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The 11 best road trips in the UK

From Scotland’s North Coast 500 to the West Country’s Atlantic Highway, this is our ultimate guide to the best road trips in the UK right now

There are few things quite so boundless and full of possibility as the open road, and plenty of them can be found right here in the UK . This small country has everything from jaw-dropping national parks and picture-perfect seaside towns to towering cities – and its mighty road network makes it ideal for a multi-day driving tour.

Across the four nations of England , Wales , Scotland and Northern Ireland , expect a wild array of landscapes and scenes. You’ll find vast beaches , emerald lochs, clattering waterfalls and snow-capped peaks. So plan the route, prep that playlist of drivetime bangers and ready yourself for the open road – here are the 11 best road trips in the UK according to us.

RECOMMENDED: 🏞️The most breathtaking hikes in the UK 🌊The best wild swimming spots in the UK 🏕️The best campsites in the UK 🎭The best things to do in the UK 🌤️The best places to visit in the UK

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Amazing UK road trips

1.  North Coast 500, Scotland

What is it? A super-scenic route taking in just over 500 miles of stunning Scottish landscapes, the NC500 is one of the best road trips on the planet.

Where does it go? It’s a loop through the Scottish  Highlands . You start  and end at  Inverness  Castle and the route takes in incredible deserted beaches, glassy lochs and heather-covered peaks, as well as castles, whisky distilleries and roadside eateries. 

How long should it take?  Most people do it in seven to nine days.  Find out more here . 

2.  The Atlantic Highway, England

What is it? Despite its grand name, this stunning stretch of road, also known as the A39, passes some lesser known spots in   Devon   and Cornwall.

Where does it go? The entire road connects Somerset with   Cornwall , but the stretch between Barnstaple and Fraddon is named the Atlantic Highway thanks to the almost-constant views of the Atlantic Ocean you can spy from the tarmac. The route passes photogenic places like Bude, Padstow , Newquay, Clovelly, Boscastle and Tintagel. Stop off for hikes, surf lessons and incredible seafood. You can keep driving past Fraddon, right down to Land’s End if you haven’t had your fill of Cornish charm.  

How long should it take?   Five days should do it. 

3.  Pembrokeshire Coast 200, Wales

What is it?  This 200-mile route shows off the best of Pembrokeshire’s under-explored coastline. The trip was designed by keen caravanners, so expect plenty of campsites for a welcome break along the way. 

Where does it go?  Starting at the postcard-perfect village of Amroth, it takes in miles of craggy coastline before ending at the riverside village of St Dogmaels. Sights include the Blue Lagoon at Abereiddi and Britain’s smallest city, St Davids. 

How long should it take?  Three to five days. Find out more here .

4.  Jurassic Coast, England

What is it? Starting in Poole, this route takes in nostalgic seaside  towns for fish and chips on the beach, splendid  hidden coves and the historic, fossil-studded coastline of Dorset .

Where does it go?  The first stop is Swanage, where road-trippers can recline in a deckchair and fuel up with an ice cream, before driving along picturesque coastal roads which take in the fishing village of Kimmeridge Bay, Lulworth Cove and Dorset’s A-lister, Durdle Door. From here, follow the  B3157 along sweeping sandy beaches  toward the fossil-hunting hub of Charmouth, before parking up for a refreshing dip at Lyme Regis.

How long should it take?  Around three days.

5.  Kintyre 66, Scotland

What is it?  Officially launched in 2021, this leisurely 66-mile route takes in one of Scotland ’s most scenic areas, the Kintyre peninsula.

Where does it go?  Start anywhere on the well-mapped loop, which hugs the dramatic coastline and offers breathtaking sunsets, historic sites and butterscotch beaches along the way. Highlights include the rugged ruins of the medieval Tarbert Castle and Saddell Bay, with views towards the Isle of Arran.    

How long should it take?  Around four days. Find out more here . 

6.  Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland

What is it?  The Causeway Coastal Route road is not only super-pretty, it also takes in a bunch of   Northern Ireland ’s must-see sights.

Where does it go?  It runs along the coast from Belfast to Derry-Londonderry. You can hit   Belfast ’s high-tech Titanic museum, Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and the Giant’s Causeway along this route, not forgetting a bunch of snappable ‘Game of Thrones’ locations too, like Cushendun Caves and Ballintoy Harbour. 

How long should it take?  Three to five days.   

7.  Road to the Isles, Scotland

What is it? Another striking Scottish drive, the Road to the Isles (A830) takes travellers from Fort William to Mallaig, via lochs, coast, incredible scenery and the Glenfinnan Viaduct (which you’ll probably recognise, thanks to the   Harry Potter movies ).

Where does it go? Start at Fort William in the shadow of Ben Nevis and head west. The road ends where it meets the sea in Mallaig, but that’s not where your journey ends. Jump on a car ferry to the   Isle of Skye  to explore the otherworldly island by road. 

How long should it take?  Three days, more if you want to properly explore Skye too. 

8.  Lake District, England

What is it?  England’s largest National Park, the Lake District is an awe-inspiring landscape of serene water, mighty fells and pretty pubs.

Where does it go? There are oodles of routes to choose from, but why not start with a scenic drive in the north from Penrith to Whitehaven, stopping at Ullswater, Keswick and Buttermere. On your trip you'll pass the iconic diesel-powered Ullswater steamboats, the bustling market town of Keswick and – if you time it right – swathes of Wordsworth’s daffodills.   

How long should it take?  Allow three days for some hikes along the way.

9.  The Cambrian Way, Wales

What is it?  A route which runs from south of Wales to the north via loads of incredible countryside.

Where does it go? You’ll mainly be sticking to the A470. Starting in Cardiff , the route finishes in the seaside town of Llandudno. You’ll pass through the beautiful Brecon Beacons National Park , the Elan Valley and Snowdonia . 

How long should it take?  Allow five days. Find out more here . 

10.  The Yorkshire Dales, England

What is it? A chance to explore the stunning scenery of the Yorkshire Dales by car. Just stop whenever you see something you simply can’t pass by. 

Where does it go? Start in Harrogate and head out into the Dales, hitting Grassington, Hawes and Reeth along the way before circling back to the beginning. You’ll pass meadows lush with wildflowers, waterfalls, world-class rambling routes and countless opportunties to sample local produce. 

How long should it take? Allow three to four days. 

11.  Norfolk Coast, England

What is it? Following roads that hug in close to the Norfolk coastline, you can see some of the county’s incredible sights. 

Where does it go? Start in King’s Lynn and keep the coast on your left the whole way to Great Yarmouth. Stop off and you’ll see the best of the Norfolk Coast AONB and parts of the Norfolk Broads National Park, plus seaside towns like Hunstanton, Blakeney and Cromer. 

How long should it take? Four days full of stops.

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UK Road Trip Itinerary Planner | The 7 Best Routes

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: January 29, 2024

If you love to take to the wheel and you’ll be visiting the UK at some point in the future, then you need to find the perfect UK road trip itinerary! This UK road trip planner aims to help you pin down the ideal 1 week, 10 day or 2 week UK road trip itinerary to follow during your visit. 

Featured in this guide are 7 of the best road trip routes in the UK. Whether you want a 10 days in England itinerary, would rather spend a week in Wales or have 10 days to discover Scotland, this post showcases the very best that the UK has to offer. 

Don’t plan a road trip in the UK without reading this first! From the Scottish Highlands to the sunny south coast of England and wild, unspoiled Wales, here are seven of the best UK road trip itineraries. But first, a few pointers on how to use this guide.

Cherry-picking

Pace yourself, the great british weather, driving in the uk, 1. the cotswolds and the south of england, 2. wonderful wales, 3. the english countryside, 4. the south to north circular, 5. capital to capital (london to edinburgh), 6. devon and cornwall, 7. bonnie scotland, which uk road trip itinerary will you follow, how to use this uk road trip itinerary planner.

You could follow these itineraries over whatever period of time you have at your disposal, but we’d say you need at least a week.

A fortnight means you can spend more time in each place, while ten days means having to rush around a little less than when you have only 7 nights to spare. 

The key thing to remember here is that it’s your UK road trip, not ours! So you can of course cherry pick where you want to go and leave out anywhere that doesn’t really interest you. 

If you think about it, doing that means you could fit in two of these itineraries, back-to-back, over a fortnight. Rather than just one. Having said that…

A holiday is all about having fun. Or at least it should be. For that reason, we urge you not to try to pack too much in. Pace yourself and you might just enjoy yourself a whole lot more. 

When you’re not sure about where you really want to go, ask yourself this. Would you be really disappointed if you missed out on visiting this place? Or are you not really all that bothered? If you’re not feeling the love and aren’t too fussed about it, then is it really worth spending the time and money on going there? 

Wherever you go, be prepared for the weather to take over. British people often seem to talk about little else. Whether you’re in northern Scotland, west Wales or central England, the maritime climate of the British Isles means that the weather can be very changeable. 

Dress in layers, take along a packable rain jacket and an umbrella, pick the right footwear and you’ll be prepared for anything. 

Before you draw up that UK road trip map, you’ll need to think about driving around the country. Booking car hire before you go is always advisable, especially if you want a particular kind of vehicle. Such as an automatic – cars with manual transmission are still the norm in the UK. 

In the UK they drive on the left. Cars are thus right hand drive. Meaning that the steering wheel is on the right hand side of the car. If you’re from North America, Europe or any other area that drives on the left, then this may feel very different from what you’re used to!

Roads in the UK are generally well-maintained. Signs measure distances in miles rather than kilometres. In the interests of safety, it’s a good idea to look at the Highway Code before you set off, as this will familiarise you with the rules of the road in the UK.

We recommend preparing to drive in the UK with Tripiamo which is the most comprehensive guide for Americans driving abroad.

Their guides include instructional videos and interactive 360-degree driving tours and will teach you everything you need to know about driving abroad, from reading road signs to avoiding fines. Drive safely and confidently in the UK with the help of Tripiamo.

7 best UK road trip itineraries

This suggested road trip itinerary for the UK commences in Oxford. If you make all the stops, you’ll visit the Cotswolds, Bath, Salisbury, Stonehenge , Portsmouth, Winchester, Brighton, Dover and Canterbury. 

