Discover autumn colour with an outdoor holiday

Pitchup.com has numerous forest-based properties

As autumn arrives in the UK, so does a flurry of colour as leaves turn lovely shades of reds and golds, and beautiful backdrops are created. Discover some of the most breathtaking autumn settings filled with colour this season with outdoor accommodation specialist Pitchup.com.

The company features a number of properties in UK woodlands and forests where visitors can not only see but live amongst the most spectacular autumn flora and fauna.

Amongst some of the most spectacular places to stay are:

Gloucestershire, The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds provides a stunning backdrop during autumn months – with autumnal colours of russet reds, oranges and golds coating the trees. The many walking trails lead visitors through some of the most beautiful displays of autumn woodland and farmland in the UK – a great way to spend a romantic weekend, or a trip with the kids who will love conker hunting.

Head to Gloucestershire to catch some of the best autumn colours in The Cotswolds. Take a trip to Batsford Arboretum near Moreton-in-Marsh to discover a spectacle of stunning scenery - look out for the hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’ near Rockery bridge: the lime white panicles turn a pretty shade of pink as autumn draws on. Alternatively, The National Arboretum in Westonbirt is well worth a visit. Westonbirt is renowned for its fiery autumnal colours as the UK’s national collection of Japanese maples paint the park red.

Pitchup.com has a number of sites across Gloucestershire with availability throughout the season. Stay in a stylish bell tent at the cosy Botany Camping in Wiltshire from £140 for a two-night stay based on six people sharing.  The cosy tents are fully carpeted and feature a firepit for additional warmth. Logs and kindling are provided.

Falmouth, Cornwall

Like its many beaches, the parks of Cornwall also take on a golden glow during the autumn months, and unlike the rest of the UK, guests may even catch some sunshine as summer tends to linger for longer in the South.

Glendurgan Garden near Falmouth, owned by the National Trust, is a great place to visit during autumn. Its southern hemisphere plants burst into flower, and its jungle-like leaves of bananas and giant rhubarb reach full size. As sunlight beams through the valley sides and beautiful woodland, the many trees take on interesting autumnal shades. Adults and children alike will love getting involved in ‘Wild art week’ between 25 October and 2 November. Visitors can create some amazing wild art, including a crown of autumn leaves or a pebble picture at Durgan Beach.

Pitchup.com has a number of holidays available in Cornwall this season. Guests can stay in a spacious two-bedroom holiday home at Retanna Holiday Park in Falmouth, from £385 for a seven-night stay based on four people sharing. The holiday homes come with everything one could need for a winter holiday including TV, DVD, fully-fitted kitchen, bathroom and they are also fully double glazed and heated. Alternatively, stay in a wigwam at Ruthern Valley Holidays from £35 per night based on two people sharing. A little rustic in style, visitors will need to bring all their own equipment.  However the accommodation features a mini kitchen area and heating. 

The Lake District and Sizergh, Cumbria

Cumbria is a beautiful part of the UK all year round, and during autumn visitors can witness the changing colours of the leaves, and the beauty of the landscape which the autumnal light emphasises.

Many tourists flock to Windermere when visiting the Lake District, however very few are aware of High Dam. From the cosy village of Finsthwaite, visitors can enjoy a gently sloping walk through leafy grounds of conifer, birch and oak. At the top, walkers are rewarded with a view of a panoramic tree-lined tarn. For gorgeous autumnal scenery, Sizergh Gardens are a must. The gardens have over 700 years of history, and during autumn season guests can see the harvesting of fruits, and discover the mature ornamental trees which were specially planted for autumn. 

Pitchup.com has availability on the cosy pods at Cartmel Lodg-et. Located just a short drive from both of the above places, Cartmel is a picturesque lakeland village and home of the famous sticky toffee pudding shop.  The accommodation at Cartmel Lodge-et sleeps up to four in a camping pod. There is heating, a TV and fitted bathroom and all for only £40 per night. 

Harrogate, North Yorkshire

As the nights draw in and the air becomes crisp, there’s nothing like exploring the autumnal beauty of the Yorkshire outdoors. With natural wonders and endless countryside, discover the flurry of autumnal colours this northern region has to offer. 

Discover Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden in the village of Ripon, Harrogate. The World Heritage Site is home to a beautiful Georgian water garden, and 800 acres of wonderful countryside offering an explosion of autumn colour – plus guests can explore the magnificent 12th-century abbey ruins. During the school holidays (25 October – 2 November), visitors can use a colour wheel to detect 10 places on the estate that are bursting with colour - just grab a trail, go colour hunting and a prize could be won!

Pitchup.com has availability on its charming shacks at The Bivouac in Masham, North Yorkshire with prices starting from £410 for a four-night stay based on seven people sharing. These quirky shacks are stylish and fun and offer rustic yet well-equipped accommodation.

For more information visit www.pitchup.com.

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For media information:

Cass Helstrip or Samantha Marsh at White Tiger PR

Cass.helstrip@whitetigerpr.com 07968 255464

Samantha.marsh@whitetigerpr.com 07711 265666

About Pitchup.com

Founded in 2009 by former lastminute.com man, Dan Yates, multi-award winning Pitchup.com is a free guide to all types of outdoor accommodation in the UK, Ireland, France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Croatia, Luxembourg, Austria, Poland and Switzerland. Pitchup.com, which currently lists over 5,800 sites, provides users with a simple platform in which they can search and book an outdoor holiday with total ease: the customer journey from landing on the homepage through to booking a holiday can be completed in as little as four pages.  The site also goes beyond traditional searches by allowing users to search for accommodation based on more than 80 criteria, such as adults only and campfires allowed, and view nearby events, Good Pub Guide pubs and VisitBritain attractions.  It’s also possible to check out water bathing water quality in the surrounding area with data provided by the European Environment Agency.  Users can also search on the offers page to find the best deals available.

In 2013 Pitchup.com became the first business of its type to launch a bookable mobile app and site, making the site easily accessible to users of mobile and tablet devices.  The mobile site, m.pitchup.com, now accounts for 20% of bookings.

Pitchup.com enables users to search for all types of parks and sites from the major brands right through to one-off campsites and unique outdoor accommodation options, which may not have previously had a web presence.

Awards include Best UK Travel Website of the Year at the British Travel Press Awards 2011, and most recently Best Travel / Leisure / Sports / Mobile Strategy / Campaign at the Marketing on Mobile Awards 2014.