Beautiful places to visit this autumn

Autumn beauty score: 72/100

Peak week: 14 September – 21 September

Darlington offers an early start to autumn colour, with leafy streets and parks starting to glow as the summer fades. 

South Park, just a short stroll from the station, is a family favourite - complete with lakes, gardens and play areas. For a quieter alternative, the chain of small parks and wooded valleys known as the Denes offers peaceful trails right in the heart of town. 

With accessible train connections via the LNER network and plenty of cafés to warm up afterwards, Darlington makes for a relaxed day out enjoying the first signs of autumn.

Take the scenic route! Travel to Darlington from London or Edinburgh with LNER and enjoy stunning views along the iconic East Coast. With a journey this beautiful, getting there is half the adventure!

Autumn beauty score: 92/100

Peak week: 24 September – 1 October

Edinburgh’s cobbled streets and dramatic skyline are even more magical under a canopy of autumn colour.

The Meadows and Princes Street Gardens burst into reds and golds, while Holyrood Park offers walking trails up Arthur’s Seat with sweeping views. Calton Hill, right in the city centre, adds another layer to autumn, with amber trees framing iconic vistas over the Old Town and beyond. 

With its mix of history, open space and easy travel connections, Edinburgh is the ideal city break for crisp, colourful days.

Travel from London to Edinburgh in comfort with LNER. Arrive at Edinburgh Waverley, just moments from Princes Street and the Castle, and step straight into the city’s autumn magic.

Autumn beauty score: 79/100

Peak week: 4 October – 11 October

Lincoln brings history, culture and fresh air together beautifully, with a historic skyline that's even more striking in the autumn glow.

Climb up Steep Hill to the cathedral and enjoy views of golden trees scattered across the city. Families can wander the grounds of Lincoln Castle or head to the Arboretum, where seasonal colour frames ornamental ponds and playgrounds.

Another favourite is Boultham Park, with lakeside paths, woodlands and plenty of open space for crisp autumn walks. 

Take the train to Lincoln and see what one of England’s finest heritage cities has to offer.

Autumn beauty score: 82/100

Peak week: 8 October – 15 October

Few places capture autumn’s atmosphere quite like York. The city’s medieval walls are draped in gold and russet leaves, offering a fun walk with sweeping views for the whole family. 

The Museum Gardens, only minutes from the station, provide wide lawns and Roman ruins to explore, while Rowntree Park is perfect for younger ones to play among the autumn trees. 

For another seasonal stroll, head to Homestead Park, a community open space with formal gardens and tree-lined paths that blaze with colour. 

With history on every corner and leafy escapes woven through the streets, York makes a picture-perfect autumn city break.

Enjoy golden walks on York’s city walls, riverside parks and historic streets - all just minutes from the station with LNER.

Autumn beauty score: 70/100

Peak week: 11 October – 18 October

Stevenage is a brilliant base for autumn family outings, balancing nature, heritage and quality time together.

Fairlands Valley Park offers wide paths around its lakes, playgrounds for little ones and plenty of space for autumn games under golden trees. 

Families can also visit Knebworth House, which combines stately history with adventure play areas and gardens that glow with seasonal colour. 

Explore Stevenage this autumn, with culture, parks and family days out just 40 minutes from London with LNER.