The best places to go on holiday this October
Searching for where to go on holiday in October? You've come to the right place as we've rounded up the best holiday destinations in October for this year and next.
If you've got your late summer holidays covered, or if you're putting off a September holiday for a more autumnal trip, October offers a whole host of advantages when it comes to fantastic getaways.
October is the perfect month to escape to Europe to avoid the soaring temperatures and school holiday crowds, or to marvel at the glorious snow-capped peaks of the continent's mountainous landscapes.
WHERE TO GO ON HOLIDAY IN OCTOBER
It's the grape harvest season in Portugal, making it the best time to enjoy the rolling vineyards in their autumnal beauty and indulge in plenty of wine tastings.
If you're looking for the best holiday destinations in October for a memorable UK staycation, there are plenty of inviting options closer to home, too. The autumn months bring crisp mornings and golden sunlight to the UK, and it's the ideal month for escaping to a rural bolthole, where you can explore the great outdoors and curl up by a log fire as the evenings draw in.
The forests put on a dazzling display of fiery foliage, and there's plenty of wildlife to spot this time of year – from rutting stags in Scotland to fluffy red squirrels in Dorset.
And while the weather can be a little unpredictable here at home, the autumn still offers the possibility of pleasant temperatures with golden sun and crisp air.
So if we’ve got you dreaming of a getaway during this magical month, keep reading for our pick of the best holiday destinations in October.
Cornwall
As far as October staycations go, Cornwall is hard to beat. Although the weather can be a mixed bag, you'll still have a decent chance of some sunny days and will have missed the crowds that flock to the beaches during the warmer months.
October is a good time for taking long walks along Cornwall's famously beautiful cliffs. Like the rest of the UK, Cornwall will be turning from lush summer greens to warm, autumnal hues, complemented by the vast stretches of golden sand along the Cornish coast.
Padstow, on the county's northern coastline, makes a great base for exploring some particularly glorious beaches like Harlyn Bay and Constantine Bay, before stopping for some hearty Cornish food in one of the town's many excellent restaurants.
How to visit: Good Housekeeping has a special two-night break at Rick Stein's Shepherd's Huts just outside Padstow. These cosy huts have double beds, a kitchenette, showers, and even underfloor heating for chillier autumn nights.
Your break will include food and drink galore - from breakfast and a three-course dinner at The Cornish Arms to a Stein's Deli picnic hamper to enjoy on one of the many nearby beaches.
Scottish Highlands
The Scottish Highlands are a land of remote islands, fairytale castles and charming port towns. There's so much to explore, from glistening lochs to towering castles, and vast national parks with majestic flora and fauna dotting the landscapes.
The Highlands are renowned for their incredible array of native wildlife, including many species of deer such as red, fallow and sika.
If you visit in early October, you're likely to witness majestic stags bellowing and clashing antlers as rutting season is in full swing. This dramatic spectacle is exciting to see - just make sure to keep your distance from these magnificent wild animals.
How to visit: We're offering a very special journey around the Highlands by steam in October, with the company of Scottish weather presenter Carol Kirkwood.
You will travel over land, sea and loch with memorable journeys across Loch Katrine on the SS Sir Walter Scott and over the spectacular 21-arch Glenfinnan viaduct on the Jacobite Express. Carol will join you on one evening for an exclusive talk and Q&A.
Porto
October is one of the best months to visit Porto, the enchanting city on the northwest coast of Portugal.
In the mid-autumn, the weather is usually still warm and pleasant, with temperatures that are more manageable for long days of sightseeing than during the height of summer.
October is also a great time to visit many of the quintas - traditional wine estates - in the surrounding Douro Valley, with the grape harvest in full swing. You can even get get involved in the harvest celebrations yourself by taking in part in traditional grape treading.
The beaches near Porto are much quieter at this time of year too, and free of the jostling summer crowds. You can spend a relaxing day ambling down the many promenades that stretch alongside miles of golden sands.
How to visit: Good Housekeeping readers can visit Porto and cruise the Douro River on an exclusive eight-day tour in October 2025. You'll get the chance to visit characterful towns, sample delicious port wines and take part in a traditional grape harvest festival.
The New Forest
The New Forest is an exquisite slice of English countryside, with its sprawling woodlands, open moors and, of course, its lovely, free-roaming ponies who've called this region home for about 2,000 years.
In the autumn, you might spot a different kind of animal roaming free in the forest. This is 'pannage' season, when pigs are released to roam free and feast on the fallen acorns.
The New Forest will likely be at the height of its autumn colour in October. Exbury Gardens are particularly mesmerising at this time of year, where the bright red and orange of fiery acers and Nyssa trees, are set against a backdrop of majestic oak trees.
