Top 7 Reasons to Escape to Belvedere Lodge or Porth Sands this Autumn
- Steve Osborne
- Sep 22
- 4 min read
Wave Goodbye to the Summer Crowds, Say Hello to Autumn Gold!
As the bucket and spade brigade retreats and the newly-weds and the empty-nesters take centre stage, the real magic of coastal life is just beginning. Autumn isn't the curtain call for beach life, it's the headline act! Whether you're drawn to the dramatic coast of Swanage or the surf-kissed shores of Cornwall, here's why you should pack your bags for Belvedere Lodge or Porth Sands this autumn.
1. Experience Nature's Greatest Light Show
Forget your West End productions, autumn puts on a performance that would make Andrew Lloyd Webber jealous. As Mother Nature cranks up her colour palette, the coastline transforms into a masterpiece of golden hues. At Durlston Country Park in Swanage, the woodlands become a riot of reds, yellows, and browns, creating what we like to call "Nature's Instagram filters.
" Down in Porth, take the insider's route through St Mawgan, a tree lined wonderland along the River Menalhyl that's so picturesque, it makes professional photographers weep with joy. The 2025 autumn colours are predicted to be particularly spectacular due to the unique weather patterns we've had this year.
2. Feast Like Royalty (Without the Palace Prices)
Autumn brings a gastronomic goldmine to both locations. In Swanage, bag yourself a sunset table at Shell Bay Seafood Restaurant, where the views across Poole Harbour are as delicious as the food. Watch the sun perform its final curtain call while sampling the day's catch. For those venturing to Cornwall, The Rising Sun in Truro serves a Sunday roast that would make your grandmother both proud and jealous. Speaking of culinary gems, La Trattoria in Swanage offers Italian cuisine so authentic, we're pretty sure they've got a direct hotline to Rome. And for our Cornwall visitors, The Colonial on Tolcarne Beach is currently turning heads with their autumn menu featuring locally sourced delicacies.
3. Catch Waves (Not Crowds)
Porth Sands really flexes its muscles during autumn, when the Atlantic serves up consistent swells that would make Neptune proud. The water's still warm enough for mere mortals (thanks to those high-tech wetsuits that make everyone look like eco-friendly superheroes), and the line ups are refreshingly spacious. The surf forecast is particularly promising, with regular clean swells predicted throughout autumn. Whether you're a complete beginner or fancy yourself as the next Kelly Slater, the waves are calling. Just remember, if you're not wearing a wetsuit in autumn, you're either incredibly brave or incredibly foolish!
4. Walk on the Wild Side
The South West Coast Path becomes your personal red carpet in autumn, minus the paparazzi and with better views. Both properties sit right on this 630-mile trail, offering access to some of Britain's most spectacular coastline. In Swanage, the cliffs provide dramatic backdrops worthy of a BBC nature documentary. Over in Porth, the coastal paths offer views that make social media influencers weak at the knees. Pack a picnic, bring your camera, and prepare for walks that make treadmills look like medieval torture devices.
5. Discover Crowd-Free Attractions
Once the summer hordes disperse, you can actually see the attractions you're visiting! Stroll along Swanage Pier without playing human Tetris, catch a show at the newly renovated Mowlem Theatre, or for fellow Gen X-ers, relive your youth at RetroBlast Coffee shop in Newquay. Warning: playing Pac-Man might awaken a competitive streak you thought you'd left in 1985. For this Autumn many attractions are offering special packages and extended opening hours, making it the perfect time to explore.
6. Storm Watch in Style
Autumn storms in Cornwall and Dorset are nature's version of an IMAX movie. Watch Atlantic swells crash against Porth's cliffs from the comfort of your accommodation, or witness the drama unfold along Swanage's coastline. It's like front-row seats to nature's greatest show, minus the wet weather gear (unless you're feeling particularly adventurous). For those days when the weather gets a bit too "interactive," both properties offer cosy refuges where you can watch Mother Nature's theatrics with a hot chocolate in hand.
7. Chase the Golden Hour
While shorter days might seem like a downside, they're actually a photographer's dream ticket. Autumn sunrises and sunsets are more accessible (no 4 am wake-up calls needed!) and more spectacular. The light takes on an almost magical quality, turning both coastlines into golden wonderlands. Whether you're surfing at Porth or walking along Swanage Bay, these golden moments are pure photography gold, #NoFilter required!
The Final Word
Autumn isn't just summer's closing act, it's the season's star performance. With fewer crowds, better waves, dramatic skies, and nature's finest colour show, it's the perfect time to experience the best of British coastal life. Whether you choose the contemporary charm of Porth Sands in Cornwall or the classic appeal of Belvedere Lodge in Swanage, you're in for an autumn adventure that will have you questioning why you ever thought summer was the only time to visit the coast.
Pro tip: Pack layers, bring your camera, and leave your expectations of summer crowds at home. Autumn is shaping up to be a season to remember, and these coastal havens are ready to welcome you with open arms and empty beaches!
To book your Autumn stay head to:
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