystical Welsh landscape, feel the crunch of leaves beneath your feet and let the trails guide you to discover spectacular hill top vistas.
Infused with the history of the Brecon Beacons, The Nightfly is a romantic self-catering retreat inviting couples to revitalize from a day’s exploring. Sink into the full-grain leather sofa, feel the warmth of the traditional wood burning stove, or slip into a bubbling candlelit bath and unwind to the season’s deliciously aromatic scents.
Honeyed Jurassic Hamstone brings warmth and character to Butterfly House, set within the majestic grounds of a former butterfly farm which provided the silk for Princess Diana’s wedding dress. Inside, enjoy a tempting smorgasbord of melting brie, warm crusty bread and a bottle of red, all sourced from the members-only on-site deli. Hunker down with full tummies in the mulberry-purple cinema room for private screenings of family favourites. Family gatherings in Dorset have never been so cosy.
Enchantingly beautiful and set within magical gardens, Bluebell Grey makes the perfect place to soak up the afternoon sunshine. Boasting extensive views of rolling Somerset countryside over herbaceous borders and beds of wild flowers, the gardens offer the best spot to laze in the hammock and marvel at the captivating contrasts of nature’s warm hues - all whilst tucking into a plate of warm buttered crumpets!
Enjoy romantic walks across Dartmoor’s untamed dreamscape where low autumnal light shines onto swathes of russet colour. Wrey Mist will be sure to lure couples home where hot and steamy showers and a roaring woodburner awaits. Unwind with a cup of cocoa and retell stories of the day’s wanderlust-fuelled adventures.
