Durham has been named one of the UK's cosiest cities in a new travel study as visitors look for the perfect autumn getaway.
The historic city came fifth in research by luxury travel experts Big House Experience, which analysed thousands of Reddit comments and upvotes to find the destinations most linked with cosy surroundings.
With autumn now in full swing, the study looked at locations across the country that people believe offer the ideal setting for crisp walks, traditional pubs and relaxing weekends away.
Durham received 12,001 Reddit upvotes, putting it among the UK’s highest-ranked destinations and bolstering its reputation as a picturesque city.
Known for its striking cathedral and castle, cobbled streets and riverside setting, Durham was one of only a handful of locations to receive more than 10,000 endorsements from Reddit users.
Autumn leaves frame the entrance to Durham's historic Durham Centre, reflecting the cosy atmosphere that helped the city earn a place among the UK's most inviting autumn destinations. (Image: Sarah Caldecott)
The study comes as separate YouGov research found that around one in three Britons consider autumn their favourite season, with many embracing everything from colourful landscapes and cosy cafes to seasonal events and shorter days.
Travel experts said historic destinations with character often ranked highly, thanks to their traditional architecture, independent coffee shops and welcoming pubs.
Gareth Allen, founder and travel expert at Big House Experience, said: "There's no denying that the United Kingdom wears the autumn season very well and tourists recognise that.
Seasonal decorations at a station platform near Durham showcase the autumn charm highlighted in a new travel study. (Image: Sarah Caldecott)
"Many people come here for the quintessential Britishness that many of our cities offer, which just so happens to be old timber-framed pubs, local coffee shops and even our cobblestone streets.
"It's interesting to see how many more international bookings we have received for UK properties between September and November."
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The company said it launched the research after spotting increased demand for autumn breaks and seeking the destinations travellers considered cosiest.
Durham’s fifth-place finish puts it alongside the country’s best-loved autumn destinations, according to the study.