Yahoo Finance 9 fabulous September holiday ideas
September is one of our favourite months of the year for a holiday. The late-summer weather is usually lovely and sunny, but without the scorching temperatures of July and August.
The end of the school holidays means there are fewer crowds around too, so you can enjoy popular destinations in relative peace, relaxing on quiet beaches, having a calmer airport experience and taking advantage of lower holiday costs compared to the peak summer months.
The best thing about September holidays is that it doesn't matter if you decide to have a staycation or head abroad, it's simply a delightful month to travel. There are plenty of delightful rural escapes to be made in the UK, like a mini-break in the West Highlands, where the glens and forests start to turn fiery shades of red and orange in September.
Of course, if you do decide to travel further afield, there's plenty of rural beauty to uncover in Europe, too. September is the start of harvest season in many parts of the continent, so you can expect lively festivals and sun-kissed vineyards laden with ripe grapes.
With this in mind, we thought we'd bring you the best September holidays to book for 2023 and 2024.
Whether you're looking for inspiration for a trip at home or in the Med (or somewhere further flung), we think you'll agree that these terrific trips are worth checking out.
Here's where to go for a September holiday in 2023 or 2024.
1. Bologna
Bologna is a real gem in Northern Italy, particularly for anyone with a taste for fine Italian food. This city is lovingly nicknamed La Grassa - 'the fat one' - thanks to its mouthwatering dishes like Tagliatelle al Ragu, Lasagne alla Bolognese, and spiced Mortadella sausage. But there is more to do here than simply eat. There are numerous cultural attractions, and the hilly countryside of the surrounding Emilia- Romagna region is great for long walks.
September marks the transition from soaring summer temperatures to the slightly cooler autumn, with mild and pleasant temperatures. It's the perfect time for exploring the city on foot, and enjoying more vigorous walks in the beautiful rural landscapes close to the city.
BOOK IT Spend four extremely relaxing days at a stunning 18th-century villa in the Bolognese countryside. There's an award-winning spa to enjoy, and you'll meet wellness expert Liz Earle.
2. Dorset
For a classic British country break in late summer, Dorset has it all. This quintessential slice of rural England is known as Hardy country, as this region of dramatic heathland and sleepy river valleys dotted with historic market towns inspired Thomas Hardy’s fictional literary landscapes of Wessex.
The lovely village of Evershot was particularly inspiring to the Victorian author, and any visitor will soon understand why. It’s a great base for walks in the surrounding Dorset countryside and September is a great month for seeing the region at its best on long rambles without working up too much of a sweat.
BOOK IT Good Housekeeping is offering a two-night stay at Summer Lodge, a Georgian country house hotel in Evershot, with dinner both evenings and a bottle of house wine on the first night.
3. The Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is one of England's best-loved rural regions for its storybook villages of cobbled lanes and stone bridges, its tapestries of rolling farmland and gardens, and its cosy, historic pubs serving seriously delicious food. It's a heavenly corner of the UK to visit at any time of year, but September brings its own charms to the region.
The early weeks of autumn see the idyllic Cotswolds landscapes begin to transform into a blanket of fiery colours as the foliage turns shades of red, orange and yellow. Admiring these vibrant views on long, rambling walks will be a peaceful experience, with the summer crowds thinning out. It's also a great time to see some of the region's finest gardens in their golden glory.
BOOK IT Visit some of the Cotswolds' best gardens, including Batsford Arboretum, Sezincote House, and Painswick Rococo Garden in September this year. You'll also visit the Cotswold Farm Park with its owner, Countryfile's Adam Henson.
4. The Isles of Scilly
Another option for a memorable September holiday in the UK is the Isles of Scilly, an archipelago of unspoilt islands just 28 miles off the Cornish coast. This is a wonderful destination for wildlife lovers. September is the height of grey seal pupping season, giving you a great chance of spotting adorable fluffy seal pups huddled together on the beaches.
As well as their wonderful wildlife, the Isles of Scilly are also home to a diverse range of flora, thanks to their subtropical climate. See the best of the isles' plant life at the glorious Tresco Abbey Garden, known as the archipelago's answer to Kew. In September, autumn begins to unfurl at the gardens, and plants with origins in the southern hemisphere – like those from Chile, Australia and New Zealand - burst into bloom.
BOOK IT Good Housekeeping has a six-day tour of the Isles of Scilly this September, where you'll be joined by Countryfile's John Craven and will hear from Julian Branscombe, the Chief Executive of the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust.
