OUR Spotlight On column gives you the lowdown on what to see and do in some of the best holiday destinations abroad as well as some lesser-known spots in the UK.
Learn about the town’s history in wool at Witney Blanket Hall, which dates back to 1721 and is free to visit (make sure to pick up a blanket at the gift shop too).
And kids will love Cogges Manor Farm with 17 acres to explore which includes an adventure playground and animals they can feed and pet.
Tickets start from £12 for adults, see cogges.org.uk.
Otherwise a short drive away is Blenheim Palace as well as Jeremy Clarkson’s The Farmer’s Dog.
HIDDEN GEM
Only known by locals, head straight to Sandwich de Witney for one of the heartiest baguettes you’ll have ever seen.
Just don’t be too late – most of them sell out shortly after lunch.
For evening entertainment, catch some comedy or some live tribute acts at the very tiny Fat Lils music venue.
Previous comedians have included Greg Davies and Milton Jones. Tickets from £5. See fatlils.co.uk.
Did you know the town was known for its blanket making?Credit: Alamy
BEST VIEW
Grab a coffee and head down to the banks of the River Windrush which runs through the town.
The peaceful break from the bustling town is the ideal escape, where you’ll be mainly joined by joggers and a few cows in the distance.
It even used to host the World Pooh Sticks Championships, so grab a stick and get racing.
RATED RESTAURANT
If there is one thing Witney has an abundance of, its pubs.
And one of the finest in town for a meal out is The Fleece, a gastropub and hotel.
You’ll be licking the crumbs off the plate of the Devon crab cakes, and I’d go back just for Aubrey’s Cheeseburger, complete with the crispiest chips and pickles.
There’s a fantastic list of desserts, but my sweet tooth was satisfied by the bizarre, yet strangely delicious Banana Brulee Old Fashioned.
BEST BAR
If you love a beer, head to the Crafty Pint Bar.
It was recently named Oxford Pub of the Year by Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), with a number of independent beers both on tap and by the bottle.
Try the Little Ox which is brewed just down the road.
Otherwise for the best vibes on a Friday night, head over to the Como Lounge in the centre of town where you can get two cocktails for £13.25.
HOTEL PICK
The Blue Boar ticks all the boxes – central location, cosy-yet-modern bedrooms and a fantastic restaurant downstairs.
Originally a 17th century coaching inn, there’s just 20 rooms to choose from, each with four poster beds, DAB radios and Nespresso machines.
Some rooms have views over the town centre, and easy has lush bathrooms kitted out with fluffy towels and luxe toiletries.
After recent renovations to the bar and restaurant, it reopened last week. Rooms start from £81. See acornpubs.co.uk/blueboar.
IF you fancy a UK staycation or day out but want to avoid the crowds, then autumn is the best time to do it.
Here are seven of our favourite spots for a seasonal break from quiet seaside towns to the remote Scottish highlands and world-famous cities.
Whitby is just as beautiful during the autumn months as the summerCredit: Alamy Cambridge is much quieter and still just as lovely during the autumnCredit: Alamy
Norfolk
Norfolk local Jenna Stevens suggests a walk through SandringhamCredit: Alamy
“There’s nothing better than visiting north-west Norfolk in the autumn. Hailing from Norfolk I might be a bit biased here, but I know the area inside and out.
“Taking a walk through Sandringham is my favourite thing to do at this time of year. Ancient trees shelter woodland paths lined with animal sculptures and dotted with tiny pine cones.
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“Squirrels rush up tree trunks, children make friends at the giant wooden adventure playground, and dog walkers smile and nod to one another on forest walks.
“Just down the road from here you’ll find Snettisham Park, where you can head out on a deer safari and hand-feed stags on a 329 acre Norfolk farm.
“A short walk from Snettisham Park, past its magnificent 14th-century church, will lead you to the Rose and Crown.
“This is a traditional village pub with a low-ceiling bar that used to house those who built the church in the 1300’s. Inside now you’ll find roaring fires, pints of local ale, fantastic roast dinners and the friendliest staff around.
“Heacham makes for the perfect base for your north-west Norfolk visit. It’s around 10 minutes’ drive from each of these spots, while staying tucked out of the way with its own beach that is a lot more peaceful than its busy neighbour Hunstanton.
Head for an autumn quad biking adventure like Lisa did in the CairngormsCredit: Lisa Minot
“The leaves may be turning on the trees but the Cairngorms was a vision of blue skies and sparkling lakes on my visit to the jewel of the Scottish Highlands in September.
“We made the most of exploring the lochs, forests, mountains and rivers with a quad bike adventure through the Alvie Estate in Aviemore with Cairngorms Quad Treks.
“While it may be snow-covered in winter, our September break saw endless clear blue skies as we weaved through dense forest paths, over open moorland and even through rushing streams.
“Also worth a wander in the sunshine are the paths around Loch An Eilein in Rothiemurchus Forest.
“Fringed by mountains and forest, it features a 14th century castle ruin on an island in its centre.
“Whisky lovers can take to the Malt Whisky Trail to discover the distilleries of the Cairngorms and Speyside region with guided tours and tastings on offer.