How to visit: Spend two days in the New Forest with our special offer at the Montagu Arms, a welcoming hotel with an award-winning restaurant and its own pub.
You'll have tickets included to either the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, or to Exbury Gardens, where you can take in the incredible autumn colours from The Rhododendron Line, a storybook steam railway, plus dinner allowances each night.
Dorset
Dorset has some of England's most idyllic coastal scenery, including the vast dune heaths of Studland Bay and the resort town of Bournemouth.
Inland, you'll find fields, farmland and gently rolling hills dotted with quintessential country villages. These are the landscapes which inspired Thomas Hardy, who based his fictional region of Wessex on this heavenly county.
There are wonderful walks to take throughout Dorset, including sections of the South West Coast Path, or through the peaceful inland countryside, stopping off at cosy pubs for lunch or a drink.
During the autumn months, the tapestry of fields and woodlands will have become a kaleidoscope of oranges, red, and yellows, making walking routes even more picturesque than usual.
How to visit: Enjoy a two-night stay at Summer Lodge in Evershot, Dorset. This Georgian manor house is a great base for long autumnal walks, or you can hop on one of the hotel's bikes to explore the village and local area.
Your stay will include dinner on one evening, a bottle of house wine on the first night, access to the spa, and a 55-minute treatment.
The Dordogne
With its fairytale castles and imposing fortresses dotting a countryside of wildflowers, forests and farms, the Dordogne makes a wonderful autumn holiday destination. It's particularly favoured by those who love of history, culture, and medieval architecture and at this time of year, its historic buildings will be surrounded by glorious autumnal colours across the countryside.
You can also visit the captivating walled city of Carcassonne in the
nearby department of Aude, exploring its cone-topped turrets and
cream-coloured battlements before enjoying an exceptional meal at one of the city's many excellent eateries, including a Michelin-starred restaurant, La Barbacane.
How to visit: On Good Housekeeping's trip to Dordogne, you'll visit Carcassonne and several other enchanting walled towns and hilltop settlements, learning about the intriguing history of the region as you travel.
Discover the origins of European art with a visit to the incredible stone-age cave paintings of Lascaux and see the elegant formal gardens of Marqueyssac with their amazing panoramic views over five different castles.
Peru
One of South America's most inviting destinations, Peru is filled with fascinating history and spectacular natural scenery. A trip to Peru is a real bucketlist adventure, and October is a great month to visit. This is a shoulder month between the wet and dry seasons, meaning you shouldn't experience too many showers and will avoid the crowds of peak season.
The mild weather is ideal for exploring some of Peru's most intriguing sites, like the incredible Incan citadel of Machu Picchu, and for exploring the vibrant wildlife and lush greenery thriving deep in the Amazon.
How to visit: On Good Housekeeping's once-in-a-lifetime 16-day tour of Peru you'll visit the legendary Machu Picchu with an expert guide who'll share stories about the Inca civilization, the site's discovery, and all the theories surrounding this jaw-dropping monument.
You'll also venture into the Amazon rainforest, sailing along the Marañón, Ucayali and Yarapa rivers, searching for Taricaya turtles and other wildlife.
The Mekong
The mighty Mekong is one of Asia's most important rivers. Flowing through China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, the Mekong River is one of the longest rivers in the world and is home to over 1,000 species of wildlife.
October is the tail end of the wet season on the Mekong. By late October, rainfall and thunderstorms will be less frequent, but the water levels in the Mekong Delta will still be high. This means the river's many tributaries and canals are still navigable and cruise ships can sail along them, passing the many floating villages and markets.
How to visit: Join a Mekong river cruise with Good Housekeeping in October and you'll visit the major historical and archaeological sites of Cambodia and Vietnam on board a luxury river ship and with five-star hotel stays.
You’ll have 13 immersive excursions included in your voyage including the UNESCO-listed temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia and the remnants of the royal city of Angkor Thom.
Puglia
The sunny region at the heel of Italy's boot is a wonderful place to visit in October if you're looking for some last rays of autumnal sunshine before the winter sets in. You can expect average temperatures of around 20 degrees and plenty of sunny days.
These mild, sunny temperatures make the perfect conditions for exploring all that Puglia has to offer, such as the quirky Trulli houses in Alberobello and the pretty whitewashed houses of Locorotondo. It's also a good time to take a refreshing dip in the sea, with fresh but comfortable water temperatures.
How to visit: Good Housekeeping is offering a six-day tour of Puglia in October, focussing on the region's standout food and wine. You'll visit historic bakeries, olive groves and traditional farmhouses surrounded by enchanting vineyards
There'll also be plenty of cultural excursions on this trip, including to Alberobello, where you'll see the iconic trulli, and the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sassi di Matera, with its ancient cave dwellings and rock churches.
