# UK Autumn Travel: Share Your Best Seasonal Day Out for a Chance to Win
The Guardian Travel section is seeking reader submissions for the best autumn getaways and activities across the United Kingdom, with the winning tip earning a £200 voucher toward a Coolstays holiday rental.
Readers can submit their favorite seasonal UK experiences, ranging from woodland walks during peak foliage season to foraging expeditions, stargazing trips, and wildlife observation outings. Garden visits and arboretum tours that showcase autumn's characteristic red and gold foliage are also welcome submissions.
Tom Hall, travel editor at Lonely Planet, will judge the entries and select the winning tip. The prize includes a £200 credit toward any Coolstays property, the UK-focused accommodation platform specializing in unique, independent stays ranging from cottages to converted barns and glamping sites.
Autumn represents a turning point for British travel. Summer crowds dissipate from popular destinations. Weather turns crisp, ideal for hiking in the Lake District, the Cotswolds, or Scottish Highlands. Visitor numbers drop significantly at major attractions, reducing wait times and creating a more intimate travel experience. Accommodation prices typically fall during shoulder season, making it an economical time for domestic UK travel.
Seasonal activities dominate autumn itineraries. Foraging enthusiasts hunt for mushrooms, berries, and wild herbs across woodlands and moorlands. Stargazing improves as nights lengthen and skies clear. Bird watchers track migratory species moving south. October half-term school holidays drive family visits to pumpkin patches, apple orchards, and Halloween-themed attractions.
Specific destinations excel during autumn months. The New Forest in Hampshire offers unparalleled leaf-peeping alongside wild ponies and deer. Westonbirt Arboretum near Gloucester showcases over 16,000 trees in spectacular color shifts. Exmoor in Devon and Somerset provides dramatic coastal walks with autumn light. The Peak District's limestone valleys and moorlands deliver hiking routes through changing landscapes. Wales's Brecon Beacons deliver both foliage and clear night skies for astronomy enthusiasts.
Coolstays positions itself as the go-to platform for independent accommodations outside standard hotel chains. Properties range from rural cottages with wood-burning stoves perfect for autumn stays, to contemporary hideaways with views of surrounding woodland color changes. The brand emphasizes authentic, locally-owned stays rather than chain hotels.
The submission period encourages readers to think beyond typical tourist routes. A winning entry might highlight an obscure forest path in Yorkshire, a family-friendly foraging workshop in Kent, or an underrated arboretum in East Anglia. Personal recommendations carry weight. Tom Hall's selection likely favors entries combining practical details, unique perspectives, and genuine enthusiasm for autumn travel.
This contest reflects broader UK travel trends. Domestic tourism accelerated post-pandemic. Staycations remain popular and economical compared to international travel. Autumn travel specifically appeals to budget-conscious travelers seeking lower prices, fewer crowds, and favorable weather conditions. Adventure activities and nature-focused experiences outpace traditional cultural tourism in current booking patterns.
Submit your autumn UK tip through Guardian Travel channels for a chance at the Coolstays voucher while helping other travelers discover their next seasonal escape.