• Heathrow/Oxford -> The Cotswolds -> Bath -> Salisbury & Stonehenge -> optional Portsmouth and/or Winchester -> Brighton -> Dover -> Canterbury 

Depending on whether you want to embark on your road trip right away or spend some time in London first, you can collect a hire car for this Cotswolds and southern England road trip either at Heathrow Airport or in Oxford.

Don’t bother trying to drive in central London – it’s congested, expensive and almost completely devoid of any parking whatsoever!

Here’s where to stop when you want to explore the Cotswolds and the south of England. As well as five of the best things to do in each of these locations.

If you choose to begin in Oxford , this historic and academic city has lots to offer. It’s packed with very old buildings, including the many colleges making up the prestigious University of Oxford. Some of these were featured in the Harry Potter movies . 

Oxford also offers the Ashmolean Museum, which focuses on art and archaeology. You can also take a river cruise on the Thames, which is a lovely way to see the city. The Oxford Botanic Gardens and Arboretum are also well worth a look. 

• Oxford University and city walking tour
• Ashmolean Museum of art and archaeology
• Sightseeing river cruise on a small electric boat
• Harry Potter tour of Oxford filming locations
• Oxford Botanic Gardens & Arboretum

If you’re spending time in southern England, then you must visit the Cotswolds . This designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is all greenery and honey-toned local stone, and dotted with appealing towns and villages. 

Stow-on-the-Wold and Bourton-on-the-Water are the two most popular spots, but there are so many villages you can visit. Check out the 10 best Cotswolds villages in this post, or use the suggestions below.

Find things to do and places to stay in the Cotswolds in our complete guides.

• Stow-on-the-Wold Market town with traditional pubs and antique shops
• Bourton-on-the-Water On the River Windrush with honey-toned stone buildings
• Lacock Home to Harry Potter filming locations and beautiful, ancient buildings 
• Bibury Timeless village where you can find photogenic and historic Arlington Row
• Painswick The Queen of the Cotswolds with Rococo gardens and a grand churchyard

Bath is a spa city in the west of England. It’s world famous for its original Roman Baths, handsome Georgian architecture and the Bath bun. Other top places to visit in Bath include Pulteney Bridge and the luxurious Thermae Bath Spa. 

Discover a Bath itinerary , where to stay and what to do in our Bath guides.

• City walking tour with Roman Baths entry
• Pulteney Bridge
• Thermae Bath Spa
• The Royal Crescent 
• Bath Bun at Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House and Museum

Salisbury & Stonehenge

So many visitors to the UK want to see Stonehenge. The mysterious stone circle can be found close to Salisbury , making it easy to visit both. 

Salisbury is a small city with a magnificent cathedral, a good museum and a bi-weekly market. You can also enjoy views of the city from Old Sarum, two miles away. 

• Stonehenge World Heritage Site
• Salisbury Cathedral and the Magna Carta
• Salisbury Charter Market | Tuesdays and Saturdays
• The Salisbury Museum | Stonehenge and local archaeology
• Old Sarum | Deserted hilltop ruins with panoramic city views

Portsmouth – optional

An optional trip to Portsmouth will particularly appeal to anyone interested in maritime history. The city is home to the historic dockyard, the Mary Rose and HMS Victory. Other sights to see include the Spinnaker Tower, and you can shop at the Gunwharf Quays outlet centre too. 

• Spinnaker Tower
• Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
• The Mary Rose
• HMS Victory
• Gunwharf Quays | Outlet shopping

Winchester – optional

Like Salisbury, Winchester is a small cathedral city. There’s an interesting military museum here. Other places to visit include the Winchester Science Centre, the Great Hall and Winchester College.

• Winchester Cathedral
• The Royal Green Jackets Museum
• Winchester College
• The Great Hall
• Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium

Brighton makes a great day trip from London – or you can stay over as part of a road trip around the UK. With a grand pier and a pebble beach, Brighton is Britain’s most popular city by the sea. 

Things to do here include shopping at The Lanes, seeing the Royal Pavilion and going on the i360. The Seal Life Centre is also popular with families. 

• British Airways i360
• The Lanes | Cafes, shops, pubs, boutiques and restaurants
• Brighton Palace Pier
• The Royal Pavilion
• Sea Life Brighton

Dover 

Dover is best known for the iconic white cliffs, but there are other attractions here too. These include St Margarets Bay beach, Dover Castle, the Fan Bay Deep Shelter and the Dover Museum and Bronze Age Boat Gallery.

• White Cliffs of Dover
• Dover Castle
• St Margarets Bay beach
• Dover Museum and Bronze Age Boat Gallery
• Fan Bay Deep Shelter

Canterbury is the capital of Kent, the county known as the Garden of England. The cathedral here is a draw, and the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the leader of the Church of England. 

You can also explore Westgate Gardens here, and visit Howletts Wild Animal Park or The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge with the kids.

• Canterbury Cathedral
• Westgate Gardens
• Official guided walking tour
• Howletts Wild Animal Park
• The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge 

Our wonderful Welsh itinerary begins in Oxford, in England, before heading via the Cotswolds to Bath. You can find out what to do in those locations under the Cotswolds and South of England itinerary above. Or read on to discover all that Wales has to offer. 

• Heathrow or Oxford -> The Cotswolds -> Bath -> Cardiff (optional) -> Brecon Beacons -> Barmouth -> Porthmadog -> Snowdonia -> Caernarfon -> Anglesey -> Llandudno -> Chester -> Liverpool (optional) -> Peak District -> Stratford -> Oxford/Heathrow

Cardiff is the cool capital of Wales. Top things to see here include Cardiff Castle, Bute Park, the Principality Stadium and home of Welsh rugby, and the National Museum. You can also take a Doctor Who walking tour of the city!

• Cardiff Castle
• Principality Stadium
• National Museum
• Doctor Who walking tour

Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)

Bannau Brycheiniog, formally known as the Brecon Beacons, is the ideal place for outdoor sorts to stretch their legs. As well as hiking, you can cycle, try watersports, stargaze or do some rock climbing here.

• Mountain biking
• Watersports
• Rock climbing

The seaside town of Barmouth in northwest Wales is a pretty place to explore. Here you can spend time at Barmouth Beach, walk over Barmouth Bridge, see the harbour, discover Old Barmouth or hike the Taith Ardudwy Way. 

• Barmouth Beach
• Barmouth Harbour
• Taith Ardudwy Way hiking trail
• Old Barmouth
• Barmouth Bridge

Porthmadog is also a coastal town in Gwynedd. Things to do in this Welsh destination include visiting Black Rock Sands, two miles from town. You can also see the harbour village of Borth-y-Gest, Criccieth Castle, take a ride on the famous Blaenau Ffestiniog railway and spend time in the I talianate village of Portmeirion.  

• Blaenau Ffestiniog railway
• Black Rock Sands beach
• Borth-y-Gest village
• Criccieth Castle
• Portmeirion village

Snowdonia ( Eryri )

This mountainous part of northwest Wales is home to Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon), Wales’s highest mountain.

The area is popular among hikers, and also known for the historic Snowdon Mountain Railway. Apart from exploring Eryri (Snowdonia National Park), taking a train ride and conquering the peak, you can also visit the National Slate Museum or go to Harlech beach and castle.   

• Scale Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon)
• National Slate Museum
• Snowdon Mountain Railway
• Harlech Castle and beach
• Eryri (Snowdonia National Park)

Caernarfon is known for its majestic castle, but there are other absorbing places to visit in this royal Gwynedd town. These include Gypsy Wood Park, the Beacon Climbing Centre and the picturesque village of Beddgelert. You can also find the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum at the castle. 

• Caernarfon Castle
• Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum
• Gypsy Wood Park
• Beacon Climbing Centre
• Beddgelert village

Anglesey is an island off the northwest coast of Wales. It offers the mediaeval capital of Beaumaris, historic sites and beautiful beaches.

You can also see the Menai Suspension Bridge built by Thomas Telford, trek the Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path, head to Llanddwyn Island and beach, or explore Plas Newydd House and Gardens.

• Mediaeval Beaumaris
• Menai Suspension Bridge
• Llanddwyn Island
• Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path
• Plas Newydd House and Gardens

Llandudno is a popular Welsh resort town . It has everything you’d expect from a British seaside spot, including a pier, gaming arcades, beaches and more. Here you can also add the Great Orme Tramway, North Shore Beach, Great Orme Mines and Rhiwledyn nature reserve to your to-do list. 

• North Shore Beach
• Great Orme Tramway
• Llandudno Pier
• Great Orme Mines
• Rhiwledyn nature reserve

Chester is a historic city with many Roman remains. It’s actually in England, but just a short hop over the border. Things to do here include shopping at The Rows, seeing the Roman walls and amphitheatre, visiting Chester Racecourse – which is the oldest in the UK – and ancient Chester Cathedral. 

• Roman walls
• Chester Cathedral
• The Rows shopping
• Chester Racecourse
• Roman amphitheatre

Liverpool – optional

There is so much to see and do in Liverpool . The most famous band in the world bar none came from the English city in northwestern England, and you can trace the tale of their success by visiting The Beatles Story or taking a Magical Mystery tour by bus. 

Two cathedrals, a major football stadium with a museum and the River Mersey are also musts. You can also find more things to do and places to stay in our Liverpool articles. 

• River Mersey sightseeing cruise
• Beatles Magical Mystery bus tour
• Liverpool Football Club stadium and museum
• Anglican and Catholic cathedrals
• The Beatles Story

Peak District

The Peak District National Park is another of those outdoor spaces that offer so much scope for active people. Here you can hike or bike, or follow the Pennine Bridleway on horseback. 

Visit the lovely spa town of Buxton, too, and don’t miss out on trying a Bakewell pudding in the town of the same name. This sweet treat is more widely known as a Bakewell tart, but locally is always called Bakewell pudding!

Discover where to stay in the Peak District here

• Horse riding
• Hiking the trails
• Try Bakewell pudding in Bakewell

Stratford-upon-Avon

The birthplace of William Shakespeare – the most famous playwright who ever lived – is a pretty town on the banks of the Avon river. Packed with historic and literary attractions, things to do here include seeing a play performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC). 

