This is a post about some of the best UK road trips.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase from them I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This website is reader-backed and by choosing to purchase from this links you help it stay online. I truly appreciate the support!
If you’re after UK road trip ideas, autumn might be the best time to actually do it. 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 covers 8 UK road trip ideas for autumn, though most of them work well any time of year, with suggested routes, key stops and practical tips.
Quick Guide: Best UK Road Trips
📍 Best starting points: Inverness for the North Coast 500 / Oxford for the Cotswolds / Windermere for the Lake District / Belfast for the Causeway Coastal Route
🚗 Getting around: You’ll need a car for every route on this list, none of these work well on public transport
🗓️ Best time to go: October for peak foliage and fewer crowds / late November for a cosier, festive feel
🏨 Where to stay: I always book my hotel stays on Booking.com!
🎒 What to pack: layers, waterproofs and a proper thermos
⚠️ Heads up: country roads narrow fast and wet leaves get slippery, so take corners slowly and book accommodation ahead for national park weekends
8 UK Road Trip Ideas for Autumn
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 for turquoise water 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.
With a route this long you’ll want to book accommodation ahead. I always start with Booking.com to see what’s available along the way. Most of the time it’s where I end up booking it.
I would be remiss if I 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. For more Scotland road trip ideas beyond the NC500, both those guides go deeper into planning.
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.
MORE ON SCOTLAND: 12 Best Scottish Castles Worth Building a Trip Around
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 delicious, 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.
LOOKING FOR WEEKEND TRIPS FOR UK AUTUMN? READ THIS: Cosiest Weekend Trips from London by Train: Best Autumn Getaways
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 gorgeous 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. You can book the Windermere cruise ahead through GetYourGuide, which is worth doing if you’re visiting at a busy time. 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 those beautiful autumn 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. Make sure it’s safe though!! The last couple of autumns have been so rainy!
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. Tickets sell out, so I’d book in advance rather than turning up and hoping. 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.
AUTUMN IN LONDON: 12 Autumn Day Trips from London for Stunning Golden Foliage
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. Entry to the rope bridge is timed and does sell out in busy periods, so I’d book ahead for this too. 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 it.
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. It gets busy at weekends, so think about grabbing tickets ahead through their official website.
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 are perfect 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 (it might get windy though!). Cafes and pubs serve fresh fish, Cornish pasties (a must!) and cider. The autumn sunsets over the sea are especially beautiful for photographers.
MYSTICAL CORNWALL: Most Magical Places in Cornwall
The Yorkshire Dales
The Yorkshire Dales are perfect for a weekend trip filled with Brontë vibes. 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 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.
MAGICAL UK: The Best Witchy Places to Visit in the UK
FAQ: UK Road Trip Ideas for Autumn
The North Coast 500 in Scotland is the classic choice for autumn colour and drama, but it’s also the longest at five to seven days. If you want something shorter, the Lake District or Yorkshire Dales both deliver proper autumn scenery in a weekend.
October is peak foliage across most of the country. It’s also usually drier. Late November trades some of the colour for a quieter, more festive atmosphere, with Christmas markets starting to open in towns along most of these routes. It can also be very wet!
Yes, for every route on this list. None of these are realistic by public transport and a lot of the best stops (Torridon, the Roseland Peninsula, the Llanberis Pass) simply aren’t served by trains or buses.
The main adjustment for most visitors is driving on the left. Roundabouts and single-track roads with passing places (common on the North Coast 500) take a bit of getting used to, but they’re straightforward once you’ve done a few.
It depends on the route. The Cotswolds, Peak District or Yorkshire Dales work well as a weekend. The Lake District, Snowdonia or the Causeway Coastal Route are better with two to three days. The North Coast 500 needs at least five.
Honestly, it varies. Sometimes autumn waits til late October to early November to appear. Last year it came earlier in October.
Scotland’s North Coast 500, the Lake District, the Cotswolds and the Yorkshire Dales are some of the best areas for autumn colour, while the Peak District, Snowdonia and Cornwall’s coastal roads all have their own version of the season worth building a road trip around. Surrey is also a great area for hiking among the fallen leaves!
It’s one of the best, especially October. Crowds thin out after summer, prices tend to drop and the countryside turns gold through October. The trade-off is less daylight and more unpredictable weather, so pack for both sunshine and rain. Daylight savings time tends to end on the last weekend of October.
Subjective, but the Lake District and Scottish Highlands come up most often and both look their best in autumn when the fells and glens turn amber. The Cotswolds is the answer if you’d prefer the cute honey-coloured villages rather than the dramatic mountains.
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 UK road trip ideas will show you the very best of the country this autumn.
This was a post about some of the best UK road trips.
