The Morning Live star was speaking as three-quarters of Brits said the record-breaking heatwave this summer has made them appreciate chillier weather more.
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A whopping 74% of people admitted soaring temperatures this summer has made them more grateful for cooler weather.
Staycations, day trips and long walks are amongst the activities the nation put on hold this summer, as a new study reveals two-fifths (40%) of Brits say they are more excited than ever for the autumn season.
Ahead of summer drawing to a close on August 31, Helen explained: “Autumn is one of my favourite times of the year to get outdoors.
“After the heat of summer, there’s something really refreshing about crisp air, cooler days and seeing the landscape start to change.
“It’s a brilliant time for exploring somewhere new, walking and making a proper day of it – especially if there’s a cosy pub and a roast waiting at the end.
“The temperatures can be far more comfortable for a day trip or long walk, the colours are incredible and places often feel a little calmer once the summer rush has passed.
“For me, some of the best days are the simple ones – getting outside, discovering a new stretch of coastline or countryside and spending time with friends or family.
“You don’t always need a big holiday or complicated plans – sometimes just jumping on a train and exploring somewhere different for the day is exactly what you need.”
Following a summer spent dodging the heat, 25% of Brits surveyed in the South Western Railway study said they’re ready for ‘cosy season’.
Countryside walks (41%), visiting a pub (34%) and tucking into a Sunday roast (33%) all feature amongst the top ten activities considered far more enjoyable during autumn.
The survey found that more than half (53%) are already making plans for a UK-based trip this autumn, with two-fifths (39%) stating they’re more inclined to embark on a staycation or day trip in autumn rather than summer.
Visiting the coast (36%) came out on top of the list of destinations Britons want to reach by train this cosy season, followed by the countryside (29%) and cities (24%).
An adventurous 15% expressed a desire to visit somewhere entirely new, while for one in ten, food and drink destinations are firmly on their bucket lists.
To encourage the nation to embrace the invigorating change of season, South Western Railway has launched a sale on rail travel across its network, urging Brits to discover the south west and beyond from as little as £3. For more ifnormation, visit: www.southwesternrailway.com.
Countryside walks – 41%
Visiting a pub – 34%
Sunday roasts – 33%
Woodland walks – 33%
Coastal walks – 31%
Day trips – 26%
Visiting friends or family – 24%
A walk and a Sunday roast – 21%
Exploring a historic town or city – 19%
Visiting new places – 19%
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