Come on in: Autumn’s seasonal embrace
Explore the colours, textures and sounds of autumn across North Yorkshire’s coast, dales and forests
- Stories & Inspiration
- Come On In Autumns Seasonal Embrace
North Yorkshire is beautiful all year round but there’s something special about autumn. It could be the red and golden hues flickering in the low-lit sun or enjoying the crunch of fallen leaves. From the drama of the coast to the stillness of the dales and the whispering forests in between, we’re showcasing the best places to embrace autumn in North Yorkshire. It's time to wrap up warm and come on in, to cosy season. Embrace the crisp air and appreciate the quiet with our cosy stays and autumnal adventures.
Scarborough
North Yorkshire’s coastline is something special in autumn - quieter, cooler and full of colour. Scarborough is a great example of how North Yorkshire’s coast transforms in autumn. At first light, North Bay Beach glows with soft pinks and golds and if you're lucky, you may spot a dolphin or two. A short walk away, Peasholm Park reflects autumn’s palette with beautiful trees and ducks gliding across the lake. From here, walking trails like the Cleveland Way and Broxa Forest lead you through coastal views and woodland edges. And when the day winds down, Cliff House Cottages, just a short drive inland, offer a cosy fireside retreat to end your autumn adventure in warmth and quiet.
Masham
In the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, Masham glows with seasonal colour, its market town charm framed by rolling hills and ancient woodland. Autumn here is all about slow walks, crisp air and views that stretch across golden valleys. Whether you're exploring the riverside paths of Hackfall Woods or venturing into the wider Dales, the season brings a quiet richness to every step. For a truly immersive stay, Swinton Park Hotel and Swinton Bivouac offer luxury and rustic comfort just minutes away - from tree lodges tucked into the hillside to fireside lounges in a grand country housee, the estate is the perfect base for embracing the season’s stillness.
Dalby Forest
Autumn in Dalby Forest is a sensory experience, from the scent of pine mingling with fallen leaves to the wind weaving through tall trees and golden light breaking through the canopy. Whether you're cycling the forest trails or walking beneath rustling branches, the season brings a quiet kind of magic. Nestled within this woodland world, Forest Holidays Cropton and Keldy Cabins offer the ultimate escape in timber lodges with hot tubs, crackling fires and panoramic views of nature’s seasonal shift. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down and enjoy the quiet of the forest.
The Yorkshire Dales
Heading back into the Yorkshire Dales, autumn here is all about space and stillness. The hills turn gold and walking routes through the Forest of Bowland and surrounding countryside offer peaceful ways to take it all in. This is a great place to embrace the season: the colours are vivid, the air is fresh and the landscape feels quieter and vast. That sense of calm carries through to places like Wenningdale Escapes, set right on the edge of the Dales. With glamping pods looking out across open countryside and out to the Three Peaks, it’s a spot that feels in tune with the season - somewhere to pause, take things steady and enjoy the slower season.
North York Moors
Autumn brings a quiet magic to the North York Moors. The heather fades into sepia tones and villages like Goathland and Hutton-le-Hole feel especially peaceful. Wrap up warm, lace up your walking boots and tread the leaf-covered paths before settling in for a round of café hopping - endless teas, coffees and cakes in cosy corners. After all, isn’t that what autumn’s all about? Or why not sit back and relax and watch the autumn scenery unfold as you ride the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, a timeless journey through golden moorland, wooded valleys, and some of Yorkshire’s most peaceful countryside.
National Trust Beningbrough
Set beside the River Ouse, Beningbrough is a peaceful spot to enjoy the season’s shift. Trees turn golden along the riverbanks and the surrounding countryside feels calm and full of colour. At the heart of it all, Beningbrough Hall embraces the season with vibrant gardens and autumnal events. The walled garden becomes a hub for tastings, talks and hands-on experiences - perfect for food lovers and garden enthusiasts - while inside, the immersive Whispers of the Wilderness: Exploring Wilderness Gardens exhibition intertwines art and nature in a celebration of its gardens. Head into the parkland to enjoy a circular river and woodland walk, starting from Beningbrough Hall and winding along the water’s edge, perfect for spotting wildlife and soaking up the autumn light.
Ampleforth
Nestled in a quiet valley in the Howardian Hills, Ampleforth is a peaceful place to embrace the season’s slower pace. Woodland trails weave through over 1,200 acres of countryside, where autumn brings colour to the trees and a gentle clarity to the air. At its heart sits Ampleforth Abbey, where you can explore the grounds, enjoy homemade food in the tea room or take part in annual seasonal events like Apple Week, celebrating the Abbey’s cider-making tradition with tastings and orchard tours.
Enjoy autumn in every sense
Here, you don’t just see the colours - you hear the leaves and feel the warmth that autumn brings to North Yorkshire. Plan your Autumn getaway and experience all that North Yorkshire has to offer in this stunning season.
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