Mellower cottage breaks
NOW the schools are back, this is surely the mellowest, most rewarding time of year for a cosy self-catering break. Rates have fallen by up to a whopping 50 per cent from their summer heights. Yet you can still enjoy lovely, late-season sunshine and benefit from clearer roads and almost-empty beaches.
As the summer crowds melt away, arrange a short break at an appealing seaside property — and make it your base for a few wonderful days of walking coastal paths, fine dining on fresh, locally caught seafood and exploring opulent stately homes and vibrant autumnal gardens.
Of course, we’re all hoping for an extended Indian summer. But if you do want to check the weather before you commit, companies such as Cumbrian Cottages, Yorkshire Cottages and cottages.com now include a search facility for lastminute availability, typically at an extra 15 per cent off.
It’s a golden opportunity to savour our gorgeous coast and countryside in a warm, golden light, before the sunshine season rolls on for another year.
LAKE DISTRICT AMAZONS
ASLONG, low beams transform the fells, relive your childhood with a Swallows And Amazons-inspired holiday in the Lake District. Splash around in dinghies, motor boats, kayaks or standup paddleboards on Coniston Water in the wake of the recent film adaptation of Arthur Ransome’s much-loved book.
This is the perfect lake for getting afloat in the late-season sunshine. Discover the Secret Harbour on Wild Cat Island, where John, Susan, Titty and The Boy Roger set up their tents and played pirates.
You could steam to Ransome’s Foot of the Lake station and the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway. Or spot his Amazon River and Octopus Lagoon from Coniston Launch or Steam Yacht Gondola.
Stay nearby with Coppermines & Lakes Cottages or Cumbrian Cottages and create shimmering memories.
WEST COUNTRY GOODIES
IT’S NOT just about the colours of autumn, or the latest Poldark locations, for that matter! Harvest in the West Country brings scrumptious food festivals. Upcoming excuses for a locally sourced feast include Newquay Fish Festival, the Great Cornish Food Festival in Truro, Falmouth Oyster Festival and the Dartmouth Food Festival.
Foodie fanatics can also experience harvest time at Sharpham Vineyard, near Totnes, South Devon, on the banks of the River Dart. Take your haul of goodies back to prepare in the stylish kitchen of a holiday cottage booked through Toad Hall Cottages or Coast & Country Cottages.