The seasonal shifts in the UK are dramatic for such a relatively small island. The bright and riotous colour of spring emerges from the gloom of winter with shoots of green and longer evening skies. Then summer takes over with an ongoing bloom and stillness, where a new energy is sustained, even through the occasional and ubiquitous rain showers, with the country’s shores and beaches full of life and celebration. But it is perhaps the journey into autumn that stirs the most emotional reaction for the residents and visitors here. It can take one by surprise as autumnal nights borrow light from late summer evenings and replace them with a canopy of copper and gold upon the chilly ground.
The month of November is when autumn takes its seat as the chief elemental power, opening new opportunities, new events and new experiences to enjoy in every landscape from north to south and east to west. More layers of clothing may be required and a little more planning may also be needed to make the most of the shorter days, but there is still so much to see and do.
London
It is impossible to begin without mentioning London in November. The wealth of Royal Parks and outdoor spaces that the city holds make these crisp days a new delight for the calendar year as the palette of the capital changes from the verdant greens to yellows, browns and golds. A stirring walk through Hyde Park or a slightly more heart-racing run across the trails of Hampstead Heath allows you to watch this transformation in action as nature leans into the autumn with a beautiful grace. Of course, as one of the most vibrant cities in the world, there is a full schedule of cultural events to get involved with too. Without the somewhat overbearing thrum of summer, there is a little more space in London to witness, observe and reflect upon all that it has to offer. Simple experiences take on a whole new atmosphere and meaning. One particular favourite is a leisurely stroll along the Thames Path between Tate Modern and Westminster at Golden Hour, watching the sun dip behind a collection of the greatest landmarks in the world. A joy to behold under November skies.
The Cotswolds
An argument can be made to visit The Cotswolds over any UK location in every season, but November and autumn may just be the pinnacle. Outside Tetbury is the Westonbirt Arboretum, which is home to one of the finest tree collections in all of Europe, making it the perfect place to see the season shift. The Treetop Walkway takes you 13 metres above the forest floor for incredible canopy views of Japanese maples, North American Oaks, all in their fiery blazes of red and umber.
Making the most of the 100-mile-long trail of The Cotswold Way could keep you engaged and occupied for the entire month, with so much to see. Brisk walks on the shorter loops near Painswick Beacon or Broadway Tower are just great for a post-lunch amble, with valley views as your attentive companion for a couple of hours. And when the thought of dinner does eventually set in, then popping into places like The Wild Rabbit for some field-to-fork fine dining is highly recommended. With history and honey-stone cottages as far as the eye can see, The Cotswolds is a feast in every sense of the word.
Nottingham & Sherwood Forest
England has a long and celebrated history with the courageous underdog spirit of the outlaw hero that seeks to tackle injustice and inequality. The story of Robin Hood and his Merry Men is one that anchors the awe-inspiring and enduring appeal of Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve, where almost all of his stories were centred. A colossal tree named the Major Oak that sits in the middle of the forest is even thought to be where the legendary crew would hide out. Whether folklore or fact, it certainly is an impressive touchpoint within the 1000 acres of heathland and wildlife, full of trails that can be accessed through guided walks in November.
The city of Nottingham itself has lots to offer too. Nottingham Castle towers over the area with Trent Valley views and a combination of historical stories and art galleries open to visitors. While underfoot, the City of Caves reveal how 800 caves built beneath the city have been used as mediaeval tanneries, beer cellars, Victorian housing and even war raid shelters in World War Two. If the November rain does fall, then there is an entire world left to explore beneath the streets that make it quite literally a multi-layered experience.
Glencoe & Fort William
The Scottish Highlands are the standard bearers for dramatic landscapes in the UK. With its famous stark and captivating scenery of mountains, lochs, hills and dales, this place has entranced visitors for centuries. Although one may assume that Glencoe is a November destination reserved exclusively for the seasoned walkers and hikers among us, you will be delighted to see trails that welcome all levels of ability and experience. Wildlife safaris that take place at dawn are an exhilarating opportunity to see the majesty of stags wandering through the mist in timeless style. Trails such as The Lost Valley (Coire Gabhail) and The Devil’s Staircase are part of the famous Highland Way that can present manageable climbs with increasingly rewarding views. And Lochside paths like the one at Glencoe Lochan represent a more sedate option for the itinerary.
Nearby Fort William is also the gateway to Ben Nevis, the country’s highest mountain at over 1300m tall. Often referred to as the mountain with its head in the clouds, this is a big challenge in the autumn months, but with a local guide to assist, it is still more than achievable. Being on top of the world at this time of year would certainly be an experience to remember for a long time.
November is the perfect bridge between the fresh open spaces of summer and the more limiting outside experience that winter brings. With every walk, trail, trip and journey, there is an undeniable feeling of making the most of both the sunlight and the people you choose to spend time with. Wrapping up warm and getting around to seeing some of the most impressive places in the UK is a wonderful way to move through the month.
