The best UK mini-break destinations to enjoy the crisp British autumn weather
Don't let a chill in the air put you off from exploring the beautiful English countryside during a weekend away
The temperature might be dropping, but autumn is still treating us to some glorious sunny and crisp days.
Fabulous sent out three team members to find the prettiest and cosiest boltholes for a mini-break in the English countryside.
The White House, Brighton
Writer Kate Wills discovers much more than just cheesy seaside fun
The Pad: This boutique bolt-hole in the village-like area of Kemp Town in Brighton has sea views, Orla Kiely toiletries and fluffy robes. Rooms are bright, the hosts are super-chilled and the delicious brekkie includes wild mushrooms on toasted brioche.
Explore: Get fizz-ical on a tour of in the nearby village of Ditchling, £15 for a two-hour tour with tasting. Then hike through the rolling South Downs from for amazing views. Or pedal past the town’s monuments and street art – a two-and-a-half hour tour costs £19.50 with .
Refuel: Lunch at is pub perfection, with old beams, local ale and a menu with treats such as popcorn panna cotta, £7. Head to ’s terrace to watch wind-whipped walkers stroll on the promenade as you dig into a Seafood Afternoon Tea of oysters, fresh crab and caviar, from £22.
Don’t miss in Brighton’s North Laine has vintage finds galore, but hit the first floor for local hand-made jewellery. Next, step into for a winter world pop-up, complete with boozy hot chocolate and activities such as wreath-making, open until February 28.
Book it: Doubles at cost from £85 B&B.
Brooks Country House Hotel, Herefordshire
Senior Sub-Editor Stacey Bartlett hits the Welsh border
The Pad: This Georgian manor has huge four-poster beds and is surrounded by acres of hills – so it’s bliss even when the outdoor pool is closed for winter. Plus they make their own wine – try the Pengethley Estate white, £15 a bottle, accompanied by hake on a tomato and chorizo ragout, £25 for three courses.
Explore: The Forest of Dean is on your doorstep, so rent a bike from , £14 for a half-day, and cycle the family-friendly 12-mile trail in fairy-tale woods. This is cider country too, so take a tour of , £10, and try uniquely flavoured brews such as damson and rhubarb. Come spring, opens and houses a mix of taxidermy owls, suits of armour and lavish decor. Entry costs £11.
Refuel: Stop by for melt-in-the-mouth buttermilk chicken goujons with pesto, £7.50, or local three-cheese tart, £14.95. We also pottered around Ledbury market town, and visited Delilah’s cafe for rose and pistachio cake.
Don’t miss: Across the border in Monmouthshire is TV presenter Kate Humble’s farm and rural skills school. Learn to forage or even help deliver baby lambs. We built an outdoor wood-fired pizza oven from mud, straw and clay. Courses at start at £35.
Book it: Double rooms at cost from £67 B&B.
The Hand & Spear, Surrey
Assistant Editor Claire Frost checks out a cosy pub with boutique rooms
The Pad: Jump straight off the train at Weybridge into one of 12 individually decorated bedrooms in this pub next to the station. We loved Room 12, with its so-deep-you-can-float roll-top copper bath, retro curiosities and botanical prints. The cute mini-bar comes in a hamper, and there are complimentary chocolates and port. The highlight of dinner was the smokehouse board of delicious cured meats and devilled whitebait, £17. Plus, the bar hosts live music – from jazz to acoustic – every Saturday night. Next morning, clear your head with avo eggs Benedict and spicy harissa.
Explore: At , a 15-minute walk away, sit in a replica F1 car and drive a virtual lap around the historic race track, or step onboard Concorde and learn about flying supersonic. Entry is from £11. Then take a stroll along the river to New Haw Lock and spy the cottage apparently haunted by a lock keeper’s wife – spooky!
Refuel: is a short drive, and its two-AA rosette restaurant 1907 does a tasty Sunday lunch, £22.50 for two courses. Or serves a gorgeous afternoon tea, £17.95.
Don’t miss: Stunning is 15 minutes away, entry £13, then pit-stop at the to stock up on Italian grub.
Book it: Double rooms at cost from £109 B&B.