Britons are falling in love with a charming autumn activity that's transforming how we holiday at home. "Leaf peeping" - the delightful pursuit of travelling to witness nature's spectacular colour show - has taken off across the country.

This year promises to be extraordinary. Thanks to record-breaking summer sunshine and warm temperatures, Forestry England says we're in for one of the most vibrant autumn displays in years.

GroupAccommodation.com has crunched the numbers from thousands of booking enquiries for autumn 2025 to find out where Britons are heading this year.

Derbyshire, Yorkshire, Cumbria and the Lake District, Somerset and Devon proved to be the most sought-after counties.

The Peak District has some of the most beautiful displays of colour in autumn

Managing director at GroupAccommodation.com, Ed Maughan, said: "You can visit somewhere you've been before, say in spring, where everything is green, and have a completely different experience where the landscapes explode with warm red/orange colours. It gives a totally different atmosphere, and there is something quite magical about that.

"As a result, people are now targeting specific areas known for outstanding autumn displays. It's become a proper reason for travel, and our internal enquiry data is showing how seriously people take this colour hunting pursuit."

Derbyshire's Peak District is topping the list for autumn getaways, and it's easy to understand the appeal.

Maughan explained: "We're seeing the Peak District leading the pack for autumn breaks, and it's easy to see why. It offers so much variety across the region and 'leaf peeping' opportunities for all fitness levels."

Padley Gorge transforms into something truly special come autumn. This half-mile ravine becomes a golden wonderland, with cascades carrying leaves downstream through the brook.

Dovedale's famous stepping stones turn into a photographer's paradise by mid-October. The trees overhead glow copper and gold - just arrive before 9am to beat the crowds and catch that gorgeous morning light.

For breathtaking views, Mam Tor delivers. Whether you tackle the full climb or take the quick 20-minute route from the car park, you'll be rewarded with stunning vistas of Hope Valley's purple heather and bronze bracken.

Cumbria's lakes create something magical in autumn - the water doubles the spectacle by reflecting all those gorgeous colours. The expert noted: "Cumbria doesn't just display autumn colours - it literally amplifies them in the reflections of the area's lakes. When conditions are right, it's absolutely unbeatable."

Tarn Hows, once owned by Beatrix Potter, offers an easy 45-minute circular walk around a small lake surrounded by colourful woodland. It's perfect for capturing those mirror-like reflections.

Aira Force combines the drama of a 65-foot waterfall with vibrant woodland colours. The walk there becomes wonderfully atmospheric with rushing water and crunching leaves underfoot.

More adventurous walkers love the Grasmere to Silver How route. The 5.2-mile trek rewards effort with yellow and orange oak woods below and bronze bracken on the higher fells.

Witness the leaves change colour in the Lake District

Dartmoor is another popular option in autumn

Somerset and Devon's wild moorlands offer something completely different for autumn adventurers. Exmoor has a unique appeal - it "offers a completely wild, untamed feel".

Horner Wood houses 500-year-old oak trees that turn deep red and orange, creating an enchanting atmosphere. The Doone Valley combines woodland, river and moorland views - start at Malmsmead and follow Badgworthy Water for the best displays.

Dartmoor brings its own magic. The expert explained: "Dartmoor's appeal in autumn is all about contrasts. You have dramatic granite landscapes alongside river valleys, which can make it feel almost mythical when it is exploding with colour."

Becky Falls surrounds its 70-foot cascade with vibrant woodland, while Wistman's Wood feels prehistoric with golden oaks dropping leaves onto moss-covered boulders.