As temperatures cool and days draw shorter, it may be tempting to jet off to a warmer climate. But there is still plenty to enjoy in the UK in the autumn months.If you are looking for inspiration, York has been named the UK’s best destination for an autumn escape in new research, followed by London and Edinburgh.The UK Autumn Escape Index, carried out by small-group tour operator Rabbie’s, assessed 30 destinations across four factors: the number of parks, nearby walking trails, average daytime temperatures and the number of rainy days.York came out on top with a score of 106 out of 120. The historic city has 20 parks and 170 nearby walking trails to explore, while its relatively dry autumn weather also helped it claim first place.York was ranked the top place for an autumn escape | GETTYThe city offers plenty for a September or October break, from the changing colours of Museum Gardens to walks along its medieval city walls, with York Minster providing a backdrop. It also has easy access to some of the most beautiful and classic parts of the British countryside, including the Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors and Howardian Hills.London took second place with 94 points. While it may not have the same sense of escape as some countryside destinations, the capital recorded the highest number of parks and walking trails in the study, with 241 parks and 328 trails.Walkers can explore large green spaces, such as Hampstead Heath and Richmond Park, while the Thames Path offers another way to see the city on foot.Edinburgh ranked third with 93 points. With an average daytime temperature of 12.3°C, it was the coolest destination in the top 10, but is incredibly beautiful, with 19 parks and 156 nearby walking trails.Popular routes include Arthur’s Seat, the Water of Leith and the Pentland Hills, giving visitors opportunities to combine a city break with time outdoors.Manchester also scored 93 to take fourth place, followed by Bath on 89. Oxford, Liverpool, Bristol, Cambridge and Brighton completed the top 10.UK’s 10 best destinations for an autumn escapeYork (106)London (94)Edinburgh (93)Manchester (93)Bath (89)Oxford (85)Liverpool (84)Bristol (83)Cambridge (77)Brighton (77)London took second place with a score of 94 | GETTYHeading to Scotland? Edinburgh is great for your next getaway | GETTYTravel expert at Rabbie’s, Hazel Rickett, said: “Autumn is one of the best times of year to explore the UK. The crowds thin out, the leaves turn, and the cooler air makes for far more comfortable walking than the height of summer. Our research set out to find where the season really comes alive, weighing up everything from parkland and walking routes to the weather you’re likely to get.”York is a wonderful example. It combines plenty of green space with a genuinely impressive network of trails and some of the driest weather in the country, which is exactly what you want when you’re out exploring on a crisp autumn day. Cities like Edinburgh and Manchester score highly too, sitting close to that ideal 12°C to 14°C range where a day spent outdoors really comes into its own.”Many of these destinations also sit on the doorstep of the UK’s finest countryside, so a city stroll one day can easily become a Highland or Lake District adventure the next. With the right destination, an autumn escape can offer the best of both.”