You can also visit Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford , plus Anne Hathaway’s thatched, half-timbered cottage, or go to Stratford Butterfly Farm and the MAD (Mechanical Art & Design) Museum.

• Shakespeare’s birthplace
• Stratford Butterfly Farm
• Anne Hathaway’s cottage
• Royal Shakespeare Theatre 

England is known as “this green and pleasant land”, so seeing the countryside can be a real highlight of touring the UK. While our itinerary includes a few cities, they are small and picturesque picks that complement the countryside. 

Places to include are the Peak District, Yorkshire, the Lake District and the Cotswolds. See the above itineraries, too, for a more in-depth look at locations already featured in this guide.

• Heathrow -> Cambridge -> Peak District -> York and Yorkshire -> Lake District -> Liverpool -> Chester -> Cotswolds (and Bath) -> Salisbury/Stonehenge -> Heathrow 

Academia and punting along the River Cam are what spring to mind when anyone thinks of Cambridge . You can tour the colleges here, including King’s, and also absorb all the history on a guided walking tour. The Fitzwilliam Museum of Art and Gin Laboratory are also popular.  

• University of Cambridge tour
• The Fitzwilliam Museum
• Punting on the Cam
• Cambridge Gin Laboratory
• Historic walking tour

York and Yorkshire

The city of York and the large northern county of Yorkshire have so much to offer visitors from the UK and overseas. Head to the city for history and urban beauty, or go to the Yorkshire dales and moors to see swathes of unspoiled countryside. 

If you do visit York, don’t miss the Minster, or wandering among the shops and cafes of The Shambles. The Chocolate Story is also great for fans of the sweet stuff (and who isn’t?)

You can also find out what to do in Yorkshire and where to stay in York in our guides.

• York Minster
• Yorkshire Moors
• The Shambles | Cafes, restaurants and shops
• Yorkshire Dales
• York’s Chocolate Story

Lake District

The Lake District in Cumbria is an outdoor lover’s paradise. The area is known for its dramatic bodies of water, and it is dotted with historic market towns. The Lakes also has literary associations, a thriving foodie scene and lots of camping shops. 

Things to do include sampling sticky toffee pudding (it was invented here), discovering the history of Peter Rabbit author Beatrix Potter, walking to Aira Force waterfall and visiting Lake Windermere. 

Discover where to stay in the Lakes and the best towns and villages in our Cumbria articles

• Lake Windermere
• The World of Beatrix Potter
• Aira Force waterfall.
• Try sticky toffee pudding
• Beatrix Potter tour with lake cruise

There is so much to see and do in Liverpool . The most famous band in the world bar none came from the city in northwestern England, and you can trace the tale of their success by visiting The Beatles Story or taking a Magical Mystery tour by bus. 

• Heathrow/Oxford -> Cambridge -> Lincoln -> York and Yorkshire -> Whitby -> Durham -> Northumberland Coast then via Hadrian’s Wall to Lake District -> Yorkshire Dales -> Peak District -> Cotswolds -> optional Bath/Salisbury/Stonehenge -> Heathrow 

Lincoln is a little off the beaten track when it comes to British cities, but it’s a place with so much to offer. The cathedral and castle here are incredible, as are the galleries and museums.

We recommend The Museum of Lincolnshire Life and The Usher Gallery art museum, and a stroll up Steep Hill, which will lead you to the castle via shops, cafes and pubs. 

• Lincoln Cathedral
• Lincoln Castle
• The Usher Gallery
• The Museum of Lincolnshire Life

Fish and chips, colourful beach huts, Whitby Abbey, a fascinating insight into science during Victorian times and the Captain Cook Memorial Museum all await in Whitby. 

Much of the scampi consumed in the UK is caught in the waters here, so sampling fish or seafood and chips is de rigueur. Look out for goths, too, Whitby being a favoured hangout among lovers of black attire and white makeup. 

You can also find more places to go in Whitby here .

• Whitby Abbey
• Fish and chips
• Beach huts at West Cliff beach
• The Museum of Victorian Science
• The Captain Cook Memorial Museum

Durham can be somewhat overlooked, but it’s a delightful and compact university city in the north of England. The castle and cathedral are both outstanding.

Other attractions to visit include Hall Hill Farm, the Oriental Museum at Durham University, and a wander along the banks of the River Wear. 

• Hall Hill Farm
• Durham Cathedral
• Oriental Museum
• Durham Castle
• Walk along the banks of the River Wear

Northumberland

Northumberland is England’s hidden coastal gem. It also has more castles than any other county. Think windswept, near-deserted beaches, cliff-top castles and rolling countryside, and you get the idea.

There are some breathtaking buildings to visit, such as Cragside in Rothbury and the castles. The Alnwick Garden is also well worth your time. 

Also discover the best places to stay and top coastal cottages in Northumberland

• Bamburgh Castle
• Alnwick Castle
• Alnwick Garden
• Northumberland coast

Hadrian’s Wall

The Hadrian’s Wall site of Vindolanda features Roman remains, and is one of the key spots to visit when travelling between Northumberland and Cumbria. The Roman fort at Birdoswald is also worth stopping for. You can also follow various trails in the area, or drop into the Roman Army Museum. 

• The Chesters Trail
• Roman Army Museum
• The Corbridge Trail
• Birdoswald Roman fort

• London -> pick up car at Heathrow -> Cotswolds and Stratford -> Peak District  -> York and Yorkshire -> Durham -> Northumberland -> Edinburgh 

Also, discover the best places to stay and top coastal cottages in Northumberland

Scotland’s capital city is steeped in history, has swathes of glorious Georgian architecture, and scenic parks and squares. There’s also world-class dining and shopping, and the mediaeval Royal Mile. Also not to be missed are Edinburgh Castle and the New Town. You could also take a Harry Potter walking tour or a city tour by hop-on, hop-off bus.

Also find the best ghost tours of Edinburgh , top Edinburgh tips , and great Edinburgh accommodation options

• Edinburgh Castle
• Hop-on, hop-off bus tour
• Royal Mile | The Old Town
• Magical Harry Potter walking tour
• New Town | Elegant Georgian architecture

If you want to explore the sun-drenched (well sometimes) southwest of England, check out our southwest corner road trip itinerary here . 

For 10, 14 and 18-day Scotland road trip itineraries, click here . 

Whether you want to drive around the UK for a week, ten days, a fortnight or longer, we hope this guide has inspired you to visit this glorious land.

With so much to see and do yet relatively short distances between places, you really can pack a lot into a short time when visiting the UK.

Road trip podcast episodes

A Lady in London

And Traveling the World

Lady’s England Road Trip Itinerary and Map

Today I want to share my England road trip itinerary and map with you. I love a great British road trip, not least because the cities, villages, and countryside in the UK are stunning.

I’ve done many road trips in England over the years. They’ve ranged from short drives in the Cotswolds to 5-week odysseys covering the length of England and Wales.

Through them I’ve seen big British travel destinations and off-the-beaten-path locations alike. Now I want to share the highlights with you.

England Road Trip Itinerary

My England road trip itinerary covers my favorite bits of this part of Britain. From cities to towns, coast to countryside, it has a variety of destinations that make this one of my favorite places to travel.

You can visit them all in one trip, or you can split the itinerary up into shorter ones. Some of them even make for great scenic drives near London if you only have a day.

1. London (3 Days)

Since I live in the UK capital, I’ll start my England road trip itinerary in London. If you haven’t been here before, it’s worth spending at least 3 days in the city to see the highlights.

You can use my 3-day London itinerary to get ideas for what to do. It’s a great guide for visitors.

2. Cambridgeshire (1 Day)

From London, my England road trip itinerary goes north to Cambridgeshire.

Cambridge is one of the prettiest cities in England . Its colleges feature stunning historic architecture and beautiful grounds. It’s worth spending a day here soaking up the atmosphere and going punting on the river.

Just north of Cambridge, under-the-radar Ely often gets overlooked. It’s worth a visit for its stunning cathedral and great markets, though. The side streets and riverfront are pretty, too.

3. Norfolk (2 days)

From Cambridgeshire my England road trip itinerary will take you to Norfolk . Norwich is one of the best cities in England , not least because its historic streets are bursting with colorful houses. Its cathedral is impressive, too.

The coast in North Norfolk is worth a visit as well. Driving to places like Wells-next-the-Sea and Holkham Beach is worthwhile, and towns like Burnham Market are great places to stay.

4. Nottingham (1 day)

From Norfolk, my England road trip itinerary will take you to Nottingham .

Famous for its Robin Hood connections, this city in the Midlands is worth a stop for its historic castle, heritage buildings, and shops. It’s even home to one of the oldest pubs in England.

5. Derbyshire and the Peak District (2 days)

From Nottingham, my England road trip itinerary continues with a stop in Derbyshire. This place is great for Peak District stately homes and outdoor activities.

Chatsworth House, Kedleston Hall, and Haddon Hall are all worth touring (and they’re famous filming locations for many movies set in England ). There are lots of great hikes and country walks in the Peak District, too.

6. Yorkshire (2 days)

From the Peak District, it’s not far to Yorkshire. No England road trip itinerary would be complete without a trip to York . It’s one of the most beautiful cities in the UK, and its pretty streets and spectacular minster are worth discovering.

Over on the east coast of Yorkshire, Robin Hood’s Bay is a coastal gem with a storied past, and Whitby is famous for its abbey ruins and Dracula connections. (Don’t worry, I’ll get to West Yorkshire soon).

7. Durham & Newcastle (1 Day)

Leaving Yorkshire, my England road trip itinerary will take you north to Durham and Newcastle . The former is home to a hilltop cathedral, castle, and university. The nearby Angel of the North sculpture is worth seeing when you’re here, too.

The latter is packed with stunning bridges, historic streets, and great nightlife. You can do a side trip to Hadrian’s Wall if you like Roman history as well.

8. Northumberland (2 Days)

Way at the top of England, the next stop on my itinerary is Northumberland . Alnwick Castle is a popular place to visit, and Alnwick itself is adorable (don’t miss the bookshop).

Farther up the coast, Bamburgh Castle takes over a hilltop next to the beach. It’s stunning both inside and out.

Right on the border with Scotland, Berwick-upon-Tweed is a great seaside town, too.

