Adventure is never far away in Britain. Feel the colourful autumn leaves crunch beneath your feet on a scenic trail, then warm up with fine dining featuring the best of British produce. Experience Britain’s thriving spa scene, take a heritage railway trip or discover world-renowned dark skies: there’s something for the whole family.
London Heathrow Airport welcomes daily direct flights from Riyadh (7 hours) and Jeddah (6 hours 30mins). From Jeddah, you can also fly directly to London Gatwick Airport and Manchester Airport. (6hours 40 mins) From London or Manchester, it’s easy to explore Britain by train or hire car.
Here’s how to experience the best of autumnal Britain.
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All aboard for a heritage rail trip through Britain
See Britain’s autumn colours while you cruise through the countryside in vintage luxury. Treat yourself to a delicious afternoon tea or enjoy fine dining en route.
West Highland Line
Discover Scotland’s very own ‘Wild West’ on a steam train adventure through the Highlands. You’ll be glued to the windows of the Jacobite on the 84-mile round trip between Fort William and Mallaig. Harry Potter fans: don’t miss the Glenfinnan Viaduct, immortalised in the film series.
Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway
Admire England’s Lake District National Park from the comfort of your vintage railway carriage on this seven-mile line, stretching from the coastal village of Ravenglass to the Eskdale Valley. Younger visitors will love the teddy bear making workshops and Little Engineers’ Day this autumn.
Steam Dreams
Ride in style on a luxury Steam Dreams trip, offering frequent departures from London. Take a day trip to historic York, discover Chester’s charm, or spend a few days amid the greenery of the Lake District aboard the Lakes Express. With Pullman Dining options, you’ll be spoilt with multi-course menus and afternoon tea.
On the right track in Britain
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Put your best foot forward on these family-friendly trails, where you’ll see another side to England’s cities, coast and countryside.
Northumberland coast
Wild and windswept, adventure abounds on Northumberland’s coast. Follow the three-mile (5km) sandy path from Seahouses to Bamburgh beach for views of Bamburgh Castle. It’s well worth visiting this spectacular fortress too, where history comes alive for all ages.
Cotswold Way
The Cotswold Way National Trail stretches 102 miles (164km) through this honey-hued landscape of the Cotswolds, but it’s easy to break it down into bitesize walks. Try the walk from Chipping Camden to Broadway – there are plenty of tea shops to refuel at along the way!
Birmingham’s Tolkien Trail
Love Lord of the Rings? Then don’t miss this trip through literary history in the English Midlands. See the places that inspired author J.R.R Tolkien like The Shire Country Park and Joy’s Wood – idyllic in autumn.
Taste the season at Britain’s foodie hotspots
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Tuck into homegrown British produce at farm shops, food festivals and markets, or pull up a chair at a fine dining restaurant for a seasonal feast.
Petersham Nurseries Restaurant
A green oasis in London’s Richmond, Petersham Nurseries Restaurant has won a Michelin Green Star for its seasonal, sustainable menus. Dine on Italian-accented dishes beneath a canopy of flowers.
Daylesford Organic
Homegrown fruit and vegetables, freshly baked cakes, award-winning homemade produce: it’s all on the menu at Daylesford. This Cotswolds’ farm shop puts top-notch British food front and centre, alongside a great events programme packed with children’s activities.
Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons
In rural Oxfordshire, Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons looks straight out of a painting when surrounded by changing autumn leaves. With two Michelin stars to its name, it promises gourmet dining whatever the season – just be sure to book in advance!
Put life on pause at Britain’s sumptuous spas
After a busy summer, now’s the time to recharge those batteries. From city-centre spas to rural health resorts, you’re never far from a wellness retreat in Britain.
Thermae Bath Spa
Think of spas, and beautiful Bath springs to mind. Thermae Bath Spa, with its stunning rooftop pool, is a treat for the senses. Take your soak to the next level with hot stone therapy or a couple’s massage – bliss. Children over 12 are welcome at the Cross Bath with an adult or guardian.
Wave Garden Spa
In the foothills of Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park, Wave Garden Spa welcomes hikers and holidaymakers to relax in a stunning setting. Indulge in a range of luxurious treatments while taking in the surrounding landscapes.
Chewton Glen Hotel and Spa
You’ll find Chewton Glen where the New Forest National Park meets the sea. Check into one of the hotel’s unusual treehouse suites for a room with a view, then head to the splendid spa for tailor-made treatments.
Reach for the stars in Britain’s dark skies destinations
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When the sun sets, Britain’s dark skies beckon. Spot planets, constellations – and if you’re lucky, the Northern Lights.
The Fife Arms
An International Dark Sky Park, the Cairngorms National Park is a stargazer’s dream. Stay at the five-star Fife Arms for their ‘Hunt for the Dark Sky’ experience, an evening spent under the stars with an expert astronomer.
Twice Brewed Inn
Northumberland’s starry skies are not to be missed too. Spot planets, galaxies and star clusters with a Stargazing, Supper and Slumber package at Twice Brewed Inn, with the help of large aperture telescopes and the inn’s passionate astronomers.
THE PIG-in the South Downs
Within easy reach of London, the South Downs National Park is Britain’s most southerly Dark Sky Reserve. From your luxury base at THE PIG in Arundel, head to Bignor Hill Dark Sky Discovery Site, for a chance of spying the Milky Way.
Featured image © VisitBritain/Simon Jarratt
