This is a post about some of the best UK road trips.
Autumn is one of the most beautiful seasons to explore the UK. Leaves turn shades of amber, villages look cosier under soft light and scenic roads feel quieter once the summer crowds are gone. It’s a great time to set off on a road trip and enjoy the landscapes, history and food the UK has to offer. From the dramatic Highlands of Scotland to the quiet charm of the Yorkshire Dales, there are countless drives that showcase the best of the season. This guide to some of the best UK road trips for autumn (or anytime, actually) will help you plan your adventure with suggested routes, key stops and practical tips.
So here are some of the best UK road trips:
Best UK Road Trips
The North Coast 500 in Scotland
Often called Scotland’s Route 66, the North Coast 500 is a 516-mile loop around the northern Highlands starting and finishing in Inverness. Allow at least five to seven days to enjoy the full route without rushing.
What You’ll See
The journey takes you past white sand beaches, dramatic cliffs and rugged mountains. Stop at Dunrobin Castle, a fairytale building perched above the sea and wander its gardens lined with autumn colours. Visit Achmelvich Beach, where turquoise water looks almost tropical and hike in Torridon, where fiery leaves and purple heather cover the slopes. In October you are likely to see red deer during the rutting season and golden eagles gliding over the hills.
I would be remiss if didn’t mention…if you’ve got time, the whole of Scotland is STUNNING! And if you’re interested, here’s my guide to 3 days in Edinburgh and my 1-week Scotland road trip itinerary through the classics such as Glencoe, Isle of Skye and Cairngorms.
Autumn Highlights
The route is less crowded in autumn, which makes it easier to enjoy single-track roads and small villages. The light is softer, so photographers will love capturing reflections of the mountains in still lochs. Pubs in small towns offer warming meals and whisky tastings, which feel especially inviting after a long day of driving.
The Cotswolds Villages
The Cotswolds are perfect for a shorter road trip filled with countryside charm. A two-day loop from Oxford through Burford, Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold and Chipping Campden before finishing in Stratford-upon-Avon makes an ideal route.
What You’ll See
Drive through rolling hills and past honey-coloured cottages framed by climbing ivy and autumn leaves. Burford is a lovely first stop with antique shops and a high street full of historic buildings. Bourton-on-the-Water is known as the Venice of the Cotswolds thanks to the little bridges crossing the River Windrush. Stow-on-the-Wold has traditional tearooms and the famous Yew Tree Door at St Edward’s Church, while Chipping Campden is filled with inns and surrounded by walking trails.
You’ve probably seen the little village of Castle Combe all over socials. There’s a reason it’s a popular spot, it’s gorgeous!
Now, it’s not top of the list for cuteness but I’ll add Tewkesbury to the mix. Stop by Caffe e Vino for some comforting Italian food.
Autumn Highlights
Farmers’ markets pop up across the region selling cider, apples and baked goods. Pubs serve game dishes and cosy up with fires in the evenings. The Cotswold Way footpath has many sections ideal for autumn walks, where you can hear the crunch of leaves underfoot and take in sweeping countryside views.
The Lake District
*cue Taylor Swift’s “The Lakes”*
The Lake District is one of the UK’s most famous national parks and becomes especially atmospheric in autumn. A two to three day loop from Windermere through Ambleside, Coniston, Keswick and back via Kendal is a great option. If the weather’s dry, you can even have a go at climbing England’s highest spot, Scafell Pike! (I did it in peak summer on a cloudy and super muggy day – don’t recommend those conditions!)
What You’ll See
Start in Windermere, where you can take a boat across the largest lake in England. In Ambleside stop for lunch in one of the cosy cafes before continuing to Coniston Water, a quieter lake surrounded by woodland that glows with colour in October. Head north to Keswick, a really cute and lively market town with shops and pubs and explore Derwentwater where trees line the shore in fiery shades.
Autumn Highlights
Forests around Ullswater and Derwentwater become a picture of gold and amber. Mist often hangs over the water in the morning, giving the landscape a dreamlike look. Traditional pubs serve Cumberland sausage and sticky toffee pudding (possibly the greatest thing in British cuisine), perfect for cooler evenings. If you enjoy hiking, autumn is an excellent time to climb fells like Catbells without the summer crowds.
Snowdonia and North Wales
Snowdonia National Park and North Wales offer a mix of mountains, castles and coastline. A two to three day route starting in Betws-y-Coed, driving through the Llanberis Pass and ending in Caernarfon or Anglesey works well.
What You’ll See
The drive through the Llanberis Pass is one of the most dramatic in the UK, with steep peaks on either side and autumn colours filling the valleys. Stop in Llanberis to take the mountain railway if you want to see Mount Snowdon from the top. Continue to Caernarfon Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the town’s cobbled streets. Cross the Menai Bridge to Anglesey for quiet beaches and coastal walks.