9. Lake District (2 Days)

From Northumberland, my England road trip itinerary will take you west to the Lake District . This part of the UK is famous for its outdoor activities, and it’s a great place to go walking and hiking.

There are also a lot of famous houses here, from Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top to John Rusin’s Brantwood and Blackwell, the Arts and Crafts house .

Towns and villages like Windermere , Keswick, Ambleside, and Grasmere are worth popping into as well. I particularly like the gingerbread shop in Grasmere.

10. Yorkshire Dales National Park (1 Day)

From Cumbria, my England road trip itinerary will take you into the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

This is another great place for country walks , including the famous peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough, and Whernside. Malham Cove is beautiful, too.

11. Chester (1 Day)

From the Yorkshire Dales, my England road trip itinerary continues south with a stop in Chester .

This place is one of the most underrated cities in the UK , and it’s worth a special trip. With stunning streets and layers of history dating back to Roman times, Chester is magical.

12. Birmingham (1 Day)

From Chester, you can drive down to Birmingham . This city is packed with things to see and do, from shopping arcades to art museums and an eye-catching contemporary library.

13. Wye Valley (1 Day)

South of Birmingham, it’s worth spending a day in the Wye Valley . From market towns like Ross-on-Wye to hikes around the cliff at Symonds Yat Rock, there’s a lot to take in here.

15. Cotswolds (2 Days)

No England road trip itinerary of mine would be complete without a stop in the Cotswolds. From beautiful countryside to picturesque Cotswolds villages like Painswick and Upper Slaughter , there’s a lot to love about this part of Britain.

It’s worth spending a couple days driving through this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to soak up the scenery. It’s one of the most beautiful places in the UK .

16. Bath (1 Day)

Next on my England road trip itinerary is Bath . This city is famous for both its Roman baths and its Jane Austen sites . It’s packed with scenic streets and great independent shops , too.

17. Cornwall (2 Days)

From Bath, it’s worth heading west to Cornwall for a few days. My England road trip itinerary will take you to St Ives , which is one of the most beautiful places in England .

Basing yourself there, you can drive to places like Land’s End, St Michael’s Mount, and the Eden Project. There are great coastal walks in Cornwall, too.

18. Devon (2 Days)

From Cornwall, you can drive to Devon , where it’s worth spending a couple days exploring the coast and countryside.

You can stay in Salcombe , a pretty seaside town, and drive to places like Dartmoor National Park. You can also explore some of the walks along the water in the area.

19. Wiltshire and Hampshire (2 Days)

From Devon, my England road trip itinerary will take you to Wiltshire and Hampshire . The former is home to everything from cathedral cities like Salisbury to historic sites like Stonehenge and villages like Lacock.

The latter is home to cities like Winchester and great countryside around places like East Meon. Jane Austen’s House Museum is here, too.

Both Hampshire and Wiltshire are home to the New Forest , one of the best places to get outdoors in England. It’s worth taking a walk here and spotting some of the area’s famous ponies.

20. Brighton (1 Day)

Next on my England road trip itinerary is Brighton . This seaside spot in East Sussex boasts of one of the most famous beaches in Britain.

And that’s to say nothing of the historic pier and Royal Pavilion. They make Brighton one of the best places to visit in the UK .

21. Kent (2 Days)

Last on my England road trip itinerary is Kent . The Garden of England features everything from coast to castles, and it’s a great place to get both a seafood fix and a dose of history.

From Dover Castle to Canterbury Cathedral and the Charles Dickens highlights in Rochester , there’s a lot to discover here.

From Kent, it’s a short drive back to London, where my England road trip itinerary ends. You can spend more time in the UK capital if your head isn’t already spinning from all the amazing places you’ve seen during your journey.

England Road Trip Itinerary Map

If you want to follow my route, the places on my road trip in England are on the interactive map below. You can click on the pins to see more about each one. I hope the map helps you plan a great British adventure of your own.

England Road Trip Itineraries and Beyond

If you’re looking for additional inspiration, I’ve published blog posts about UK road trips , a great British road trip itinerary for England and Wales, a legendary Scotland road trip , a road trip in North Wales , and road trip packing tips .

I’ve even written about road trip movies . Happy driving!

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UK Road Trip – 18 Unmissable Routes

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Top United Kingdom Road Trip Ideas

If you want to escape day-to-day life, explore new destinations and enjoy travel freedom, then plan a UK road trip. And where better than in the glorious isles of the United Kingdom, where landscapes vary from the gentle to the dramatic, and roads thread through the patchwork countryside between quaint villages and historic towns?

Whether you’re looking for an epic Scottish adventure through highlands and glens, a gentle potter along one of England’s beautiful coastlines, a fast-paced action-packed Welsh road trip, or you like Northern Ireland’s road less travelled, you’ll find it here, amongst our collection of the eighteen best road trips in the United Kingdom.

If you’ve got wheels, we’ve got the best UK road trip ideas for you!

Getting to the UK

The UK has over 40 airports meaning there will be one which is perfectly located for the start point of your road trip. We recommend booking through Skyscanner for live deals and the best prices.

• London Heathrow, Gatwick and Stanstead, Manchester, Newcastle and Birmingham are best for English road trips .
• Fly into Belfast City and Belfast International for Northern Irish road trips .
• Head for Edinburgh and Glasgow International for Scottish road trips .
• Cardiff, Bristol or Birmingham Airport are best for Welsh road trips .

You can hire a car  at any of these airports and be on your chosen UK driving route within an hour of landing. Book your rental car well in advance and use a car hire booker like Rentalcars.com  who will provide the best deals from all the top car hire companies.  How?  Because they have such a large market share, they’ve got way more buying power than individuals and can negotiate much harder on price.

For a real adventure , hire a motorhome or campervan in the UK. We recommend Motorhome Republic , an aggregate booking site who pull together all the best deals from a number of rental agencies, to offer you a wide choice of options alongside an excellent English speaking expert motorhome Concierge Team.

Best Time to Take a UK Road Trip

December to february.

The winter months in the UK are often cold and wet, more so if you head to Scotland or Northern Ireland. Although other visitors will be thinner on the ground, the weather may hinder you from seeing everything you want to, accommodation options may be limited and the driving experience will be a lot less enjoyable.

March to May

Late spring is a wonderful time to visit the UK, as the cold and wet retreats and gives way to kinder weather. Wildflowers appear, baby animals abound and life picks up a lively pace again. But, remember that the country is so lush because it rains frequently, so always be prepared for a downpour, or a few drizzly days when you plan a UK road trip.

June to August

Summer brings sunshine to all of the UK, with south Wales and the western coast of Scotland getting the best of the Gulf Stream. This is the perfect time to visit for outdoor adventures such as hiking and coasteering and ideal if you’re in a tent or motorhome wild camping.

September to November

Autumn is a fantastic time to explore the UK . The coasts will be quieter but still warm and the glorious colours of fall bring vibrancy to the countryside. Don’t leave it too late, it will be cold and wet again by mid-October.

Is this your first time visiting the UK? Get all the information you need in our United Kingdom Travel Guide , including what to pack, the best time of year to go, getting there and practical tips to help you have the best trip!

UK Road Trip Planner

The United Kingdom is a small but diverse country and it can be hard to decide where to take a road trip. Whatever type of road trip you enjoy, and whether you’ve got one week or one month for your UK trip, you’ll find an itinerary here that’s right for you!

UK Road Trip Map

England Road Trips

Devon & cornwall, barnstable – rock – padstow – newquay – st ives – sennen – porthcurno – penzance.

The most south-westerly county in England has some of the best beaches the country has to offer. You’ll also find plenty of quaint seaside towns, stunning landscapes and lots of fantastic days out, which make Cornwall one of the best UK road trips for families.

The drive down the M5 or A303 can be long and slow, especially at the weekends when lots of self-catering accommodation providers have their change-over days. Try and head down mid-week and break up the journey before you get to the A30, the main arterial road through the county.

Visit the  Eden Project on the way, an amazing place to explore, and not to be missed when you’re driving so close by.

Alternatively, take the Atlantic Highway from Barnstable, just south of the glorious Exmoor National Park, to Newquay. This route takes you into Cornwall on the A39 road, passing some of the  best beaches in north Devon  on the way. As you head south, enjoy the walking and cycling trails on North Devon’s aptly named Adventure Coast.

The Camel Estuary

With pretty Padstow on one side of the estuary and trendy Rock on the other, this is a fantastic family destination with lots to do. Try your hand at surfing or body-boarding in Rock or just have fun in the waves. Eat delicious, locally caught fish in Padstow restaurants and enjoy strolling the charming harbour and town. 

The most famous of all Cornish holiday and seaside towns, St Ives is graced with a couple of superb beaches and a lively ambience in the busy and picturesque town and harbour and is a must-stop on any  Cornwall road trip .

With shops, restaurants and bars open long into the evening in summer, and several world-renowned galleries, St Ives has a cosmopolitan feel and is perfectly placed for day trips around the south of Cornwall. It can get very busy here in the high season, if you’re travelling as a couple, visit before UK schools break up for summer if you possibly can. 

Porthcurno & Around

The tip of the Cornish peninsula has some amazing coves and beaches. Porthcurno is one of our all-time favourite beaches and is overlooked by the Minack Theatre, which you should visit, if only for the spectacular views. Get to the beach early in the summer months, the car park fills quickly.

Elsewhere on the peninsula, Sennen Cove and the  tin mines at Botallack  provide a fascinating insight into Cornish history.

Head east for charming Mousehole (pronounced Mowzle), one of Cornwall’s hidden gems (as much as anything in this part of the world can be!).

Penzance, of pirate fame, and the splendid  St. Michael’s Mount , accessible on foot when the tide is out, are all within a few miles of each other and well worth a visit.

RELATED POSTS: Cornwall Road Trip: The Best Itinerary, Map & Tips | Atlantic Highway: An Epic Devon & Cornwall Road Trip

Make sure you have travel insurance you can trust when visiting the United Kingdom . We recommend True Traveller for their 5-star TrustPilot reviews, variety of cover options, best activities cover as standard, great prices and excellent service.

The Cotswolds

Burford – cheltenham – painswick – bath.

