Four of the best autumnal breaks in Britain
As the nights draw in, it’s time to enjoy countryside walks and evenings in by the fire
A cosy spot by a loch
The 12-bedroom Pierhouse hotel, on the banks of Loch Linnhe in Argyll, Scotland, is worth visiting for the seafood alone, said The Sunday Telegraph. Mussels and oysters are prepared in the restaurant in one of four ways – the buttery grilled version is a favourite – and the people who farmed them are celebrated on the menus. “Bedrooms are snug, decorated with maritime-themed artwork, and pretty blue and white flowers – a soothing place to hide away on rainy autumn nights.”
There are numerous beaches and walking routes located close to the hotel, “but our favourite spot was the hotel bar, sitting in an armchair, local whisky in hand, gazing out at the pier and its ferry boat”. The ferry makes frequent trips to the Inner Hebridean island of Lismore, which was once an important centre of Christianity and is now “the home of a small population, some hardy sheep and a couple of ruined castles”. From £125; pierhousehotel.co.uk
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Getting snug in a pub in Wiltshire
Hunker down this autumn in a snug pub in Wiltshire, says Maria Shollenbarger in the Financial Times. Down at the edge of the Somerset border, just above the “gorgeous stretch of Cranborne Chase on the estate of the Duke of Somerset”, is a new take on the quintessential British village inn, The Bradley Hare in Maiden Bradley. Its interiors were executed by a former Soho House design director – think old antiques and vintage textiles repurposed as pretty headboards, mixing nicely with mid-20th-century paintings. “A proper (if city-polished) pub resides on the ground floor, complete with snug and private dining rooms… [with] a full gastro menu and impressive wine list.” The dozen bedrooms are spread out over the main building and adjacent coach house. There is also a private garden, and “even a cheeky little beauty parlour”. From £130; thebradleyhare.co.uk
A woodland retreat in Northumberland
“Fiery displays of autumn colour are provided by vibrant acers, and by the red squirrels foraging for winter stores” at the National Trust estate at Wallington in Northumberland, said Gemma Bowes and Lorna Parkes in The Guardian. Walkers on a “heritage tree trail” can explore the woodland that features “exotic conifers and other trees from around the world”, planted by the families that lived on the estate for 300 years. Nearby, the National Trust has a new holiday cottage, called Rothley Lakehouse, surrounded by woodland and wetlands. The property, which sleeps up to 13, overlooks the 250-year-old lake created by Capability Brown, a native of Northumberland. “Bats, badgers and otters frequent the shore.” Bikes can be rented to explore trails to nearby villages such as Wallington, or further afield to Blyth, quaint Morpeth, or to Rothbury for antiques. £1,625 for three nights in November; nationaltrust.org.uk
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Communing with nature in Staffordshire
Be seduced by the fairy-tale beauty of The Tawny – 70 acres of gardens on the edge of the Staffordshire Moorlands, consisting of “lakes dotted with tumbledown follies… wayward borders and dappled woodlands”, said Susan d’Arcy in The Times. The custom-built shepherds’ huts are “Scandi-cute”. They have stargazing skylights, king-size beds, log-burners and decks with plenty of room for a stylish tin bath, filled with water filtered on site. As for the treehouses, they enjoy “the same slick styling and facilities, but with on-trend outdoor showers”. Or guests can opt to stay in one of the boat houses, which are “probably the most romantic, with interiors drenched in bolder colours and slipper baths positioned to make the most of the dreamy views through floor-to-ceiling windows”. On site, there’s a small outdoor heated pool and a “dinky thatched spa”. The focus, however, is on “communing with nature, so wander until you find the perfect spot to stop and read”. From £230; thetawny.co.uk
This article was originally published in MoneyWeek
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
-
A Taste of Honey: 'wonderful' revival remains 'vital and relevant'
The Week Recommends The 'period-perfect' production features a 'universally excellent cast'
By The Week UK Published
-
Bormio: 'a great Alpine getaway'
The Week Recommends From snowy slopes and hot-spring spas, to high-end food and wine, this Italian town has something to offer everyone
By Asya Likhtman Published
-
Crossword: March 28, 2024
The Week's daily crossword
By The Week Staff Published
-
Three Chimneys restaurant and The House Over-By review: Skye's sumptuous rural hideaway
The Week Recommends The award-winning restaurant with rooms is well worth battling the elements to reach
By Jamie Timson, The Week UK Published
-
Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya: luxury ecotourism meets Mexican flair
The Week Recommends Caribbean resort hidden in Yucatán Peninsula mangroves combines fine dining with a true love of nature
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Kurhotel Skodsborg: where the atmosphere of Copenhagen meets the wild
The Week Recommends The resort near Denmark's capital offers a stylish and authentic Danish spa experience
By Alexandra Zagalsky Published
-
The Westbury Hotel review: stunning suites in charming Dublin
The Week Recommends This hotel is the perfect spot to while away a weekend in Ireland's capital
By Kaye O'Doherty Published
-
Best new hotels and places to stay in 2024
The Week Recommends Featuring stylish island resorts, historical properties and wilderness retreats
By The Week UK Last updated
-
Tulum: a Mexican beach town of 'two halves'
The Week Recommends With the 'pueblo' and 'Zona Hotelera', Tulum is home to great hotels, restaurants and beach clubs
By William Leigh Published
-
Hotel Esencia review: a secret retreat and day trips to Chichén Itzá
The Week Recommends This hotel on Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula offers chic accommodation and a private beach
By William Leigh Published
-
La Zebra review: beach chic, perfect tacos and secret cenotes
The Week Recommends Enjoy a stylish stay in Mexico at this family-friendly beach hotel and restaurant
By William Leigh Published