Autumn Highlights
Mornings often bring mist that swirls through the mountains, making the views even more striking. Valleys are covered in golden woodland and traditional Welsh inns offer hearty food and local beer. Autumn also brings festivals celebrating Welsh produce, from apples to cheese.
The Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland
Stretching 120 miles from Belfast to Derry~Londonderry, the Causeway Coastal Route takes two to three days and is filled with dramatic landscapes.
What You’ll See
Visit the Giant’s Causeway, a natural wonder made up of basalt columns. Walk across the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge suspended above the waves and explore Dunluce Castle perched on a cliff edge. The route also passes sandy beaches, fishing villages and viewpoints where you can stop to take in sweeping sea views.
Please note the walk to the rope bridge involves steep steps and unfenced cliff edges and the bridge may close during high winds. It also moves so, if you’re scared of heights like me, I’d sit this one out (or face your fears! You do you. I’m totally fine with carrying on with my life without crossing a rope bridge!).
Autumn Highlights
Autumn sunsets light up the cliffs in gold and orange and the sea is wilder than in summer, making the coastline feel dramatic. Villages like Ballycastle serve fresh seafood and you can visit Game of Thrones filming sites such as Ballintoy Harbour. With fewer visitors in October and November, it is easier to enjoy the atmosphere.
The Peak District
The Peak District is a national park in central England and is ideal for a weekend road trip. A loop from Bakewell through Castleton and Hathersage before finishing in Matlock offers a mix of villages and landscapes.
What You’ll See
Bakewell is famous for its dessert and makes a perfect first stop. Castleton has caverns to explore and the ruins of Peveril Castle overlooking the valley. Drive up to Mam Tor, where you can walk along the ridge for panoramic views of hills covered in autumn colours. Chatsworth House is another highlight, with gardens and parkland that look spectacular in October and is a must for Jane Austen fans.
Autumn Highlights
The Hope Valley is filled with trees that glow in autumn colours. Local markets sell seasonal treats and pubs with low beams and roaring fires invite you in after a day of exploring.
Cornwall Coastal Roads
The magical county of Cornwall is best known as a summer destination, but autumn offers quieter roads and villages. A three to four day route from St Ives to Land’s End or around the Roseland Peninsula showcases some of the best of the county. Or you can opt for northern shores for Newquay for the Bedruthan Steps, the magical village of Boscastle and King Arthur’s Tintagel. If you’ve got the time, you can even stretch to the cute North Devon village of Clovelly and pop over to Lundy Island from Bideford (am I getting carried away? Most likely but the idea is there if you’ve got the time!)
What You’ll See
St Ives is filled with galleries and cafes and is lovely in autumn light. Continue along the coast to Land’s End for dramatic cliff views. The Roseland Peninsula is full of hidden coves and small fishing villages and autumn makes it feel even more peaceful. Head over to my guide to the most magical places in Cornwall for more about Bedruthan Steps, Boscastle & co.
Autumn Highlights
The beaches are almost empty, so you can enjoy coastal walks without crowds. Cafes and pubs serve fresh fish, Cornish pasties (a MUST!) and cider. The autumn sunsets over the sea are especially beautiful for photographers.
The Yorkshire Dales
The Yorkshire Dales are perfect for a weekend trip filled with rural charm. A route from Skipton through Grassington and Kettlewell to Hawes covers some of the region’s best scenery.
What You’ll See
Skipton is known as the Gateway to the Dales and has a medieval castle. Grassington has cobbled streets and independent shops, while Kettlewell is surrounded by rolling hills. Visit Bolton Abbey, where autumn colours surround historic ruins and stop at Aysgarth Falls, where waterfalls roar after autumn rain. Hawes is famous for Wensleydale cheese (another British cuisine gem in my humble opinion!) and has welcoming pubs and tearooms.
Autumn Highlights
The valleys are peaceful, the moors are windswept and colourful and the atmosphere feels timeless. Autumn evenings in the Dales are best spent in traditional inns with local ale by the fire. If this doesn’t inspire you, maybe the new Wuthering Heights adaptation with Margot Robbie will! It was filmed in the Yorkshire Dales National Park with locations including Arkengarthdale, Swale Dale and Low Row. All about a 30min drive from Hawes.
Tips for Best UK Road Trips in Autumn
Best Time to Go
October is the peak for autumn foliage, while late November brings festive markets and a wintery atmosphere.
What to Pack
Layers are essential, including waterproofs and sturdy shoes. A thermos is useful for hot drinks and a camera is a must for the autumn landscapes.
Driving Advice
Country roads can be narrow and fallen leaves may make surfaces slippery. Take care in mist or rain and always book accommodation ahead for weekends in national parks.
Final Thoughts
Autumn transforms the UK into a landscape of golden light, colourful forests and cosy villages. Each road trip offers a different way to enjoy the season, from the mountains of Scotland to the beaches of Cornwall. Whether you are planning a week-long adventure or a quick weekend getaway, these routes will show you the very best of the UK in autumn 2025.
This was a post about some of the best UK road trips.
