5 Best Places to Visit in October
This is no time for you to hibernate. Bridging the warmth of summer with the crisp winds of winter, you can walk through the autumnal magic which lies ahead in some of the best places to visit in October. With cooler temperatures, fewer visitors at your favourite locations, and the beauty of the changing colours filling the air, if autumn isn’t already your chosen time to travel, we’re sure it will be soon.
Think burnt orange leaves snapping beneath your boots, calming sea air rippling through your hair, and the warming sips of possibly your first pumpkin-spiced latte of the season. Doesn’t it all sound delightful? Seek a new time of year to explore your favourite spots when you discover the top October travel destinations.
Coming up in this article:
Our Top Destinations to Visit in October
The Highlands, Scotland
Rome, Italy
The Lake District, England
Seville, Spain
Devon, England
October Places to Visit FAQs
Our Top Destinations to Visit in October
Autumn, what a delight you are. Fueling the countdown to festive holidays and light celebrations, it’s no wonder October can be the perfect time to travel. But if you’ve always thought that many destinations close following the summer, get ready to think again. Now more than ever is the season to support local businesses, and as a B Corp certified company, we’re proud to take our passengers to the lesser-known places, where your money actually makes a difference to the local communities.
Time to show you our favourite locations for the perfect tour this autumn. After all, it’s the season to slow down and take in your surroundings. Imagine missing out on the first signs of leaves darkening to a crisp brown, the morning dew glazing the lawns with the finest drops of water, and the need to carry around a hot drink to keep your fingers from feeling the cold. All these little autumnal moments bring us joy and we wouldn't like you to miss them this year. That's why we'd like to tempt you with a unique autumn and winter offer. Enjoy 10% off day trips when you travel between the 1st of October and the 17th of December 2024. All that’s left to decide is where you want to visit first.
The Highlands, Scotland
Average temperature: Between 6 – 12 degrees Celsius
Season: Autumn / Fall
Best for: Exploring lochs and mountains
Rabbie’s Tour: West Highlands, Lochs & Castles 1-Day Tour
Rugged, mystical, and all-round spectacular, just some of the terms which come to mind describing the Scottish Highlands. And what a treat you’re in for if you travel in October. Watch as the summer greens of the landscape rust into an orange hue, the wildlife begin to quieten, and the depths of the lochs against the towering mountains seem even more dramatic. This is touring Scotland in autumn.
But what’s that hiding in the depths of Loch Ness? Only a handful of people are said to have seen a glimpse of the mythical river goddess, Nessy. Are you going to be the next fortunate soul? Fact or fiction, the Loch Ness monster sightings have been shared since the start of the 6th century and the legendary tales are not slowing down anytime soon. Surely it’s about time she resurfaces to give us a glimpse of her wavy, green neck and incredible, long body? You’re only one autumnal tour away from making the myth a true story...
Rome, Italy
Average temperature: Between 12 – 22 degrees Celsius
Season: Autumn / Fall
Best for: Historic architecture
Rabbie’s Tour: Italy’s Iconic Coasts & Cities 13-Day Tour
Cast a wish in the Trevi Fountain, climb to the top of the Spanish Steps, or imagine the roaring atmosphere of chariot races in the iconic Colosseum. Rome is bursting with things to do, and when better to tour Italy than in October? With temperatures still warm enough to roam the streets without a jacket, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were travelling in spring.
But one event special to an October visit specifically is celebrating Tiber Day / Tevere Day. To help promote and protect the river Tiber – a longstanding attraction for the country – activities are staged over three days all along the river banks. It can be one of the best ways to connect with locals and feel a sense of pride in giving back to local communities, all while embracing the infectious smiles on the children’s faces. And when you think you’ve done all that this city has to offer, step outside its walls and embark on a trip from Rome to discover some Italian hidden gems.
The Lake District, England
Average temperature: Between 5 – 12 degrees Celsius
Season: Autumn / Fall
Best for: Seeing the inspiration for works of literature of local authors and poets such as Beatrix Potter
Rabbie’s Tour: Lake District Explorer 3-Day Tour
As the home to Beatrix Potter, William Wordsworth, and John Cunliffe, step foot in the Lake District. It’s even more enchanting than inscribed in all these authors’ work. Picture this, you’re on your tour of England, basking in the locals’ hospitality, you’ve just finished your hike around the highest mountain in England, Scafell Pike, and nothing is quenching your thirst more than a freshly brewed cup of tea in front of a fire quietly crackling. Sounds good, doesn’t it? It’s that warm cosiness we all crave with the first signs of autumn.
We truly believe October is one of the most magical times of the year to visit this slice of the country. You’re standing at the lake's banks, the waters slowly ripple with each blow of the cooling wind, native birds flying overhead in search of their next piece of bark to finish their nest, and the little nibbling sound can be heard from wild bunnies munching down their latest meal. It’s as if you’d jumped feet-first into one of the Peter Rabbit books. And we want to be there alongside you. Make October the time you choose to make your literacy dream a reality.
