Autumn escapes: The best UK destinations to visit this season

Autumn escapes: The best UK destinations to visit this season

Leaves are falling, the air is crisp, and pumpkin-spiced everything has returned to the shelves. Yes, autumn is here. While some people choose to hibernate until spring (you know who you are), we at National Express have a better idea: hop on a coach and explore the UK at its golden, russet-toned best.

Here are six of our favourite autumn escapes, all perfectly reachable without battling for a parking space.

🍂 York

With its ancient walls and winding lanes, York in autumn feels like stepping into a storybook albeit one with more Viking history and fewer happy endings. Wander the Shambles, sip mulled cider at a market, or just watch the leaves drift into the River Ouse. We’ll get you there without the headache of navigating the one-way system. You’re welcome.

Raid our reasonably priced fares to York.

🍂 Bath

Roman spas, Georgian crescents, and enough history to make your inner period-drama fan swoon. Autumn is Bath at its best, fewer crowds, crisp strolls by the Avon, and cafés that practically demand you linger over a hot chocolate. Leave the driving to us, and you can arrive with energy intact, ready to pretend you’re in Bridgerton.

Take the plunge and travel to Bath.

🍂 Edinburgh

The capital gets moodier in the best possible way when autumn hits. Picture cobbled streets with a soundtrack of bagpipes, sunsets that hit Arthur’s Seat just right, and whisky that tastes better when there’s a chill in the air. Our coaches drop you right in the thick of it, so no need to brave the city’s medieval road system (or its hills).

Edinburgh travel this way (bagpipes not included)

🍂 Cotswolds Villages

If autumn was designed to be Instagrammed, it would look like the Cotswolds. Honey-stone cottages, crunchy leaves underfoot, and village pubs with roaring fires. Perfect for a day trip or a long weekend and with a coach ticket, you’ll have extra cash left over for cream teas. (Jam first, cream second, don’t start an argument.)

Cream teas > petrol fees, book your travel to the Cotswolds here.

🍂 Cardiff

Wales’ capital is small enough to wander but big enough to keep you busy. Explore Cardiff Castle, stroll through Bute Park (a masterpiece of autumn colour), or warm up with a rugby match atmosphere that’s second to none. Hop on a coach and you’ll be in the city centre before you can say “cwtch.”

Skip the stress and say cwtch to Cardiff.

🍂 London

Autumn gives London a softer glow. Think St James’s Park blanketed in amber leaves, twilight walks along the Thames, and cosy evenings in theatres or tucked away pubs. From seasonal markets to world-class museums (ideal for dodging a drizzle), the capital knows how to do autumn properly. Coaches drop you right into the heart of it, so you can skip the congestion charges and get straight to the fun.

Mind the budget gap and leave your London travel to us.

Ready to go?

Autumn doesn’t last forever and neither will that advanced fare. Book your coach trip, sit back with your playlist, and let us do the driving. Your only job? Deciding between the window seat or the aisle.

And just so you know, travelling with us isn’t just convenient, it’s genuinely comfortable. Expect modern coaches with actual legroom (yes, even if you’re tall), FREE Wi-Fi to keep your Instagram updated, and charging points at every seat so your phone survives the journey. There’s a generous luggage policy too, so you can pack as many chunky knits as you like without fear of being judged.

So, where to first?

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