Warm-up acts

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

CATHERINE BENNION-PEDLEY

Published: 6:02, 20 Nov 2016
Updated: 20:51, 18 Nov 2016

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.

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.

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.

, £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.

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.

start at £35.

Book it: Double rooms at cost from £67 B&B.