Wild seascapes and unruly skies make the UK’s coastline even more dramatic in autumn. When the crowds have gone home and wildlife reigns supreme, grab your all-weather gear and embrace the blustery weather to discover the untamed beauty of these natural coastal wonders that light up in autumn.
Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland
The Giant’s Causeway is a breathtaking landscape to behold in autumn, when roaring seas crash against the hexagonal columns under stormy skies. Feel the spray on your cheeks, experience the raw power of the ocean, and soak up the otherworldly atmosphere without the crowds that descend here in summer. Put your camera on a slow shutter speed and capture incredible imagery of County Antrim under autumn’s magical golden light, and follow the Causeway Coast Way for panoramic views of the rugged coastline, or visit nearby Dunluce Castle, perched on the cliffs.
Old Harry Rocks, Dorset
Undisturbed by sightseeing boats and summer masses, the iconic chalk stacks of Old Harry Rocks are left to seabirds and swirling seas in autumn. Witness them in the low light, standing stark and bright under moody skies, while the brisk sea breeze makes your cliff path perspective even more exhilarating. Wrapping geological wonder, coastal beauty, and serenity into one epic scene, this is the perfect time to experience the wild beauty of the Dorset Coast.
The Seven Sisters Cliffs, East Sussex
Take an autumn hike in the Seven Sisters Country Park in East Sussex, when the changing season paints the scenery in vibrant hues of gold, red and orange. Keep your camera at the ready as you emerge at the white cliffs of the Seven Sisters, a striking contrast against brooding skies, especially when the autumnal light casts shadows on their towering chalk faces. Take in a bird’s eye view and spot seals and seabirds from up high, then head down to the cove of Cuckmere Haven to take in the mighty scene from the sand.
Carreg Bica, Llangrannog, Ceredigion, Wales
Connect with the raw beauty of the Ceredigion coastline during autumn, when the low tide reveals sea caves along Llangrannog beach, and the high tide brings crashing waves against the jagged rock formations. Llangrannog and Cilborth beaches are divided by a distinctive rock formation known as Carreg Bica, which according to local legend is the tooth of a giant who was forced to spit it onto the beach to be relieved of his toothache. Whether you believe it or not, you’ll no doubt be swept away by the magical scenery, and if the tide is low enough search for fossils hidden between the craggy folds of Carreg Bica.
Valley of Rocks, Exmoor, Devon
Collect conkers, crunch through the leaves and climb the highest sea cliffs in England, in the rolling landscape of Exmoor National Park. Between the towering Hangman Cliffs near Combe Martin (314m) and the jagged edges of the ancient Valley of Rocks, the coastline plunges into deep valleys where you can tunnel through autumn colours in the unique Atlantic rain forest where the moors meet the sea. Follow the tumbling streams inland and wend from wooded glens to high open moorland, where the dramatic landscapes bask in golden autumn light.
Speke’s Mill Mouth Waterfall, North Devon
Just over the Cornwall border in North Devon, seek out this dramatic waterfall that cascades 48 metres down the cliffs onto the rocky shore of a secluded beach. In autumn storms the power and spray of Speke’s Mill Mouth Waterfall is an even more mesmerising sight, and the season’s golden hues add to the remote beauty of the setting. Experience the rumble and roar of the falls from the beach, then take a walk along the South West Coast Path to Hartland Quay and capture breathtaking views of the rugged North Devon coastline.
Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland
With its expansive sands and the iconic silhouette of Bamburgh Castle against the horizon, this beach feels like something out of a medieval epic – especially under autumn skies and bracing winds sweeping off the North Sea. Wrap up and strike out along the golden-brown dunes and moorland towards the castle, behold the views from high on the cliffs, or follow the coastal path toward Seahouses for views of the Farne Islands, which are home to migrating seabirds in autumn.
Smoo Cave, Durness, Scotland
A trip to the far north corner of Scotland feels like visiting the edge of the world in autumn, when wild weather, crashing waves and moody light create an ambience of utter isolation in nature. Discover one of the lesser-known attractions on the North Coast 500 route when you step into the 15-metre-high Smoo Cave, which feels like walking into a giant’s mouth on the edge of the ocean. While you’re immersing yourself in the untamed beauty of the Highlands before winter sets in, make sure you take a windswept walk along nearby Balnakeil Beach in the eerie autumn light.
Cape Cornwall, Cornwall
When autumn whips the sea into a frenzy in Cornwall and swells march across the horizon, embrace the wild October weather from the promontory of Cape Cornwall, where the Atlantic meets the Irish Sea. Once thought to be the most westerly point of Britain (until the Ordnance Survey realised that Land’s End trumped it), the tremendous amounts of water movement attracts an abundance of wildlife, including a seabird colony just offshore on Brisons Rocks. Feel the raw power of the landscape when you stand at the landmark chimney (look out for the Heinz plaque), then clamber down for a wild dip in Priest’s tidal pool, before a cuppa or hearty soup from the Little Wonder Cafe in the National Trust car park.
Why Visit the Coast in Autumn?
- Fewer crowds: Autumn brings peace and quiet to many popular coastal spots, letting you experience their beauty without the bustle of summer tourists.
- Dramatic landscapes: The wild autumn weather enhances the rugged beauty of the coastline, creating an atmospheric setting perfect for exploring or photography.
- Wildlife: Autumn is a great time for spotting seals, migrating birds, and other wildlife along the coast.
- Golden light: The low angle of the autumn sun casts beautiful light and long shadows, transforming the landscape and making it ideal for capturing the coast’s natural beauty.
Book Your Stay at One of Our Seaside Holiday Cottages this Autumn
Enjoy a change of scenery this autumn from one of our self-catering coastal cottages where you can experience some of the UK’s most photogenic coastal wonders.
