17 Cosy Autumn Staycation Ideas for Home (UK Guide)

There’s something about the crisp autumn air and those shorter days that makes me want to hunker down and enjoy a proper autumn staycation at home. If you’re looking for inspiration, consider exploring these 17 Cosy Autumn Staycation Ideas for Home (UK Guide).

You don’t have to go anywhere fancy because sometimes the best autumn magic happens right in your living room.

Create Magical Autumn Memories For Your Family

These 17 Cosy Autumn Staycation Ideas for Home will help you create an unforgettable seasonal experience with simple pleasures, just think crafting, comfort food and turning your space into a cosy retreat. Whether I’m brewing spiced cider or building a blanket fort for a film marathon, my house turns into a pretty great autumn sanctuary.

Are you ready to start some new autumn traditions? it could be just by bringing the outdoors in or just curling up in a jumper with a good book? These staycation ideas will help you make the most of the season without ever stepping outside.

Why Choose an Autumn Staycation at Home?

Quick budget note: Most of these autumn staycation activities cost under £20 each, with a full autumn weekend typically running £30-£80 total. Compare that to £600-£1,200 for a traditional autumn getaway and suddenly staying home looks pretty brilliant.

Your 17 Autumn Staycation Activities Ideas for Home (UK Guide) at a Glance

Here’s everything we’ll cover in this 17 Cosy Autumn Staycation Ideas for Home (UK Guide).Simply pick the activities that speak to you most:

Creating Your Cosy Home (1-4)

• Set up a reading nook with blankets and lighting
• Add fairy lights and autumn décor throughout
• Light autumn scented candles
• Layer blankets and throws everywhere

Food & Drink (5-8)

• 5. Make the perfect pumpkin spice latte
• 6. Bake apple pie and autumn treats
• 7. Create homemade autumn granola
• 8. Brew hot chocolate, apple cider and warming drinks

Entertainment & Activities (9-12)

• 9. Host a Halloween movie marathon
• 10. Organize board game and puzzle nights
• 11. Try knitting, crafting and DIY decorations
• 12. Create your perfect autumn playlist

Bringing Nature Indoors (13-15)

• 13. Collect fallen leaves and acorns for crafts
• 14. Plant spring bulbs indoors
• 15. Display autumn flowers and natural décor

Autumn Traditions (16-17)

• 16. Carve and decorate pumpkins
• 17. Host a mini harvest festival at home

Planning Your Autumn Bucket List for the Perfect Staycation

Building a bucket list for autumn helps you squeeze every drop out of the season’s cosiness and beauty. I like to focus on warm, reflective and joyful staycation activities that fit right into those shorter days.

Cosy Indoor Autumn Bucket List Ideas

Why not turn your home into a sanctuary with easy meaningful activities. I’ve had a blast making crafts from leaves and twigs collected on neighbourhood walks and the best bit is-nature’s free, right?

Seasonal Crafts and Décor

Press autumn leaves between heavy books for decorations. Bundle cinnamon sticks for a natural fragrance. Make wreaths from twigs and dried flowers, or have ago at paint little pumpkins in earthy colours.

Light candles with vanilla, cinnamon or apple scents and adding fairy lights around the windows will chase away those early dark nights. I never regret putting up too many. For more budget friendly decorating ideas that work year-round check out my guide to decorating a small apartment on a tight budget.

Cosy Reading Corner Activities

Set up a reading nook with soft blankets and a stack of autumn themed books. I started a gratitude journal last year writing down what I appreciate each day really shifts my mood.

Try a puzzle with autumn scenery or listen to audiobooks while you bake because these quiet moments will capture autumn’s contemplative spirit better than anything else.

Outdoor-Inspired Autumn Activities at Home

Bring a bit of the outdoors inside with nature-based activities and seasonal cooking. I always try to include something harvest inspired on my autumn bucket list. According to the Royal Horticultural Society, autumn is the perfect time to bring nature indoors with seasonal foliage and prepare for spring planting.

