Summer might be behind you, but your road-trip calendar doesn’t need to be. The autumn equinox took place on 23 September 2026, marking the astronomical start of autumn.
Now October is here, the landscape is starting to change and cooler weather can make days out on foot more comfortable. Autumn colour across the UK can develop from late September into November, making October a good month to get out on the road.
Planning a spontaneous day out might mean borrowing a parent’s, partner’s or friend’s car. If so, one day car insurance can give you temporary cover for a single day, subject to eligibility and policy terms.
Once the practical side is sorted, all that’s left is deciding where to go. Here are six autumn road trips in the UK to think about this October.
Where to go on an autumn road trip in the UK
From the Peak District to the North Norfolk coast, there are plenty of places to enjoy an autumn road trip in the UK.
We’ve picked six destinations that give you different ways to experience the season, from lakes and woodland to open countryside and the coast.
Peak District and the Derwent Valley
For a classic autumn drive, head towards the Derwent Valley and Ladybower Reservoir in the Peak District. This is a good choice if you want big views, winding roads and plenty of places to stop without planning every minute of the day.
The reservoirs give the route a calm, open feel, while the surrounding hills make it a rewarding drive even if you only have a few hours. Pack sturdy shoes and leave time for a short walk or viewpoint stop before heading home.
Check the weather, parking and walking conditions before you set off, especially if you’re planning to explore beyond the main viewpoints.
Ullswater or Keswick, Lake District
If you want your autumn road trip to feel like a proper escape, the Lake District is hard to beat. A drive around Ullswater gives you water, woodland and mountain views in one route, while Keswick works well if you want a base for a walk, lunch or a slower afternoon.
October brings a softer feel to the lakes after the busiest part of summer. It’s still popular, especially during half-term and dry weekends, so plan your route and parking before you leave.
This is a good option if you want the journey itself to feel special, not just the destination.
Wye Valley
The Wye Valley is a great choice if you want autumn colour to be the main event. The mix of woodland, river views and quiet stopping points makes it feel made for a relaxed October drive.
You can keep the day simple with one scenic route, a short walk and a stop for lunch. That makes it a good option if you don’t want a packed itinerary but still want the day to feel worthwhile.
It’s also well placed if you’re travelling from Wales, the West Midlands or the South West.
North Norfolk coast
Not every autumn road trip needs forests and hills. The North Norfolk coast gives you wide skies, open roads and a completely different kind of seasonal day out.
After the summer rush, the coast can feel quieter and more spacious. Choose one or two places to visit, take a walk by the sea and give yourself time to enjoy the slower pace.
Pack for changeable weather. A bright October day can quickly turn breezy by the water.
Scottish Borders and Peebles
Peebles is a good starting point if you want a countryside drive with a peaceful, unhurried feel. The Scottish Borders offer riverside scenery, woodland roads and plenty of places where you can stop without feeling like you need to tick off a long list.
This route suits a slower day. Keep your plans loose, enjoy the drive and leave space for a walk or coffee stop if you find somewhere you like.
This is the ideal choice if you want an autumn road trip that feels scenic but not too crowded.
Shropshire Hills
The Shropshire Hills are ideal for a simple countryside escape, especially if you’re travelling from the Midlands. Expect open landscapes, hill views and quieter roads that make the drive feel like part of the day.
This is a good route when you want fresh air without overcomplicating the plan. Choose a manageable loop, stop for a walk or lunch and give yourself enough time to enjoy the views before the light starts to fade.
Borrowing a car for your autumn road trip?
You might want to borrow a parent’s, partner’s or friend’s car because it suits the journey better than your own. You may simply not have regular access to a car. Having the owner’s permission doesn’t mean you’re insured to drive it, so it’s worth taking a moment to check if you’re eligible for temporary cover before you leave.
If you only need the car for the trip, one day car insurance may be a suitable option. Our short term car insurance provides cover from 1 hour to 30 days, giving you flexibility when you only need a car temporarily.
If that sounds right for your plans, find out more about temporary cover and how it works.
Planning to share the driving? Each person needs insurance to drive the car, so don’t assume one person’s cover automatically extends to another driver.
Staying overnight? Consider short term or weekend car insurance
Sometimes a day out turns into an overnight stay. You may decide you want longer at your destination, or you might prefer not to fit the return journey into a shorter autumn day.
One day car insurance can suit a single day of driving. If you need the car for two or three days, weekend car insurance can provide cover for a weekend away, while short-term car insurance is the wider term for flexible temporary policies.
Our temporary policies are available from 1 hour to 30 days, subject to eligibility. Make sure the period you choose covers the full time you expect to have or drive the car.
What should you check before an autumn road trip?
Autumn can bring lower temperatures and unsettled weather. The days are shorter too, so a little preparation can make your trip easier. If you expect to be on the road as daylight fades, our tips for driving at dusk can help you prepare for the changing conditions.
Before setting off:
- Check the weather forecast shortly before you leave
- Look for local parking or access information
- Check opening times if your plans depend on a particular attraction
- Plan your journey around the available daylight
- Take layers and a waterproof outer layer
- Check your car’s lights and tyres
- Top up your screenwash
- Make sure you have enough fuel or charge for the route
- Download directions if you’re travelling through rural areas with unreliable mobile signal
- Check your insurance if you’re borrowing the car or sharing the driving
- Keep your plans realistic – trying to fit too much into one day can make the trip feel rushed
Make the journey part of the day
It’s easy to focus on where you’re going and forget about the journey itself. Try choosing one main destination and leaving some space in your plans for an unexpected stop. You might spot a viewpoint you want to explore or decide to stay longer over lunch.
A scenic route can be part of the experience rather than simply the road that gets you there. Take regular breaks on longer drives and remember that darkness arrives earlier in October than it does in summer. Giving yourself enough time means there’s less pressure to rush back.
Ready for your autumn road trip?
Autumn can be a rewarding time to explore the UK by car. In October, familiar places can take on a different character and there are plenty of opportunities for a simple day away.
Choose somewhere that feels achievable and check the conditions before you leave. Most importantly, give yourself enough time to enjoy the day. If you’re borrowing somebody else’s car, make sure you have appropriate insurance in place before setting off.
Borrowing a car for your autumn escape? Get a one day car insurance quote with us before you set off.
FAQs
Is October a good time for a UK road trip?
Yes. October can be a good time for a UK road trip, with changing landscapes and plenty of options for countryside or coastal days out. Autumn colour can develop from late September into November. Check local conditions, the forecast and daylight times before travelling.
Where can I go for an autumn day trip?
There are plenty of options for autumn day trips across the UK. You could visit the Peak District, Lake District or Wye Valley. The North Norfolk coast, Scottish Borders and Shropshire Hills also offer scenic drives and places to stop along the way.
Can I get one day car insurance for a road trip?
Yes, subject to eligibility and policy terms. Our one day car insurance can be useful if you only need to borrow or drive a car for one day, including for a day trip or road trip.
Can I borrow somebody else’s car for a day trip?
Yes. You’ll need the owner’s permission and suitable insurance to drive their car. Short term car insurance may be an option if you only need to use the vehicle temporarily.
Can I get temporary car insurance for a weekend away?
Yes. Our temporary car insurance can provide cover from 1 hour to 30 days, subject to eligibility and policy terms. This means you can choose a period that covers a weekend trip rather than taking out an annual policy.
Can two people share the driving on a road trip?
Yes, but each person needs suitable insurance to drive the car. Don’t assume that one driver’s temporary insurance policy automatically covers someone else who wants to take a turn behind the wheel.
