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The best places for a weekend stay in epic scenery to enjoy the autumnal British wilds

- LUCY THACKRAY, ALICIA MILLER, CHRIS MORLEY

Brucefield Estate 
Clackmannanshire

An hour's drive from Edinburgh, this lovely estate has family-friendly bothies (basic but modern huts), and a two-bedroom cottage, Slackbrae. In the semi-ancient woodlands, pine martens and red squirrels scamper, and woodpeckers and barn owls can be seen among the tree canopies. Interiors are stylish and Scandichic, with huge windows and outdoor fire pits. Activities include tree planting and nighttime bat walks.*Double rooms from £175, B&B; brucefieldestate.scot

Carden Park 
Cheshire

By the time you've rolled up the snaking drive, you've already taken in several of the 1,000 acres that cocoon this modern retreat. With this amount of nature on your doorstep, it's impossible not to relax - whether by teeing-off on one of two championship golf courses or sinking into a bubbling jacuzzi in the spa garden. Wander the Sculpture Garden, where works curated by Antiques Roadshow expert Grant Ford pose on a lush lawn. 

There's a wide range of styles, from a kinetic Spitfire to a majestic bronze stag. The art theme continues inside, with sculptures, paintings and prints arranged throughout the public areas - like Goldie's Lounge, the convivial piano bar. There are multiple dining choices, from relaxed brasserie-style meals in Redmond's to afternoon tea on the terrace, with glimpses of distant Welsh hills. With all the fresh air, blissful sleep is guaranteed. * Double rooms from £149, room only; cardenpark.co.uk