Kitchen-Based Autumn Adventures

Bake apple crumble with fruit from the market. Make soup with butternut squash and carrots, my first attempt was lumpy but it still tasted like autumn. Roast chestnuts in the oven for a treat that makes the whole house smell amazing.

Brew spiced cider or chai tea. Mix up your own trail and mix with nuts, dried fruit and dark chocolate, you can’t really mess that up.

Nature Connection Indoors

Arrange branches and flowers in vases. Hang a bird feeder outside your window and see who shows up, I once had a robin visit for days in a row.

Grow herbs like rosemary and thyme on your windowsill. Take a photo of your garden from the same spot every day and watch the changes, it’s oddly satisfying.

Personal Growth and Reflection for Autumn

Autumn feels like the right time for introspection and planning. I always find myself journaling and making plans for the months ahead.

Journaling and Planning

Start a gratitude journal with daily entries, just three things each day from a hot cup of tea to a burst of red leaves outside.

Set some gentle goals for winter. I believe Autumn is a good time to think about what you want before the year winds down.

Mindful Autumn Practices

Try meditating to the sound of rain or rustling leaves. I’m not great at sitting still for long periods of time but I find even five minutes helps.

Why not learn a new skill that fits the season like knitting, painting or maybe even folk guitar. Make a vision board with magazine cutouts, it’s a fun way to keep your autumn dreams in sight.

Warm inviting spaces make even the simplest autumn staycation feel special. I think the right mix of textures, lighting and scents can turn any corner into a retreat.

1. Setting Up a Snug Reading Nook

Pick a quiet spot near a window where you get natural light. That will become your escape from the world for a while.

Essentials for your nook:

• Comfy chair or big floor cushion
• Good lamp for reading at night
• Small table for your tea or coffee
• Soft throw blanket within reach

Layer different textures for example a plush cushion behind your back and a wool blanket for your legs. Also keep your books and magazines in a basket so you don’t have to get up once you’re settled.

If you can, face a window and watch the leaves tumble down. If not hang up some art that calms you, I once taped up postcards and it worked surprisingly well.

2. Blankets, Fairy Lights and Autumn Décor

Fairy lights instantly make any room feel magical. I string them along my bookshelves and even behind curtains for a soft golden glow.

Choose warm white lights as they feel cosier than blue or bright white. It’s all in the small detail but it really matters on dark evenings.

Blanket styling tips:

• Fold throws over sofa arms
• Mix chunky knits with smooth fleece
• Stick to autumn tones like burgundy, gold and deep orange

Add little touches such as mini pumpkins on the windowsill, pinecones in a bowl or branches of leaves in a vase. Swap out summer cushion covers for richer colours as it can changes the whole vibe.

The layering technique from my Christmas mantel decorating guide works brilliantly for autumn too just swap the colours and themes.

3. Lighting Autumn Scented Candles

Autumn candles set the mood with scents like cinnamon, vanilla, apple or woodsmoke. I’ve knocked over more than one candle in my time, so I always use sturdy holders and keep them away from curtains to be safe.

Best autumn candle scents:

• Spiced apple, smells like baking
• Cinnamon bark, warm but not too sweet
• Sandalwood, earthy and grounding
• Vanilla pumpkin, comfort in a jar

If you light the candles an hour before you settle in they will scent the whole room. I like grouping candles of different heights but don’t crowd them together.

4. Warming Up with Blankets and Throws

Get blankets that feel good on your skin such as wool and cotton as they breathe better than synthetics, that’s in my experience anyway!

Keep throws in every room if you can, I have one on my dining chair another on the sofa and a third at the foot of my bed. It’s probably overkill but I never regret it.

Blanket care basics:

• Wash wool blankets in cool water
• Air dry flat
• Store with lavender sachets
• Rotate them so none get too worn

Light cotton throws seem to work for warmer days but nothing beats a heavy wool blanket on a freezing night. I like deep greens and oranges for autumn but honestly anything that feels warm works.

Autumn Food and Drink Ideas for Your Staycation

Warming spices, seasonal fruits and hot drinks make autumn staycations feel truly special. I love experimenting in the kitchen although sometimes it’s a disaster but even the flops taste like the season.