Is there anywhere more perfectly English than the Cotswolds? The lush and rolling countryside of southwest England is dotted with honeyed picture-perfect villages set around duck ponds and greens, and the winding country lanes are lined with stone walls and hedgerows.

The region is recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and offers close encounters with wildlife and birdwatching opportunities at the  Slimbridge Wetland Centre .

If you prefer a bit more activity, paddle boarding, kayaking and archery are all available at the  Cotswold Water Park , and there are lots of great cycling and hiking routes in the area. If you’re looking for a gentle escape and a slow pace, this is a perfect 1 week road trip in the UK.

The medieval town of Burford, just 30 minutes west of historic Oxford and an hour and 45 minutes by car from  London , is on the edge of the so-called ‘Golden Triangle’, bordered by the A40, A44 and A429.

The triangle is home to some of the most idyllic chocolate box villages of the Cotswolds, including Kingham, Churchill, Broadwell, Bledington and Oddington, and a perfect place to start a Cotswolds road trip.

Burford itself has changed little over the centuries, other than becoming one of the most popular tourist spots in the area. Stroll down the famous High Street, lined with half-timbered houses and Georgian architecture, as it descends to the River Windrush.

Dip in and out of the side streets and alleys for hidden treasures, more historic buildings and great places to stop for lunch. 

Painswick, known as ‘The Queen of the Cotswolds’, is a beautiful and historic wool town. One of the best-preserved settlements in the Cotswolds, built from locally quarried stone, Painswick is a great starting point to travel around the area.

Close enough to Cheltenham to make exploring easy, there are many small country roads and tiny villages between Painswick and Cheltenham to discover.

Sitting halfway along the  Cotswold Way National Trail , Painswick is surrounded by fabulous hiking country and is a great base to start from. Painswick Beacon has spectacular views across the Severn Valley to the mountains of Wales.

End your road trip in the historic Roman and Georgian spa city of Bath. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bath is famous for its hot springs, Roman baths, Medieval heritage and elegant Georgian architecture.

Visit the fascinating  Roman Baths  which date from AD43, to see how the Romans liked to relax. At the more modern end of the scale, take a dip in the contemporary  Thermae Bath Spa , which houses the only natural thermal hot springs in Britain.

Make time to admire the iconic Royal Crescent and the majestic Circus to see the fine period architecture which epitomises the city that was home to the author, Jane Austen.

Bournemouth – Swanage – Corfe Castle – Kimmeridge – Lulworth – Weymouth – Portland – Abbotsbury

This stunning  coastal road trip in England  takes you through the county of Dorset, which boasts a rugged UNESCO World Heritage Site coastline, traditional villages and some great bucket-and-spade resorts.

The cliffs of the 95 mile long ancient Jurassic Coast contain millions of fossils and there is even a forest of fossilised trees.

With Bournemouth, Swanage and Weymouth providing good old-fashioned seaside entertainment, there’s a lot to recommend on this England road trip itinerary.

Swanage & Around

Swanage is a traditional English sea-side resort that was ‘discovered’ by the Victorians when sea bathing became fashionable.

At the far eastern end of the Jurassic Coast and Isle of Purbeck, Swanage boasts a safe sandy beach, steam train, nearby  Corfe Castle , great wreck diving and  Durlston Country Park , so there’s a great deal to keep you busy and entertained.

Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door

At the other end of the Isle of Purbeck, Lulworth Cove is an almost perfect circle and is considered one of the best examples in Europe of this type of marine erosion.

Whatever the reason for Lulworth Cove, it really is a wonderful holiday spot, perfect for kayaking, stand-up paddling or just messing about in the water.

Literally next door is Durdle Door, a natural limestone arch in the sea, caused by millions of years of erosion. Durdle Door is backed by a beautiful pebble beach and the imposing limestone cliffs that the Jurassic Coast is famous for.

Both places are on the glorious  South West Coast Path , which starts in Minehead in Somerset and ends in Poole harbour. The longest long-distance footpath in the UK, it snakes along the coast for 630 miles. Follow the path west from Lulworth for wild clifftop views free of people, and the geological wonder that is Kimmeridge Bay.

Chesil Beach & Around

An eighteen mile long shingle barrier beach made up of 180 billion pebbles, the iconic Chesil Beach stretches from West Bay to Portland, on the western side of Dorset.

Head for  Abbotsbury Gardens  for one of the best views of Chesil Beach from above, stretching miles in either direction. Pop in to see the mute swan colony at the Abbotsbury Swannery, also a little-known filming location for the Harry Potter movies.

Energy levels permitting, drive south to the instantly recognisable  Portland Bill  lighthouse at the tip of Portland, for more wild seascapes.

RELATED POST: A South England Road Trip to Dorset & the New Forest

Don’t forget your road trip essentials! Our free road trip checklists help you remember everything, including road trip snacks , podcasts and road trip songs for the journey!

The Lake District

Ullswater – keswick – grasmere – ambleside – windermere.

The rugged Lake District in Cumbria is known as ‘Wordsworth country’ and is home to some of the most scenic roads in UK. This English road trip has something for everyone, whether escape or adventure is on the agenda, and is one of the best road routes in the UK for active families and experience days for couples .

Head for the busy towns of Ambleside and Keswick or find peace and quiet by one of the sixteen beautiful bodies of water in this stunning national park.

Enjoy great hiking, biking and outdoor activities in the warmer months, or spend time on the water, with boat hires, kayaking and SUP all on offer. 

Start your Lake District road trip at Ullswater, the second largest of the national parks lakes. Ullswater is nestled amongst some of the best fells the area has to offer and is home to the stunning Aira Force waterfall.

With hiking and water sports on your doorstep, this is a perfect spot for road trippers to enjoy nature and outdoor activity, and some of the best Lake District hikes.

To the west of Ullswater, Keswick is a busy market town that lies between the natural beauty of Derwentwater and the imposing Skiddaw mountains.

Hike up to the prehistoric Castelrigg stone circle, literally surrounded by fells and sky in every direction, or try an easy trail like Catbells, which also has the added benefit of  incredible Lake District views  of the rugged and far-reaching landscape.

Honister Slate Mine

At the southern end of Derwentwater is the valley of Borrowdale, leading to the Honister Pass and the home of the Honister Slate Mine, the last working slate mine in England.

The mine has a visitor centre which provides underground guided mine tours and a range of adventure activities including a Via Ferrata (by ropes) course, a ropes course in the mine and a daring infinity bridge – kids big and small will love it here!

The New Forest

Fordingbridge – lyndhurst – brockenhurst – lymington.

The historic New Forest in Hampshire, planted in 1079 by William the Conquerer, retains a strong sense of tradition. Home to New Forest wild ponies, roaming pigs, Highland cattle and deer, the forest is a haven for wildlife and offers peace and tranquillity to all who visit.

It is a particularly special place to visit in autumn , when the crowds have gone, and the fall colours are spectacular. You might also spot rutting deer if you visit at this time of year.

Also a hub for outdoor activity, including water sports, cycling and hiking, you can find the top  New Forest outdoor activities here . 

Just a few hours from the capital, the New Forest is one of the best road trips from London and perfect for an activity focussed long weekend.

Brockenhurst

A charming village to the south of the forest and an excellent base for cycling and walking, Brockenhurst has a few good pubs and a seriously good  takeaway fish and chip shop . An excellent hub from which to explore, you can hire bikes in the village or bring your own – download this helpful map for routes.

New Forest Water Park

On the western fringes of the forest, the New Forest Water Park offers wakeboarding and a giant inflatable aqua park, the best fun you can have in a wet suit and a perfect family day out. Try your hand at wakeboarding, kayaking and stand-up paddle before running the gauntlet on the aqua park course …its a lot, lot harder than it looks!

Right on the southwestern edge of the New Forest, Lymington is a traditional bustling market town. With a busy modern harbour and easy access to the Solent, this is a haven for sailors.

From your base in Lymington, take a trip to  Hurst Castle , built by Henry VIII and situated on a shingle spit stretching into the Solent.

On hot days, take a dip in the seawater swimming baths on the edge of Lymington town.

Lymington also makes a great base to visit the Isle of Wight. Sitting guard in the Solent, at the entrance to one of the UK’s busiest freight ports, the island is famous for being the one-time home of Queen Victoria and having the sunniest beach in the UK, amongst lots of other things.

You can get the  car ferry  there and back in a day, making it a road trip within a road trip!

RELATED POST: Top 16 New Forest Outdoor Adventures

Norwich – Wroxham – Hemsby – Cromer – Blakeney – Hunstanton – Kings Lynn

One of the most beautiful counties in England, Norfolk enjoys an incredible and unspoilt heritage coastline and the famous Norfolk Broads, where you will find huge skies and mesmerising landscapes, making it one of the best road trip destinations around the UK.

A national park and a haven for birds and wildlife, the Broads are a nature lover’s paradise and can be explored on foot or by boat, with a traditional Norfolk wherry being the ultimate Broads experience.

The historic city of Norwich is a hidden gem and a must-visit if you’re in Norfolk. Considered the UK’s best preserved medieval city, Norwich delivers a fine Norman cathedral with the second highest spire in England, a lively and well-respected bar and restaurant scene, and the Norwich Lanes, a muddle of pedestrian alleys full of independent shops and boutiques.

As you follow the coast north from the Broads, you’ll come to the North Norfolk coast and Blakeney . This pretty coastal village lies in an area of outstanding natural beauty which boasts a nature reserve of spacious landscapes with salt marshes, sand dunes and horizons stretching far out to sea.

Practice your crabbing skills in the harbour, or take a trip out to Blakeney Point to see the Common and Grey seals that breed here in winter. 

Sandringham

South of the Wash lies the royal estate of Sandringham. Set in beautiful woodlands, perfect for walking, you can also visit the house, gardens and transport museum before heading to see the St Mary Magdalene church where the Queen attends services when she is staying at Sandringham.

There are often events here too, such as farmer’s markets and craft fairs, check the Sandringham Estate website for details and dates.

RELATED POST: Road Trip England – 10 of the Best Routes

Northumberland Coast Route

Alnmouth – craster – embleton – beadnell – seahouses – bamburgh – holy island of lindisfarne – alnwick.

