I’ll never forget the drive to Exclusive Lodge 2 Bed (Pet) in Wiltshire last autumn – a proper crisp October weekend that turned our three-day getaway into pure seasonal magic. We’d piled into the car from Salisbury, just a short hop away, with our scruffy terrier, Monty, sticking his nose out the window like he owned the road. The journey was only about 10 minutes, but wouldn’t you know it, I took a daft wrong turn onto a narrow lane lined with golden leaves swirling in the wind. “Blimey, we’re in a chocolate box painting,” I muttered, as Monty yapped excitedly at a pheasant scarpering across the path. Classic me – overthinking the satnav and turning a quick jaunt into a mini adventure. But honestly, that little mishap set the tone: this was Wiltshire in full autumn glory, where every twist feels like a postcard.

Pulling up to the lodge around midday, the first impression hit like a warm hug from the countryside itself. Nestled in a peaceful spot near Salisbury, it’s one of those exclusive lodges that screams “get away from it all” without being pretentious. The autumn sun was low and golden, filtering through the turning leaves of nearby oaks and beeches, casting this gorgeous amber glow over the wooden exterior. Our hosts had left the door ajar, and stepping inside, the cosy vibe wrapped around us immediately. Two bedrooms, perfect for me, my partner, and Monty’s blanket pile-up in the corner – it’s pet-friendly done right, with muddy paw wipes at the ready. The open-plan living area had a wood-burning stove already stocked with logs, which we lit straight away because, let’s face it, October in Wiltshire brings that nip in the air that demands a proper fire. Crackling flames danced as we unpacked, and the scent of burning applewood mingled with the earthy dampness drifting in from outside. Humour me here: Monty took one look at the flames and hid under the sofa, the daft dog thinking it was some fiery dragon from his nightmares.

First impressions aren’t just about the lodge, though – it’s how the season amplifies everything. We wandered out to the private patio, mugs of tea in hand, and proper gasped at the view. Wiltshire’s rolling fields stretched out, blanketed in a patchwork of rust reds and burnt oranges, with mist hugging the hedgerows like a soft blanket. It was that perfect autumn hush – no crowds, just the rustle of leaves and the occasional crow cawing overhead. A light drizzle started, typical for the time of year, turning the air fresh and alive, pattering on the lodge’s roof like nature’s own white noise machine. We didn’t mind; it made the indoor cosiness even better. The kitchen was a dream for lazy holiday cooking – we rustled up a stew with local veg from a farm shop we’d spotted en route, the kind of hearty grub that warms you from the inside out when the days shorten.

Sitting there that first evening, watching the sunset paint the sky in fiery hues through the lodge’s big windows, I had a quiet moment of reflection. Life back home had been a whirlwind of deadlines and grey commutes, but here, in this pocket of Wiltshire autumn, everything slowed. The season’s melancholy beauty – those fading leaves, the cooling earth – reminded me to savour the simple stuff: a crackling fire, a loyal dog snoring nearby, and no rush to be anywhere. Monty eventually emerged from his sofa cave, curling up by my feet, and we chuckled about my satnav blunder over a glass of mulled wine. The lodge felt like an extension of the landscape, secluded yet welcoming, with its thoughtful touches like the fluffy throws and board games stacked by the fire.

By bedtime, tucked into the comfy master with its en-suite, the world outside was a symphony of wind-whipped trees and distant owl hoots. That first day’s impressions? Unbeatable. Wiltshire in October doesn’t just host a stay – it colours it, turning a lodge into a seasonal sanctuary you never want to leave. If you’re after that, book it – Monty gives it five paws up.