5. Making the Perfect Pumpkin Spice Latte

It’s easier than you think to make your own pumpkin spice latte. Simply start with strong coffee or espresso.

Mix 2 tablespoons pumpkin purée with 1 teaspoon each of cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger then add a pinch of cloves and 2 tablespoons brown sugar.

Heat 250ml milk until steaming,whisk in the spice mixture then pour over your coffee and top with whipped cream.

Pro tip: Double the spice syrup and keep it in the fridge for porridge or yoghurt. I also tried oat milk last time I made it and it tasted even better than regular milk.

Apple pie is the autumn classic. Use firm apples like Bramley or Cox as they hold up better. My first pie was a mess but the flavour made up for it.

Essential filling ingredients:

• 6-8 apples, peeled and sliced
• 100g caster sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons plain flour

Mix apples with sugar and spices then let them sit. This keeps the crust from getting soggy.

For caramel apples, dip them in homemade toffee, melt 200g sugar then add 150ml cream and some butter. I once burned the sugar so don’t walk away, keep a close eye on it. For a full how to make apple pie see this wonderful recipe guide here

Don’t forget gingerbread or cinnamon biscuits. The smell alone is worth the effort. If you enjoy baking with the family, my Christmas cookie decorating games post has techniques that work beautifully for autumn treats too.

7. Homemade Granola and Autumn Snacks

Making granola at home lets you tweak the flavours. I start with 300g rolled oats.

Autumn granola mix:

• 100g chopped walnuts
• 50g pumpkin seeds
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Bake at 160°C for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway then add cranberries or dried apples after baking.

Store in jars for up to two weeks. Eat with yoghurt or just by the handful, I’ve done both.

Roasted pumpkin seeds are another easy snack, just toss with olive oil and salt then bake until crispy. I’ve forgotten them in the oven before so remember to set a timer!

8. Hot Chocolate, Warm Apple Cider and Cosy Beverages

There’s nothing better than a hot mug on a chilly night, for real hot chocolate use proper chocolate not just cocoa powder.

Heat 500ml milk with 100g dark chocolate until smooth then whisk in a splash of vanilla and top with marshmallows or cream.

For apple cider, simmer juice with cinnamon sticks, star anise and orange peel for half an hour. The smell fills the whole house.

Quick cosy drinks:

• Chai tea with extra cinnamon
• Golden milk with turmeric and honey
• Mulled wine for something a bit more grown-up

Keep a thermos of something warm nearby for garden breaks or reading by the window.

Entertainment and Activities for Cosy Autumn Days

Turn your autumn staycation into something memorable with indoor entertainment and creative projects. Puzzle nights, Halloween movie marathons and craft sessions make autumn evenings at home genuinely special.

9. Board Games and Autumn Themed Puzzle Nights

Autumn’s the perfect excuse to gather friends or family for board game nights. I love picking games with spooky or seasonal themes, there’s something about the chill in the air makes it extra fun.

Try these autumn board games for a memorable evening:

• Betrayal at House on the Hill
• Mysterium
• Arkham Horror
• Harvest Dice
• Wingspan (autumn birds expansion)

On rainy afternoons an autumn themed puzzle can keep everyone entertained for hours. Look for puzzles with autumn landscapes, harvest scenes or even Halloween illustrations. One time I spent a whole weekend piecing together a woodland scene, it felt like I was right there in the forest.

Set up a puzzle station on your dining table with a lamp for good lighting and keep a tray handy to sort pieces by colour or shape. This way you can dip in and out whenever you like. Warning!Don’t wrap your jigsaw puzzle in a towel like I once did, someone came by and took the towel for drying their hands and all the pieces fell out all over the floor!

10. Watching Halloween Movies at Home

Why not turn your living room into a cosy cinema for Halloween movie marathons? Grab some blankets, dim the lights and settle in, it’s honestly one of my favourite autumn rituals.

