The best British September day trips

As summer slowly merges into autumn, parts of the British countryside come alive with colour. Here are a few places that we think are particularly spectacular in September

Keswick, Lake District

Nestled within the craggy mountains of The Lake District is the bustling market town of Keswick. The town offers many traditional British pubs, top class restaurants and quirky shops, while still retaining its quaint, traditional feel.

Running adjacent to Keswick is Derwentwater, one of the region’s stunning lakes. Dotted along the lake are piers for Derwentwater’s ‘launches’: boats that ferry passengers up and down the lake.

Ashness Jetty on Derwent water. Credit: Visit England/Alex Hare

A great viewpoint to see Derwentwater from is Friar’s Crag. It is incredibly easy to access, just a short walk from Keswick, and provides stunning views across Derwentwater. There’s great walking territory at nearby Buttermere, Haystacks and, for more adventurous explorers, a climb to the top of Cat Bells.

Chatsworth House

Chatsworth House, in Derbyshire, is an incredible place, enriched with art, history and the astonishing beauty of the surrounding landscape. As autumn progresses and the leaves begin to turn, Chatsworth’s honey-coloured stone facade looks more splendid than ever.

Chatsworth Estate. Credit: VisitEngland/Rich J Jones

From the 20th to the 22nd of September, Chatsworth hosts the Chatsworth Arts Festival. The Festival is inspired by the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire’s passion for art, and will host special guests from the worlds of art, design and architecture.

Glenfinnan Viaduct

The Glenfinnan Viaduct was constructed in 1897 and is situated in a spectacular part of the Scottish Highlands. Most famous for its appearance in the Harry Potter films, the viaduct is part of a train line running from Fort William to Mallaig.

Best British September Day Trips
The Glenfinnan Viaduct. Credit: VisitBritain/Guy Richardson

As the leaves begin to turn, the glorious landscape of Glenfinnan glows with soft oranges and rusty reds. The rich colours of the landscape are intensified and brilliantly contrasted with the cool hues of Loch Shiel: a landscape that can be enjoyed with the background noise of the steam train as it glides across the viaduct and through the valley.

The River Wharfe, Yorkshire

Best British September Day Trips
The River Wharfe in Yorkshire

With the sun streaming through warm red-and-orange-coloured leaves and dancing across the river’s surface, at this time of year running water gains a mystical quality. One of the best things about the River Wharfe in Yorkshire is that it runs through the grounds of the striking Bolton Abbey. There is no better way to gain perspective on your life than here surrounded by history, tranquility and quiet.