Autumn weekends with The Camping and Caravanning Club 

Autumn is the perfect time of year to reach for your camera and immerse yourself in the sights of nature. Seek inspiration for your next trip with one of our handpicked itineraries, covering each weekend throughout September and October.

Weekend One, 5th-8th September
Best places to see the sunset

A total lunar eclipse is taking place on the 7th September – head to the west Wales coast for some surf and stargazing.

Stay at: St Davids Club Site

Visit: Saundersfoot Harbour Festival takes place from 5th-7th September and features a food festival. Street food dishes from across the globe will be served up at this coastal gem. 

Capture this: Whitesands Bay is a popular Blue Flag surfing beach near St Davids. 

Weekend Two, 12th-15th September
Foraging season in Yorkshire

September is a great time to go foraging, with mushrooms and fruits such as blackberries, sloes and raspberries in plentiful supply. Look at the Club’s guide to foraging for more inspiration and advice on practicing foraging safely and responsibly. 

Stay at: Scarborough Club Site

Visit: Robin Hoods Bay for fossil hunting and to learn more about local flora and fauna. 

Capture this: The stunning 30-feet drop of Falling Foss waterfall takes in part of a 2-mile circular walk near Robin Hoods Bay. 

Weekend Three, 19th-22nd September
Autumn colours on Loch Lomond

We’re exploring the colours and striking sights you can see in nature this weekend.

Head to Loch Lomond to bathe in early autumn colours and spot geese arriving from Greenland and Iceland for the winter.  

Stay at: Milarrochy Bay Club Site

Visit: Loch Lomond Shores Sunday Market features local produce and has been taking place at Loch Lomond Shores since 2002. 

Capture this: Take a hike up Conic Hill and capture the view looking west across the Loch. 

Weekend Four, 26th-29th September
Apple harvest in Herefordshire 

September and October is peak time for the apple harvest in Herefordshire. Why not plan a trip to a local producer and learn more about the region’s cider secrets.

Stay at: Blackmore Club Site

Visit: Enjoy a walk through ‘Big Apple Country’ or one of the events hosted by The Big Apple Association.

Capture this: Symonds Yat rock offers one of the most scenic viewpoints over the River Wye.  

Weekend Five, 3rd-6th October
Spotlight on literature and film  

Take inspiration from John Keats “To Autumn” with a trip to the Lake District. The beauty of the Lake District has long been captured in TV and film, in productions such as Star Wars Episode VII The Force Awakens and Peter Rabbit.   

Stay at: Braithwaite Village Club Site 

Visit: Take a trip to Whinlatter, England’s only true mountain forest.

Capture this: See what exotic or unusual mushrooms you can find carpeting the ground of Whinlatter Forest. 

Weekend Six, 10th-13th October
Autumn fun and games

Ever wondered about cold water therapy or want to have a go at open water swimming? Southlake Waterpark boasts three sheltered freshwater lakes and while the water may be a little chilly, wet suits are available for hire. Finish up your invigorating stay by booking a place at the annual World Conker Championships, taking place nearby. 

Stay at: St Neots Club Site

Visit: The World Conker Championships to see the world’s best conkerers battle it out to be crowned this year’s winner. There’s also a circus workshop and live music. 

Capture this: Visit RSPB Fowlmere and see if you can spot the resident turtle doves or even barn owls. 

Weekend Seven, 17th-20th October
Look to the skies

The Orionid Meteor Shower peaks this weekend so take a trip to the Kielder Forest, the only Dark Sky Park to have been awarded Gold Tier standard by the International Dark-Sky Association.  

Stay at: Haltwhistle Club Site

Visit: Book a Dark Sky Discovery experience at Kielder Observatory.

Capture this: Set your phone camera to long exposure mode and aim for the skies. 

Weekend Eight, 24th-27th October
Nature’s great migration 

The North Norfolk coast is one of the best places in the UK to see migrating birds such as warblers and goldcrests as they head south from Scandinavia and Russia to warmer climes.  

Stay at: Sandringham Club Site

Visit: RSBP Snettisham for views across the saltwater marshes of The Wash. 

Capture this: The ‘Snettisham Spectacular’ can be seen on select dates throughout September and October during high spring tides. The incoming tide pushes thousands of wading birds closer to the beach and creates an amazing experience. 

Don’t forget to enter our ‘See This’ competition for a chance to win some great photography prizes. For tips on how to frame and take the perfect shot, check out our helpful guide.

Club’s tips for capturing the best autumn photography

• S – Settings: If you are capturing photos in low-light, use a slow shutter speed or a long exposure. Many smartphones will adjust these settings automatically.
• E – Engaging subjects: Use the "rule of thirds" to make your photos more dynamic. Imagine your photo is split into nine equal boxes and place your subject at one of the points where the lines meet, rather than in the centre.
• N – Natural light: Autumn colours are beautiful on their own. Take advantage of natural light by shooting on a sunny day to enhance reds and browns, or on a calm, overcast day to capture a moody seascape.
• S –Slow down: Don't rush. Play with different angles, lighting, and even the timer settings on your phone to find the perfect shot.
• E – Emotions: What is it about a scene that makes you want to take a picture? Pick a subject that tells a story and stirs emotions…
• S – Stay safe and consider the natural environment: Stick to marked walking routes and be mindful of wildlife habitats and restricted areas. Never put yourself or others in danger for a photo.