As we shift into autumn and the kids head back to school, your thoughts might be turning to a holiday.

Some people enjoy jetting off to sunny climes at this time of year, but if you prefer somewhere cooler, that needn’t mean compromising on culture.

There are plenty of nearby destinations to explore and enjoy that won’t have you breaking into a sweat.

Read on to discover six of our favourite destinations for autumn holidays.

1. Reykjavik, Iceland

This is the perfect time of year for a trip to Iceland, before the long, dark nights of winter bring a chill that makes even cold-lovers shiver.

Just a three-hour flight from the UK, Reykjavik is the go-to place if you’ve always wanted to see the elusive Northern Lights. With clearer skies in October, your chances of catching a glimpse of this beautiful, natural phenomenon are higher.

The Icelandic capital is a fantastic place to take in some of the other natural wonders of the country, such as bathing in the geothermal Sky Lagoon or taking a whale-watching trip. You can even enjoy a virtual reality tour of the volcanoes and lagoons at FlyOver Iceland.

If you’re feeling extra fit, you could climb the 73-metre-tall Hallgrimskirkja church tower, which offers spectacular views across the city.

2. Munich, Germany

Munich is just under a two-hour flight from the UK and is home to the world-famous Oktoberfest. Perfect for beer lovers, the festival runs throughout September until the first Sunday in October, with all beers sourced from local breweries.

You’ll also find fairgrounds, folk music, and other Bavarian delights.

If beer isn’t your thing, Munich still has plenty to offer, resembling a real-life fairy tale in the colours of autumn. Explore the beautiful architecture, wander around the world-class museums, or take in the opulent magnificence of the royal palaces.

3. The Lake District, UK

There’s no need to travel abroad when such a beautiful destination is right here in the UK. Rainy it may be, but the stunning autumn colours, gentle mists, and peaceful ambience make it a gorgeous destination come rain or shine.

It’s perfect for hiking and rambling, stargazing on clear, chilly nights, and capturing nature at its finest if you’re a keen photographer. Autumn brings out all kinds of wildlife, including local red deer, red squirrels, and over 130 species of birds.

4. Vienna, Austria

Grand, imposing palaces and an unrivalled classical music legacy courtesy of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss make Vienna one of the cultural capitals of Europe.

Alongside these, you’ll also find numerous urban vineyards on the city’s outskirts. In autumn, winemakers open to the public, with wine trails and sampling a must for wine enthusiasts. St Stephen’s Cathedral is a stunning landmark, with views across the city from the top of its towers.

Vienna also boasts a thriving café culture, with an array of coffees and sweet treats to fuel your sightseeing. Expect a two-and-a-half-hour flight from the UK.

5. Barcelona, Spain

Not only is it a little cooler in Barcelona in the autumn months, but it’s usually less busy, making sightseeing easier and more pleasant. If you’re a fan of festivals, you’re in for a treat, with La Mercè offering a four-day extravaganza of concerts, sporting events, and cultural displays.

In late October, the city hosts its Halloween festival, La Castanyada, when people get together to enjoy roasted chestnuts and sweet potatoes.

Wine lovers will particularly enjoy a visit in the autumn, which is when the grape harvest takes place in wineries around Barcelona. There’s a whole host of wine-related activities to enjoy, such as learning about ancient traditions, sustainable wine-making methods, and, of course, plenty of tasting opportunities.

Culture is at the heart of Barcelona, and you can enjoy a wander around the city’s museums and galleries, or a visit to the legendary Sagrada Família, the world’s largest unfinished Catholic church. Flights from the UK take about two hours.

6. Copenhagen, Denmark

Autumn in Denmark brings fresh, crisp air and a real sense of hygge – cosiness and comfort. Take a trip to the beautiful Tivoli Gardens, which are spectacularly decorated for Halloween, with music, lights, and lasers over Tivoli Lake offering a spectacular evening show.

The colourful 17th-century waterfront at Nyhavn is iconic, and often a little quieter during the autumn months. Take a boat trip around the canals or stop for some traditional local food at the former home of Hans Christian Andersen, best known for his fairy tales.

You can also visit the famous Little Mermaid statue, inspired by Andersen’s story, as she looks wistfully out to sea. Copenhagen is about a two-hour flight from the UK.

Get in touch

We can’t send you on holiday, but we can help you plan how to pay for it. If you’d like to talk to us about any aspect of financial planning, we’d be happy to help. Email hello@intelligentpensions.com or call 0800 077 8807.

Please note

This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.

All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.