- New research reveals the nation is more excited for autumn than ever before, with 74% saying this summer made them appreciate chillier weather more
- South Western Railway (SWR) and Network Rail Wessex is celebrating the arrival of cooler temperatures and autumnal days with its Autumn Promotion, with ticket prices starting from just £3
- To inspire Brits to make the most of the change in season, broadcaster and autumn-enthusiast, Helen Skelton, shares her favourite things about exploring the UK in autumn
Day trips, UK staycations and long walks - just some of the activities the nation pressed pause on during this summer’s hot weather. Three quarters (74%) reported recent high temperatures have made them appreciate chillier weather more as two in five (40%) Brits say they’re more excited than ever before for autumn to arrive.
After months of hot, dry weather, it appears the cooler temperatures and autumn colours can’t come soon enough, with going for a long walk (43%), taking a day trip (28%), visiting a town or city (24%) and going sightseeing (22%) listed among the activities Brits didn’t embrace this summer, new data from South Western Railway has revealed.
To help the nation embrace the change in season, South Western Railway has announced a sale on rail travel across its network, encouraging Brits to explore the southwest and beyond from as little as £3. Tickets are available to purchase between Wednesday 2nd and Sunday 6th September directly from the website, for travel between Wednesday 9th September and Friday 23rd October.
After a summer spent seeking shade, one in four Brits say that they’re ready for ‘cosy season’, with countryside walks (33%), Sunday roasts (30%), and day trips (14%) featuring in the top ten list for activities that are simply better to do in autumn instead of the summer.
The formula for the perfect autumn day in the UK includes a cosy pub, a delicious roast, and a countryside walk, as three in ten (31%) named autumn as the perfect season to explore the UK.
In fact, South Western Railway found that over half (53%) are already planning to take a UK-based trip this autumn, with two in five (39%) saying they’re more likely to go on a staycation or day trip in the autumn instead of the summer.
Visiting the coast (36%) topped the list of places the nation wants to catch a train to this cosy season, followed by the countryside (29%) and cities (24%). 15% said they wanted to visit somewhere they’d never visited before, while for one in ten (13%), food and drink destinations are on their bucket lists.
Those looking to explore what the UK has to offer this autumn can board a South Western Railway train to a whole host of destinations. From coastal walks along the historic Jurassic Coast, a city break exploring the hidden gems of London, or a scenic rail journey to the heart of the New Forest, perfect for a woodland walk and cosy pub, there’s plenty to discover across the network.
Helen Skelton, broadcaster and lover of the British outdoors, says:
"Autumn is one of my favourite times of year to get outdoors. After the heat of summer, there’s something really refreshing about cooler days, crisp air and seeing the landscape start to change. It’s a brilliant time for walking, exploring somewhere new and making a proper day of it — especially if there’s a cosy pub and a roast waiting at the end.
“I think we sometimes assume the best time to get out and explore is during the summer, but autumn has so much to offer. The temperatures can be far more comfortable for a long walk or day trip, the colours are incredible, and places often feel a little calmer once the summer rush has passed.
“For me, some of the best days are the simple ones: getting outside, discovering a new stretch of countryside or coastline and spending time with friends or family. You don’t always need a big holiday or complicated plans — sometimes jumping on a train and exploring somewhere different for the day is exactly what you need.”
The nation’s all-time favourite autumn activities:
- Countryside walks - 41%
- Visiting a pub - 34%
- Sunday roasts - 33%
- Woodland walks - 33%
- Coastal walks - 31%
- Day trips - 26%
- Visiting friends or family - 24%
- A walk and a Sunday roast - 21%
- Exploring a historic town or city - 19%
- Visiting new places - 19%
