As the weather starts to cool off and the British countryside starts to gain its autumnal colours, it can be the perfect time to explore the UK by road. From the rugged Scottish Highlands to the charming villages of the Cotswolds, the UK offers some of the most scenic routes and unforgettable road trip adventures.
In this guide, we’ll take you through our top picks for autumn road trips across the UK, including must-see attractions and helpful travel advice to make your journey as smooth and memorable as possible.
Scotland: The North Coast 500
The North Coast 500, often referred to as Scotland’s answer to Route 66, is a 516 mile route around some of the most scenic roads the UK has to offer. Starting and ending in Inverness, this drive is ideal for a week-long autumn adventure.
Key highlights:
- Dunrobin Castle: the most northerly of Scotland’s great houses and the largest in the Northern Highlands, this 13th century castle is a must-visit.
- Ullapool: this vibrant fishing village offers a wide selection of things to see and do, including many great food spots, hiking opportunities, boat trips and markets.
- Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve: famous for its diverse wildlife, this is the UK’s very first National Nature Reserve and covers around 48 square kilometres. If you’re luckily you might even spot a golden eagle here!
With fewer tourists in autumn, you can enjoy quieter roads and soak up the Scottish scenery with less crowds.
Cornwall and Devon: The Atlantic Highway (A39)
Stretching around 70 miles from Barnstaple in Devon to Newquay in Cornwall, the Atlantic Highway is a stunning coastal route perfect for families and adventurers.
Key highlights:
- Bude: a family-friendly seaside town known for its beaches and surf schools. It has a great mix of coastal scenery, outdoor activities and a lively town atmosphere.
- Tintagel Castle: steeped in Arthurian legend, this medieval castle is one of the most spectacular historical sites in Britain, as well as one of the most famous.
- Padstow: this food-lover’s haven with its scenic harbour, coastal scenery and popular restaurants is well worth a visit. The historic fishing port also offers easy access to coastal walks and boat trips for wildlife watching.
Whether you’re looking to catch some waves or just sample some traditional Cornish pasties, this route showcases some of the best of England’s southwest coast.
The Cotswolds: rural England road trip
With stone cottages, cosy pubs and rolling hills, you don’t get much more traditionally English than the Cotswolds. A scenic road trip through the Cotswold’s quaint villages in autumn is a must, with the landscape coming alive with the colours of the season.
Key highlights:
- Bourton-on-the-Water: this picturesque village is a big tourist hotspot in the Cotswolds, with traditional buildings, cozy tea rooms and a model village.
- The National Arboretum: a perfect stop-off on an autumn road trip, with over 150 acres where you can explore trees from all over the world.
- Cotswold Lakes: a large area of lakes situated near Cirencester, this water park offers numerous water-based and outdoor activities that are fun for the whole family.
The Cotswolds is a busy tourist destination year-round, with autumn being no exception. Make sure to book your attraction tickets and accommodation early to avoid any disappointment.
Wales: Black Mountain Pass (A4069)
Known as one of the most thrilling drives in Wales, the Black Mountain Pass starts in Llandovery heading south to Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen. This 20 mile route features national parks, waterfalls, caves, hills, mountains and lots of wildlife.
Key highlights:
- Tro Gwcw (Cuckoo Turn): this series of hairpin bends along the Pass offers sweeping mountain views and entices keen motorists from all over the world.
- The Cambrian Way: this long-distance walking and cycling route travels along Wales’s mountainous spine. It’s a great attraction for hikers, cyclists and photographers.
- Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons National Park): including South Wales highest mountain, Pen y Fan, this national park is home to spectacular waterfalls and a variety of wildlife making it perfect for a crisp autumn walk.
From exhilarating driving routes to the stunning Welsh scenery, this route is perfect for both driving and exploring on foot.
Dorset: Jurassic Coast
Stretching 95 miles along the southern coast of England, the Jurassic Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its dramatic cliffs and rock formations from Jurassic, Triassic and Cretaceous periods.
Key highlights:
- Durdle Door: this iconic limestone arch is a must-see landmark in this area of the country. It is one of the most photographed landmarks in the UK and draws visitors from all over the world.
- Lulworth Cove: a stunning natural harbour with coastal walks and unique landforms including the Lulworth Crumple and Stair Hole. It is a very popular destination for tourists as well as nature lovers who come for walks and to enjoy the clear waters.
- Lyme Regis: this seaside town is a must-visit, especially for those who enjoy fossil hunting. You can walk along the pebbly beach spotting fossils yourself or take a guided fossil walk with an expert.
It is possible to complete this route in a day, but it is much better to allow a few days so that you can fully appreciate all the route has to offer, including beaches, historical landmarks and coastal trails.
Preparing for your autumn road trip
Before you hit the road this autumn, make sure you know your route and that you’re ready for whatever the UK’s changeable weather can bring.
Autumn road trip checklist:
- Plan your itinerary: include must-see locations, driving times, food stops and overnight stays.
- Pack cleverly: some places may not have readily accessible shops so make sure you bring layers, waterproofs, hiking boots, snacks and water.
- Pre-trip car checks: ensure your tyres, wipers, oil level, brakes and lights are all in working order before you set off.
- Emergency kit: include a torch, blanket, first aid kit and portable charger for any emergency situations.
- Insurance: make sure everyone who is planning to drive on your autumn road trip is fully insured on the vehicle being driven.
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