Full Breakdown
Brits Turn Autumn Into a Staycation Season
By Drooid · · How we work
The Surge in Autumn Getaways
Travel research commissioned by the budget hotel chain Travelodge shows that 73 % of UK adults plan a seasonal escape this year, making autumn the most popular time for a domestic break. The study, which surveyed 2,000 adults, found that 58 % would rather experience the season in the UK than travel abroad, and 82 % believe the country offers some of the world’s finest autumn scenery. A further 43 % say they are more likely to book an autumn break now than three years ago, indicating a clear shift toward staycations.
Why the Shift?
Analysts attribute the trend to a combination of factors. First, the North-American “leaf-peeping” phenomenon appears to be catching on in Britain, prompting travellers to seek colourful landscapes closer to home. Second, the appeal of fewer crowds, lower accommodation costs and the chance to photograph vivid foliage has resonated with a public still mindful of post-pandemic travel budgets. Finally, a desire to explore lesser-known locales—43 % of respondents said they prefer hidden gems over popular hotspots—has broadened the range of destinations considered.
Top Domestic Destinations
Travelodge’s vote-based ranking highlights ten locations that consistently deliver striking autumn scenery:
1. Bolderwood, New Forest, Hampshire – Ancient oak, beech and sweet-chestnut trees create a patchwork of reds, oranges and golds.
2. Loch an Eilein, Scottish Highlands – A ruined island castle set amid golden birch and Caledonian pine forest.
3. Allen Banks, Northumberland – River-side woodland with towering beech and oak canopies.
4. Coed y Brenin, Snowdonia, North Wales – Mountain forest trails, waterfalls and golden birch against dark pines.
5. Sheffield Park & Garden, East Sussex – Japanese maples and acers blaze across lakes and formal gardens.
6. Glen Affric, Scottish Highlands – Native pine forest interspersed with birch, lochs and rugged hills.
7. Lanhydrock Estate, Cornwall – Victorian house grounds framed by beech-lined avenues.
8. Loughrigg Tarn & Elterwater, Lake District – Tarn reflections of changing foliage amid fells.
9. Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire – Veteran oaks, including the Major Oak, turn gold and brown.
10. Westonbirt Arboretum, Gloucestershire – International tree collection showcases fiery reds, oranges and yellows.
These sites combine accessible walking routes, historic features and natural colour displays, meeting the preferences expressed by respondents for woodland walks (36 %), country-pub lunches (20 %) and scenic drives (10 %).
Economic and Cultural Impact
The rise in autumn staycations is expected to benefit local economies, especially in rural areas that traditionally see a post-summer dip in visitor numbers. Higher occupancy rates for small-scale accommodations and increased patronage of country pubs and heritage sites could extend the tourism season well into November. Culturally, the trend encourages a renewed appreciation of Britain’s natural heritage, as more visitors engage with forests, lochs and historic estates during their most colourful period.
Gaps and Future Monitoring
While the survey provides a clear picture of current preferences, it does not track actual visitation numbers or economic outcomes. Ongoing monitoring will be needed to determine whether the expressed intent translates into measurable tourism growth and to assess any regional disparities in benefit distribution.