Autumn is a spectacular time for a motorhome or campervan adventure in the UK. The crowds have thinned, the landscapes are set ablaze with colour, and there's a crisp, magical atmosphere perfect for cosying up in your van.
Here’s a
guide to each of your fantastic locations.
1. Lake
District, Cumbria
Why it's fantastic in autumn: The Lake District becomes a dramatic canvas of rust, gold and amber. The fells are often dusted with morning mist, creating breathtaking reflections in the lakes. It's the perfect season for hiking without the summer bustle, followed by a pint in a traditional pub with a roaring fire.
· Top things to do:
o Take a scenic drive over the Honister Pass for staggering autumnal views.
o Enjoy a serene cruise on Lake Windermere or Ullswater, surrounded by fiery woodlands.
o Hike up Catbells for relatively low-level but spectacular views over Derwentwater.
· Don't miss: A walk through the ancient woodland of Whinlatter Forest, England's only true mountain forest, where the colours are unparalleled.
· Campsites:
o The Quiet Site (Ullswater): A renowned, eco-friendly site with a fantastic pub and stunning location.
o Park Cliffe Camping & Caravan Estate (Windermere): Offers great facilities and beautiful woodland pitches.
o Great Langdale Campsite (National Trust): A stunning valley location, perfect for hikers.
2. Peak
District, Derbyshire
Why it's
fantastic in autumn: The Peak District's rugged moorlands and deep, wooded valleys (or
'dales') look magnificent in the autumn light. The heather may have faded, but
the golden birch trees and bracken create a warm, glowing landscape. It's ideal
for crisp, clear days of exploration.
· Top things to do:
o Walk through Dovedale and cross its iconic stepping stones.
o Explore the underground wonders of Poole's Cavern in Buxton.
o Drive across the wild and dramatic Cat and Fiddle Road (A537) from Buxton to Macclesfield.
· Don't miss: The view from Stanage Edge at sunset, when the gritstone edge glows and the autumn colours in the valley below are sublime.
· Campsites:
o North Lees Campsite (Hathersage): Located right at the foot of Stanage Edge, a basic but unbeatable location.
o Rivendale Caravan & Leisure Park (Buxton): A well-equipped site set in a forest with a great pub.
o Laneside Caravan Park (Hope Valley): A small, family-run site with immaculate facilities.
3.
Northumberland National Park
Why it's
fantastic in autumn: Experience true wilderness and solitude. The skies are often
crystal clear, and with minimal light pollution, it's one of the best places in
the UK for stargazing. The autumn colours in the valleys of the River Coquet
and South Tyne are simply stunning.
· Top things to do:
o Visit the Kielder Water & Forest Park, home to the largest man-made lake and the largest dark sky park in Europe.
o Walk a section of Hadrian's Wall Path, such as from Steel Rigg to Housesteads Fort.
o Explore the charming stone villages like Rothbury.
· Don't miss: The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre – a fantastic gateway to the park and Hadrian's Wall.
· Campsites:
o Battlesteads Campsite (Wark): A certified Dark Sky-friendly site with excellent facilities and a renowned pub.
o Herding Hill Farm (Hadrian's Wall): Offers glamping pods and great touring pitches close to the wall.
o Kielder Camping and Caravanning Club Site: For total immersion in the forest and dark skies.
4.
Yorkshire Dales, North Yorkshire
Why it's
fantastic in autumn: The Dales are defined by their drystone walls, barns, and deep
valleys (dales). In autumn, the patchwork of fields is accentuated, and the
woodland in places like Wensleydale and Swaledale turns to gold. It’s a
classic, pastoral English autumn scene.
· Top things to do:
o Marvel at the 30-metre drop of Aysgarth Falls, especially dramatic after autumn rains.
o Explore the vast underground cathedral of White Scar Cave.
o Drive through Buttertubs Pass, a spectacular route made famous by the Tour de France.
· Don't miss: A visit to the market town of Hawes to watch cheese being made at the Wensleydale Creamery – the perfect autumn treat.
· Campsites:
o Bainbridge Ings Caravan Park (Wensleydale): Beautiful riverside location within walking distance of Hawes.
o Stow House Touring Park (Reeth, Swaledale): A small, peaceful site with stunning valley views.
o Kettlewell Camping & Caravanning Club Site: A great base for exploring Upper Wharfedale.
5. Forest
of Dean & Wye Valley
Why it's
fantastic in autumn: This is arguably one of the UK's top destinations for autumn
colour. The ancient oak woodlands of the Forest of Dean and the steep-sided Wye
Valley become a breathtaking tapestry of red, orange, and yellow. It’s a
magical, almost fairy-tale landscape.
· Top things to do:
o Walk or cycle the family-friendly Sculpture Trail in the forest.
o Canoe down the River Wye from Ross-on-Wye to Symonds Yat for a unique perspective.
o Visit the spectacular ruins of Tintern Abbey, beautifully framed by autumn foliage.
· Don't miss: The view from Symonds Yat Rock over the horseshoe bend of the Wye, winding through a sea of gold.
· Campsites:
o Bracelands Caravan & Camping Park: A large, well-equipped site right in the heart of the forest.
o Christchurch Caravan and Camping Park (Lydney): Beautiful views over the Severn Estuary, close to the forest.
o Wye Valley Camping: A smaller, more rustic site with direct access to the river.
