12 Fall Road Trips in the UK That Will Make You Love the Season Even More

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Are you planning a fall road trip in the United Kingdom? Are you searching for epic fall foliage and iconic British attractions? You’ve come to the right place if you answered yes to either of those questions. Road-tripping is an excellent way to explore the UK’s rugged mountain landscapes, picturesque coastlines, and breathtaking national parks.

Better yet, the UK’s landscape is brought to life in autumn with a kaleidoscope of fall colors. To learn more, we’ve compiled a list of 12 fall road trips in the UK jam-packed with exciting attractions, scenic landscapes, and fall foliage. As someone from the UK, I’m ideally placed to show you what you’re missing.

The Great West Way, England

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One of the most underrated road trips in the United Kingdom is the Great West Way, a stunning route between London and Bristol. This fascinating road trip follows ancient woodlands and roads commissioned by the kings of England. It offers up to 500 miles (804 kilometers) of navigable routes that feature many iconic destinations.

However, the main driving section of this route is 125 miles (201 kilometers) long. Along the road, you drive through idyllic countryside, displaying fiery red and orange fall foliage, elegant towns, and charming villages. Take a stop off at Windsor, explore the stunning Cotswolds National Park, and visit world-famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Stonehenge, Bath, and Kew Gardens.

Cheddar Gorge, England

Staying near Bristol, we have the Cheddar Gorge road trip up next. Cheddar Gorge is the United Kingdom’s version of the Grand Canyon. Situated in the heart of the West Country, this magical destination is a sight to behold. It features impressive verdant limestone cliffs sliced by 1,312-foot (400-meter) deep gorges.

Luckily, these gorges are home to a winding road offering spectacular cliff views. You can drive through the middle of Cheddar Gorge on a 14-mile (23-kilometer) road trip with over 20 winding bends. In the fall, Cheddar Gorge’s cliff faces take on autumn colors. You can expect orangey-green hues and impressive jagged peaks. What’s not to like?

Eryri Snowdonia 360, Wales

I’m lucky enough to say Snowdonia National Park is on my doorstep, so I could be biased regarding the Eryri Snowdonia 360 road trip. However, I firmly believe this national park is one of the most beautiful in Europe. In Snowdonia National Park, you’ll find Mount Snowdon, the tallest mountain in Wales, glacial lakes, dense forests, and gorgeous Welsh towns and villages.

You can see everything Snowdonia offers on the Eryri Snowdonia 360, a 360-mile (579-kilometer) journey through the best of North West Wales. You’ll encounter vast mountain terrain, pristine coastline, medieval castles, and more. Of course, you can also expect the Welsh landscape to be covered in fall foliage. Don’t miss Conwy Castle, Mount Snowdon, Llyn Padarn, and Newborough National Nature Reserve and Forest.

The Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland

Must-See Natural Phenomena Around the World Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland — © Ossie / Adobe Stock

One of the best ways to experience Northern Ireland and its world-famous landmarks and tourist attractions is by driving along the Causeway Coastal Route, a 130-mile (212-kilometer) road trip that starts in Belfast, the capital, and ends in Londonderry. Following the nation’s picturesque Northern coastline, this route features historic landmarks, natural wonders, and vibrant coastal towns.

To truly see it all, you should take approximately five or six days to complete the route. Significant points of interest along the Causeway Coastal Route include locations featured in Game of Thrones, like the Carrickfergus Castle, Glenariff Forest Park, the Glens of Antrim, and the Giant’s Causeway. As with the other road trips on our list, the Causeway Coastal Route is lined with a kaleidoscope of fall colors in autumn.

The Isle of Skye, Scotland

The Isle of Skye, a small island in northwest Scotland connected to the mainland by a bridge, is one of my favorite places to road trip in the United Kingdom, especially in the fall when the landscape offers vibrant displays of color. Better yet, the Isle of Skye is often compared to Iceland, a nation famed for its impressive scenery.

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At only 50 miles (80 kilometers) long and 25 miles (40 kilometers) wide, you can easily drive around the Isle of Skye, seeing everything the island offers in four or five days. Must-visit places during your road trip include Neist Point Lighthouse, the Old Man of Storr, the Fairy Pools, and Portree.

Brecon Beacons to Elan Valley, Wales

Another excellent fall road trip in Wales is the Brecon Beacons to Elan Valley route. This is one of the best road trips you can take if you want to experience Wales’ exceptional natural landscapes, rich culture, and history. You’ll find yourself exploring historic towns and villages when you’re not driving along a twisting mountain road.

