The Cotswolds has been named the best place in Europe to visit in September, beating off competition from the likes of Spain, Italy and Greece, according to Lonely Planet
As the UK weather takes a turn, with rain showers and a chilly breeze setting in, September often becomes a favourite time for Brits to escape the cold and jet off abroad for a sunny holiday.
While Spain, Greece and Turkey are typically our go-to autumn travel spots, a destination much closer to home has surprisingly been crowned as the best place in Europe to visit in September.
Instead of lounging on a beach, sipping sangria and munching on tapas, picture a breathtaking sunset walk in the countryside followed by a hearty pub lunch.
According to the esteemed travel guide Lonely Planet, the Cotswolds has outshone the usual autumn destinations for a September getaway.
The travel gurus were left awestruck by the rolling hills and the golden light of September which seems to “ooze honey”, reports the Express.
They added: “This land of rolling hills, hiding historic towns and stone hamlets in their clefts and valleys, has long attracted urbanites seeking an English idyll.
“Visit in September not just to dodge the heaviest influx of coach tours, but to enjoy the countryside at its finest and to admire the leaves beginning to burst into their fiery autumn colours in the wonderful arboretums at Westonbirt and Batsford.”
Although the Cotswolds isn’t exactly a hidden gem, topping many UK countryside destination lists, the vast size of the area means there are plenty of towns and villages to explore and get lost in.
This region is renowned for being the stomping ground of celebrities such as the Beckhams, Jeremy Clarkson, and David Cameron.
Boasting a rich literary and cinematic history, it’s one of the UK’s most affluent areas, with house prices skyrocketing, and the average sale now nearing £600,000.
Idyllic villages like Castle Combe and Bourton-on-the-Water can be bustling with tourists throughout the year, but they make for tranquil endpoints to a serene walk, allowing you to appreciate their charm whilst finding some peace and quiet.
The guide also tips its hat to the Cotswolds Way, a 102-mile trail linking Chipping Campden and Bath that meanders over the region’s hills, ideal for hopping on and off for a day to blow away the cobwebs.
Although September temperatures are cooler than our European counterparts, visitors can still anticipate a comfortable high of 18C. The Cotswolds outperformed other destinations on the list, ranking higher than Istria (the northernmost point of Croatia), La Palma (an often overlooked Canary Island) and the university city of Bologna in Italy.