5. Costa Brava
Admire stunning mountain landscapes on a trip to the beautiful Pyrenees. Sandwiched between south-west France and Catalonia, the region offers gorgeous beaches, magnificent views, picturesque coastal walks and unforgettable train journeys.
The pretty town of Roses is a good base for exploring the natural parks and walking trails of the region, and has some long stretches of beach for making the most of the late summer sun. Highlights of a stay here include the Sanctuary of La Virgen de Núria walk and one of the world’s most scenic railway journeys, the Little Yellow Train of the Pyrenees.
BOOK IT Discover the delights of the Pyrenees on Good Housekeeping’s eight-day break this September.
6. Northern Italy
With breathtaking scenery dotted with colourful buildings, snow-capped peaks and beautiful gardens, it’s no surprise that Italy’s lakes are such a popular holiday destination. If you're keen to book a September holiday to explore lakes and mountains, the lakes of northern Italy would be a great destination to choose.
Lake Como is one of the most popular, with its stylish restaurants and gorgeous views. Lake Orta is an underrated gem. Just eight miles long and not quite two miles wide, this is the place to go to avoid the crowds and discover quiet villages and the enchanting lake island of San Giulio. Finally, head to Lake Maggiore to spend time in majestic villas and gardens in Stresa on the western shore, including the wonderful Botanical Gardens of Villa Taranto.
BOOK IT Explore the stunning lakes of northern Italy from a charming lakeside base hotel on Lake Orta with Good Housekeeping’s eight-day tour of northern Italy’s lakes in September 2024.
7. West Highlands
The Scottish Highlands offer some of the most astonishing natural landscapes in the UK, with snow-capped mountains, tranquil lochs, and ancient woodland. This region is spectacular at any time of year, but September brings its own charms. As summer draws to an end, the early signs of autumn are evident as trees begin to turn brilliant shades of red, yellow and gold.
The West Highlands are home to many enchanting seaside towns, like delightful Oban. Known as the 'The Seafood Capital of Scotland', September is one of the best times of year to tuck into fresh oysters at a seafront bar. You might even be lucky enough to spot grey seal pups in late September as you wander along the shores.
BOOK IT Enjoy the serene beauty of Oban’s harbourfront location with Good Housekeeping’s offer for two nights at the Oban Bay Hotel, including breakfast both mornings and a thermal spa experience
8. Rome
Rome is a must-see city for anyone with an interest in history and archaeology. From the Colosseum to the Roman Forum and the Monte Testaccio - a mound made from fragments of broken ancient Roman pottery - there’s so much here to bring the intriguing stories of ancient Rome to life. There’s a huge range of museums to explore too, some holding collections of ancient Roman artefacts and others showcasing exceptional modern art.
September is a great time to explore these attractions. The sometimes overwhelming heat of summer has usually passed, and the summer holiday crowds are waning. You can therefore enjoy a calmer experience wandering the cobbled streets of the city's historic heart, or watching stylish locals pass by as you enjoy an aperitif on a sunny terrace.
BOOK IT Join Good Housekeeping and special guest Mary Beard for a five-day discovery of ancient Rome in September. Mary will join you for a day and a half of sightseeing in this historically important city.
BOOK IT Alternatively, join Good Housekeeping's 11-day Mediterranean cruise in September this year and you'll spend the first two days in Rome, staying at a design hotel in the trendy Monti district.
9. Transylvania
Transylvania is a region of central Romania known for its imposing Gothic fortresses, dense forests, rugged mountains and legendary tales of vampires. The Carpathian Mountains are a particularly scenic part of Transylvania, carpeted in thick conifer forest and home to an array of wildlife, including Europe's largest bear population, lynx, chamois and wolves.
There's lots to see and do in Transylvania. You can visit the UNESCO-listed mediaeval town of Sighişoara, or some of the region's famous fortresses, like the legendary Bran Castle, inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula, and the equally impressive Peleş Castle. September marks the beginning of harvest season in Transylvania, so you might stumble across lively local festivals with traditional food and folk dance music.
BOOK IT Good Housekeeping is offering an eight-day tour of mediaeval Transylvania, including visits to Sighișoara, Bran Castle, Peleş Castle, and a bear sanctuary. You'll also spend a day in Bucharest, discovering its compelling past on a guided tour.
You Might Also Like
