Crunchy leaves, golden sunsets and crisp air… Autumn is a beautiful time to travel, and we’re here to share some of our favourite autumn adventures for those looking to explore the UK in their campervans.
Whether you’re considering a campervan conversion and dreaming about where you’d go, or you’re already a proud vanlifer, the British countryside is full of stunning spots ideal for unforgettable autumn escapes.
As well as sharing some of the best campervan routes for autumn adventures, we’ll also dive into the top activities to try on your trip, as well as our list of essential gear you might need.
Ready to start plotting your next trip in your campervan? Grab a brew, get your map and let’s dive into the best autumn adventures right here in the UK!
One of the best parts about having your own campervan conversion is having the ability to explore your home country, without worrying about expensive hotels or needing to rely on public transport.
Instead, you can travel in style with all of your home comforts, before parking up knowing that you have a comfortable and secure van to sleep in.
Here are some of our favourite scenic drives that will have you falling in love with the British countryside all over again!
The Scottish Highlands
We couldn’t possibly talk about UK travel without mentioning the breathtaking Scottish highlands.
We’d recommend starting your journey taking in the sights of historic Edinburgh, before heading north into a landscape that looks like it’s straight out of a fairytale.
From the rugged terrain to the shimmering lochs, the Scottish highlands are certainly a must-not-miss for your autumn road trip.
Top tip: visit Glencoe to see the fiery autumn foliage contrast against the dramatic mountains - and don’t forget to spend cosy nights in your camper relaxing with a hot chocolate under a tartan blanket to truly soak in the beauty of the area.
The Lake District
Next up is the lovely Lake District, a region that’s captured the hearts of poets and artists for centuries. We love to spend time exploring the lakes, enjoying beautiful scenic walks and, if it’s your thing, even trying kayaking, paddleboarding or canoeing!
Looking to hike up to popular spots like Rydal Cave? Make sure to get there nice and early to beat the crowds.
The Cotswolds
For a quintessential English autumn, it’s got to be the Cotswolds. Start in the charming town of Bibury, soaking in the quaint cottages and rolling hills which look especially beautiful in autumn colours.
To feel like you’ve stepped back in time, visit Castle Combe - which is often called one of the prettiest villages in the country. The tiny cobbled lanes and picturesque bridge are a must-see for anyone visiting the Cotswolds.
The New Forest
Last but certainly not least is the New Forest, which is beautiful year-round, but comes into its own in autumn.
With free-roaming ponies grazing under the golden leaves of the trees, autumn in the New Forest really is spectacular. For a family-friendly walk, we recommend the Knightwood Oak Stroll, which takes you past a magnificent oak tree nicknamed the “Queen of the Forest” which is over 500 years old!
Autumn is a magical time to explore nature, so don’t forget to make the most of your trip with some unforgettable seasonal activities.
Leaf peeping and photography
The stunning colours of autumn are something that we look forward to every year, and it’s fantastic to see the leaves change into bright orange and deep red hues.
The UK offers breathtaking landscapes perfect for leaf peeping and photography - for example, in the Lake District, we’re treated to a spectacular palette of reds, yellows and golds, whilst the Chiltern Hills offer stellar views of golden beech trees.
Don't forget your camera – autumn in Britain is a photographer's dream!
Hiking and nature walks
Autumn is perfect for long walks through the countryside. Whether you’re hiking in the Highlands, exploring the Lake District or strolling around the Cotswolds, you’re bound to enjoy soaking in the beautiful scenery of autumn.
After your walk, warm up with a well-deserved cuppa in your camper whilst looking out at the beautiful scenery - after all, you’ll have earned it!
Cycling
Love adventures on your bike? The crisp air of autumn is perfect for cycling around the countryside.
If you’re looking for a campervan conversion ideal for storing your bike safely, check out our Re-Cycle Camper.
Stargazing
The longer nights of autumn mean more time spent stargazing. The UK has some fantastic Dark Sky Discovery Sites, ideal for parking up in your camper.
You could head to the North York Moors National Park, where on a clear night, you might even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights! Remember to pack extra torches for walking around the campsite after dark, but keep lights low when searching for the Northern Lights in the sky.
We love autumn campervan adventures, but we know how unpredictable the UK weather can be. That's why we've put together our must-have list of gear to keep you cosy and comfortable on your travels.
Warm bedding
When it comes to bedding, we’re all about comfort - and just because you’re in your camper, it doesn’t mean you should sacrifice on good-quality bedding!
A good duvet or warm sleeping bag is essential for those chilly autumn nights. If you’re short on space, a silk-thread duvet works well, as it’s thin enough to leave on the bed if you’re in a camper with a pop-up top, as you can leave this on the bed and put the top down. If you prefer sleeping bags, choose a three-season double bag with zips on each side for easy access.
If you’re searching for a comfortable campervan conversion with a built-in double bed, take a look at our AddVenture Camper.
Waterproof clothing
Whilst we all dream of crisp, sunny days, a good-quality waterproof jacket is one of the best investments you can make for autumn camping. We always look for jackets with taped seams and storm flaps for extra protection.
Don't forget to pack layers too - thermals, woolly hats, and fleeces are our go-to items. They're perfect for adding or removing as the weather changes.
Portable heater
Keep your van toasty-warm with a portable heater. Electric heaters are our top choice - they're safe, efficient, and often come with handy features like thermostats and timers.
Autumn-appropriate footwear
Wearing the right footwear for autumn adventures is key. We’d recommend packing a pair of sturdy trainers, walking boots and wellies. For evenings spent chilling in your van, you may also want a pair of cosy slippers for if it gets chilly.
Keen to explore the UK and beyond in your own campervan? Take a look at our AddVenture Camper today! Featuring an innovative slide-out back that increases your internal living space by 50%, our AddVenture Camper has a full bathroom, kitchen and double bed on board to sleep two people in comfort.
Check out the AddVenture Camper here, or make an inquiry today.
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