12 Charming UK Small Towns for Fall Foliage That Will Steal Your Heart

Some of the links might be affiliate links and, at no extra cost to you, we earn a small commission. See our disclaimer for more info.

You might call me biased because I’m from the United Kingdom, but I firmly believe the UK is one of the world’s best places to admire fall foliage, especially our small towns. While most people who visit the UK plan city breaks, the small towns usually steal the hearts of visitors.

The UK’s best small towns offer classic British charm, beautiful architecture, laid-back vibes, and a rich history begging to be explored. Most of them also provide impressive scenery in the fall, including multi-colored fall foliage. To show you what you’re missing, here are 12 of the best small towns in the UK for fall foliage.

Bakewell, England

Save this!

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later.

The first location on our list is Bakewell, a small market town on the River Wye in the Derbyshire Dales. Bakewell makes this list for several reasons. First, it is surrounded by lush scenery that takes on glorious fall colors in the fall season. Second, it is jam-packed with British charm.

You’ll quickly fall in love with Bakewell’s charming atmosphere, quaint cafes, British pubs, and beautiful buildings. Finally, Bakewell is the original home of the humble Bakewell pudding. You’re seriously missing out if you’ve never had a Bakewell tart. This delicious sweet treat is a big hit in the UK, and its history started in Bakewell in the 1820s.

Conwy, Wales

Conwy is a breathtaking walled market town in Conwy County, northwest Wales. It’s best known for its medieval castle, stunning coastline, and picturesque surroundings. Like Bakewell, Conwy is also known for its rich history, which includes the Smallest House in Great Britain. Of course, the 12th-century castle is also a must-visit attraction.

However, many visitors to Conwy are drawn in by the prospect of exploring Snowdonia National Park. Conwy is ideally located to explore the park’s vast forests, glacial lakes, and Mount Snowdon, the tallest mountain in Wales. In the fall, this national park is adorned with brightly colored leaves. Popular things to do in the area include hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding, and climbing. Alternatively, you could visit Newborough Forest in Anglesey.

Alnwick, England

If you love fall foliage and history, consider visiting Northumberland, a region in northeast England loved most for its impressive natural scenery, fascinating ruins, and domineering castles. Alnwick is one of the best places to stay and enjoy Northumberland’s greatest delights, where you’ll find the 11th-century Alnwick castle and postcard-perfect scenery.

Better yet, Alnwick isn’t far from Northumberland’s pristine coastline. It might also be worth noting that Alnwick Castle is featured in Harry Potter. Alnwick is surrounded by mesmerizing fall foliage in the fall, and the town throws various autumn-themed events, like the Alnwick Scavenger Hunt. Notable attractions in or near the town include Summer Seats Viewpoint, Northumberland National Park, and Dunstanburgh Castle.

Portree, Scotland

Portree, the largest town and capital of the Isle of Skye, a small island in Scotland, is an excellent place to base yourself if you want to explore some of Scotland’s most iconic natural landscapes. This vibrant coastal town is best known for its colorful houses, beautiful scenery, and wildlife-watching boat tours.

However, I love it most for its easy access to the Isle of Skye’s best attractions. For example, the Old Man of Storr, a mountain on the Trotternish peninsula, is only 15 minutes away. Meanwhile, the Fairy Pools are less than 40 minutes away. In the fall, the Isle of Skye’s landscapes come to life with shades of red, orange, and brown foliage, so don’t forget your camera.

Aviemore, Scotland

Another fabulous place to stay in Scotland if you want to experience the United Kingdom’s finest fall foliage is Aviemore, a beautiful town situated in the Scottish Highlands. Conveniently for us, Aviemore sits inside Cairngorms National Park, a magnificent park famed for its ancient woodlands, rugged mountain trails, impressive waterfalls, and secluded lochs. In the fall, this national park’s landscape is adorned with fiery fall foliage begging to be discovered.

From Aviemore, you can easily reach some of the national park’s best attractions, including Cairngorm Mountain Resort, where you can ski. Other noteworthy attractions include the Highland Wildlife Park, Loch an Eilein, and Craigellachie National Nature Reserve. After a busy day of exploring, kick back at the Cairngorm Brewery with a refreshing beer.

Antrim, Northern Ireland

European Countries With the Most Beautiful Nature Ireland — © aitormmfoto / Adobe Stock

Antrim, a small town in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, is the place to go if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Belfast and explore the wilder side of Northern Ireland. Despite only being 35 minutes from the capital, this colorful town on the banks of Six Mile Water is worlds apart.

