The cosiest place in the UK to visit this autumn named - and it's not the Cotswolds

As soon as the leaves turn golden and burgundy, travellers go on the hunt for places to visit that feel warm, welcoming, and steeped in seasonal beauty. The Cotswolds are renowned as the ideal location due to its natural storybook charm, chocolatebox villages, ancient churches, and rolling fields. However, another popular spot in the UK has just been crowned as the cosiest place to visit this autumn, beating the South West area.

Jepson's Motor Home Hire announced their list of the top 10 places everyone should explore in the UK during the fall season. But what could have possibly outranked the Cotswolds? According to the motorhome experts, the Lake District is the number one spot to visit.

Why you should visit the Lake District this autumn

Jepson's Motor Home Hire shared: "If we're talking about the best places to visit in autumn UK, the Lake District tops the list. The lakes reflect the warm colours of the trees, and the fells look like they're painted in every shade of amber, orange, and gold.

"Take a stroll around Derwentwater or Grasmere, rent a boat, or hike up Catbells for views that will make your Instagram pop. The crowds are thinner in autumn, so you get those serene views mostly by yourself."

The Lake District National Park is a popular tourist hotspot. It is known as one of the most beautiful parts of the UK, spreading across 912 square miles, with 16 lakes, 197 tarns, and thousands of trails to explore.

According to Visit Britain, the Lake District has been the backdrop for many Hollywood films, such as "The Dambusters (1955), 28 Days Later (2002), Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015), Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning Part 1 (2023), Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy (2025) and many more."

The county is also perfect for foodies with options spanning from relaxed, hearty restaurants to world-class dining, such as Cartmel's three-Michelin-starred L'Enclume. And if it's a drink you're after, there are plenty of excellent pubs, ensuring you'll be more than spoilt for choice.

If the outstanding nature and food hotspots are not enough to keep you entertained. Visitors can head to activities such as the Theatre by the Lake, which is a ten-minute walk from the centre of Keswick.

Adrenaline junkies can also go wild swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking and windsurfing at Lake Windermere. There are also activities for families with small children, such as the Beatrix Potter attraction, where famous stories as Peter Rabbit are brought to life in 3D.

Every autumn, the historic town of Penrith conducts the Winter Droving festival, which "marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the 'darker half' of the year in a celebration of light, fire and rural life," reported Visit Eden.

"Each year, Penrith's streets become something like a medieval market with traditional mulled wine and hot chestnuts, alongside the finest local produce. The Winter Droving (also) offers up an array of masked musicians, street performers, giant animal lanterns and locals dressed in elaborate costumes in a unique celebration steeped in tradition."

How did the Cotswolds fare?

The Cotswolds ranked a respectable second place on the list. The Motor Home specialists commented: "Autumn in the Cotswolds feels like stepping inside a storybook.

"The honey-colored cottages look even warmer under the golden light, and the countryside is perfect for long, slow walks. Stop by Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, and Bibury for picture-perfect moments. Don't forget to try a traditional cream tea; it hits differently when the weather is crisp outside."

UK's top 10 cosiest places to visit this autumn - full list

The Lake District

The Cotswolds

Scottish Highlands

Peak District

Norfolk Broads

Cornwall

New Forest

Yorkshire Dales

Brecon Beacons

London Parks