This drive takes you along the stunning Northumberland coast, passing through the beautiful landscapes and seaside fishing villages of the county.

Northumberland is home to some of England’s most dramatic castles, an iconic holy island and Hadrian’s Wall, on the border with Scotland. There is fantastic coastal walking in the region, huge sandy beaches that seem endless and warm hospitality for visitors.

Alnwick Castle

Alnwick Castle is a spectacular castle and country house, and the seat of The 12th Duke of Northumberland. It was built following the Norman conquest and renovated and remodelled a number of times, into the castle you see today.

Film and TV fans shouldn’t miss a visit here – the castle has been featured in Transformers: The Last Knight, Elizabeth, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, as the magnificent Brancaster Castle in Downton Abbey, and probably most famously, as Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter films.

Coastal Villages

As you head north, spend a night in one of the fishing villages such as Craster or Beadnell, and enjoy a bracing beach walk from your accommodation, and a traditional fish and chip supper from the local chippie!

Lindisfarne Holy Island

The tidal island of Lindisfarne , also known as Holy Island, is one of the most important centres of early English Christianity. Irish monks settled there in 635CE and the monastery became the centre of a major saint’s cult celebrating its bishop, Cuthbert.

In 793CE the Vikings attacked Lindisfarne, looting the monastery and killing or enslaving many of the monks. It was the first time the Vikings had attacked a monastic site in Britain, and the attack came as a major shock for medieval Christians.

The historic island lies just off the extreme Northeast corner of England near Berwick-upon-Tweed, and is reachable across a paved causeway, but only when the North Sea tides permit! Safe times to cross are predictable and can be found here , and the route takes around two hours to walk.

The Peak District

Chesterfield – bakewell – buxton – castleton – glossop.

Nestled between the cities of Manchester and Sheffield is the glorious Peak District. Straddling the Pennines’ southernmost hills lie ancient stone villages, hillsides dotted with grand stately homes and rocky outcrops in every direction, but no peaks, despite the name.

To the north, the Dark Peak area is dominated by exposed moorland and gritstone ‘edges’, while to the south, the White Peak is made up of rolling limestone dales. The diverse and soaring landscapes of the Peak District mean some seriously good drives, making for one of the best road trips in England.

Chatsworth House

Known as the ‘Palace of the Peak’, this huge stately home three miles northeast of Bakewell has been the family seat of sixteen generations of earls and dukes of Devonshire. Inside, the lavish apartments and mural-painted staterooms are filled with priceless paintings and period furniture.

Head outside for 25 square miles of grounds and ornamental gardens, including water features, a maze, sculptures, and splendid Victorian glass houses. Some of the grounds were landscaped by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown.

Full of history,  Chatsworth House  was founded in 1552 by the formidable Bess of Hardwick, who came from modest beginnings to become the second most powerful woman in Elizabethan England after the Queen. It was with Bess’ second husband, Sir William Cavendish, that the Cavendish line, which continues today, was established.

Finish your Chatsworth House visit with lunch or dinner a few miles up the road, at the highly-rated Prince of Wales in Baslow, one of the best fine dining pubs in the Peak District .

Caves and Caverns

The Peak District is littered with caves and caverns, some entirely natural and some created as a result of historic mining activity.

Peak Cavern  at Castleton is the largest cave system in the Peak District and is almost all entirely natural. Known as the ‘devil’s arse’, the cave was inhabited by rope-making cave dwellers until the early 20th century and 40 families lived in two rows of cottages in the cave entrance, along with stables, a pub and a few small shops! You will also find Speedwell Cavern, Blue John Cavern and Treak Cliff Cavern in Castleton.

The  Heights of Abraham  opened in 1780 and is one of the oldest tourist attractions in England. Alongside the cable car ride and parkland with lots of attractions are two 350 million-year-old caves, Rutland Caverns and Great Masson, where you can experience what lead mining in the 17th century was like.

In the heart of the rugged North Peak area of the Peak District, lies Snake Pass. Winding its way through the valley connecting Sheffield and Glossop, this is one of the best roads to drive in Europe . Following the river Ashop, Snake Pass crosses the Pennines at Ashopton and reaches a high point of 512 metres above sea level.

With stunning views in every direction and surrounded by heather-carpeted moorland, deep valleys, reservoirs and lush woodland, the scenic Snake Pass makes for a truly memorable drive. With its sharp twisted roads, moulded around the rugged landscape, Snake Pass really is a drive to be celebrated by road trippers. 

Just a word of warning though, this road is considered one of the most dangerous in the UK, so take it slowly, stop for photos, and savour the drive.  

RELATED POST: Why We Say These Are the Best Driving Roads in Europe

Yorkshire Dales

Harrogate – malham – hawes – richmond.

In ‘God’s own country’ of Yorkshire , the roads ribbon between glacial valleys, patchwork fields, flat-topped hills and rocky outcrops, punctuated by pretty villages with quaint pubs, and windswept hiking trails.

There’s history aplenty too, in this land that was once host to the War of the Roses, the bloody struggle between the royal houses of Lancaster and York.

Be aware that the Yorkshire Dales National Park is a mecca for tour buses which cause major headaches both on the roads and in car parks at the most popular spots. Avoid the summer months if you possibly can.

Start in the well-heeled and elegant Georgian town of Harrogate, known then as ‘The English Spa’. On the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, this is a great starting point for your Yorkshire road trip.

Malhamdale is in the Pennines, at the southern end of the Yorkshire Dales. Malham itself is a pretty village, surrounded by the limestone buildings and the dry-stone walls so common in the Dales, with a stream bubbling through the centre of the village. 

Malham is best known though for the glacial lake, Malham Tarn, and the majestic Malham Cove, a vast curving amphitheatre-shaped cliff formation of limestone rock. 

The vertical cliff face is about 80 metres high. If you’re lucky, you may see Malham Cove waterfall, which appears in the centre of the cliff face in spring and after heavy rain.

Wensleydale

The lush sweeping valley of Wensleydale is distinct for its wooded hillocks and rushing waterfalls, the most famous being the triple flight Aysgarth Falls and Hardraw Force, England’s largest single-drop waterfall.

The capital of Upper Wensleydale, Hawes, is a lively market town with many hotels and tearooms. Local craft and artisan industries thrive making pottery, wooden toys and the famous Wensleydale cheese, Wallace and Gromit’s favourite.

The  Dales Countryside Museum is an essential visit for anyone interested in traditional countryside life in Yorkshire.

One of the northernmost dales in the national park is Swaledale, a deep and winding valley that is home to the pretty cobbled market town of Richmond, which boasts a rich and vivid history.

Sitting high above the town,  Richmond Castle  dominates the skyline. The views from the top of the massive keep are far-reaching between the hills of Swaledale to the west, the Vale of York to the south and in the far distance to the east, the stunning North York Moors.

Famous for its hardy breed of horned sheep, Swaledale also puts on a spectacular wildflower display in its meadows, which are a riot of wildlife and colour in June and early July.

Spring comes late to this part of England, but you’ll find it an excellent time of year to hike the trails crisscrossing the rugged countryside.

Northern Ireland Road Trips

The causeway coastal route, ballycastle – bushmills – portrush – portstewart – castlerock – londonderry.

This picturesque and unspoilt country of the United Kingdom may require a ferry crossing if you don’t live there, but it is a coastal road trip in the UK that’s worth making the effort for.

From the breathtaking natural beauty of the  Giant’s Causeway  to the huge Benone Beach, the coastline is studded with Game of Thrones locations and pretty seaside towns.

End your trip in the walled city of Londonderry, a popular tourist destination in its own right, or continue onto the Wild Atlantic Way just over the border, for more big seas, idyllic beaches and dramatic landcscapes.

If you don’t live in Northern Ireland, why not start your road trip in the fun city of Dublin – we even have the perfect one day Dublin itinerary for you!

It’s easy to fly in and rent a car in Ireland before heading north across the border to Belfast and making your way up the coast – if you have to take a ferry or plane, you might as well make the most of it and cover two countries in one trip!

The Giants Causeway & Around

Forged by volcanic nature some 50 to 60 million years ago, these 40,000 columns of basalt spilling into the wild North Atlantic are simply unmissable.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Northern Ireland’s most famous historic and natural landmarks, as well as being an awe-inspiring place that really gets you thinking about man’s insignificance in the grand scheme of things.

Climb the Shepherd’s Steps to hike along the clifftop trail for an aerial view of the dramatic sea views, or take the road less travelled on a five mile hike along the stunning cliff-top path for uninterrupted views.

Don’t miss the tiny harbour at Ballintoy (also a Game of Thrones location) before heading along the coast to the  Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge  and testing your courage as you cross between the mainland and the island.

Portstewart & Portrush

Literally next to each other, both Portstewart and Portrush are pretty seaside holiday towns.

With souvenir shops, restaurants and bars, Portrush is livelier and has a nightclub and amusements.

Portstewart has a more laid-back vibe with some interesting independent shops along the prom which sell local crafts and a few great places to eat.

Both have superb beaches and excellent golf courses. If you like motorbikes, head here in May for the infamous  North West 200 , when bikes race along the roads you are driving, but at twice the speed.

Benone Beach & Around

A favourite of surfers, kite flyers and walkers, the vast beach stretches from Magilligan Point in the west to Castlerock in the east.

From here you can see, and then visit the  Mussenden Temple  on the headland and the Downhill Demesne.

The mighty Binevenagh mountain sits to the south and is excellent for hiking, with stunning views of the coast, Loch Foyle and Donegal from the summit, if you pick a clear day. 

Make time to pop into the  Sea Shed Cafe  for their legendary Spanish hot chocolate and home made cake right on the beach!

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Mourne Coastal Route

Belfast – bangor – ards peninsula – downpatrick – newcastle – mourne mountains.

The Mourne Coastal Route follows the lesser travelled eastern route of the Northern Ireland coast.   This area is known for its traditional fishing villages and picturesque seaside towns, only surpassed by the stunning scenery and coastal landscapes of the region.

As you drive, you’ll get many glimpses into the past, from ancient tower houses to stately homes and gardens. You’ll also be able to spot many birds including geese and duck, oystercatchers and curlew, and in the summer nesting tern are in abundance.