Venice
Another Italian holiday destination to add to your October wishlist is beautiful Venice. Although Venice is a popular destination year-round, October brings smaller crowds than the spring and summer months. The weather in October is fresher too, making long days of walking around the city's enchanting streets far more comfortable than under the hot summer sun.
The city's famous attractions, like St Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace, will be quieter, giving you the chance to explore in relative peace and really soak in the atmosphere of these world-famous historic buildings.
How to visit: For an October Venice trip to remember, join Good Housekeeping's exclusive cruise. You'll be sailing on the luxurious SS La Venezia with Uniworld, the only luxury cruise line still allowed to sail through the heart of Venice.
Your cruise will allow you to see Venice in style, with exclusive access to some of the city's attractions. Joining you for one day of the cruise is top chef James Martin, who'll give talk and Q&A about his career, and design and cook a gala dinner.
Slovenia
If you're a fan of lake and mountain holidays, Slovenia is a dream destination packed with stunning natural sights, from the iconic Lake Bled to its majestic mountain peaks. October is a great time to visit, with the landscapes ablaze with autumn colours, reflected on the surface tranquil lakes.
Slovenia is also a somewhat underrated foodie destination, with a rich culinary heritage influenced by the diversity of its landscapes. You’ll find excellent vineyards, wine cellars, Michelin-starred restaurants and cosy eateries to rival Italy and France. October is a great month for gourmands, with grape and olive harvests taking place and white truffle season in full swing
How to visit: Join Good Housekeeping on a five-night tour of Slovenia to tick Lake Bled and the Triglav National Park off your bucket list and experience some of the country's foodie highlights. You'll join a truffle-hunting excursion in Istria and tour an olive oil with a tasting and a picnic lunch in the groves.
There's also a guided tour through the country's famous UNESCO-protected Skocjan Caves to look forward to, as well as two nights in two nights in Ljubljana, the culture-packed capital.
The Loire Valley
The delightful Loire Valley in central France is renowned for its historic cathedrals, hearty cuisine and fairytale châteaux. It's one of France's most glorious rural regions, with large areas of orchards, vineyards, pretty parks and manicured gardens.
Autumn brings its own charms to the region, with vines turning gold in its sprawling vineyards and the leafy hills surrounding the chateaux at their most colourful.
How to visit: Good Housekeeping is offering a seven-day tour of the Loire Valley that will take you to a series of charming towns including Chinon, where Joan of Arc first met the Dauphin, Amboise, with its royal château on the banks of the Loire, and Tours, the mediaeval capital of France.
You can also look forward to a day trip to Monet's house and garden at Giverny, where you'll see the beautiful Japanese water garden that inspired some of his most famous paintings. In October these gardens are absolutely delightful, with a tapestry of bright, autumn colours reflected in the lily pond.
Oxfordshire
Oxfordshire makes the perfect rural bolthole for the autumn months. This glorious area of classic English countryside is particularly enchanting in October, when the grounds of its many stately buildings, including Blenheim Palace and Stonor Park, are awash with golds, yellows, and reds.
Another wonderful country house in Oxfordshire is Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons. This is a quintessentially English estate, with a tree-lined path leading to a honey-stone Oxfordshire manor house. Le Manoir is now a luxury hotel with a two-Michelin-starred restaurant, the vision of renowned French chef, Raymond Blanc.
How to visit: Check in with Good Housekeeping's exclusive offer and you'll get to experience the exceptional seasonal food at Le Manoir. Enjoy a truly special seven-course tasting menu, celebrating the autumn harvest, along with breakfast in L'Orangerie or in your room.
Raymond is passionate about seasonal produce, and this ethos is the driving force behind the restaurant at Le Manoir. You'll tour the 11 gardens and orchards with a senior gardener, giving you a deep insight into your food and the sustainable growing practices
London
Another great option for a UK staycation in October is a short break in London. As the most-visited city in the country, the capital can get extremely busy during the summer, especially at its world-famous monuments, like the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace.
Avoid the peak of summer and the school holidays and explore these incredible historic sites in relative peace in October.
Although the weather is famously temperamental at this time of year, there's still the chance of sunny days with crisp air, perfect for wandering around the city's parks, like Hyde Park, Green Park and St James's Park, enjoying the views and the October hues.
If you're less lucky with the weather, there are plenty of snug pubs and pretty tearooms to hunker down in as you wait for the rain to pass.
How to visit: If you're tempted by a London getaway but would prefer to stay somewhere a little further from the hustle and bustle, consider our two-night break at the Richmond Hill Hotel. You'll be on the doorstep of Richmond Park, which feels almost rural, but still within easy reach of the city.
Head into the city or explore nearby attractions like the incredible botanical gardens at Kew. Our offer includes a dinner allocation and a champagne afternoon tea.
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