🏨 Explore all your hotel options here

You’ll swap Belfast’s busy shopping streets for relaxed river walks lined with tall trees that take on fall-colored foliage in the fall. If you’re lucky, it might even snow. Must-visit attractions in Antrim include Antrim Castle Gardens, Antrim Round Tower, and Lough Neagh. Antrim also offers easy access to Antrim Coast and Glens National Landscape, Carrickfergus, and the Giant’s Causeway.

Ballycastle, Northern Ireland

Ballycastle is another hidden gem in the United Kingdom for leaf peeping. It is a gorgeous seaside town in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. This town is an excellent place to stay if you want to enjoy Northern Ireland’s magnificent fall scenery, small-town charm, and picturesque coastline. What’s not to like?

In Ballycastle, you’ll likely spend most of your time strolling along Ballycastle Strand, admiring the beauty of Ballycastle Beach, hiking to Kinbane Castle, and eating fish and chips at the seafront marina. There’s also a good chance you’ll visit Northern Ireland’s iconic attractions, such as Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge, Ballintoy Harbour, and the Dark Hedges. In the fall, the landscape around Ballycastle is covered in vibrant fall foliage.

Aberaeron, Wales

Like Ballycastle, Aberaeron, a beautiful small town in Ceredigion, Wales, offers a delightful combination of fall foliage and coastal charm. In Aberaeron, you’ll spend time hiking along the picturesque Ceredigion coast, relaxing in the harbor, and admiring traditional Welsh architecture. Come September, you’ll be exploring the town’s scenic surroundings, which display vibrant hues.

Some of the most popular attractions in or near Aberaeron include Aberaeron Beach, the Wales Coast Path, the 18th-century Llanerchaeron, and Aberaeron Harbour. You might also be pleased to hear that Aberaeron regularly throws fall-themed events, such as markets, fairs, and shows. If you plan your visit around Halloween, you can take part in one of the many parties.

Caerleon, Wales

Another excellent place to stay in Wales for fall foliage is Caerleon, a small town and community in Newport. This gorgeous town is small but packs a punch with historical ruins and breathtaking natural landscapes. Sitting on the River Usk, Caerleon is a fantastic place to hike, especially in the fall, when its picturesque scenery takes on a kaleidoscope of color.

However, the biggest draw to the town is its Roman ruins. In Caerleon, you’ll find the remains of a Roman legionary fortress called Isca Augusta. The fun doesn’t stop there, as Caerleon is also home to an Iron Age hillfort and numerous Neolithic sites. You can learn more about the town’s rich history at the National Roman Legion Museum and the Roman Baths Museum.

Fort William, Scotland

Fall is the best time to visit Fort William, where you’ll find spectacular natural landscapes smothered in fall foliage. Fort William is situated in the western Scottish Highlands on the shores of Loch Linnhe. It’s a brilliant place to base yourself for exploring Scotland.

For example, the town is considered a gateway to Ben Nevis, the United Kingdom’s tallest peak. Furthermore, iconic tourist attractions like Glenfinnan Viaduct and Loch Shiel are nearby. Unsurprisingly, hiking is one of the most popular things to do in Fort William, so don’t forget your hiking boots. However, there is also more to see in the town, such as Neptune’s Staircase, Old Inverlochy Castle, and the West Highland Museum.

Rye, England

If you’re looking for a romantic getaway in England, fall is the perfect time to visit Rye, a fairytale-esque medieval town in East Sussex famed for its rich history, traditional architecture, and classic British charm. Untouched by time, you’ll never tire of exploring the town’s winding cobblestone streets, indulging in afternoon tea, and admiring the fall foliage that covers building fronts.

Significant points of interest in Rye include Rye Castle Museum, Mermaid Street, Lamb House, and Rye Heritage Centre. You might also want to note that Rye is only a short drive from Camber Sand, one of the United Kingdom’s best beaches. It is also just a two-hour drive from London, making it perfect for a road trip. Meanwhile, keen hikers can find autumnal foliage in Rye Harbour Nature Reserve.

Abingdon, England

Abingdon, also known as Abingdon-on-Thames, is one of Europe’s hidden gems for . It is a historic market town on the River Thames in the Vale of the White Horse district of Oxfordshire. This lovely town is best known for its beautiful architecture, charming atmosphere, and rich history, which sees Abingdon claim to be England’s oldest town. Peak foliage is mid-October to November and you can catch the sunlight shine through the trees.

In the fall, you can enjoy relaxed strolls along the River Thames, surrounded by fall-colored foliage in Abingdon. You’ll likely also visit the town’s main tourist attractions, including the Abingdon County Hall Museum, the Abbey Cinema, Radley Lakes, and Loose Cannon Brewing Co. Abingdon also hosts various events in the fall, such as Halloween activity days, Christmas markets, fireworks, and bonfires. Castle Combe in Cotswolds is just an hour away and it is one of the best places for leaf peeping in the United Kingdom.