Inspiring activity breaks for autumn

Autumn is a great season for activity holidays – not too hot, fewer tourists, and reduced costs on many flights and organised trips. Travel writer Sophie Pither has come up with a selection of inspiring ideas to get you off the sofa to boost your body and mind.

Europe
Cycle the Loire valley

The pleasure of a leisurely self-guided pedal through France’s Loire valley is that you barely even know you’re on an activity holiday. Meander along riverside routes, via vineyards, woodland trails, and chateaux for six nights, staying in a selection of well-chosen simple hotels where your luggage will have arrived before you.
Organiser: Inntravel
Link to this holiday: www.inntravel.co.uk/holidays/cycling-holidays/France/Other-Regions/Chateaux-of-the-Loire

Golf getaway in Turkey

With an October average temperature of 21°C, autumn is the ideal golf season in Belek, Turkey. Just 30 minutes from Antalya airport, you’ll find eight championship courses, and a smattering of smart golf-friendly hotels. Try seven nights' all-inclusive at Regnum Carya Golf and Spa Resort, with three rounds of golf thrown in.
Organiser: Golfbreaks.com
Link to this holiday: www.golfbreaks.com/regnum-carya

Learn to surf in the Canaries

Still warm in September and October, and even in November the water is 20°C, the Canary Islands also offer sandy and consistent waves. Start from scratch, or improve existing skills, on a holiday at the five-star Gran Hotel Atlantis Bahia, Fuerteventura, booking daily in-house surf tuition – or choose kite surfing.
Organiser: Perfect Wave Travel
Link to this holiday: www.perfectwavetravel.com/uk/surf-holidays/atlantisbahiareal

Long haul
Trek in Nepal

The mighty Himalayas are perfect from October onwards, after Nepal’s monsoons have been and gone, and days become clear and bright. Choose an ‘Annapurna in Style’ trip for a privately guided 11-day trek from village to village, staying in Ker and Downey lodges for a little splash of mountain luxury in the stunning Annapurna region.
Organiser: Walks Worldwide
Link to this holiday: www.walksworldwide.com/holiday/annapurna_in_style

Canoe and walking safari on the Zambezi

This active Zambian adventure of a lifetime combines open-canoe journeys down the Zambezi, breathtakingly close to crocodiles and hippos, with valley walking and game drives. You might spot lions, leopards, water buffalo, elephants and fish eagles, among other wildlife. Camping is eco-friendly, with few mod cons, on secluded islands for an authentic wilderness experience.
Organiser: Exodus
Link to this holiday: www.exodus.co.uk/zambia-holidays/accom-camping/zambezi-valley

UK
Horse riding in the Lake District

Perfect for beginners and experienced riders, these short breaks are flexible according to your ability, and can include long hacks or novice lessons. Set in the picturesque Lake District this is riding with spectacular views. Accommodation is in a 17th-century Lakeland farmhouse by the stables. You can even bring your own horse, if you’ve got one.
Organiser: Equestrian Escapes
Link to this holiday: www.equestrian-escapes.com/riding-holidays-Lake-District/

Yoga in Oxfordshire

You can pack a surprising amount of bending, stretching and soul cleansing into a Friday-to-Sunday ‘Bootcamp and Bend’ yoga break. Throw in cardio fitness, with a long cobweb-clearing country walk, as well as five yoga sessions, and you’ll be bursting with wellness. The break includes vegetarian meals, expert tuition and accommodation at beautiful Poundon House.
Organiser: Yoga Weekends
Link to this holiday: www.yogaweekends.co.uk/adverts/poundon-house-oxfordshire-63-bootcamp-bend/

Please be aware that the recommendations expressed by the independent writers are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of Benenden. Benenden is not responsible for the accuracy of any of the information supplied by writers and accepts no liability. You should bear in mind that information is subject to change and what may have been accurate at the time of posting, may not necessarily remain so.