Autumn is genuinely one of the best times of year to take a family drive in the UK. The summer crowds have gone, the light is golden in the late afternoon, and the colours — if you pick the right routes and the right weeks — are extraordinary.
These are the routes worth planning a weekend around, with details on the best viewing windows and good stopping points for children.
The Best UK Autumn Scenic Drives for Families
The New Forest, Hampshire
The New Forest is exceptional in autumn. The mix of oak, beech, and birch turns gold and copper against the open heath, and there are forest ponies and deer visible from the road throughout. The B3055 and B3056 through the heart of the forest give the best colour. Rhinefield Ornamental Drive and Bolderwood are the standout spots. Children are generally captivated by the animals — deer grazing beside the road, ponies wandering across. Easy stopping points, well-maintained car parks, and several good cafes.
The Trossachs, Scotland
The A821 through the Trossachs — from Callander through to Aberfoyle via the Duke's Pass — is one of the most spectacular autumn drives in the UK. The peak is typically mid-October, when the birch and larch turn brilliant yellow against the dark hillsides and lochs. The views over Loch Katrine from the top of the pass are outstanding. Good stopping points at Aberfoyle, the visitor centre at Loch Katrine, and the forest car park near the Duke's Pass.
Ullswater, Lake District
The A592 along the western shore of Ullswater is beautiful in any season but outstanding in autumn. The wooded hillsides above the lake turn gold and the reflections on clear days are remarkable. Aira Force waterfall is a well-signed stopping point with a short walk through autumn woodland that children enjoy. Pooley Bridge at the north end of the lake has good parking and a cafe.
Wye Valley, England/Wales Border
The A466 through the Wye Valley follows the river through some of the most thickly wooded countryside in England and Wales. The autumn colour here is dense and layered — the valley sides are covered in ancient woodland that turns late and holds its colour well. Tintern Abbey is a worthy stop with children and gives a sense of scale. The riverside at Symonds Yat is a good picnic spot with views up and down the gorge.
Dartmoor, Devon
Dartmoor in autumn offers a different kind of beauty to the woodland routes — the moor itself turns auburn and bronze, and the valleys dropping off the high moor are full of sessile oak woodland at its autumn best. The B3212 from Moretonhampstead to Princetown crosses the high moor with views in all directions. Becky Falls woodland park has a short family walk through one of the best valley oakwoods.
🍂 The autumn drive checklist: Pack warm layers (conditions change quickly), wellies for any walks through leaf litter, a flask of something hot, and plenty of snacks in the CheekyBoo Car Seat Organiser for the drive. Autumn light fades quickly — aim to reach your best viewpoints by mid-afternoon at the latest.
CheekyBoo Car Seat Organiser
Keep snacks, drinks and entertainment within reach for every mile of the autumn drive. Trusted by 10,000+ UK families. Free Prime delivery.
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