8 Towns & Villages Near London For An Autumn Staycation
Arundel, West Sussex
With its famous castle, winding river and Georgian architecture, Arundel is one of West Sussex’s most atmospheric towns. The Arundel and Swanbourne Lake Circular is a gentle walking route that takes in lakeside views, forest paths and riverside stretches – perfect for a crisp morning stroll. The high street is dotted with antique shops, galleries and cafés, while Juniper, a chic café-bakery with a seasonal menu and monthly dinner evenings, is where to go for fresh pastries, warming plates and a glass of wine.
STAY: The Pig in the South Downs
The Pig in the South Downs is just a 20-minute drive away. The group acquired Grade II-listed Madehurst Lodge back in 2018 and transformed it into a destination hotel with the kitchens, gardens and restaurant at its heart. As with all Pig properties, rooms are cosy and characterful (many with statement baths), most of the food is grown in the gardens, and there are plenty of nooks around the hotel where you can settle in with a book or glass of wine.
Visit THEPIGHOTEL.COM
Alfriston, East Sussex
In the middle of the South Downs, Alfriston is one of East Sussex’s prettiest villages – especially in autumn, when the surrounding landscape turns golden and crisp. Its high street is lined with timber-framed buildings, independent shops and tearooms, while walks along the Cuckmere River offer sweeping views and seasonal colour. For walkers, the Cuckmere Valley loop offers gentle trails through some of the region’s most scenic country. After a long walk, head to Poco, a cosy Italian restaurant and wine bar known for its seasonal sharing plates and a warm, osteria-style atmosphere. Its Sunday menu is set to relaunch at the end of the month.
STAY: The Alfriston
The Signet Collection – the group behind The Mitre and The Retreat at Elcot Park – recently opened its fourth hotel in the village of Alfriston within the South Downs National Park. It has all the markers of a great country hotel: a buzzy restaurant offering local produce and sprawling views, a heated outdoor pool, and a spa with a steam room, sauna and treatments that won’t break the bank. Couples can borrow wellies to explore the nearby walking trails, enjoy a game of pétanque on the lawn and sample sparkling wines at Rathfinny wine estate nearby.
Rooms from £150 per night for bed & breakfast.
Visit THEALFRISTON.COM
Penshurst, Kent
In the heart of the Kent, Penshurst is a village steeped in history and surrounded by natural beauty. The Penshurst Circular Walk is a standout route for autumn. Clearly marked and easy to follow, it winds through woodland, riverside paths and open fields with beautiful views as you go. Along the way, you’ll pass one of England’s largest deer parks and the grand Penshurst Place, a 14th-century manor once home to Henry VIII.
STAY: The Leicester Arms
This isn’t your average country inn. The Leicester Arms has history in its bones – think 16th-century timber, low-lit corners and a bar that feels like it’s heard centuries of stories. But it’s not stuck in the past. The rooms are fresh and unfussy, with crisp linens, walk-in showers and characterful corners. In fact, the rooms have some of the nicest interiors on this list, with patterned wallpapers, scalloped headboards and inviting rolltop baths. Downstairs, the pub serves seasonal plates and local wines without fuss or fanfare, and the terrace is a quiet spot for a drink after exploring the estate.
Castle Combe, Cotswolds
Heading to the Cotswolds in the autumn is always a good idea. One of our favourite towns there is Castle Combe in Wiltshire, home to honey-hued stone, winding lanes and cinematic views. Autumn suits it perfectly, with crisp air, rust-coloured leaves and quiet trails through the surrounding woodland. The Castle Combe Circular Walk is a scenic six-mile loop that takes in riverbanks, forest paths and historic landmarks like the medieval market cross and St Andrew’s Church. After your walk, head to The Castle Inn, a 12th-century pub with open fires, seasonal plates and local ales.
STAY: Whatley Manor
Just a 20-minute drive from Castle Combe, Whatley Manor is a smart spa hotel. Day guests can explore the 12-acre estate and dine at the two restaurants on site. The spa is a particular highlight, featuring an indoor and outdoor hydrotherapy pool, thermal cabins, salt scrub showers and a tepidarium (a warm room in a Roman bath). From Thursday to Sunday, the Michelin-starred restaurant The Dining Room offers a fine dining dinner experience, while a traditional afternoon tea can be requested in Grey’s Brasserie.
