Top 10 fall destinations UK travellers are visiting this year

The days are getting shorter, the air is getting crisper, and signs of autumn are all around. In other words, it’s time to savour a relaxed trip before the busy winter season—and Brits are already deep into planning mode for autumn holidays. According to our Fall Travel Index, nearly 70 percent of Brits plan to travel this autumn. Here are the top 10 places—near and far—that U.K. travellers have on their list this season.

London is one of the most diverse—and interesting—cities in the world with its world-class museums, vibrant outdoor food and flower markets, bustling pubs, and fresh street style. There’s always a reason to return to the Tate—this fall, it’s an exhibition of thought-provoking geometric paintings by Ad Minoliti. To bask in the autumnal vibes, surround yourself in foliage at Regent’s Park, Kew Gardens, or along the river on the Chelsea Embankment. For access to all of the city’s top sights, stay at The Hoxton, Holborn, a central London spot with a comfy lobby and coffee bar, or the chic Savoy, a stone’s throw from Covent Garden.

Situated on the Mediterranean, Antalya is home to waterfalls, ancient Greek and Roman ruins, a romantic old quarter, and a sparkling turquoise coast. Nasreddin Restaurant, a spot known for lamb that melts in your mouth is a must-visit during your stay. Make time to experience ancient sights like the arches of Hadrian’s Gate, built in the year 130 A.D. After days spent exploring, rest up at the Titanic Mardan Palace, all-inclusive on the Turkish Riviera with opulent, sprawling pools that are heated come fall.

Benidorm, on Valencia’s famed Costa Blanca, charms with its palm tree–flanked promenades, blue domed churches, and fresh local seafood. You’ll also find rice, a local staple, at the heart of dishes like red mullet and pumpkin rice: sample the goods at Restaurante Ducado, where the wine list and the octopus compete for star of the show. A tiny fishing village as recently as the 1960s, Benidorm continues to grow in popularity thanks to its thriving nightlife, elegant hotels, and relaxing beaches. Use Hotel Villa Venecia Boutique Gourmet, a boutique hotel with sweeping sea views, as your home base to explore.

A trip to Dubai feels a bit like voyaging into the future: it’s urbane, cutting-edge, and the epitome of luxury. Dubai’s iconic skyline scales eye-popping heights with icons like Raffles Dubai, a five-star landmark hotel that’s shaped like a pyramid, and the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Much of the ultra-modern city developed rapidly beginning in 1970, but the old Dubai can still be explored. The Al Shindagha Museum takes visitors through the city’s history, while the walkable Old Dubai neighborhood offers spice markets, tea houses, and even a coffee museum. And don’t worry about enjoying the city’s outdoor experiences come fall, as highs hover in the 30-35 degree range, a major dip relative to the overwhelming summer heat.

Costa Adeje, located on the Canary Island of Tenerife, is an upscale, family-friendly beach town with ultra-pleasant temperatures hovering around 24 degrees through the fall. There are plenty of out-of-this-world water parks like Siam Park that are well-suited to all ages, but if you’re in the mood for a more low-key scene, sunbathe at Playa del Bobo or poolside at the Iberostar Bouganville Playa, a family-friendly hotel that makes an excellent home base. After a day in the water, enjoy panoramic views and the tasting menu at Restaurante Donaire.

If you can believe it, the City of Love becomes even more romantic in the fall. Leaves turn golden, a brisk breeze blows, and cosy cafés become even more magical (may we recommend the next-level sourdough at Ten Belles?). And while visitors return to Paris again and again for those quiet moments, the city is also big and bold with some of the world’s best culture and art, like the panoramic Monet works at Musee de l'Orangerie. For a romantic stay, try Hotel Henriette, a stylish boutique hotel on the ​​Rive Gauche, or Hotel Monsieur Aristide, a boho-chic spot in walkable Montmartre.

From the locals’ preferred mode of transport (have you really seen Amsterdam if you haven’t seen it by bike?) to the quirky canal-side homes, this Dutch capital is one of the most photogenic cities in Europe. But it’s not just a pretty face: there’s world-class art that can be seen at the Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum (to start). And the food is top-notch, too, from beer and cheese to baked goods from popular spots like Rudi's Original Stroopwafels. For a hotel near the city’s main sites, look to the Ambassade Hotel or the palatial Conservatorium Hotel.

A visit to the capital of Scotland can feel like travelling back in time. The Gothic buildings, tea rooms, charming watering holes, and cobblestone streets make for a city unlike any other. Stop by a classic pubs like Finnegan’s Wake for a pint, or stroll through Lighthouse to pick up an engrossing read. Edinburgh is also among the world’s best festival cities: The Scottish International Storytelling Festival, which is inspired by regional heritage, draws writers and musicians who perform traditional folk tales, songs, and ballads (this year’s event takes place from Oct. 14–30). Book a stay at the Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian, a stately Scottish landmark with a luxurious spa on site, or the family-friendly Wilde Aparthotels by Staycity, which offers one- and two-bedroom suites complete with kitchens.

With a rich cultural and artistic heritage that’s left its stamp all over, Barcelona has a cosmopolitan energy unlike any other European city. The architecture of Antoni Gaudí dazzles visitors strolling the airy boulevards, and you can see more of the iconic designer’s impact at Parc Güell (particularly stunning in fall), the sprawling Church of Colònia Güell, and Casa Vincens, a late 19th-century summer house turned museum. For even more history, book nights at Hotel Neri Relais & Chateaux, housed in two 18th-century mansions in the Gothic Quarter.

There’s nowhere like New York in the fall. The cinematic vibes are particularly strong this time of year, whether you plan to stroll through Central Park on a crisp autumn day like Harry and Sally, catch a Broadway show, or voyage through the West Village in disguise at the annual Halloween parade. Book a sky-high stay at the Four Seasons, a luxury property in one of New York’s tallest buildings, or try a more low-key experience at the trendy Wythe Hotel to explore Brooklyn in style.