Strangford Lough

Strangford Lough is a Marine Nature Reserve, meaning the marine life is worth exploring. Wandering along the shore reveals starfish, urchins, shellfish and even glimpses of seals basking on the rocks. If you stop for a walk along the coast, you’ll be sure to see beautiful wildflowers and a huge variety of butterflies.

With Northern Ireland’s three main fishing ports on the Mourne Coastal Route, you have to sample the fresh seafood. It features on many menus, whether you’re looking for fine dining, or just to grab some fish and chips and watch the boat activity in the harbours.

Artisan food producers are plentiful in this area which is home to Comber potatoes, Portavogie prawns, Dundrum Bay oysters, local honey, Finnebrogue venison and many local brews and beverages. 

Stately Homes

The National Trust sites in this area all offer beautiful views and glorious nature. Neo-classical Mount Stewart has exceptional gardens and walks, as well as a house tour. Castle Ward estate extends right to the edge of Strangford Lough, with its unique mansion, gardens and trails, and you can experience archery and a medieval banquet on the original set of Winterfell from Game of Thrones.

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Want to plan your own road tri p? Get our step-by-step road trip planning guide to help you organize the perfect trip, or check out our top road trips in Europe for ideas and inspiration.

Scotland Road Trips

The argyll coastal route, loch lomond – inverary – lochgilphead – oban – glen coe – fort william – glenfinnan.

Starting at the tip of Loch Lomond and following the coast from Inveraray to Fort William, this west coast of Scotland road trip is for seafood gourmets, sunset lovers and those that want to get under the skin of Scotland and feel its turbulent history in the air and glens of the incredible landscapes. 

We’ve added an extra stop to the official route at Glenfinnan – you’re so close to this historic village at the end of the trip, we just couldn’t resist.

Cultural Glasgow and historic Edinburgh are also both within striking distance at the start or end of your road trip if you fancy a few days of city life.

Easdale Island

Spend a fantastic car-free day wildlife watching from Easdale Island. Make the five minute passenger ferry crossing to this tranquil part of Scotland, where you can take a whale spotting trip, an excursion to the Corryvreckan Whirlpool or a tour of a local seal colony. 

Other areas of interest include the historical remains of what was once the centre of the Scottish slate mining industry.

The still pools, which are a defining feature of Easdale, were once active slate quarries, and together with the wide variety of flora and bird life make Easdale unique.

With magnificent views of towering mountains and glens, Glen Coe is a landscape full of natural wonders. Explore the  Glen Coe Geotrail  to learn more about the ancient volcanic history of this other-worldly place which was shaped by glaciers and fiery volcanic explosions millions of years ago.

In the picturesque village of Glencoe, you can learn about local history, including the Massacre of Glencoe in 1692, when members of the Campbell clan murdered members of the MacDonald clan on the orders of the English Crown.

At the top of this road trip lies Glenfinnan, the historic spot in which Bonnie Prince Charlie called for the local clansmen to assemble in 1745, proclaiming the throne of Great Britain to be denounced and rightfully returned to his family, the Stuarts.

His actions and the subsequent Battle of Culloden led to a seismic change in the Highland way of life and caused a long rift between Scotland and England. 

You’ll also find the magical Glenfinnan Viaduct here, made famous by the Harry Potter films. This railway viaduct has carried trains on the West Highland Line since 1897. 

For the best views, take the Glenfinnan Trail to the viewpoint, where you’ll see the steam train crossing the famous viaduct. Turn around for a magnificent view of Loch Shiel and the Glenfinnan Monument which commemorates the Jacobite uprising.

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The North Coast 500

Inverness – john o’groats – durness – lochinver – ullapool – inverness.

This ultimate Scottish route and one of the great British road trips is a 516 mile spectacular circular trip around the north coast of Scotland, starting and ending at Inverness Castle and passing through some of the most beautiful places in Scotland.

Do a bit of it or tackle the whole iconic route, for which you’ll need at least two if not three or four, weeks to do the trip justice. You’ll find incredible landscapes, myths and legends, welcoming Scottish hospitality and the thrill of the open road. 

The NC500 is one of Europe’s best-known road trips and it will be busy in the summer months – head there in late spring or autumn for quieter roads and better deals on accommodation.

Both the start and finish point of your driving holiday in Scotland, this ancient cathedral city is full of history and interest. Go hunting for monsters on Loch Ness, take a trip to the haunting and emotive  battlefield at Culloden  and visit  Inverness Castle .

Home to John O’Groats and Dunnet Head, the most northerly village and northerly point of mainland UK respectively, Caithness is right at the top of Great Britain.

It is so far north that in favourable conditions, it’s possible to see the northern lights from here. The coastline features soaring sea stacks and towering headlands, home to puffins and other sea birds.  

One of the last great wilderness of Europe, quite a few miles of the NC500 pass through Sutherland’s raw and naturally beautiful.

The coast of this part of the route is unspoilt and diverse, from huge sandy beaches in the west to the rugged and aptly named Cape Wrath cliffs, the most north-westerly point of mainland UK and only accessible by boat or special transport.

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Kyle of Lochalsh – Portree – Duntulm – Dunvegan – Armadale

The Isle of Skye is Scotland’s second-largest island, a 50 mile long stretch of heather-carpeted moors, jagged mountains, sparkling lochs and dramatic sea cliffs.

This incredible landscape is the main attraction, but there is plenty to do when the mist descends, including castles, museums, craft studios and even fairy pools.

Follow this popular UK road trip route out of season for real solitude and remoteness, some of the best hiking in Scotland, and to breath the clear air and remind yourself of why life is good. 

Dunvegan Castle

In a beautiful position at the edge of Loch Dunvegan, Skye’s most famous historic building,  Dunvegan Castle , is the seat of the chief of Clan MacLeod and has been so for over 800 years.

The castle itself is fascinating and the formal gardens make a wonderful contrast to the stark beauty of the surrounding landscape. It’s a busy tourist attraction though, and best visited outside of the peak months of July and August.

The Sleat Peninsula

Commonly referred to as ‘the garden of Skye’, the Sleat peninsula is home to verdant gardens and thick forests, surrounded by glorious beaches and sparking seas.

This eclectic corner of Skye not only has nature on its doorstep, it also has some of the best restaurants on the island and of course, a  whisky distillery , for that wee dram you must have when visiting.

The Trotternish Peninsula

Trotternish is the most northerly peninsula and enjoys Skye’s most striking and dramatic landscapes. As you drive north your attention will be captured by The Storr and The Old Man of Storr, a 50m high lance of rock that sits at the foot of the cliffs. 

Head to The Quiraing for some fantastic hiking and to see the best of these ancient landscapes in this remote, stunning part of the island.

The South West Coastal 300

Prestwick – ballantrae – cairngaan – isle of whithorn – kirkudbright – dumfries – lockerbie – moffat – dalmellington – prestwick.

The South West Coastal 300 is a road trip for nature lovers and history buffs. With stunning coastlines, lush forests which stretch over rolling hills and dramatic moorlands, this quiet corner of Scotland will woo you until you fall in love with its gentle charms.

This is a well-located road trip in Scotland for those driving north from the rest of the UK and can be joined at Lockerbie, within a 20 minute drive of the Scottish border. 

Dunure Beach

Our favourite beach on this road trip, the small but perfectly formed Dunure Beach has dark sand and shingle with great rock pooling and stunning views of Ailsa Craig from the ragged ruins of Dunure Castle.

Dip into  Galloway Forest Park , the only Dark Sky Park in Scotland and a top spot to see the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, or visit the  Scottish Dark Sky Observatory  at Dalmellington to use their powerful telescopes to observe the night skies – stargazing without light pollution is an incredible experience.

Kirkudbright

Spend a day in lively Kirkudbright (pronounced kir–coo–bree) and follow the Arts and Crafts Trail. Home to generations of creatives, ‘the artist’s town’ has a flourishing community of painters and craftworkers. You might also hear bagpipes here as they have lots of parades.

Wales Road Trips

Brecon beacons, hay-on-wye – brecon – libanus – llandovery – gwaun-cae-curwen.

Undulating dramatically across the landscape, the Brecon Beacons National Park (Parc Cenedlaethol Bannau Brycheiniog) encompasses some of the most spectacular scenery in southern Wales.

High mountain plateaus and glacial hollows rise above forested valleys, hidden waterfalls and gorgeous rural landscapes that echo to the sound of rushing waterfalls, making this a varied and exciting Wales road trip.

The relatively short distance from London to Wales, just three hours and 40 minutes driving makes this one of the best weekend road trips from London.

Starting at the northernmost tip of the national park, Hay-on-Wye is famous the world over for books and the annual  Hay Festival of Literature and Arts , a reputation that belies its small size.

Known as Hay by locals, this charming town in Wales sits on the gently flowing river Wye and abuts the Wales-England border. 

The town centre is made up of skinny sloping lanes characterised by a shabby elegance that suits the quirky bookshops and antiques emporia that thrive in Wye’s independent and cosmopolitan vibe. 

Known as ‘the Beacons’ to hikers, there are many trails to choose from in these mountains. Pen-y-Fan, which just misses out on ‘Furth’ status (the equivalent of a Munro in Scotland), is a favourite of many.

The route is a challenging ten mile slog through forest and moorland to the steep ridge of Pen-y-Fan. The views from the top, at 886m, are superb, especially in the winter when the landscape is dusted with frost and snow.

But there is more hiking here than just Pen-y-Fan; an online search will reward you with many options, including Sugar Loaf in Monmouthshire and the four waterfalls walk which starts in Porth yr Ogof.

The Black Mountain Pass

One of the most scenic drives in Wales, this epic mountain road of Top Gear fame gives unrivalled views of the surrounding valleys and mountains, and enough hairpin bends and switchbacks to satisfy any dangerous road enthusiast.

For the best experience, drive the A4069 road from north to south. Starting in Llandovery, the pass snakes between breathtaking viewpoints as you cross the twin humps of Pont Aber and Herbert’s Pass, before descending to the village of Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen. 

Be aware that sheep will cross the road indiscriminately – not uncommon for roads in Wales! It is known that mobile speed cameras are sometimes along the route in objects such as horseboxes or small trucks.

Since its exposure by Jeremy Clarkson, the route has become incredibly popular – save this one for a weekday if you can.