6. Norfolk
Coast
Why it's
fantastic in autumn: This is a season for wild, windswept walks and big skies. The
summer tourists have gone, leaving vast beaches, nature reserves teeming with
migrating birds, and a serene, atmospheric coastline. It's perfect for blowing
away the cobwebs.
· Top things to do:
o Walk along the vast beach at Holkham Bay and through the pine woods.
o Spot seals at Blakeney Point (boat trips often run into October).
o Explore the traditional seaside charm of Wells-next-the-Sea with its colourful beach huts.
· Don't miss: A trip to the medieval shrine at Little Walsingham or the ruins of Binham Priory for a touch of history amidst the autumn mists.
· Campsites:
o Deepdale Camping (Brancaster Statthe): A fantastic, eco-aware site with great facilities, a cafe, and a backpackers' vibe.
o Pinewoods Holiday Park (Wells-next-the-Sea): Located right by the beach and pine woods.
o Manor Farm Campsite (Salthouse): A simple, friendly CL site with stunning views over the salt marshes.
7.
Cotswolds, Gloucestershire/Oxfordshire
Why it's
fantastic in autumn: The honey-coloured stone villages of the Cotswolds look even more
enchanting nestled amongst golden trees. It's a season for country pubs with
log fires, foraging for blackberries, and exploring historic houses surrounded
by stunning parkland.
· Top things to do:
o Get lost in the grounds of Westonbirt Arboretum, the UK's finest collection of trees, which is at its absolute peak in autumn.
o Explore the quintessential villages of Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Stow-on-the-Wold.
o Visit Blenheim Palace to walk through the Capability Brown landscape in its autumn glory.
· Don't miss: Westonbirt Arboretum. It is an unmissable autumnal spectacle.
· Campsites:
o The Camping and Caravanning Club Site, Moreton-in-Marsh: A well-located, formal site within walking distance of the town.
o Broadings Farm Campsite (nr. Stow-on-the-Wold): A peaceful, adults-only site with beautiful views.
o Cotswold View Touring Park (Oxfordshire): A well-reviewed site with excellent facilities.
8.
Snowdonia / Eryri National Park, North Wales
Why it's
fantastic in autumn: The rugged mountains of Snowdonia are dramatic year-round, but
autumn adds a softness with its golden bracken and clear, crisp air. The
waterfalls are often in full flow, and the tourist hotspots are much quieter.
· Top things to do:
o Take the Snowdon Mountain Railway to the summit for panoramic views without the hike.
o Visit the incredible cascades at Swallow Falls (Betws-y-Coed) or Pistyll Rhaeadr (just outside the park).
o Explore the epic castles of Harlech and Caernarfon.
· Don't miss: The stunningly located Llyn Padarn lake near Llanberis, with the mountains reflected in its waters.
· Campsites:
o Cae Gwyn Farm Camping (Snowdonia): A simple, back-to-basics site in a stunning, remote valley.
o Rhyd-y-Creuau Campsite (The Snowdonia Society, Betws-y-Coed): A beautiful, wooded site by a river.
o Llyn Gwynant Campsite: One of the most beautifully located campsites in the UK, right on the lake.
9.
Perthshire, Scotland
Why it's
fantastic in autumn: Known as "Big Tree Country," Perthshire is the
undisputed champion of Scottish autumn colour. The combination of ancient
Caledonian pine forests, majestic lochs, and grand estates creates a truly
majestic autumnal experience.
· Top things to do:
o Walk through the Hermitage near Dunkeld to see the spectacular Black Linn Falls, surrounded by giant Douglas firs.
o Visit the picturesque Queen's View over Loch Tummel.
o Explore the grounds of Scone Palace, the ancient crowning place of Scottish kings.
· Don't miss: The Pass of Killiecrankie – a deep, wooded gorge where the colours are phenomenal, and you can look for the "Soldier's Leap."
· Campsites:
o Loch Katrine Eco Camping (Trossachs): A beautiful, off-grid site on the shores of Loch Katrine (booking essential).
o Drum Mohr Caravan Park (Muirhead): A well-equipped, family-run park within easy reach of Edinburgh, the Highlands and Perthshire.
o Dalraddy Caravan Park (Aviemore): A luxurious park set in a mature woodland, perfect for exploring the Cairngorms and northern Perthshire.
10.
Cornwall, South West England
Why it's
fantastic in autumn: After the summer rush, Cornwall reclaims its wild soul. The
Atlantic storms are dramatic to watch from a cosy van, the water is still
relatively warm for surfing, and you can explore iconic spots like St Michael's
Mount without the queues. It's also the season for food festivals celebrating
the harvest.
· Top things to do:
o Walk a section of the South West Coast Path, such as from St Ives to Zennor.
o Visit the world-famous Eden Project, where the outdoor biomes look stunning in autumn.
o Explore the arty fishing port of St Ives without the crowds.
· Don't miss: A trip to the Minack Theatre, an open-air theatre carved into the cliffs, which often has autumnal performances.
· Campsites:
o Trewan Hall (nr. Newquay): A beautiful, family-friendly site set in a wooded estate.
o Trevella Park (Crantock): A high-quality park with fishing lakes, close to a fantastic beach.
o Polmanter Touring Park (St Ives): A well-equipped, award-winning site within walking distance of the town.
A final tip for your autumnal
motorhome adventure: Always check the opening times for attractions and campsites, as
many switch to winter hours from October onwards. Book your campsites in
advance, especially for October half-term. Most importantly, pack warm layers,
waterproofs, and be prepared for all weathers – the changing conditions are all
part of the magic! Happy travelling.
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