Classic Halloween films worth a watch:

• Hocus Pocus
• The Nightmare Before Christmas
• Beetlejuice
• Casper
• Young Frankenstein

Make themed snacks like toffee apples or pumpkin biscuits. Homemade popcorn with a sprinkle of cinnamon always hits the spot in our house.

If your friends are far away try a virtual movie night using a streaming party app. It’s not quite the same as being together but it’s a fun way to share the experience. My Christmas movie night guide has loads more cosy movie setup tips that work perfectly for autumn too.

11. Creating an Autumn Playlist for Chilly Evenings

Music makes autumn evenings even cosier. I like to mix acoustic tracks with atmospheric tunes that match the mood of the season.

Here are some essential autumn songs:

• “Autumn Leaves” by Eva Cassidy
• “Mad World” by Gary Jules
• “The Night We Met” by Lord Huron
• “Holocene” by Bon Iver
• “Skinny Love” by Bon Iver

You’ll find that Instrumental music works great for background ambience especially for reading or crafting and Folk and Celtic tunes set a lovely autumnal vibe.

Add in nature sounds like crackling fires or gentle rain between tracks. It’s a simple trick but it really pulls the whole autumn staycation together.

12. Knitting, Crafting and DIY Autumn Decorations

Hands-on projects can make autumn staycations memorable. Knitting’s my go to for chilly evenings, there’s just something meditative about it and you end up with something useful such as hats and scarfs for the colder months to come.

Easy autumn knitting projects:

• Chunky scarves in warm colours
• Simple beanies
• Tea cosy covers
• Dishcloths with autumn patterns

Crafting with materials from the garden is another favourite. Pressed leaf bookmarks, pinecone ornament and twig frames bring the outdoors in. I’ve had plenty of craft fails like hot glue disasters but sometimes the imperfect ones are the most charming.

DIY autumn decorations don’t have to cost much. Try paper leaf garlands, felt pumpkins or cinnamon stick bundles. Set up a crafting corner with good lighting and supplies within reach. It’s so much easier to get creative when everything’s ready to go.

If you fancy making homemade gifts while you’re at it, check out my guide to easy homemade gifts kids can actually make the techniques work brilliantly for autumn crafts too.

Bringing Nature Indoors for Your Autumn Staycation

You can turn your home into a cosy autumn retreat by collecting natural treasures, starting an indoor spring garden and decorating with seasonal foliage is a great way to keep a connection to the outdoors during your staycation especially when the weather turns.

13. Collecting Fallen Leaves and Acorns for Crafts

Autumn walks double as treasure hunts if you’re gathering crafting materials. Look for leaves in reds, oranges and yellows but avoid the ones already breaking down.

Best leaves for crafting:

• Maple leaves—they press beautifully
• Oak leaves—tough and long lasting
• Birch leaves—gorgeous golden colour

Pick up acorns with their caps on but check for tiny holes (a lesson I learned the hard way as one batch was full of little bugs).

Simple leaf preservation methods:

• Press between heavy books for a few weeks
• Iron between wax paper for quick results
• Dip in paraffin wax for a glossy finish

You can thread pressed leaves onto fishing line to make garlands or make acorn candles by filling the caps with wax and a tiny wick. Arrange your finds in shadow boxes or frames and mixing textures looks great.

Store your materials in breathable containers. Plastic bags trap moisture and can ruin your collection.

14. Planting Bulbs for Spring Indoors

Forcing bulbs indoors means you can enjoy spring flowers even in the depths of winter. It’s a bit of a process but totally worth it when the blooms appear.

Easy bulbs for beginners:

• Paperwhite narcissus (no chilling needed)
• Hyacinths (about 12-16 weeks chilling)
• Tulips (14-20 weeks chilling)
• Crocus (12-15 weeks chilling)

Chill your bulbs in the fridge crisper drawer but keep them away from fruit. I once stored mine next to some apples and they never bloomed, not sure why but lesson learned.

Plant bulbs in shallow bowls with pebbles or bulb fibre, pointy end up and the top third exposed. Water them just enough to keep the roots moist.