Seville, Spain
Average temperature: Between 14 – 26 degrees Celsius
Season: Autumn / Fall
Best for: Tapas & Moorish architecture
Rabbie’s Tour: The South of Spain & the Treasures of Andalucia 6-Day Tour
Come for the late summer sun, stay for the captivating Moorish architecture you can admire around every corner. Popular with tourists and Spaniards alike, October is one of the best months to visit Spain, particularly Seville. With pleasantly warm temperatures, less crowds and easier access to top restaurants, local festivals are continuing and this European city should be at the top of everyone’s autumn getaway list.
Begin by strolling down to the Torre del Oro (The Tower of Gold) for your first taste of Moorish architecture, before admiring the tile work at the Royal Alcazar. If you’re thinking “This is strangely familiar”, we can pinpoint you’re a Game of Thrones fan. And you wouldn’t be mistaken, it's used within seasons five and six as the Water Gardens of Dorne. After all this walking, experience an authentic Spanish flamenco show. But this isn’t just another dance performance. Each and every dancer who performs flamenco dances from their soul. It’s all about the passion, the drama, the excitement of every leg kick. It often takes the audience's breath away.
If you’re travelling as a family and celebrate Halloween, make sure to add the city’s theme park Isla Magica to your itinerary. Coming alive at night, appreciate the spooky lighting, pumpkin decorations, and cobwebs draping the landscape, almost as if they’ve lifted it directly from a ghost story.
Devon, England
Average temperature: Between 9 – 13 degrees Celsius
Season: Autumn / Fall
Best for: Coastlines & cream teas
Rabbie’s Tour: Devon & Cornwall 5-Day Tour
Capture the best of both worlds and take your short October break in Devon. With epic shorelines drawing you in with every crash of the waves, allow your toes to dance in the sand before settling in the local taverns to refill your bones with warmth. Autumn’s darker nights draw in quicker, but it doesn’t mean you’ve got less time to explore hidden gems and tour Devon. If anything, it adds a sense of mystery to this coastal backdrop. And who doesn’t love to imagine a tale coming to life? Think ancient smugglers emerging from the shores, hoping each footprint is washed away as quickly as it arrived or even pirates looking for the perfect base to store their stolen treasure.
With the likes of Exmoor National Park on your doorstep, let your curiosity guide you and see if the folklore is true. Do people really go missing in the mist of the moors? Are pixies really living among us? It’s up to you to decide, and we’ll be with you every step of the way.
What makes this part of England extra special to visit in October is the Dark Skies Festival spanning 17 days. It's the time stargazers can join in union and take advantage of the county’s wide selection of starry night skies. A dark blanket if you will, glistening back at you from thousands of miles above, almost like the fragments of a disco ball pinpointing a spotlight on you, and only you. Don’t forget to pack your thermals and a flask with your favourite warming drink for those nighttime adventures.
October Places to Visit FAQs
If this is your first time thinking about travelling in October, we’re sure you might have some questions. Let us answer some of the most common questions asked for this time of year.
Are European Destinations Still Hot in October?
While not as hot as the peak summer months (June, July, August), October in Europe brings with it pleasant temperatures averaging around 26 degrees Celsius. For many UK travellers, these cooler conditions can make exploring new areas on a city break more enjoyable, as you don’t feel restricted to staying by the pool to cool off. This doesn’t mean you can forget your sun cream. Lower temperatures don't always mean lower UV levels; and skin protection is still as important in October as it is in peak summer months.
Will These Travel Destinations Be Busy in October?
October is typically considered a quieter month to travel, however, with more people looking to find their next adventure out of the busy peak months, recent years have seen October growing in popularity. Ultimately, each location will vary in how busy it is at this time of year, and it can be personal preference on what is deemed ‘busy’. In our opinion, you don’t get the mass tourists seen in summer, however with UK school half-term holidays on, some weeks within October may be busier than others.
What Is the Best Short Break for October?
October short breaks provide the autumnal beauty of the leaves changing colours to a soft caramel or toffee, with the calmer environment expected with fewer tourists on the ground. The list could be endless for a trip at this time of year, however our favourites have to include the landscapes of the UK and Ireland. While some crave the final moments of sunshine in Europe, we’re quite fond of picking out our colourful hats and scarves to brave against the winds tickling our necks. To help plan your next getaway, refer to our short breaks guide to ensure you don’t miss a step.
Book Your Next Tour with Rabbie’s
Secure your next short break with confidence and feed your soul with long-lasting memories. Whether you choose to travel in October, or you opt for an alternative time to suit your preferences, our driver-guides will be awaiting your arrival with a smile. What’s more, when you travel with a B Corp certified company, you're making the choice to explore more responsibly. And that’s always a positive thing to celebrate. Make sure you sign up to our newsletter for your portion of inspiration and to be one of the first to know about new destinations we’re going to explore and our Black Friday travel deals.