There are many exciting places to stop along this road trip, so we recommend taking your time so you don’t miss out. In fact, you might want to spend a few nights along the route so you can spend more time exploring. Noteworthy points of interest along the road include Pen Y Fan, Hay-on-Wye, Henrhyd Falls, the Brecon Beacons National Park, and Crickhowell.

The Keswick Loop, England

The following fall road trip on our list takes you through the Lake District’s breathtaking scenery. For those who don’t know, the Lake District is a region and national park in Cumbria, northwest England, famed for its glacial lakes, rugged mountains, rolling hills, and market towns. The 23-mile (37-kilometer) Keswick Loop allows you to explore the area’s immense scenery.

This magnificent road trip only takes a few hours to complete but offers a wonderful insight into the Lake District. You’ll be treated to fantastic views of the fells and Derwentwater. You can stop in a traditional British pub for pub grub and visit charming locations such as Keswick, Buttermere, and Borrowdale. I particularly love the views of Dale Head and Grisedale Pike.

Atlantic Highway, England

The Atlantic Highway road trip is an excellent way to experience Southern England’s mesmerizing coastline, charming towns, world-famous landmarks, and fall foliage-covered landscapes. This 170-mile (274-kilometer) route through Cornwall and Devon hugs the coast but allows travelers to wind inland to explore rolling hills and flower-laden meadows. We don’t know about you, but that sounds delightful.

If you follow this road trip, you’ll have the opportunity to visit many popular coastal towns and historical British landmarks. Major points of interest along the route include Bude, Tintagel, Widemouth Bay, and Boscastle. Tintagel is my favorite stop-off along the Atlantic Highway, as legend has it as the supposed birthplace of King Arthur. You’ll find a statue of King Arthur at Tintagel Castle.

Alnwick Castle to Lindisfarne Castle, England

On the topic of castles, make sure you take on the Alnwick Castle to Lindisfarne Castle road trip if you want to explore Northumberland’s beautiful landscape during your time in the United Kingdom. This road trip is only 26 miles (42 kilometers) long but has much to offer. For starters, Alnwick Castle starred in Harry Potter and Downton Abbey.

Better yet, this road trip passes lush fields, scenic coastlines, and vibrant towns. In autumn, this route also offers a magnificent fall foliage display. This route might only be short, but you’ll want to allow plenty of time to stop and take photographs, explore the castles, and grab something to eat in one of the small towns.

The Road to the Isles, Scotland

12 Train Rides for Fall Foliage in the World West Highland Line Scotland - Glasgow to Mallaig — © Shu / Adobe Stock

Scotland’s Road to the Isles route is the penultimate United Kingdom road trip on our list. Just from the name, you can probably tell this scenic road trip has much to offer, and you’d be right. Despite only being 45 miles (72 kilometers) long, this breathtaking route between Fort William and Mallaig offers magical views of the Scottish Highlands.

It will lead you on an adventure past awe-inspiring lochs, out-of-this-world mountain viewpoints, spectacular sea views, and dreamy small isles. The fun doesn’t stop there, as you’ll also glimpse Ben Nevis, the United Kingdom’s tallest mountain. Other notable attractions include the Glenfinnan Viaduct, the Caledonian Canal, and the Mallaig fishing port.

North Coast 500, Scotland

The North Coast 500 is the United Kingdom’s most iconic road trip. Also known as the NC500, the North Coast 500 is a 516-mile (830-kilometer) route that starts and ends in Inverness in the Scottish Highlands. The route is renowned for offering some of the most spectacular views in the UK.

You can expect lush forests, beautiful beaches, staggering mountain peaks, impressive waterfalls, and quaint Scottish villages and towns. In the fall, the landscape is also covered in multi-colored fall foliage. Notable points of interest along the North Coast 500 include Lael Forest Garden, the Falls of Shine, Duncansby Stack, and Rogie Falls. You should also keep your eyes peeled for the Northern Lights.

North York Moors, England

This famous road trip allows you to explore the very best of North York Moors National Park in northeastern Yorkshire, England. This famous road trip features vast natural landscapes covered in fall foliage and jam-packed with wildlife. You’ll also pass charming villages and areas of outstanding natural beauty.

The North York Moors route is approximately 130 miles (209 kilometers) long, so you’ll struggle to see it all in one trip. Therefore, you should prioritize visiting the main attractions, which include Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Falling Foss Waterfall, and May Beck. You should also consider exploring the national park on foot, as there are countless hiking trails.