With summer starting to draw to an end, those long days spent adventuring can feel like they are being packed away for another year. The idea of darker nights and colder days instead of what feels like endless sunshine can have you feeling a little gloomy and even claustrophobic – we get it! However, there are still plenty of destinations that are incredible to visit in Autumn that will have you feeling excited about the seasons to come and getting the most out of your adventures. Below, we’ve outlined some of our favourite destinations perfect for Autumn travel to give you a whole host of ideas for your next trip.
United Kingdom
Even though the days are drawing in a little earlier and the temperatures are dropping, Autumn is still a great time to make the most the UK and all that it has to offer. Muted colours start to take over the coast whilst browns replace greens on the mountains. There is also still the chance of warm days and plenty of sunshine, meaning you can really feel like you’re stretching out summer. The summer crowds will also have tailed off somewhat, especially in more popular areas. Which means that you’re not likely to experience as much over tourism and potentially get a cheaper per night room rate to boot.
Destination, adventure and travel guides to make the most of the United Kingdom this Autumn:
Wellbeing, Wandering and Slowing Down: Connecting to nature in the North York Moors National Park
Snowdonia Routes: Quieter walking routes to see a different side of the National Park
UK Road Trip: Our ultimate 16 day nature based itinerary
Finding ‘That Feeling’ Again in the Lake District
14 of the Best Hikes in the Peak District for Varied Abilities + Trail Maps
Exploring the South Downs National Park: 9 of our favourite hiking routes
Accessible Adventures: What to do with a weekend near London – The Jurassic Coast, UK
THE EUROPEAN & SWISS ALPS
Autumn is probably one of the most incredible times to visit the Alps – those colours! The combination of bright orange and brown meadows, yellowing trees and bluish tinted snowy high mountains will have you falling completely in love (and taking amazing photographs). Be careful how late into Autumn you plan to visit though – cable car and train services up into the mountains can close earlier than you think, so it’s always worth checking this out in advance. Due to snow setting in at higher altitudes, it’s also worth noting how high up you plan to go. So be sure to plan any adventure ideas according to potential snow.
Destination, adventure and travel guides to make the most of the EUROPEAN & SWISS ALPS this Autumn:
Blog
Eight Incredible Drives in The Dolomites Alps, Italy
Five Accessible Wild Swimming Locations (with maps) to Try in the Bernese Alps, Switzerland
Accessible Adventures: What to do with a spare day near Salzburg, Austria
Quieter Alternatives to The Dolomites, Italy: Gran Paradiso National Park
Hiking in The Italian Dolomites – Our guide to alternative hikes away from the tourist trails
WEST COAST OF AMERICA FROM MOUNTAINS TO DESERT
A trip to the West Coast of America in Autumn is a real treat because you’re faced with the great proposition of being able to experience both the iconic desert alongside alpine mountains. Astounding Autumnal colours take over in the mountains of the Sierra, Tahoe and Shasta. Whilst cooler and more manageable temperatures in the desert such as Death Valley, Joshua Tree, Palm Desert, Anza Borrego start to ease in. Whilst the West Coast is unimaginably large, it is possible to see incredible juxtapositions that will have you in awe of what nature has to offer here. Another suggestion would be to head up from Las Vegas taking in some of the iconic State and National Parks from here up to Southern Utah and Arizona such as Valley of Fire, Zion, Bryce, The Grand Canyon & Red Rock Canyon.
Destination, adventure and travel guides to make the most of the West Coast of America this Autumn:
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15 Self-Care Holidays for the Active Traveller
tea:tv Streaming: Imagine…A Snow Covered California Waiting to be Explored
Alternate American Road Trip: Our ultimate 21 day itinerary
Exploring the Desert Around Joshua Tree National Park – our ultimate guide
Four Days in Southern California – Our ultimate long weekend guide
The Canary Islands
Whilst most of the Canary Islands experience a temperate climate all year round, Autumn can be a great time to visit. The summer heat has eased off, meaning that adventure focused trips are more enjoyable. You’ll often find as well that because it’s shoulder season, per nite room rates are that bit lower too. The Canary Islands have so much to offer in terms of adventure – every single island has it’s own unique feel, claiming high altitude volcanoes, steep, crater formed islands and impressive sand dunes under their belts.
Destination, adventure and travel guides to make the most of the canary islands this Autumn:
Blog
Tenerife: Discover Something Different in the Canary Islands
Lanzarote: Discover Something Different in the Canary Islands
La Palma: Discover Something Different in the Canary Islands
Gran Canaria: Discover Something Different in the Canary Islands
The Best Beaches on Tenerife, Natural Pools and Places to Swim Away from the Crowds
Hiking in Tenerife: Five incredible routes to try in Teide National Park
Hiking in Lanzarote: Six incredible trails to hike on the island + trail maps
Accessible Adventures: Hiking the steepest island in the world – La Palma, Canary Islands