6 of the Best UK Autumn Campervan Destinations

Autumn might just be one of the best times to take a campervan holiday in the UK.

The summer crowds disappear, forests turn shades of gold and copper, and chilly evenings make getting back to a warm van feel very appealing. It’s giving muddy boots by the door, misty morning walks, steaming mugs of tea and leaf piles just begging to be kicked through vibes.

Hire a Quirky Camper and you can make the most of quieter roads, peaceful campsites and some of the loveliest landscapes of the year.

Why Autumn is Perfect for Campervanning

Autumn road trips have a slower sort of magic.

Walking trails are quieter, popular beauty spots have a little more breathing room and forests, valleys and hills put on their annual colour show.

Then, when the temperature drops, you can retreat to your cosy home on wheels. Plenty of Quirky Campers come with heaters, cosy beds and even wood-burning stoves.

Rain on the roof, kettle on, socks drying by the heater.

Not exactly a hardship.

6 of the Best UK Destinations for an Autumn Campervan Trip

1. Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire

If you’re after proper autumn woodland, start here.

The Forest of Dean is packed with ancient trees, peaceful trails and viewpoints across the Wye Valley. Come autumn, the whole place turns gold, orange and russet – with plenty of satisfying leaf-crunching underfoot.

Don’t miss: Symonds Yat for sweeping views across the Wye Valley
Must do: Take a woodland wander around Beechenhurst and its Sculpture Trail
Stay nearby: Apple Orchard Camping Site – right on the south-east edge of the Forest of Dean.

2. Highland Perthshire, Scotland

Around Pitlochry, Dunkeld and Aberfeldy, autumn really goes for it.

Think towering trees reflected in lochs, waterfalls surrounded by fiery foliage and winding roads where you’ll want to stop every five minutes for another photo.

Don’t miss: The Hermitage near Dunkeld for towering trees and Black Linn Falls
Must do: Take an autumn walk around Loch Faskally
Stay nearby: Grandtully Station Park – between Pitlochry and Aberfeldy, with the River Tay and walking country close by.

3. New Forest, Hampshire

Ancient woodland. Copper-coloured leaves. Free-roaming ponies.

The New Forest feels made for autumn.

It’s a brilliant place to slow right down: wander beneath huge old trees, cycle quiet forest tracks and stop for a pub lunch when the temperature starts to dip.

Don’t miss: Bolderwood for woodland walks and the chance to spot deer
Stay nearby: Setthorns Campsite – tucked amongst the trees in the New Forest itself.

4. Galloway Forest Park, Scotland

If your idea of an autumn escape involves big forests, wild landscapes and properly dark skies, this one’s calling.

Galloway Forest Park is made for long walks, bike rides and those glorious days where you come back to the camper with rosy cheeks and slightly questionable amounts of mud on your boots.

Don’t miss: Loch Trool surrounded by autumn colour
Stay nearby: Ballach O’Dee’s Campsite – a laid-back farm campsite on the edge of Galloway Forest Park.

5. Great Langdale, Lake District

Mountains might steal the headlines in the Lakes, but autumn adds something extra.

Woodland turns golden, waterfalls get a little more dramatic and mist rolls between the fells. Great Langdale gives you all of that with some cracking walks straight from the valley.

Don’t miss: Blea Tarn for mountain views reflected in the water
Stay nearby: Great Langdale Campsite – right in the valley beneath the Langdale Pikes.

6. The National Forest, Leicestershire

For maximum trees and minimum fuss, head to the National Forest.

This corner of the Midlands has miles of woodland to explore, making it an easy choice for an autumn weekend filled with walking, cycling and general leaf-related joy.

Don’t miss: The forest in all its red, gold and amber glory
Stay nearby: Fire and Stars Woodland Camping – set within 47 acres of the National Forest, with secluded pitches amongst the trees.

Autumn Things Worth Leaving the Campervan For

You don’t need a packed itinerary to make the most of an autumn road trip.

Go hunting for the crunchiest woodland walk you can find. Pack a flask and stop somewhere with a view. Keep an eye out for migrating birds, squirrels and deer from a respectful distance.

Make room for farm shops, seasonal food, cosy pubs and an unnecessarily large slice of cake.

And if the rain arrives?

Head back to the van, cook something warm and declare staying indoors the official activity.

What to Pack for an Autumn Campervan Trip

The trick with British autumn weather is preparing for approximately four seasons before lunch.

Bring waterproofs, sturdy walking shoes, layers and a hat for chilly evenings. A torch or headtorch quickly becomes useful as the nights draw in, while a flask earns its place on almost every walk.

Check what’s already included with your camper too. Many Quirky Campers have heating and plenty of cosy touches, so you may not need to pack half the airing cupboard.

A Few Autumn Road Trip Tips

Days get shorter quickly in autumn, so leave enough daylight for walks and unfamiliar rural roads.

Wet leaves, fog and early frost can make driving trickier too, so take your time.

It’s also worth checking campsite opening dates and availability before travelling, particularly later in the season.

Most importantly, don’t cram too much in.

Autumn is made for slow travel. Leave room for the viewpoint you weren’t expecting, the forest trail that looks too good to ignore and the pub you definitely only popped into for one quick drink.

Find Your Autumn Campervan

Summer might have long days and barbecues.

But autumn has golden forests, misty mornings, empty trails, enormous jumpers and that first hot drink after a cold walk.

We’ll take it.

Whether you’re planning a forest-filled weekend for two, a family half-term adventure or a solo escape somewhere wonderfully quiet, there’s a handcrafted Quirky Camper waiting to become your cosy autumn basecamp.

Find your autumn campervan and go see what the trees have been up to.

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