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Despite its gloomy reputation, autumn is one of the best times to explore Britain
England’s coastal gems may be too busy this time of year, but don’t miss the abundance of charming villages, picturesque parks and of course the multitude of action-packed cities.
Clearly London is the main draw. But as popular as this iconic city may be, there are still secret treasures to discover, especially in the fall.
Traveling around Britain is quite easy, with easy train connections and flights across the country, making it all the more appealing for a multi-city adventure.
Now that we’re in the middle of autumn, enjoy all the seasonal splendor in these 3 magical British escapes – including a quiet region of London that no one ever talks about! 🤫
Allen Banks: Britain’s most blissful autumn escape
Allen Banks may sound like a dapper, pipe-smoking British gentleman, but he is indeed a beautiful one 617 hectare oasis of natural beauty waiting to be explored.
Nestled in England’s beautiful Northumberland, you’ll be better off emptying your camera roll or upgrading your phone storage at this protected forestry with a kaleidoscope of autumn colors and virtually no crowds to interrupt your photo session.
A recent visitor even claimed on Reddit that there was “no one else for miles around,” but that’s just the tip of the non-existent iceberg when it comes to the rave reviews of this place.
Fall is perhaps the best time to visit the island, before frigid winter temperatures turn the vibrant tree lines into a bleak wasteland.
But from now until December you’ll be enchanted by all the fall colors along the tranquil trails, babbling rivers and serene gorges, including one of the most photo-worthy viewpoints. Steward Gap.
Tip: take the 2.5 miles Moralee Tarn Walk to discover a hidden lake!
Chester: a medieval wonder that sparkles in autumn
Britain’s own country Daily mirror has gone so far as to say that their beloved Chester is ‘more beautiful than Rome and Venice’ – strong words, but is that true?
Well, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, as they say, but there’s no disputing how beautiful this lesser-known city is in the fall.
Steeped in well-preserved history and traditional Tudor architecture, you’ll forget the bright lights of London as this city captivates you from the start.
Chester is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Britain; you’ll be as fascinated by its historic charm as by the array of autumn colours, including a visit to the remains of the city’s Roman wall.
Furthermore, Chester’s Eastgate Clock gives London’s famous Big Ben a run for its money, and for its apparent timelessness Chester Cathedral will have you ‘ohh-ing’ and ahh-ing’ over it.
In other words, London may be England’s top dog, but Chester’s aesthetic is just as attractive, if not more so, than some of Europe’s most renowned destinations.
Travel tip: Chester is not only beautiful, but also great value! You can stay in 4 star hotels such as Leonardo Hotel Chester in November for less than $70 per night!
Epping Forest: London’s best kept secret!
Big Ben, the London Eye, double-decker bus rides and the ever-so-popular Buckingham Palace – what you never hear about is the incredibly beautiful, tranquil and ancient region of London’s Epping Forest.
About an hour’s drive from London by Tubethis quiet side of London is the ultimate escape from the hustle and bustle and is often cheaper than, for example, Kensington or Hyde Park.
I stayed personal Epping Forest Hotel and loved it!
Stroll around the scenic trails, parks, and beautiful overlooked neighborhoods such as Walthomstowone of the many ‘Tube’ station stops was the highlight of my trip.
It felt so much more authentic than the tourist traps and chaos of the city center, where locals happily welcomed an outsider into their beloved pubs and shops.
Once you enter the vast greenery of Epping Forest, it seems like it will never end. The good news is that it is easily navigable.
You will see many locals taking a nice walk or bike ride, which you can join by renting a bike from Continue cycling.
Travel tip: Epping Forest beholds a hidden village – High Beech. Here you will find beautiful countryside views, cozy cafes, local pubs and the best photos of the foliage.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