Forcing timeline:

• October: Start chilling hardy bulbs
• November: Plant paperwhites for Christmas blooms
• December: Begin forcing chilled bulbs

When shoots appear, move the containers to a bright cool spot. Then turn them every few days for even growth. Most forced bulbs bloom about three to four weeks after planting however some will take a little longer but equally sometimes less, depending on the room temperature?

For a full guide on planting indoor spring bulbs check out this guide

15. Displaying Autumn Flowers and Natural Décor

Let’s face it autumn’s the perfect excuse to fill your home with cosy nature inspired displays. I love mixing shop bought flowers with whatever I can scavenge from the garden plus it keeps things affordable and interesting.

Popular autumn flowers:

• Chrysanthemums—these last ages and come in so many colours
• Dahlias are my go to for drama and those deep rich tones
• Asters bring a soft touch with purple, pink or white petals
• Sunflowers—you can’t beat those cheerful yellow faces for instant warmth

I usually toss in some branches with autumn leaves for texture, such as maple, oak and birch, they all work well and by adding a bit of height and give off that wild, fresh-from-the-woods vibe.

Natural décor elements:

• Pinecones—grab a mix of sizes if you can
• Dried seed pods and grasses
• Colourful autumn berries
• Twisted hazel or willow branches for a quirky sculptural look

I like using rustic containers like old wooden boxes, battered metal buckets or chunky ceramic crocks. If they’re not watertight I just pop in a plastic liner. No one ever notices.

Layering makes a huge difference for example I’ll put tall branches at the back then medium flowers and finish with smaller bits in front. That way nothing gets lost.

Changing the water every few days really does help fresh flowers stick around longer and a splash of lemonade if you have any, but if a bloom does starts to wilt, pull it right out as no one wants that sad droopy look.

Seriously, I’ve had some of my arrangements flop with slumped flowers or just colours that clashed horribly. But when it does work it’s so satisfying.

Celebrating Autumn Traditions During Your Staycation

Autumn’s magic is totally possible indoors. You can turn your home into a seasonal haven with a few festive touches and cosy staycation activities that capture the warmth of the season.

16. Pumpkin Carving and Decorating

Pumpkin carving is a classic autumn tradition. I usually set up a carving station on the kitchen table, some newspapers everywhere and tools at the ready with a playlist in the background.

Some classic carving tips:

• Pick firm, symmetrical pumpkins with sturdy stems
• Sketch your design first with a washable marker
• Cut the lid at a 45-degree angle so it doesn’t fall in
• Use battery-operated tea lights for safety

Don’t throw away those pumpkin seeds! Rinse then toss them with olive oil and salt, then roast for 20 minutes at 180°C. I like experimenting with spices like cinnamon and sometimes curry powder!

No-Mess Pumpkin Decorating Alternatives

If carving sounds too messy you can paint your pumpkins with acrylics. Try ombré effects, geometric patterns or silly faces. Glue on fabric, buttons or dried leaves for texture. Stack a few pumpkins by the fireplace and wind fairy lights around them for a magical glow.

Bringing the Pumpkin Patch Home

There’s no need to brave muddy fields when you can bring the pumpkin patch inside. Grab pumpkins of all sizes and colours from a local shop or supermarket.

Ideas for your display:

• Arrange pumpkins in wooden crates or baskets
• Mix orange, white, green and striped varieties
• Add corn stalks, dried wheat and autumn leaves
• Include mini gourds and decorative squash

Set up your patch by a window for natural light. Scatter pinecones, acorns and cinnamon sticks for that authentic autumn scent.

Turn a living room corner into a pumpkin patch with plaid blankets and a homemade scarecrow, your kids will love helping to arrange everything.

17. Mini Harvest Festival at Home

Why not host your own mini harvest festival with baskets of apples, pears, root veggies and homemade preserves. I tried this last year and it felt surprisingly festive.

Make a gratitude tree with bare branches in a vase. Cut paper leaves and have everyone write what they’re thankful for then hang them up throughout the month.

Harvest feast ideas:

• Roasted root vegetable medley
• Apple crumble with custard
• Homemade bread with preserves
• Butternut squash soup with crusty rolls

Dress up your table with burlap runners, mason jars of wheat and pillar candles in autumn shades. Wooden boards and earthenware dishes will add to the rustic vibe too.

