From pumpkin patches and apple orchards to woodland viewpoints glowing with autumn colour, these spots are some of the best for a seasonal escape
As autumn arrives, foliage in every hue from crimson to bronze drifts from branches, whilst pumpkins await harvesting.
From pumpkin patches and apple orchards to woodland viewpoints ablaze with autumnal colour, these locations offer some of the finest seasonal getaways.
A countryside stroll provides the perfect remedy.
All that’s required is planning your journey – and every one of these destinations can be reached by rail.
Simply pack some cosy clothing and a warming beverage and you’re prepared for the day, reports the Express.
Hewitts Farm – Knockholt, Kent
Pumpkins become the star attraction at Hewitts from early October, when the fields welcome visitors for pick-your-own and families descend to collect the ideal gourds for carving and adorning.
However, there’s far more to gather here: the 78-acre farm also boasts orchards laden with dessert apples, plus Bramleys for culinary use.
Visitors can also harvest pears and late plums to introduce another burst of autumnal sweetness.
At the farm shop, guests can load up on marrows, squashes and root vegetables, making Hewitts the ideal destination to fill a hamper with everything required for seasonal crumbles, pies and warming roasts.
How to get there: Train to Knockholt, then a 17-minute walk via the public footpath across Chelsfield Lakes Golf Course.
Swallow Falls – Betws-y-Coed, Snowdonia
Frequently dubbed the “Gateway to Snowdonia,” Betws-y-Coed ranks among Wales’ most stunning locations, and it truly sparkles in autumn.
From the station, there’s a leisurely riverside stroll to Swallow Falls, where the River Llugwy plunges spectacularly through the trees. The beech and birch trees that line the path turn vivid shades of amber and gold in October, creating a breathtaking backdrop.
The village itself also offers cosy cafés and shops, making it an easy, full day out by train.
How to get there: Train to Betws-y-Coed, then follow waymarked woodland paths to the falls in around 30 minutes.
Lymefield Garden Centre – Broadbottom, Greater Manchester
Tucked in the countryside near Manchester, this family-run garden centre goes all out for autumn.
Alongside its annual pumpkin patch, visitors can browse a farm shop brimming with local produce, enjoy homemade cakes in the café, or take a short riverside stroll before heading home.
A wholesome escape that makes for a perfect half-day trip from the city. The pumpkin patch opens 18th October and you can book tickets here online.
How to get there: Train from Manchester Piccadilly to Broadbottom, then an 11-minute walk.
Castle Farm – Eynsford, Kent
Best known for its lavender fields in summer, Castle Farm is equally inviting in September when its apple orchards open for PYO weekends.
Families can fill baskets with crisp Kentish apples and enjoy the rural scenery of the Darent Valley.
With refreshments on site and countryside footpaths leading through the farm, it’s a slice of rustic autumn just under an hour from London.
How to get there: Train to Eynsford, then a 27-minute countryside walk via the Darent Valley Footpath.
Orrest Head – Windermere, Lake District
There are few finer introductions to the Lake District than Orrest Head.
The journey begins right next to Windermere station, meandering through golden woodland before revealing a summit with panoramic views of the lake and surrounding fells.
Alfred Wainwright once described this walk as the moment he fell head over heels for the Lakes – and in autumn, with the hillsides ablaze in hues of red and amber, it’s not hard to understand why.
Getting there: Take a train to Windermere, then start your walk from the station. Follow the signposted Orrest Head path (20-30 minute climb).
Arthur’s Seat – Edinburgh, Scotland
Towering above the city, Arthur’s Seat serves as a reminder that Edinburgh is as much about untamed landscapes as it is about cobbled streets.
From Waverley station, it’s merely a short stroll to Holyrood Park, where lochs and crags are framed by trees transitioning into shades of gold.
The ascent to the summit takes 30-45 minutes, rewarding hikers with a sweeping view of the city and beyond. For a more leisurely outing, the lower paths around St Margaret’s Loch and Salisbury Crags are equally rich in autumnal colour.
