Pack your woolly jumper and walking boots for an autumn break beside the seaside. There’s no better time of year for rosy-cheeked walks along rugged coastlines – from blustery clifftops to deserted coves and coastal woodlands. Once you’ve worked up an appetite exploring wild autumn landscapes bathed in golden light, seek shelter in a cosy coastal pub for local food and a tipple – preferably beside the glow of an open fire.
Some of our Favourite Autumn Pub Walks by the Coast in the UK
Cornish Coast to The Gurnard’s Head, Cornwall
Welcoming welly-clad autumn walkers – and dogs too – The Gurnard’s Head is surrounded by some of Cornwall’s most dramatic walking territory. Come autumn, the summer crowds have deserted the coastal trails, so you can lap up the wild, wave-hewn promontories and stupendous views to yourselves, and rest assured there’s always a cosy spot beside the fire when you reach this bright-yellow coastal inn. Our favourite autumn walk is a two-pub loop starting at The Gurnard’s Head, following two miles of coastline where mythical mermaids haunt jagged zawns, to reach The Tinners Arms in Zennor, then cutting back across the fields to your start point.
Jurassic Coast to the Lulworth Cove Inn, Dorset
There’s no better time than autumn to explore Dorset’s mighty Jurassic Coast. Go fossil hunting along the rugged shoreline, dip in quiet coves uncrowded by holidaymakers, and capture the iconic Durdle Door in the magical golden light. Then, just footsteps from the South West Coast Path, slink into the chic and cosy ambience of the Lulworth Cove Inn, for cask ales, Sunday roasts and hearty platters piled high with seasonal ingredients, to fuel you up for the next leg of your coastal adventure.
Saunter along the Solent to The Ship Inn, Lymington, Hampshire
Nestled between the golden canopies and leafy paths of the New Forest and the glittering Solent, Lymington is a glorious spot to set out on an autumn walk. Whether you choose woodland or waterside, end your excursion at The Ship Inn beside the quay. Hunker down for a local ale, leisurely lunch or three-course wine-and-dine menu, and if the autumn sun breaks through, sit outside to watch the comings and goings of the ships in the harbour.
Bamburgh to The Olde Ship, Seahouses, Northumberland
Autumn is our favourite time of year to seek shelter in maritime pubs on the edge of historic harbours, where ships have set sail and battled the elements to bring fresh fish back to the villagers for hundreds of years. The Olde Ship at Seahouses is one of these places, dripping in maritime heritage and nautical memorabilia that harks to a rich seafaring history. Fill your lungs with fresh sea air on an autumn coast walk to Bamburgh Castle, then take a seat by the hearth for hearty soups, catch of the day, and fine wines in view of the sea.
An Anglesey Amble to The Oystercatcher, Rhosneigr, Wales
Sandwiched between the sea and a lake on the Anglesey coast, The Oystercatcher is so well located for an autumn walk that it even provides a map to a glorious 60-90 minute circular walk from the door. Witness the autumn hues reflected in Llŷn Maelog, then make your way back along the blustery autumnal shoreline, before sheltering for cocktails in the cool Will’s Bar, and feasting on finger-licking local ingredients with a view in the restaurant.
Moray Firth Walk to the Crown & Anchor Inn, Findhorn Bay, Scotland
Spend your autumn days padding along beautiful bays, spotting seabirds and tunnelling through wild woodland, before opening the door to a historic inn with over 100 warming malt whiskies behind the bar. Take a seasonal break in true Scottish style, and don your boots to hit walking trails along the Moray Firth and through coastal pine forests, before taking a seat beside the log burner at the Crown & Anchor, for local tipples and tasty dishes on the edge of Findhorn Bay.
Wildlife Trail to The White Horse, Brancaster, Norfolk
If you’ve got a penchant for fine food and days out on foot, escape to the North Norfolk coastline this autumn. Here, enveloped in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the edge of Brancaster Beach, the award-winning White Horse serves up just-caught seafood delivered daily by local fishermen, salmon smoked on the premises, and other seasonal produce plucked from the doorstep. But before you take a seat and watch the golden light bounce off the coastal marshland in view, work up an appetite on a 4km National Trust Wildlife Walk, spotting Brent geese, oystercatchers and other bird species, taking in views from Barrow Common, spotting a Second World War wreck and visiting the site of Branodunum Roman Fort.
Coastal Hike to The Bush Inn, Morwenstow, Cornwall
The 7.5 miles from Bude to Morwenstow is a strenuous undertaking on foot, tackling some gnarly sections of the South West Coast Path. Set out early for an autumn excursion to see its tumbling waterfalls, the Hawker’s Hut and a dramatic coastline littered with shipwrecks. While the walking is tough, every step is worth the effort when you veer inland at Morwenstow and stumble upon The Bush Inn – a 13th-century pub serving CAMRA ales and hearty, homemade food.
Book your Coastal Cottage for an Autumn Break
Whether you’re looking for a cosy cottage for couples, or a self-catering retreat for a group walking holiday by the coast, find the perfect pad in our range of holiday accommodation beside the sea.
