Helen Skelton reveals why autumn is the best time to explore

After a summer of hot weather, three-quarters of Brits (74%) say the recent heat has made them appreciate chillier temperatures more, while 40% are more excited than ever for autumn to arrive.

And there is now a chance to enjoy an autumn day out for less, with a train ticket sale with fares from £3.

The promotion runs until Sunday, September 6, with tickets available for travel between September 9 and October 23.

Broadcaster and British outdoors enthusiast Helen Skelton has teamed up with the railway operator to share her favourite ways to make the most of the season.

For the former Blue Peter presenter, autumn is the perfect excuse to get outside without having to endure the summer heat.

Helen Skelton talks UK day trips and staycations. (Image: South Western Railway)

Helen said: “Autumn is one of my favourite times of year to get outdoors. After the heat of summer, there’s something really refreshing about cooler days, crisp air and seeing the landscape start to change.

“It’s a brilliant time for walking, exploring somewhere new and making a proper day of it - especially if there’s a cosy pub and a roast waiting at the end.”

The research found 53% of Brits are already planning a UK trip this autumn, with 39% saying they are more likely to take a staycation or day trip during the season than in summer.

Helen Skelton is backing UK day trips and staycations. (Image: South Western Railway)

And there is a clear appetite for getting out and exploring.

Countryside walks topped the list of favourite autumn activities, followed by pub visits, Sunday roasts, woodland walks and coastal strolls.

The 10 favourite autumn activities

1. Countryside walks – 41%
2. Visiting a pub – 34%
3. Sunday roasts – 33%
4. Woodland walks – 33%
5. Coastal walks – 31%
6. Day trips – 26%
7. Visiting friends or family – 24%
8. A walk and a Sunday roast – 21%
9. Exploring a historic town or city – 19%
10. Visiting new places – 19%

Helen Skelton shared: "I think we sometimes assume the best time to get out and explore is during the summer, but autumn has so much to offer." (Image: South Western Railway)

A quarter of those surveyed said they were ready for “cosy season”, while 31% named autumn as the perfect time to explore the UK.

When it comes to where they want to go, the coast was the most popular choice, with 36% hoping to catch a train to the seaside.

The countryside followed at 29%, while 24% wanted to explore cities.

For those looking for inspiration, destinations accessible by South Western Railway include the Jurassic Coast, London and the New Forest, offering everything from coastal walks and sightseeing to woodland trails and cosy pubs.

Helen Skelton on a South Western Railway day trip (Image: South Western Railway)

Helen added: “I think we sometimes assume the best time to get out and explore is during the summer, but autumn has so much to offer.

“The temperatures can be far more comfortable for a long walk or day trip, the colours are incredible, and places often feel a little calmer once the summer rush has passed.”

She said some of her favourite days are the simplest, adding: “You don’t always need a big holiday or complicated plans — sometimes jumping on a train and exploring somewhere different for the day is exactly what you need.”

The South Western Railway £3 ticket promotion is available to book from September 2 to September 6, for journeys between September 9 and October 23, booked directly through the South Western Railway website.

With more than half of Brits already planning an autumn trip, the offer could provide a cheaper way to swap summer heat for crisp countryside walks, coastal adventures and a traditional Sunday roast.

Where would you love to go on a £3 trip? Tell us in the comments below...