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As red leaves start to crunch beneath feet and a distinctive chill fills the air, there's no better place to be than meandering along country lanes as the sun begins to set, or enjoying a refreshing pint before a blazing fire.
Indeed, the heady heat of summer is, at last, a thing of the past – and autumn has well and truly arrived.
And as tales of pumpkin spice lattes and Halloween folly start to trickle in, why not head to one of Britain's prettiest villages – and swap European city breaks for a cosy weekend curled up with a book and hot chocolate.
From a quirky Cotswolds stay to a gorgeous Lake District getaway and spectacular Scottish escape, here are some of Britain's best villages, perfectly attuned to the turn of the seasons – and how to book your stay...
HAWORTH, WEST YORKSHIRE
First up on the list is Haworth in West Yorkshire, the former home of the Bronte sisters
Haworth, the tiny West Yorkshire village once home to Britain's most successful literary family, the Brontës, couldn't be better at any other time of year.
The main thoroughfare, Main Street, has that uniquely English charm that sends US tourists into a tizz, and will have even your most stoic Brit muttering 'it's quite nice, isn't it', under their breath.
Backed by moorlands of the literary variety (that is, stormy and moody, hinting romantic betrayal), it boasts highlights such as the Brontë Parsonage Museum, where the family lived for decades, as well as beautiful historic church St Michael & All Angels.
You can also stop in at aptly named pub The Brontë, for a swift half and a light bite after a day spent exploring Haworth's pretty cobbled streets.
CASTLE COMBE, THE COTSWOLDS
Up next is beloved Castle Combe in the Cotswolds
Chocolate-box Castle Combe – often called England’s prettiest village – is ideal for a relaxing autumnal retreat.
Gather around wood-burning fires on chilly evenings in the privacy of your own little cottage stay here, or hunker down at award-winning gastro pub the Castle Inn for a sumptuous meal.
Motorheads, listen up: Castle Combe Circuit's autumn lineup involves racing events, Halloween showcases and car displays.
GRASMERE, THE LAKE DISTRICT
Ditch home for a Lake District stay in stunning Grasmere
Often hailed as the most beautiful village in the Lake District, this scenic spot has plenty to offer.
Once described by William Wordsworth as 'the loveliest spot that man hath found', Grasmere continues to draw in visitors with its scenic lakeside setting, charming cottages, winding cobbled streets and famous gingerbread shop – perfect for pumpkin spice fans.
Visit Lake District says: 'Old cottages, faced with pebbledash, and houses of bluish-green local slate vie for attention along the twisty streets of the village. Victorian villas sit comfortably beside hotels, galleries and shops catering to tourists.
'Gingerbread lovers are strongly recommended to stop for a treat at the famous Grasmere Gingerbread shop near the church!'
BURLEY, NEW FOREST
If a New Forest stay is what most appeals, check out the village of Burley
The Hampshire adventure playground of the New Forest offers a collection of autumnal delights, from cycle rides through towering woodlands to wild pony spotting and river walks.
And while the whole area is a joy at this time of year, Burley has a particular appeal in the run-up to Halloween.
Often dubbed the 'witch village' of the UK, Burley supposedly housed a witch, Sybil Leek, in the 1950s – and is still home to the occult shop A Coven of Witches.
Get in the spooky mood with a visit to the village's many fantastical stores, buy crystals – and top it all off with a trip to The Burley Inn or The White Buck for pub grub.
KESWICK, CUMBRIA
Also in the Lake District is Keswick, with incredible scenery
Autumn in the Lake District is always a good idea, and Keswick, with its walks and views to enjoy, is a great pick.
Visit Whinlatter Forest, England’s only mountain forest, just a short drive from Keswick, and partake in a dark skies walk.
The top choice for food? Independent cafe-bar The Pocket, located in Keswick, has a rustic charm, sourdough pizzas and local beers on offer – perfect for refuelling.
PITLOCHRY, SCOTLAND
Head further afield to Loch Faskally on the River Tummel in Pitlochry
Amber woodlands and golden lakes go hand in hand in Pitlochry, one of Scotland's best autumnal getaways.
Loch Faskally is the crown jewel, but you can warm up after visiting at Blair Athol Distillery, one of Scotland's oldest, which offers tours and tastings.
'Pitlochry is a great base for exploring Perthshire and the Highlands,' says Visit Scotland. 'Nestled among stunning scenery, it’s the perfect place to enjoy the fresh air and a wide range of outdoor activities.
'Try traditional pursuits like fishing, golf, and walking, or opt for adventure with bungee jumping and mountain biking.'
FINCHINGFIELD, ESSEX
The village of Finchingfield in Essex should be on your autumn bucket list
Located between Braintree and Saffron Walden, Finchingfield was visited by none other than Walt Disney in the 1950s – who went to meet author Dodie Smith and strike up a deal to turn her novel, The Hundred and One Dalmatians, into a film.
But why visit in autumn? Well, aside from its Disney credentials, the town has plenty to offer, including exceptionally beautiful foliage at this time of year, and views across the Essex countryside.
Seasonal walks are fabulous too, and should be topped off with a stop at The Fox on the Green, a 16th-century coaching inn serving burgers, pies and more.
LAVENHAM, SUFFOLK
Lovely Lavenham in Suffolk is a favourite – and its crooked houses are a highlight
Tucked away in the Suffolk countryside is a quaint village that, on first glance, appears to be frozen in time.
Lavenham's characterful timber-framed houses painted in different colours, market square lined with Tudor architecture and independent cafés, tearooms and restaurants make it perfect for a weekend getaway.
Lavenham is also well known for providing the location for Godric’s Hollow in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part One.
LYNMOUTH, DEVON
Take a weekend break to the picturesque fishing village of Lynmouth in Devon
Often referred to as 'Little Switzerland', the Victorian seaside town of Lynmouth is an ideal base from which to explore Exmoor, at the region's most ideal time of year.
Bike along mountain trails and coastal paths, enjoy rugged cliffs and explore the wooded hills.
Visit Lynton and Lynmouth says: 'What we love most about Lynton & Lynmouth in the Autumn is how the trees give up the incredible views they’ve been hiding since the Spring. Views that were once veiled by the leaves of Summer offer the walker a completely different perspective of this magical corner of North Devon and West Somerset.'
BEDDGELERT, SNOWDONIA
Snowdonia's Beddgelert is known for its stone houses and pretty river
Shrouded in mystery, Snowdonia's Beddgelert got its name from the tale of 13th-century prince Llywelyn the Great, who supposedly killed his faithful hound after mistakenly believing it had murdered his child.
Gory though it may sound, Beddgelert is not just spooky but also a perfect base for exploring the terrain with mountain walks.
The stone-built village is picturesque, and you'll want to enjoy historic ice cream and pizza at Glaslyn, and pub grub at Tanronnen Inn.
CASTLETON, DERBYSHIRE
Topping off the list is Castleton, which is located in Derbyshire
The Peak District is almost entirely synonymous with autumn: forest walks, amber foliage and cosy pubs line every corner.
Castleton is a top pick, with underground caverns to explore nearby, such as Peak Cavern, featuring the largest natural cave entrance in Britain.
The tourist village is also right next to Mam Tor, the Shivering Mountain, a 517-metre-high hill with sweeping views of the landscape.