6 Unique Autumn Breaks In The Yorkshire Dales That You've Never Thought About

Posted: 9th September 2022

Seeking the perfect autumn escape? Look no further than Long Ashes Park, a stunning holiday park in the heart of the Wharfedale valley, surrounded with picturesque scenery, outstanding walks and quaint villages.

Autumn is one of the most exciting times to enjoy a holiday right here in the Yorkshire Dales, when the woodlands turn golden and frosty, the temperature is perfect for walking and there's plenty of wildlife to spot. Ideal for staycations, our favourite autumn breaks in Long Ashes Park give you an immersive experience of the Yorkshire Dales' most romantic qualities. Whether you're set on seeking a luxurious getaway or in search of a hiking adventure, you'll love our autumn holiday ideas in the Dales.

So, get your walking boots and your waterproofs on (you can never be too prepared for the Yorkshire weather!) and get outdoors to explore the Dales this autumn. Here are the best autumn getaways at Long Ashes Park.

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Why an autumn break in the Yorkshire Dales?

Glorious Autumn Colours

All seasons are uniquely dramatic across the Yorkshire Dales landscape, but autumn is particularly special.

Bursting with magnificent display of colours, the trees are especially vibrant with shades of red and gold. Seeing this spectacle from a high viewpoint, especially with a blanket of cloud inversion, is absolutely unbeatable.

Autumn is the perfect time for taking beautiful scenic photos, spending time outdoors, and really appreciating nature.

Comfortable outdoor temperatures

Autumn is the window of perfect weather right between the blazing summer and freezing winter.

When the cooler temperatures of autumn start roll in, it's a welcome change to the heat of summer. Whether you're an avid hiker or a casual stroller, the comfortable temperatures make exploring the Dales even more pleasurable. Autumn also brings a new appreciation for the warmth indoors.

When you're not out exploring nature, this is an ideal season for making hot chocolate and snuggling up in a blanket.

A quieter holiday period

Love a summer holiday but hate the heaving hustle and bustle? Taking an autumn break is a much more peaceful experience, when the summer crowds have all but left.

If you aren’t a fan of sharing the trail with groups of other walkers you’ll love the quieter seasons. Particularly if you're looking for a romantic couples getaway, in autumn you can avoid the peak summer madness of the school holidays altogether. And you can get all the gorgeous photo ops without having to wait for other people to finish taking theirs!

Cheaper than the summer

Some tourist attractions and activities hike up their prices in summer to make the most of the peak season profits.

An autumn stay brings you all the benefits we've listed and saves you some money! You can explore everything the Dales has to offer and bag a bargain at the same time.

Short autumn breaks and weekend getaways in the Yorkshire Dales

Woodland Glamping Pods

The Woodland Glamping Pods are just perfect for a romantic escape.

This completely self-contained cleverly designed pod makes the most idyllic home away from home, featuring a comfy double bed, en suite bathroom, sofa, high table and kitchen. You can choose to self cater or head over to either of our en site restaurants, the Woodland Cafe for hearty breakfasts and authentic Italian dishes, and The Gamekeeper's Inn for some classic pub grub.

The outside seating offers the perfect opportunity to wrap up warm, sit outside with a hot drink and watch the world go by. Here you're sure to spot a variety of wildlife.

Why not truly put the 'glam' in glamping and make use of the on site Leisure Club? You'll receive full access to all the leisure facilities included in your stay.

Find Out About Woodland Pods

The Oak Lodge

Snuggle up on the couch with a cup of tea at The Oak Lodge, a luxury two bedroom, two shower room lodge with a stunning view of the Wharfedale valley in its glorious display of autumn colours.

You'll feel right at home relaxing in its modern spacious living area and watching the world go by from your private balcony.

With a fully equipped kitchen, you can choose to dine in or wander over to either of our on site restaurants, The Gamekeeper's Inn or Woodland Cafe, each serving homemade and locally sourced menus.

Truly relax and unwind this autumn with full complimentary use of the on site Leisure Club facilities, including heated pool, sauna, gym, jacuzzi, steam room and more.

Learn About The Oak Lodge

The Gamekeeper's Lodge

The Gamekeeper's Lodge is spacious and welcoming, with two double en-suite bedrooms, a pull out sofa bed and a comfortable living space, ideal for cosying up in the cool autumn nights.

With the woodland right behind your lodge, see how many rabbits and squirrels you can spot!

With a fully equipped kitchenette, and your very own outdoor picnic table, you can either stay in or dine al fresco. Alternatively, head over to The Gamekeeper's Inn for some hearty pub grub, or to the Woodland Cafe for authentic Italian dishes.

Full use of the on site Leisure Club facilities, such as the heated pool, sauna, gym, jacuzzi, steam room and more, is included in your stay.

