About Time: You Went on an Autumn StaycationBy Alicia Grimshaw

Despite the uncertainty of the weather in the UK, there are still plenty of delightful experiences that promise to offer an autumn escape. Whether it’s a foodie retreat, spa relaxation or a cultural gem, the UK has an amazing selection of properties that are equally enjoyable in the rain as they are in the sunshine.

1. For a Countryside Escape: Lime Wood, The New Forest 

The Lowdown: Nestled away in the boundaries of a guarded National Park adorned with rolling hills and old forests, and just a stone’s throw away from the sea, Lime Wood is the archetypal UK country retreat, ideal for those rainy days. The hotel has 33 cosy bedrooms in the stunning grounds, including two Forest Cottages, a Forest Cabin, and a Lake Cabin. Each room at Lime Wood now provides a distinct and unique aesthetic, thanks to a complete refurbishment last year by designer Susie Atkinson. Features include roll-top baths that overlook the forest and large, soft beds that are perfect for settling into on rainy, windy days.

What to do if it’s raining:

– Immersion in the New Forest is possible indoors at the award-winning Herb House Spa, which devotes itself to natural wellbeing. With floor to ceiling windows overlooking the forest, the three-story spa was built to feel like it is a part of the surrounding environment. Visitors can unwind in the peaceful Forest Sauna and Steam House or pass the time with bespoke treatments from Bamford, VOYA, Sarah Chapman, and GROUND Wellbeing.

– Guests can while away a lazy afternoon tasting delicious Italian inspired dishes and exploring the impressive wine list at HH&Co., Luke Holder and Angela Hartnett’s laid back restaurant where sharing and provenance is everything.

What to do if it’s sunny: 

– Lime Wood sits in the heart of The New Forest with direct access through a private gate. Guests can enjoy long excursions in this stunning pocket of countryside with Lime Wood providing walking maps, bikes and Hunter wellies if needed

– Guests can relax by the outdoor hot pool, enjoy an outdoor treatment  or recline in a quiet corner of the rooftop herb garden at Herb House

Rooms from £495. More information here

2. For a Hidden Gem: The Duncombe Arms, Staffordshire 

The Lowdown: In the midst of the Staffordshire countryside, The Duncombe Arms is a rustic-chic pub that combines the laid-back setting reminiscent of a beloved local pub with high-quality British food. With the extra flare and modern decor of a boutique hotel, Walnut House offers 10 comfy and opulent bedrooms that have all the laid-back, homely comforts you’d expect from a rural pub. Head Chef Scott Law crafts delicious seasonally inspired dishes made from the best possible local produce. The Duncombe Arms has been named as best dining pub by The Michelin Guide, The Good Pub Guide, Budweiser Budvar’s Top 50 Gastropubs and The Diner’s Choice Awards. The pub has retained the coveted Bib Gourmand award since 2019 and won bronze in the ‘Pub of the Year’ category for the 2023 VisitEngland awards.

What to do if it’s raining: 

The Duncombe Arms is perfectly positioned for cultural exploration of some of England’s most impressive attractions.

– The World of Wedgewood (30 minute drive). The V&A Collection at Barlaston is home to one of the most interesting and important collections of ceramics, works of art, manuscripts and photographs in the world. Alongside the V&A collection, guests can partake in a Factory Tour where they will see up close craftsmanship, artisan skills and techniques honed over 260 years.

– Chatsworth House (40 minute drive) is renowned for the quality of its art and landscape. It contains works of art that span 4,000 years, from ancient Roman and Egyptian sculpture, and masterpieces by Rembrandt, Reynolds and Veronese, to work by outstanding modern artists, including Lucian Freid and David Nash. There are over 25 rooms to explore from the Painted Hall, regal State Rooms, restored Sketch Galleries and beautiful Sculpture Gallery.

– Kedleston Hall  (30 minute drive) is an extravagant temple to the arts designed by Robert Adam. Commissioned by Nathaniel Curzon it boasts opulent interiors intended to impress and which are open to the public.

What to do if it’s sunny: 

– The Duncombe Arms, which is situated in the Dove Valley on the edge of the Peak District, provides direct access to some of the UK’s most beautiful walking. Guests can leave straight from the door and head up onto the impressive Weaver Hills which offer views across into the Peak District, or head into the National Park to enjoy the many routes on offer.

Rooms start from £195. More information here. 

3. For a Coastal Retreat: Atlanta, Trevone

The Lowdown: Situated in one of Cornwall’s most coveted positions, a few steps from a private beach and very close to Trevone Bay, this refurbished collection of five luxury holiday homes and self-catering apartments is the perfect weekend getaway for adults seeking a coastal staycation. Warm Fermoie textiles, Millard & Flo lighting, whitewashed walls, high vaulted ceilings, sash windows, and old furniture passed down through the generations characterise the interiors, which are reminiscent of a Hamptons beach house meets the PIG. The holiday rentals have open-concept Neptune kitchens with Lacanche cookers that are ideal for hosting guests, as well as open fireplaces, Drummonds bathrooms with roll-top bathtubs that look out to sea, and authentic Victorian details.

What to do if it’s raining: 

– On rainy days, foodies can still delight in the culinary wonders of Padstow, where they will be spoiled for choice with some of the country’s finest restaurants to choose from, including Rick Stein’s well-known establishments
– The SeaFood restaurant, The Bistro, and the Middle St Café. But that’s not all; Padstow offers an impressive selection of other highly recommended eateries including Barnaby’s, Prawn on the Lawn, and Rojanos.

– Rainy days present the perfect opportunity to settle into the exquisitely designed cinema room in the brand new Net Loft, where guests watch the latest movies or timeless classics in the utmost comfort.