Amazing Autumn Escapes in the Somerset Countryside
Image Credit: Muddy Stilettos
Why Visit Somerset This Autumn?
Autumn is a truly magical time of year to plan a staycation in Somerset. The soaring temperatures of summer slip away and reveal crisp, fresh air; perfect for enjoying invigorating autumnal walks whilst wrapped up in cosy jumpers and scarves. Ruby red and golden yellow hues fill the trees before they shed their leaves, which you’ll find crunching beneath your feet as you step outside. There’s nothing quite like gathering your loved ones together for a stroll through the countryside or marvellously maintained gardens and landscapes, embracing the fresh air and soaking up the beauty of Somerset in autumntime.
Somerset boasts acres of charming forests to explore, an abundance of National Trust properties, stately homes, and spectacular gardens with stunning displays of vibrant colour. It’s the perfect place to bring your special someone on a romantic break, spend some quality time reconnecting with your family, or let your pooch adventure through endless woodland to their heart’s content. Grab your walking boots, wrap up warm, and discover the beauty of Somerset in all its autumnal glory!
Top 5 Places to See the Autumn Leaves in Somerset
Image Credit: Cheddar Gorge & Caves
1) CHEDDAR GORGE
One of our favourite places to visit during the autumn months is Cheddar Gorge, an extraordinary display of cliffs and caves which hold many a fascinating fact about our prehistoric ancestors. You can marvel at panoramic views and mosaic landscapes across the Mendips and Somerset Levels, as you venture up Jacob’s Ladder to the Lookout Tower at the top of the gorge. You could also embark upon the Cliff Top Walk; a three-mile circular loop around the gorge where you can spot interesting wildlife and enjoy stunning scenery. Whatever you choose to do while you’re there, Cheddar Gorge is a wonderful place to enjoy the extraordinary autumnal colours of Somerset!
Image Credit: Following My Feet
2) Bishop’s Palace and Gardens
Bishop’s Palace and Gardens is a serene, peaceful beauty spot which comes alive with the rich colours of autumn. Home to the Bishops of Bath and Wells for 800 years, this stunning medieval palace and gardens is located in the heart of Wells, adjacent to Wells Cathedral. The property boasts an astounding 14 acres of gardens, where you can wander among herbaceous borders, savour the scent of roses, meander through the arboretum, and admire the reflection of Wells Cathedral in the well pools. The Garden of Reflection is the perfect place to take a relaxing moment to recharge your batteries. It really is the most magical destination to visit during autumn.
Image Credit: Prior Park
3) Prior Park Landscape Gardens
A fantastic place for an autumn stroll in Somerset is Prior Park Landscape Gardens, a stunning 18th Century garden in Bath with awe-inspiring views across the city. One of only four Palladian bridges in the world can be crossed here, created by local entrepreneur Ralph Allen, with advice from ‘Capability’ Brown and the poet Alexander Pope. Set in a sweeping valley above Bath, you’ll find yourself just a stone’s throw from the Bath Skyline walk; a six-mile circular route encompassing enchanting woodlands and meadows, which is an equally fantastic spot to admire Somerset’s autumn leaves.
Image Credit: Tony Howell Photography
4) Glastonbury Tor
One of Somerset’s best loved landmarks is Glastonbury Tor, a breath-taking hill which makes for a lovely autumn stroll. Offering magnificent views of the Somerset Levels, Dorset, Wiltshire, and Wales, it’s no wonder that this is one of the very best places to soak up the astonishing autumnal sights of Somerset. Fields at the foot of the Tor are great for kids to play games, and you can even play at the top of the ruined tower, too.
Image Credit: Stourhead Estate
5) Stourhead House and Gardens
Stourhead Estate sits on the Wiltshire-Somerset border and offers the perfect autumn day out for all ages. The breathtaking 18th Century landscape garden features a wealth of incredible sights including lakeside walks, grottoes, and classical temples. If you’re the adventurous kind, we’d highly recommend climbing the 205 steps to the top of King Alfred’s Tower for jaw-dropping views across Dorset, Somerset, and Wiltshire. The rich hues of autumn decorate the landscape to make it more enchanting than any other time of year.
Awe-Inspiring Autumn Breaks at The Manor Holcombe
If you’re planning an autumn trip to Somerset and you’re searching for the perfect accommodation, look no further than The Manor Holcombe. Nestled in the heart of Somerset, our magnificent Georgian manor house is an ideal base to return to after exciting days adventuring across an autumnal Somerset. We’ve got entertainment for all ages, including a games room with a full-sized pool table and smart TV, a cosy living area with a smart TV, DVD player, a small library of books, and a large drawing room with plush chairs, an authentic log burner, and even a piano! After long walks in the countryside, you can return to The Manor Holcombe and cosy up for the night with all our fantastic facilities, before enjoying a peaceful night’s rest in our luxurious beds and looking forward to another day of adventure to come.