Chasing Autumn Colours on a UK Campervan Road Trip
As summer crowds begin to disappear and the countryside turns beautiful shades of burnt orange, gold and red, it’s the perfect excuse to escape for a few days and enjoy a little freedom on the open road. Imagine waking up beside a peaceful lake, pulling on your walking boots for a crisp morning walk through the woods, or finding a cosy country pub for Sunday lunch before heading back to your campervan as the evening draws in.
Five of the best places in the UK for an autumn road trip
And you don’t need to own one to enjoy the experience. Campervan and motorhome rental platform Goboony connects holidaymakers with owners renting out their vehicles, with everything from compact campers for two to larger motorhomes suitable for a family adventure.
It means you can have all the fun of campervan life without the commitment of having one permanently parked on the drive.
So, if you’re not quite ready to hibernate for winter, an autumn road trip could be just what you need. Pack some cosy jumpers, download your favourite playlist, stock up on road-trip snacks and head off in search of spectacular scenery, crisp autumn walks and those wonderfully spontaneous moments that make a getaway memorable.
New Forest, England
If your perfect autumn getaway involves crunchy leaves, cosy country pubs and plenty of beautiful scenery, the New Forest is hard to beat. Come autumn, the landscape is transformed with shades of russet, gold and deep red, making even a simple drive through the forest feel special.
Park up and head out on foot or by bike to explore the woodland and open heathland, keeping an eye out for the famous New Forest ponies roaming freely along the way. With pretty villages, traditional pubs and the Hampshire coastline within easy reach, there’s plenty to fill a few leisurely days.
If you’re planning to linger a little longer, take a look at our New Forest articles and recommendations from Sarah B for more inspiration on where to go, what to see and places worth stopping along the way. You can also browse our Hampshire travel inspiration from Sarah F or even more ideas, from days out and great places to eat to beautiful spots to add to your autumn road-trip itinerary.
The Cairngorms, Scotland
For a road trip with a real sense of adventure, point the campervan north towards the Cairngorms. Autumn brings spectacular colour to this already dramatic corner of Scotland, along with quieter walking trails and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife.
Spend your days hiking through forests and mountains, stopping at scenic viewpoints and discovering some of the small towns and villages along the way. And when the temperature drops? This is whisky country, so you’ll find distilleries offering tours and tastings throughout the region – a suitably Scottish way to round off an autumn day.
The Cotswolds, England
Chocolate-box perfect cottages, winding country lanes and cosy pubs with roaring fires, the Cotswolds was practically made for autumn road trips. Add trees turning every shade of orange and gold and those impossibly pretty villages become even more photogenic.
The Cotswolds is always a popular choice for a UK getaway, and it’s easy to see why. If you’re looking for inspiration before you set off, have a browse through our Cotswolds articles, where you’ll find plenty of ideas for lovely places to visit, things to do, great places to eat and hidden gems worth adding to your route.
Take your time exploring places such as Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold and Broadway, stopping for countryside walks, coffee and cake, or a long pub lunch along the way. It’s also an easy escape from London, making it a great choice if you only have a long weekend to spare.
Northumberland, England
If you like your autumn adventures with a side of castles, wild beaches and big open skies, Northumberland should be high on your list. There’s a wonderful feeling of space here, and travelling by campervan gives you the freedom to combine colourful countryside with historic towns and the spectacular Northumberland coast.
Visit magnificent castles by day, wrap up for a walk along an almost-empty beach, then look skywards once darkness falls. Northumberland is home to some of England’s darkest skies, making an autumn road trip here a brilliant opportunity for stargazing too.
And if you have time to turn your road trip into a longer adventure, there’s plenty more to discover across this part of the country. Have a browse through our articles about the North East for inspiration on brilliant places to visit, days out, restaurants, coastal escapes and hidden gems to add to your itinerary.
Forest of Dean, England
For those glorious autumn colours you’ve been picturing, head to the Forest of Dean. Its ancient woodland becomes a patchwork of reds, oranges and golds as the seasons change, with miles of trails tempting you to park up, pull on your walking boots and disappear beneath the trees for a few hours.
Make time to explore beyond the forest too. The neighbouring Wye Valley brings pretty villages, riverside walks, viewpoints and winding country roads into the mix, making this a lovely part of the country to explore slowly. Pack a flask, bring your camera and leave plenty of room in the itinerary for spontaneous stops along the way.
By – Newsdesk
Images – Gaboony
