Looking for last-minute UK staycation inspiration? Forget the Cotswolds - this is where Brits are heading this autumn (and the best Airbnbs to book)

Fancy a last-minute escape without the expense – or hassle – of flying abroad? You might want to look a little closer to home.Airbnb has revealed the top ten trending rural destinations in the UK for autumn 2026, with searches rising for national parks, coastlines and Britain's wide-open landscapes as travellers look to make the most of the changing season.And autumn is arguably one of the best times to explore the British countryside, with crisp walks, golden foliage, cosy pubs and roaring fires all on the agenda.From a treehouse perched above a Yorkshire beck to a converted Gothic church in Wiltshire, these are the ten destinations Brits are searching for this autumn – plus the Airbnbs worth booking when you get there.1. InvernessIf you're after dramatic scenery and a taste of the Highlands, Inverness is hard to beat. Set at the northern end of the Great Glen, it's a great base for exploring Loch Ness, the Caledonian Canal and the mountains, forests and lochs beyond. Back in the city, you'll find independent restaurants, traditional pubs and plenty of Highland charm. Lochside cottage in the HighlandsStay here: This secluded lochside cottage puts you right on the water, with views across Loch Ness and direct access to the shore. There's a wood-burning hot tub, fire pit and cosy sitting room with a log burner, while its location just ten minutes from Inverness means you can easily combine countryside peace with city life.Book here 2. PowysFor a proper switch-off, put Powys on your list. The sprawling Welsh county is filled with rolling hills, quiet valleys and scenic walking routes, making it perfect for a weekend of muddy boots, long lunches and very little screen time. Explore Offa's Dyke Path or make the trip to the spectacular Elan Valley.Stay here: This luxury cabin on a working farm comes with its own private electric hot tub, fire pit and BBQ area, plus a deck overlooking the surrounding hills. Inside, you'll find a fully equipped kitchen, en-suite bathroom and cosy interiors, while the peaceful setting makes it particularly tempting to stay put once the sun goes down.Book here 3. Yorkshire DalesFew places do autumn quite like the Yorkshire Dales, with rolling hills, stone villages, waterfalls and winding country lanes turning especially atmospheric as the leaves change. Explore Aysgarth Falls, Bolton Abbey or the pretty market towns of Hawes and Grassington before settling into a cosy pub. Secluded treehouse in RichmondStay here: The Pines Treehouse is a secluded hideaway tucked beneath a huge oak tree above Sand Beck. Its elevated position gives you beautiful views across the woodland and valley, while inside there's a king-size mezzanine bedroom and wood-burning-style fireplace. Outside, a wood-fired hot tub and spacious decks make the most of the peaceful setting.Book here 4. Northumberland and the Scottish BordersFor windswept beaches, ancient ruins and wide-open countryside, head north. Explore Hadrian's Wall, visit Alnwick Castle or walk along one of Northumberland's vast sandy beaches before discovering the pretty villages and historic towns dotted around the Borders. Hilltop barn in NorthumberlandStay here: The Skylark Seaview Retreat is a hilltop studio with sweeping views across the Northumbrian coast. Huge windows make the most of the scenery, while inside there's a king-size bed, fully equipped kitchen and log-burning stove. A secluded garden overlooks the fields, beach and dunes – and there's a remote beach within walking distance.Book here 5. Herefordshire and Mid WalesFor a slower-paced countryside escape, look towards Herefordshire and the Welsh border. Expect rolling hills, pretty villages, country walks and traditional pubs, with the Malvern Hills and historic estates providing plenty to explore. Grade II-listed cottage in HerefordshireStay here: This Grade II-listed cottage is made for cosy autumn weekends, with two bedrooms, a wood burner and a private garden overlooking woodland. It's dog-friendly, with walking trails from the door and a village pub just a short stroll away, while a fire pit provides the perfect spot for evenings under the stars.Book here 6. WiltshireWiltshire is ideal if you want countryside without being too far from some of England's best-known sights. Explore Stonehenge and Avebury, wander the county's pretty villages or take a day trip to Bath, which is around half an hour from this particular stay. converted Victorian Gothic church in ChittoeStay here: The North Transept is a self-contained space inside a converted Victorian Gothic church, complete with soaring ceilings, exposed beams and beautiful Gothic windows. There's a king-size mezzanine bedroom, underfloor heating and a peaceful hidden-valley setting, with walking routes from the door and two acres of gardens to explore.Book here 7. Stratford-upon-AvonShakespeare's birthplace is still one of England's prettiest weekend destinations. Explore the historic town, take a stroll along the River Avon or catch a performance at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, before venturing to Anne Hathaway's Cottage or the surrounding Warwickshire countryside. Oldest house in Stratford-upon-Avon Stay here: History buffs can sleep in Masons Court, a medieval hall dating back to 1481 and recognised as the oldest house in Stratford-upon-Avon. Original features include 16th-century wall paintings, oak panelling, beams and an Inglenook fireplace, while modern touches include a freestanding copper bath and private walled garden.Book here 8. Perth and KinrossWith mountains, lochs, forests and rivers all within easy reach, Perth and Kinross is perfect for an adventure-filled escape. Hike through Highland Perthshire, explore Loch Earn or head towards Loch Lomond and the Trossachs for spectacular autumn scenery. Wooden cabin in Saint FillansStay here: Cherrybrae Cottage is a stylish wooden cabin perched among the treetops in St Fillans, overlooking Loch Earn. Around five metres above the ground, it has a large deck for dining and stargazing, while inside there's an open-plan kitchen, spacious living area and king-size bedroom with its own balcony.Book here 9. South NorthamptonshireSouth Northamptonshire combines open countryside and pretty villages with historic estates and, of course, Silverstone Circuit. Visit the famous motorsport venue, explore the surrounding countryside or make the most of being within easy reach of the Cotswolds and Stratford-upon-Avon. Stone cottage in West NorthamptonshireStay here: The Music Room is a stylish stone cottage beside the historic Fawsley Estate. Inside, original character meets contemporary design, with a super-king bed, wood-burning stove and open-plan living space. There's also a desk if you're tempted by a work-from-the-country escape, while Fawsley Hall is within walking distance for dinner.Book here 10. East LindseyCan't decide between a countryside and seaside escape? East Lindsey offers both, stretching from the Lincolnshire coast to the Lincolnshire Wolds. Spend a day in Skegness, browse the antique shops of Horncastle or head into the Wolds for an autumn walk. Georgian townhouse in LincolnshireStay here: This Georgian townhouse in the heart of Horncastle makes a comfortable base for exploring the area. The two-bedroom property sleeps four and combines period charm with a cosy sitting room, wood-burning stove, kitchen/diner and first-floor roof terrace. It's also pet-friendly, so there's no need to leave the dog behind.Book here