Colourful autumnal escapes

As the turn of the season approaches this weekend our thoughts move to crisp autumn walks, family board games in front of the fire, long bubble baths and new adventures in the Great British countryside. We focus on some of the best places to enjoy the bright hues of autumn this season...
Whether you have a hankering for fruity pies and crumbles baked in cottage kitchens with foraged foods or days spent taking in the country air on picturesque walks, our holiday cottages offer cosy havens for visiting guests. Read on for our autumnal inspiration ahead of the new season.
In the hills
Ewes Valley, Scottish Borders | Sleeps 12+2 with 1 dog welcome
An outstanding country home flaunting three acres of private gardens and the ruggedly beautiful Eskdale countryside on the other side of the garden gate. Kirkton House is well suited to family holidays and special occasions. With its beautifully presented and spacious interiors, surrounding sheep-dotted hills and magical gardens just made for exploring, family holidays never looked so enticing... take tea in the walled garden, explore the nooks and crannies of the wooded ‘secret garden’ area and pick fruit from the trees in the former kitchen garden to make autumnal pies and crumbles. Bliss!

Kirkton House

Kirkton House garden and seating area

Kirkton House conservatory and hammock
On the river
Milne Graden Estate, Scottish Borders | Sleeps 6 with 2 dogs welcome
With its magnificent viewpoint overlooking the gentle curve of the River Tweed, Hamilton House casts an impressive stance, beautifully balancing comfort, elegance and fine country living for the ultimate holiday indulgence. From the large garden you can while-away the hours watching the river and its inhabitants including deer, otter and a wide variety of bird life, while a nearby path leads to the river and a network of walks. The river here marks the border between Scotland and Northumberland – spend days criss-crossing the two countries and try your hand at fishing on the infamous River Tweed, you may just get hooked!

View of the River Tweed from Milne Graden Estate


The River Tweed in Autumn
Near the coast
Rennington, Northumberland | Sleeps 10+2 with 2 dogs welcome
A superb Grade II listed Georgian house offering spacious accommodation which is ideal for families and large groups. The house is situated in an excellent location close to a charming small village with a good pub and just four miles from Alnwick and Northumberland’s stunning beaches. Explore the best of Northumberland’s coast and countryside from the award-winning National Park to the beautiful Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.



In a woodland setting
near Coldstream, Scottish Borders | Sleeps 12 with 3 dogs welcome
Set amidst the rich rolling countryside of North Berwickshire, this outstanding house has been sensitively restored from a 16th century peel tower to an incredibly charismatic home. Pull on your wellies for long stomps through fallen leaves before returning to warm your toes by the crackling fires and cook a Sunday roast with all the trimmings in the dramatic kitchen. Spend your evenings toasting marshmallows around the fire pit under the starriest night skies imaginable.



In the market town
Melrose, Scottish Borders | Sleeps 2+2 with 1 dog considered on request
Exposed brick walls, rich blues and accents of exposed wood and copper combine to create a very on-trend vibe in this stylish apartment which sits in one of the prettiest towns in the Borders. The town is nestled at the foot of the Eildon Hills and boasts two beautiful National Trust for Scotland gardens and magnificent abbey ruins. Enjoy easy access to a network of walking paths, quaint streets, upmarket independent shops and the banks of the River Tweed which glow with autumnal colour.



With thanks to recent guest AK for the autumnal River Tweed image.