The roads are quieter, the summer crowds have disappeared, and the landscape seems to slow down as the leaves turn from green to gold. There’s crisp air in the mornings, cosy pubs waiting at the end of a walk, and plenty of excuses to stop somewhere beautiful for a cup of coffee.
And while summer might traditionally be thought of as road trip season, autumn has a lot going for it.
Whether you fancy a weekend exploring the Dorset coast, a few days wandering through the New Forest, or a longer journey further north, autumn is a brilliant time to get out and explore the UK.
Why take a road trip in autumn?
One of the best things about travelling in autumn is simply having a little more space.
Popular destinations can feel very different once the summer rush has passed. Coastal towns are quieter, walking routes are less crowded and there’s often more opportunity to take your time rather than feeling as though you need to fit everything into one day.
Autumn also gives you a completely different landscape to enjoy.
Think:
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Golden woodland walks
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Crisp mornings and clear skies
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Dramatic coastal views
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Misty countryside
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Cosy cafés and country pubs
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Local food and seasonal produce
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Long walks followed by somewhere warm and comfortable
Dorset is particularly beautiful at this time of year. The county's changing landscapes, countryside and coast make it a natural choice for an autumn break.
And the best part? You don't necessarily need to travel hundreds of miles to have a proper adventure.
1. Explore the New Forest in autumn
If you're looking for an easy autumn road trip in the south of England, the New Forest is difficult to beat.
Just a short journey from the Dorset coast, the New Forest combines ancient woodland, open heathland, pretty villages and miles of walking and cycling routes.
Autumn is arguably one of the best times to visit.
The changing colours provide a spectacular backdrop for a walk, while the cooler temperatures make it much easier to spend a few hours exploring without overheating.
Keep an eye out for the famous New Forest ponies and other livestock as you travel. They roam freely throughout the forest, so take your time on the roads and be prepared for unexpected wildlife encounters.
A few days here can make a fantastic short motorhome trip, particularly if you don't want to spend the majority of your break driving.
Our tip: Don't try to see everything. Pick a couple of places you'd really like to explore, find a good campsite and give yourself time to enjoy the forest rather than simply ticking locations off a list.
2. Follow the Dorset coast
Autumn is also a fantastic time to explore the Jurassic Coast.
Dorset's coastline stretches for around 95 miles, with everything from dramatic cliffs and famous rock formations to beaches, harbours and quieter coastal villages.
In the height of summer, some of the most popular spots can become extremely busy. Autumn brings a different atmosphere.
You might start your morning with a coastal walk, stop for lunch somewhere along the route and then continue west as the afternoon light changes.
Places such as Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door, Studland and the area around Corfe Castle all make interesting stops, but don't feel that you have to visit them all in one trip.
One of the joys of a road trip is leaving a little room for the unexpected.
See an interesting sign? Stop.
Spot a village you've never visited? Explore it.
Find a great-looking pub? That's probably dinner sorted.
3. Head west towards Devon and Cornwall
If you've got a little more time, autumn is a great opportunity to head west.
Devon and Cornwall offer countless possibilities for a longer road trip, from dramatic coastlines and sandy beaches to fishing villages, moorland and historic towns.
The key to an enjoyable autumn road trip is not trying to cover too much ground.
Instead of planning to drive five or six hours every day, choose a handful of destinations and make the journey part of the experience.
You might spend a night near the coast, head inland the following morning, discover a local market or village, and then settle somewhere completely different for the evening.
That's where travelling by motorhome can be particularly enjoyable. Your accommodation comes with you, so you're not constantly packing and unpacking as you move from one place to another.
4. Go North for a bigger adventure
For a longer autumn escape, why not head towards the Lake District, Yorkshire or even Scotland?
The further north you travel, the more dramatic the autumn scenery can become.
The Lake District is particularly well suited to an autumn road trip, with mountain landscapes, lakeside walks and plenty of towns and villages to explore.
Scotland offers an even bigger adventure, with huge landscapes and spectacular scenic driving routes.
If you're planning a longer trip, remember that autumn days are shorter. Build your itinerary around daylight rather than trying to squeeze in as many miles as possible.
There's no prize for arriving exhausted.
A good road trip should leave you feeling as though you've had a holiday, not completed a driving challenge.
5. Don't overlook a simple weekend away
You don't need two weeks off work to enjoy a motorhome road trip.
In fact, some of the best trips can be surprisingly close to home.
A Friday afternoon departure followed by two nights away can be enough to make you feel as though you've properly escaped.
For anyone based in Dorset, Hampshire or the surrounding area, there are plenty of options within relatively easy reach.
You could explore the New Forest, follow the South Coast, head towards the Jurassic Coast or simply choose a campsite somewhere you've never stayed before.
The destination doesn't always have to be spectacular.
Sometimes the best part is simply waking up somewhere different.
Photo by Peteris Gertners on Unsplash