“Our base for our autumn break was the cosy Bynack wooden lodge at Pine Bank Chalets in the heart of Aviemore.
“The self-catering cabin featured two bedrooms, a compact kitchen, lounge-diner with a wood-fired stove and a lovely terrace to just sit and take in those gorgeous views – stay from £140per night.” – Head of Sun Travel, Lisa Minot
Cambridge
Alice suggests taking a stroll from Cambridge to GrantchesterCredit: Alice Penwill
“Cambridge is a popular city that’s well-known for its beautiful and prestigious university, as well as for punting along the river.
“Summer might spring to mind as the best time to visit but generally it’s so busy with tourists that it can be hard to walk on the pavement or even get into the shops.
“As a work around, I much prefer autumn as a time to visit – just wrap up warm.
“When it comes to punting along the River Cam, there are always boats available later in the year – whether or not you want to give it a go yourself or head on a guided tour.
“Speaking of, if you fancy a tour of the colleges, or the whole city itself – these run throughout the year.
“Otherwise, there are lots of pubs, museums, markets, shopping and the famous Fitzbillies bakery which is home to the sticky Chelsea bun. But one of my favourite seasonal activities is walking the route from Cambridge to the pretty village of Grantchester.
“It’s a great sight-seeing spot for any fan of the Grantchester TV series that was actually filmed there. My one essential is a pit stop at the Orchard Tea Garden for a homemade scone, which you get with a pot of jam and clotted cream for £5.40.
“There’s also a selection of sandwiches, toasties, seasonal hot food like the Orchard Benedict and rarebit, as well as other homemade treats like coffee and pistachio cake.” – Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill
Cornwall
Padstow can be heaving in the summer – so why not check it out later in the year?Credit: Alamy
“The South West on a whole tends to be swamped with tourists in the summer months, although Padstow surely takes the biscuit for the most crowded destination in Cornwall.
“It’s become so popular that I now refuse to visit during the school holidays – who wants to be sandwiched like sardines in a shop or queue hours for a pasty?
“In autumn, however, the calm streets paint a wildly different picture.
Harbour life is slower, cafe owners are less frazzled and you can potter past the pastel-toned houses at leisure, without the sense of being herded like cattle.
“Padstow’s charm really shines through at this time of year, too.
The seas look even more spectacular under a somewhat moody sky, while the blustery winds will ensure you have the coastal paths to yourself.
“I could spend hours plonked on a bench with a coffee taking in the views of weathered boats bobbing on the water while sea gulls squark overhead.
“Check out Cherry Trees Coffee House for a proper home-cooked breakfast, or Prawn on the Lawn for the freshest seafood dishes – make sure to book in advance, though, the restaurant is tiny.” – Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski
Glasgow
Kara loves a chilly break up to Glasgow during the autumn monthsCredit: Kara Godfrey
“For me, what makes the perfect autumn are trees bursting with colour, crunchy leaves underfoot and those sunny yet chilly days.
“This is when Glasgow comes into its element, making it the perfect post-summer weekend break.
“Too cold for me to brave in winter, there is no better time to wander the city’s cobbled streets and Victorian architecture.
“I had no idea until my visit that the city had even coined its own Scottish version of Art Nouveau, aptly called Glasgow Style (with the best example of this being the Glasgow School of Art).
“Wander around the University of Glasgow’s arched cloisters for free, along with the huge gardens coated in brown leaves in September and October.
“For that sugar hit, don’t miss out on a doughnut from Tantrum, a Glaswegian owned franchise.
“I’m still thinking of their blueberry and white chocolate one, although their classic Birthday Cake was tempting.
“And with the new bouquet Arthouse Hotel opening there (with rooms from £99), I’m already planning my return.” – Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey
Whitby
You can still enjoy Whitby’s surroundings during the autumn – even the beachCredit: Jenna Stevens
“Spooky Dracula connections, historic abbey ruins, a dramatic coastline and the UK’s best fish and chips? Whitby is truly perfect for an autumn staycation.
“Stroll along the Yorkshire seaside town’s picture-perfect harbour to find traditional amusements, a fascinating Captain Cook museum, and to take in dramatic views of the hilltop Whitby Abbey from across the water.
“For more spooky vibes, walk the famous Whitby 199 steps – the very same which a sinister black dog dashes up to announce Dracula’s arrival in Whitby in the classic novel.
“In fact, Bram Stoker was first inspired to write Dracula when he visited Whitby in 1890, as he was immediately struck by the dramatic Gothic ruins that loom over the pretty coastal town.
“The steps lead you to the 12th century St Mary’s Church, which is well worth a visit for its panoramic views over the bay – particularly at sunset.
“Follow the Cleveland Way coastal path from here and you’ll reach Robin Hood’s Bay – a former smuggler’s village where red-roofed cottages tumble down a steep cliff straight to the sea.
“Stop for lunch by Trenchers, which won Restaurant of the Year at the National Fish and Chips Awards 2026 – which is basically the Oscar‘s for chippies!
“Here you can grab a takeaway cod and chips, haddock and chips or scampi and chips all for £13.50 each. Enjoy them out on the harbour for the perfect way to end your day.” – Travel Reporter, Jenna Stevens