Share stories about where your food comes from and talk about eating seasonally. It’s a simple way to connect with nature’s rhythms even if you’re just inside warm and dry.

For more tips on stress free seasonal cooking and table settings, my Christmas dinner guide and table decorating post have loads of ideas that work beautifully for autumn gatherings too.

Halloween Fun and Cosy Bonfire Night

Transform your home for Halloween with spooky touches. Throw sheets over the furniture or make spider webs from cotton wool. My first attempt at ghostly décor was a total mess but it still made everyone laugh.

Halloween costume memories:

My daughter once made her own scarecrow Halloween costume and it didn’t take loads of effort, but she did a brilliant job and really looked the part. Another year, she went as Cruella de Vil with that iconic black and white hair. My husband posted it on Facebook with the caption “no puppies were harmed in the making” which still makes me laugh! Sometimes the homemade costumes end up being the most memorable.

Host a Halloween movie marathon such as “Hocus Pocus” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas” always make a list. Set up a sweet station with toffee apples and pumpkin biscuits.

For Bonfire Night indoors:

You can still get that toasty feeling without going outside. Make s’mores using your oven grill or a fondue pot. Toast marshmallows and sandwich them with chocolate between digestive biscuits it’s messy, but worth it.

Try these indoor bonfire activities:

• Make sparkler-safe zones with metal trays
• Create tissue paper flames for fun décor
• Tell ghost stories by candlelight
• Roast marshmallows over tea lights in metal holders

Watch firework displays on TV while sipping hot chocolate with marshmallows. Bundle up in blankets and turn off the lights, sometimes I even use a flashlight to make shadow puppets on the walls for a DIY light show, Kids love it.

If you’re looking for more small treats and activity ideas, my advent calendar filler ideas work perfectly as Halloween treats or autumn activity rewards too.

Make This Autumn Staycation Unforgettable

Autumn staycations prove you don’t need expensive trips to create magical seasonal memories. Some of my best autumn staycation moments happened at home, burnt toffee disasters, wonky craft projects and all.

The beauty of an autumn staycation is the freedom to follow your mood. If you want to spend all day baking? Go for it. Prefer reading by the window with endless cups of tea? Perfect. There’s no pressure to maximize your investment or stick to an itinerary.

Start with one or two activities that genuinely appeal to you. Maybe it’s the pumpkin spice latte recipe or perhaps creating that cosy reading nook you’ve been thinking about. Don’t try to do everything at once, autumn does lasts three months after all.

For more budget-friendly ideas throughout the year, check out my complete guide to staycation ideas that cost less than £100.

Q & A

What is an autumn staycation?

An autumn staycation means enjoying seasonal activities at home rather than travelling away. It includes pumpkin decorating, baking seasonal treats, creating cosy spaces and celebrating autumn traditions without the expense or stress of going somewhere else.

How much does an autumn staycation cost?

Most activities cost £5-£30 each. A full weekend autumn staycation can typically costs £30-£80 total compared to £600-£1,200 for a traditional autumn getaway. Many activities like collecting leaves for crafts or making hot drinks cost very little.

What are the best autumn activities to do at home?

Popular choices include pumpkin carving, baking apple pie, hosting movie marathons, creating autumn crafts, making seasonal drinks like spiced cider, decorating with fairy lights and candles and hosting a mini harvest festival. Choose activities that match your interests and energy levels.

When is the best time for an autumn staycation?

Mid-September through October offers the best autumn weather and seasonal activities. Halloween (31st October) and Bonfire Night (5th November) are natural focal points for themed staycations. But any weekend when the leaves are changing works beautifully.

How can I make my home feel cosy for autumn?

Add fairy lights, layer blankets and throws, light autumn-scented candles and bring in natural elements like pinecones and branches. Change cushion covers to richer autumn colours, create a reading nook and keep warm drinks readily available.

Remember-You don’t have to go anywhere fancy because sometimes the best autumn magic happens right in your living room.

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