Visit WHATLEYMANOR.COM
Lewes, East Sussex
Lewes is an amalgamation of old and new, with independent shops, Georgian architecture and a thriving food scene. No.34 is the low-intervention wine bar locals love, serving seasonal plates and natural wines in a beautifully restored printer’s building. Just around the corner, Dill offers bold, inventive cooking in a pared-back bistro setting, with a menu that changes weekly and champions local produce. For those looking to explore further, Rathfinny Wine Estate, one of the UK’s leading sparkling wine producers, is just a 20-minute drive away.
STAY: White Hart
On Lewes’s high street, The White Hart is a 16th-century coaching inn. Following a full refurbishment in 2024, original oak beams and Tudor fireplaces have now been restored, while modern touches include rainfall showers, roll-top baths and a newly added orangery overlooking the South Downs. Downstairs, the bar and dining room offer seasonal menus, open fires and cosy snugs, while upstairs, 23 bedrooms (including four suites), provide a characterful base for exploring the town and beyond.
Visit WHITEHARTLEWES.COM
Farnham, Surrey
Market town Farnham is easily one of the prettiest spots in Surrey – all Georgian facades, cobbled courtyards and a thriving indie food scene. Head to Maison for an intimate chef’s table experience by MasterChef finalist Ben Piette or book a table at The Third Monkey to try its set lunch menu or Sunday roast. The town’s galleries, boutiques and cafés are ideal for a slow afternoon, while Frensham Ponds and Bourne Wood offer scenic views just minutes away.
STAY: The Bush Hotel
Behind its 17th-century façade, The Bush Hotel offers a quietly stylish stay in Farnham. Inside you’ll find oak beams, soft textures and thoughtfully detailed rooms designed for slow mornings and relaxed evenings. Each space feels calm and considered, with plush beds, rainfall showers and vintage touches throughout.
Visit FARNHAMBUSH.COM
Midhurst, West Sussex
Cocking Hill near Midhurst is one of the South Downs’ designated Dark Sky Discovery Sites and one of the best places in the region for stargazing. Georgian townhouses line the high street, home to antique dealers, independent cafés and a good food scene. The nearby Cowdray Estate is also worth visiting. Home to polo fields (which host tournaments during the summer months) and a lovely farm shop and café on its estate, you could easily spend a few hours walking around its Tudor ruins and artisan shops.
STAY: Park House Hotel & Spa
Set in the rolling South Downs, Park House is a boutique country retreat where everything feels luxurious. Interiors are elegant and understated – soft linens, garden views, and heritage touches that nod to the estate’s 100-year history. Outside, there’s a heated outdoor pool, championship-standard tennis courts and an award-winning spa offering everything from deep-tissue massages to bespoke facials. Mornings start with fresh coffee on the terrace; afternoons are for long walks, slow swims or a glass of Sussex sparkling in the drawing room.
Visit POBHOTELS.COM
Petworth, West Sussex
Known for its antique shops and artistic heritage, Petworth is home to more than just a pretty high street. With 700 acres of woodland and lush lawns to explore, the Petworth Circular Trail is a great autumnal walk. Clearly marked and easy to follow, it offers views of the South Downs and one of England’s largest deer parks, ending at the grand Petworth House – a 17th-century Grade I-listed estate with landscaped gardens and a world-class art collection. For families, the Peter Rabbit activity trail adds a playful touch, inviting little ones to find Peter and his friends across the grounds.
STAY: The Angel Inn
The Angel Inn is a characterful coaching inn with modern amenities. Behind its 17th-century façade, you’ll find seven thoughtfully restored bedrooms, each blending original beams and antique touches with crisp linens, rainfall showers and calming palettes. Downstairs, the pub serves seasonal menus and local wines in a relaxed, fireside setting, while the walled garden offers a quiet spot for morning coffee or evening drinks. It’s just steps from Petworth House and the town’s independent boutiques.
Visit ANGELINNPETWORTH.CO.UK
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