5 Things to Do During Cosy Season

We might be biased but we think an Autumn holiday at St Milburga Chapel is perfect time well spent. There’s something truly special about taking a self-catering holiday in the UK during the cozy season.  As the days become shorter and the air turns crisp, the slower pace invites you to unwind and reconnect.  Shropshire is particularly beautiful at this time of year as the leaves start to turn giving brilliant displays of seasonal colour. But if you are still not inspired to book an Autumn break, here are five things to do to make the most of your self-catering escape.

1. Cook Up a Storm with Local Produce

One of the best perks of a self-catering holiday is having your own kitchen and we are particularly proud of our kitchen at St Milburga Chapel as it was newly installed this year. We have stocked in with everything you need to cook up delicious hearty meal perfect for cozy season! A visit to St Milburga Chapel wouldn’t be complete without calling in at Ludlow Farm Shop to pick up some culinary delights. Alternatively head to the popular Local to Ludlow Producers’ market held on the 2^nd and 4^th Thursdays of the month to stock up on fresh, seasonal ingredients: think root vegetables, artisan cheeses, homemade chutneys, and locally baked bread. Spend the afternoon cooking together, maybe trying out a traditional British comfort dish like a Shepherd’s Pie or a hearty soup with crusty bread. Not only will the chapel smell incredible, but the act of cooking from scratch adds a lovely sense of home-away-from-home warmth.

Even when there’s a chill in the air, the Shropshire countryside is irresistible during the cozy months. Pull on your walking boots, wrap up in a scarf, and explore the local trails. We have loads of maps and guides at St Milburga Chapel. One of our favourite spots is The Long Mynd near Church Stretton. The Shropshire Hills offer breathtaking views—especially with mist over the hills and golden leaves underfoot. Afterwards, reward yourself with a visit to a nearby pub or cafe. May we recommend The Boyne Arms at Burwarton or The Pheasant Inn at Neenton. There’s nothing quite like sitting by a crackling fire with a pint of local ale or a hearty Sunday lunch after a bracing countryside walk.

Self-catering holidays are made for slow evenings. When the weather outside is wild, embrace the coziness indoors. Light the fire, make hot chocolate or mulled wine, snuggle up in a blanket and settle in with a classic film. We have Netflix and iPlayer so you can always find something to watch. For some screen-free fun we have a cupboard stashed with board games and books for all tasted and ages.

Across the UK, cozy season is also the start of festive market time and Shropshire is no exception. From October through December, you’ll find charming local markets selling handmade crafts, antiques, baked treats and hot drinks across Shropshire and the Three Counties. We’ve already mentioned Ludlow Market held on most days of the week but there are also local markets held weekly in Church Stretton and Bridgenorth. It’s a wonderful way to soak up local charm and maybe pick up a few unique souvenirs or gifts. Don’t forget to bundle up – outdoor markets are best enjoyed with a warm drink in hand to keep out the cold.

One of the most overlooked joys of a self-catering getaway is the chance to truly slow down. Sleep in late, linger over breakfast, and take the days as they come. Listen to the rain on the windows, soak in a hot bath, or watch the morning mist roll across the hills with a steaming cup of tea. Giving yourself permission to do very little can be the most luxurious thing of all.

A self-catering holiday in Shropshire during the Autumn is all about balance—exploring the beauty outdoors while embracing the coziness inside when you come back after a day out. With good food, a warm fire and the peace and quiet that our guests experience on their holiday, a cozy season break at St Milburga Chapel is the perfect way to recharge and savour the quieter side of life.