I’ll never forget the drive up to our holiday barn in North Wales last autumn – leaves turning that gorgeous coppery gold all along the A55, but wouldn’t you know it, we hit a cheeky traffic jam just past Chester thanks to some roadworks. Half an hour ticking by with the kids moaning about snacks in the back, and me fiddling with the satnav that kept suggesting a daft detour through a field. Still, by the time we rolled up, the anticipation had built into proper excitement – that first glimpse of the place nestled in the countryside, with the sun dipping low and casting long shadows over the hills, made the delay feel like nothing.

Pulling into the drive, we were gobsmacked by the first impressions. It’s this stylish, spacious detached barn done up with luxurious touches – think plush sofas you sink into, a cracking games room for the evenings, and our own private hot tub bubbling away on the deck. But the real star? Those panoramic countryside views that stretched out forever, especially in autumn when the valleys were a riot of russet and amber. Four miles from Mold’s market town buzz, it felt worlds away, all peaceful and idyllic. We’d timed it perfectly for the season – crisp mornings that begged for a brisk walk, but with that golden light making everything look like a painting.

The time of year shaped every bit of it, really. Mornings started with mist clinging to the footpaths right from the property, leading us straight into Coed Y Felin nature reserve. We’d crunch through fallen leaves, spotting fungi popping up like little surprises, and the air so fresh it cleared your head in seconds. One path took us to the local farm shop – heaven for autumn treats like fresh apple cider and pumpkin pasties, still warm from the oven. We wandered Waun Y Llyn Country Park too, where the colours were at their peak, turning a simple stroll into something magical. The kids raced ahead, kicking up leaves, while I lagged behind, chuckling at how I’m always the one stopping to take daft photos.

Evenings were pure bliss in that hot tub, steam rising into the chilly dusk air, surrounded by the Clwydian hills glowing in the fading light. We’d play pool in the games room after, laughter echoing as the wind rustled the trees outside. A quick trip into Mold hit the spot – their street market was on, stalls heaving with seasonal squash, local cheeses, and hot mulled cider that warmed you from the inside. We caught wind of the annual food and drink festival vibes too, though we saved that for another day. Nearby Ruthin and Denbigh, just a short drive, felt like stepping into a history book, with their independent shops selling woolly jumpers perfect for the cooling weather and cosy eateries dishing up hearty stews.

Looking back, autumn wrapped it all in this cosy, nostalgic glow – shorter days meant more time hunkered down with board games and stories, but enough daylight for those invigorating walks up towards Hope Mountain or even Moel Famau’s summit, where the views over the turning foliage took your breath away. It made me reflect on how we rush about the rest of the year; here, the season slowed us right down, turning a holiday into proper memories. If you’re after that in North Wales, go in the autumn – it’s unbeatable.