As the light begins to thin, shadows grow longer and an unmistakeable chill is felt on the air many people look to an autumn getaway to lift their spirits.

Autumn is a great time for a break, with stunning natural displays in cooler locations and pre winter sunshine still on offer in others. Whatever your holiday style, there will be an autumn break on offer to suit – giving you the perfect chance to banish those end of summer blues.

Relaxing Autumn Breaks
If you want a chance to relax and recharge after the excesses of a summer socialising then there are a range of restful retreats on offer in the autumn, such as:

• The Cotswolds – this quintessentially English destination is a great place to hole up and prepare for the season to come. Rent a cosy self catering cottage or head for a local B&B as your base for a break. Take a leisurely stroll through the Arboretum at Westonbirt and enjoy the autumnal hues or head for the Roman Spa town of Bath for a bit of big city sophistication.

• Cote D’Azur – the French Riviera is a great autumn destination as the crowd of summer have dispersed but the sun often lingers long enough to warm the lives of late season visitors. Biarritz and Cannes offer stunning seascapes which are salve to the soul, as well as a masterclasses in French sophistication.

Active Autumn Breaks
If you have taken it easy all summer, you might decide that autumn is the time to get active. The beauty o f choosing an active autumn break is that the weather is less of a factor. Great destinations for active holidays at this time of year include:

• Scottish Highlands – easily accessible from across the UK, the Highlands of Scotland offer energetic holidaymakers an unrivalled autumn experience. Head for Loch Ness and the Great Glen to enjoy all that the area has to offer – from hiking and hillwalking to climbing and abseiling or even canoeing and kayaking – all surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the stunning natural landscapes.

• Egypt – if you want your activities in warmer climes, then head for Egypt where there are a wealth of watersports options on offer, together with an inviting late season sun climate.

City Breaks in Autumn
If you fancy exploring an urban environment this autumn, there are a number of exciting city break options on offer, good choices for cosmopolitan getaways are:

• Paris – the City of Light takes on a new personality in the autumn, when visitors will find the French capital at its most authentic. See the leaves turn in the Bois de Boulogne or watch the world go by over the rim of your coffee cup from a curbside cafe. If you want a break from the city (which is unlikely!) choose one of the available hire cars and head for Versailles – the fairytale home of the Sun King’s Royal Court – stunning at any time of year.

• Boston – Beantown is a great city break in its own right – with the historic harbour, Sam Adams brewery and TV bar “Cheers” offering great entertainment. However, heading to the city in this season also offers the opportunity to experience the amazing New England Fall – with its stunning displays of natural colour.