Learn About The Gamekeeper's Lodge

Brazengate Lodge

Start your autumn days in the Dales the right way at the Brazengate Lodge, with a spacious double bedroom and twin bedroom, and a private deck where you can sit back and watch the wildlife in the autumnal woodland.

With a fully equipped kitchen you have the option to self-cater or dine out. We recommend walking over to the Woodland Cafe for a hearty homemade breakfast to fuel yourself for the day's adventure.

At the end of the day you can enjoy some homemade pub grub at The Gamekeeper's Inn, all locally sourced so you can feel even more immersed in the Yorkshire Dales, then cosy up in the Brazengate Lodge's comfortable and modern living space.

Make sure to stop by the on site Leisure Club, with full use of the facilities included in your stay.

Learn About The Brazengate Lodge

Dalesgate Lodge

Looking for a dog friendly autumn adventure? Bring all the family, four-legged friends included, to The Dalesgate Lodge.

This luxury lodge includes a double bedroom, a second bedroom with two single beds, and a pull out sofa bed. Relax and unwind on your private deck, perfect for dining al fresco, enjoying peace and quiet, and spotting the wildlife in the autumn woodland. You'll soon feel at home in the cosy and comfortable living space, perfect for relaxing and warming up with a hot drink after a day of hiking in the Dales.

Your fully fitted kitchen gives you the option to eat in or out. Just around the corner you'll find The Gamekeeper's Inn for hearty homemade pub classics, and the Woodland Cafe for breakfast, cakes and bakes, and authentic Italian dishes.

If you fancy a day of indulgence, head over to the on site Leisure Club, where the facilities are included with your stay.

Learn About The Dalesgate Lodge

Netherside Barn

Get the full autumnal fantasy in the Netherside Barn, a quaint and traditional three bedroom house complete with exposed wooden beams, stylish decor and a stunning view of the Wharfedale countryside.

The house has three double bedrooms, two bathrooms and a spacious comfortable living area. Get comfy with a cup of tea and watch the world go by (and maybe even spot some wild deer) from the cosy nook which overlooks the garden.

Netherside Barn has a fully equipped kitchen, complete with a hob, oven, microwave, dishwasher, toaster and kettle, so you can dine in, eat al fresco on your private patio, or head over to The Gamekeeper's Inn or Woodland Cafe for delicious locally sourced dishes.

Relax and unwind with full complimentary use of the on site Leisure Club facilities, including a heated swimming pool, gym, jacuzzi, sauna and more. Breakfast at The Gamekeeper's Inn is available as an add on.

Learn About The Netherside Barn

Things to do on your autumn holidays

Watch a beautiful autumn sunrise

Catching an inspirational sunrise usually takes some extra effort, mainly having to pry yourself from the duvet at an unfavourable hour of the morning.

Thankfully the arrival of autumn makes things a little easier. By the end of October the sun will be rising at 8am, and will keep getting later until the Winter Solstice. The dramatic landscape of the Yorkshire Dales makes this the perfect place to witness a breathtaking sunrise.

Take a woodland walk or cycle

There's no better way to start those misty autumn mornings with a walk along the woodland trails, feeling the cool breeze and hearing the scurrying squirrels as the vibrant leaves crunch beneath your boots.

At this time of year, the Yorkshire Dales come alive with wildlife activity and transform into a kaleidoscope of colour. Exploring the Dales on foot or by bike is the best way to feel fully immersed in the landscape and truly appreciate being among nature at its most magical time of year.

Enjoy a hike in the Dales

The Yorkshire Dales National Park is home to one of Britain’s quintessential landscapes, with glacial valleys, rolling hills and dramatic waterfalls.

While incredibly beautiful year-round, autumn is a particularly special time to witness them with its burst of seasonal colours and wildlife activity. In the Dales you'll find everything from gentle ambles through the meadows to more challenging uphill excursions. For a really magnificent view of autumn in full swing, climb Whernside to reach the highest point in North Yorkshire.

See the woodland wildlife

During autumn, nature has one last dramatic burst of energy before the cold days of winter.

Small mammals start on a foraging frenzy for berries and nuts and the deer begin to rut. Autumn in the Yorkshire Dales is an amazing time to experience wildlife. As it is a National Park, you're never far from a beautiful autumnal woodland reserve to experience the season at its very best. However, you won't even need to step foot out of your woodland pod or lodge to see cotton tailed rabbits and scurrying squirrels in abundance.

Cosy up and watch the world go by

Autumn is a time for slowing down and rekindling your appreciation for the warmth indoors.

You'll feel deeply rested after a lazy evening in your luxury lodge, gazing out onto valleys of red and gold. Leave all your worries behind, grab a warm blanket and cosy up on the sofa with a cup of tea and the people you care about.