The Best Motorhome Destinations For Autumn In The UK

Autumn might be one of the finest seasons for a UK motorhome trip. The summer crowds have lessened, campsites are generally quieter and the countryside puts on a beautiful display with copper leaves and low golden light.

Whether you are an experienced motorhomer or are about to pick up the keys for the first time, September to November has some brilliant touring spots across the UK. Here are our favourite destinations to head to in your motorhome hire vehicle this autumn.

The Scottish Highlands

Scotland in the autumn is extraordinary and with fewer visitors than in July and August the roads feel like yours. The North Coast 500, which is Scotland's epic 516 mile coastal route starting and finishing in Inverness is widely thought of as one of the world's great road trips and autumn shows it at its very best.

Stop off at Loch Torridon
Pass through Applecross via the Bealach na Bà mountain pass
Push north to Duncansby Head

There are many motorhome friendly campsites along the route, although booking ahead from late September onwards is wise as some do close for the winter.

The Lake District - Cumbria

The Lake District is one of the places that improves when the summer visitors head home. Windermere, Ullswater and Coniston are beautiful but they become dramatic in the autumn which isn't seen in other seasons. Walking trails that were busy in August become peaceful and the woodland around Grizedale Forest turns into amber and bronze tones.

Keswick is a great base as there are several decent campsites within easy reach and the town has good facilities for stocking up on essentials. Park up, brew a drink and take in Derwentwater on a misty morning.

The New Forest - Hampshire

The New Forest has a very particular kind of autumn wonder. The ancient woodland, much of it over 1,000 years old, transforms in the autumn, with deer between the oaks and ponies grazing along the roadside. It's a place that is ideal for slow travel and a motorhome is the perfect way to explore it.

The forest houses several campsites designed with motorhomes in mind and the surrounding villages of Burley, Brockenhurst and Fordingbridge are worth an afternoon visit. Be careful while driving in the area though as the ponies have right of way.

Snowdonia - North Wales

Snowdonia National Park in autumn is dramatic with the kind of landscape that makes you want to pull over to enjoy the views. The A470 through the heart of the park is one of the best autumn drives, taking you past Bala Lake, through Dolgellau and up to the Rhinog mountains.

The park has good motorhome access and a number of certified pitches and campsites. If the weather takes a turn and in Snowdonia, it could, the nearby market town of Dolgellau has independent cafés that will keep you occupied.

The Northumberland Coast

Northumberland is one of England's finest and least visited coastlines and in autumn it is lovely. Expect wide, empty beaches like Bamburgh, Alnmouth and Druridge Bay, which stretch for miles with barely anyone in sight. Bamburgh Castle above the shoreline on a grey October morning is a memorable sight.

The area is dark sky certified in places and with the short autumn days, stargazing from your motorhome pitch is a real treat.

Tips For Autumn Motorhome Touring

Before you set off here are a few practical tips worth keeping in mind:

Book campsites in advance for late September - some sites close mid-October
Pack layers & waterproofs - autumn weather in the UK changes quickly
Check daylight hours for your route to plan driving time
Carry a torch & spare blankets for colder evenings
Fill up on water & empty waste tanks more regularly

Autumn touring in a motorhome is a different experience to the summer holidays. They are more considered, quieter and for many people, more rewarding. If you are ready to explore the UK in the autumn we'd love to help you plan it. Simply get in touch with our team for hire advice or book in your motorhome trip today.