RELATED POSTS: The Best Wales Road Trip Route and Itinerary | One Day Cardiff Itinerary – Map, Tips & Guide

Pembrokeshire

Fishguard – st davids – marloes – pembroke – tenby.

Famous for its rough cliffs, huge beaches and remote islands, the coast of Pembrokeshire offers limitless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, and is one of the most beautiful places in the UK.

From the Victorian seaside town of Tenby to the puffins of Skomer Island, this road trip in Wales has something to suit everyone, outdoor adventurers and nature lovers alike.

Coasteering

Pembrokeshire boasts that it invented coasteering, so how could we leave it off the list? The sport of jumping from land to sea, cliff scrambling and swimming between rocks will stretch you mentally and physically but give you hours of fun.

You can find a pace to suit you, there are guided expeditions and courses for beginners of all ages, some of which include marine biology education along the way.

Skomer Island

The wild island of Skomer is a haven for migrant birds such as puffins, razorbills and guillemots. You may also see seals here, which come to moult in April, along with owls, buzzards and peregrine falcons.

In the spring, wildflowers cover the island, making it a truly beautiful and fascinating place to visit.

Working on a first-come, first-served basis, numbers and tickets are limited so make sure you get to Lockley Lodge visitor centre early.

Tenby is one of the most iconic seaside towns in Wales, steeped in history and surrounded by an imposing medieval stone wall. With several excellent sandy beaches, a colourful harbour and narrow cobbled streets with a fantastic selection of gift shops, cafes and pubs, this charming town is perfect for a day out. 

If you base yourself here for a few days, you’re within striking distance of two of the best castles in Wales,  Pembroke Castle  and  Carew Castle , both well worth a visit.

Snowdonia & Anglesey

Betws-y-coed – bangor – newborough – holyhead – benllech.

Head for spectacular Snowdonia in north Wales for drama, huge skies and outdoor adventures.

Cross the iconic Menai suspension bridge to reach the beautiful Isle of Anglesey, home to some of the best beaches in Wales, and fantastic coastal hiking and cycling paths.

With a good dose of remoteness, this is one of the best travel routes in the UK to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life.

Betws-y-Coed

Set in a beautiful valley, Betws-y-Coed is a typical mountain town, full of companies offering outdoor adventures and shops selling outdoor gear. Pubs are full of hikers talking about the day’s adventures.

The town is a great base for outdoor sports and activities such as climbing, hiking, abseiling, zip-lining and mountain biking.

You’ll also find natural beauty spots such as Fairy Glen and Swallow Falls to visit in the nearby area.

Snowdonia National Park

Test yourself by climbing to the peak of Snowden, the highest mountain in England and Wales, some 1,085m above sea level.

If you still want to enjoy the views but don’t fancy the hike, take the train up and hike down!  

Newborough Beach & Llanddwyn Island

Newborough beach is our favourite beach on Anglesey, backed by the tranquil Newborough Forest, where you might see red squirrels.

Take a walk through the forest and dunes to the peninsula of Llanddwyn Island to see the fascinating lighthouse and pilot’s cottages. 

UK Road Trip Resources

Here are the websites and services we personally use and recommend for traveling in the UK.

• Search for affordable flights to the UK with Skyscanner
• Search for availability and book hotels and accommodation in the UK with Booking.com
• Find and book the best campsites in the UK with Eurocampings
• Book the cheapest and most reliable hire cars in the UK with Rentalcars.com
• Find and hire your perfect motorhome or campervan with Motorhome Republic
• Get highly rated, reliable and trustworthy travel insurance with True Traveller
• Check if you need a visa and arrange your documents with Visagov

Information About Driving in England

Whether you’re road tripping the UK in a car, camper or motorbike, make sure you’ve got all your documents handy and your spare tyre is in good condition. If your UK road trip itinerary is longer than a few weeks , you may want to consider a vehicle service before you go, and breakdown cover is probably a good idea.

• Drivers from non-EU countries may require an International Driving Permit. The general rule is that if your licence is not in Latin script, then an IDP will be required. Check with your hire company or embassy if you’re in doubt.
• You must have at least 3rd party insurance for your vehicle.
• Your car must be considered roadworthy in the country in which it is registered.
• Your headlights must be adapted for driving on the left if your vehicle is registered outside the UK.
• Unlike France, the UK does not have laws that require you to carry certain equipment in your car, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t. Being prepared in the event of an accident or a breakdown is invaluable. Ideally, you should carry a reflective jacket, a warning triangle, a first-aid kit and a fire extinguisher.
• Understand insurance options, mileage limits and fuel policies before booking a rental car.
• Check the car for damage on collection and make sure anything you spot is noted, and the same again when you drop it off.
• Remember to drive on the left during your trip to the UK!

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9 top road trips to see the best of England

Jul 17, 2023 • 8 min read

Jump in the car and hit the road with one of these great road trips through England © Photos by R A Kearton / Getty Images

Hiring a car and driving through gorgeous English landscapes, visiting quaint villages and epic castles is a highlight of a trip to England  no matter the season.

Roads are well maintained, although you may be caught out by the occasional pothole. Off the main roads you can meander down narrow lanes of hedgerows and stop to watch the sun set or a bird of prey gliding in the sky above.

Here are nine of the best road-trip routes across the country, from a loop around Cornwall in the southwest, all the way north to a coastal jaunt right to the border with Scotland. The distances provided are not direct between the start and end points. Instead we assume plenty of diversions from the main route so you can explore more of each region.

1. Following Hadrian's Wall

Best road trip for rugged landscapes and Roman history Newcastle – Carlise; 127km (79 miles), allow three to four days

Traversing the island's narrow neck, you'll encounter the extraordinary feat of engineering of Hadrian's Wall first-hand. Every Roman mile (0.95 miles) had a gateway guarded by a small fort (milecastle), with two observation turrets between them, and many of these remain. A series of southern forts, which may predate the wall, were developed as bases, and 16 lie astride it.

Preserved remains and intriguing museums punctuate the route, along with easily accessible remnants of the 1900-year-old wall. Start in the Newcastle suburb of Wallsend at Segedunum , marking the last strong post of the wall. Follow the route west, stopping to explore on the way. Be sure to include the superbly preserved Roman cavalry fort at Chesters Roman Fort and Museum , and enjoy the views over the wall and the moors of Northumberland National Park at Housesteads Roman Fort and Museum .

Local tip:  The interactive Housesteads Roman Fort & Museum showcases objects once belonging to Roman soldiers and includes a mini-cinema that takes visitors on a journey to the past.

2. The historic south

Best road trip for English history and culture London – Oxford; 720km (450 miles), allow seven to 10 days

England's rich heritage runs like a glittering seam through this remarkable multiday road trip across the south. Romantic  Leeds Castle  alone is worthy of a full day, before stopping at the historic city of Canterbury  with its World Heritage–listed Gothic cathedral. The quaint medieval settlement of Rye  is a delight, with cobbled alleyways and stories of smugglers.

Brighton , a lively coastal city with superb nightlife, is next on the route, followed by Portsmouth, where you can learn all about the city's nautical heritage at the historic docks . Cathedral lovers will be further overjoyed by stops in Winchester  and Salisbury to marvel at their majestic medieval spires, before traveling onwards to the fascinating archaeological sites at  Stonehenge and Avebury . Drive on to soak up the Georgian cityscape in Bath , Churchill's palace and Oxford 's spires. 

3. Cornwall's coast

Best road trip for scenery Bude – Fowey; 333km (207 miles), allow 10 days

Buckle up, roll down the windows and have the camera ready – there can be few corners of Britain where scenery packs such an eyes-wide, heart-in-the-mouth, jaw-on-the-floor punch as Cornwall . This unforgettable adventure travels top-to-bottom, coast-to-coast, starting from the breezy seaside town of Bude and following the coastline all the way down, round and back up again to Fowey.

Along the way you'll encounter sparkling beaches , surf bays and seaside ports galore, as well as curiosities such as a clifftop castle steeped in Arthurian legend, a theater built into the granite rocks, the wonderful St Michael's Mount , and a trio of space-age biomes at the Eden Project . It's wild and wonderful out west, as you're about to find out.

4. The Jurassic coast

Best road trip for a memorable family holiday  Poole – Lyme Regis; 145km (90 miles), allow seven days

One of the west’s best drives, this route rolls up chalk ridges, through thatched villages and along sea-fringed roads. History is everywhere, from fairy-tale castles to an art-packed quarry .

Prepare for the pick of Dorset ’s sights and sea-view sunsets as you keep heading west. Fall in love with the romantic hilltop ruins of Corfe Castle  and take a dip in Lulworth Cove before hiking over to the stunning Durdle Door arch. Little ones are likely to love a visit to the Monkey World sanctuary in Wareham or the 29km (18-mile) stretch of pebbles at Chesil Beach, and they may well be fascinated by the fossils that can be found in Lyme Regis.

5. The Cotswolds

Best road trip for quintessential England Bath – Stratford-upon-Avon; 240km (149 miles), seven to eight days

From the less-traveled, superbly pretty villages of the southwestern Cotswolds to the impossibly beautiful gold-colored streets of the classic northern Cotswolds, this trip threads through the core of one of England's most desirable regions.

Glimpse Georgian grandeur in Bath, marvel at Painswick's sleepy beauty, and unearth Roman history in Cirencester. You'll want to stop in picturesque Bibury to admire the gorgeous cluster of riverside cottages , before strolling Chipping Campden's honey-hued lanes and wrapping up in dramatic Tudor style at Stratford-upon-Avon , home of the illustrious Bard, William Shakespeare.

Detour:  Roughly 1.6km (1 mile) apart and 5.6km (3.5 miles) southwest of Stow-on-the-Wold, the picture-postcard villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter have managed to maintain their unhurried medieval charm. Their names have nothing to do with abattoirs; they come from the Old English sloughtre , meaning slough or muddy place.

6. The Lake District

Best road trip for the great outdoors Windermere – Ullswater; 260km (162 miles); allow five days

William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Beatrix Potter are just a few of the literary luminaries who have fallen in love with the Lake District . It's been a national park since 1951 and is studded by England's highest hills (fells), including the highest of all, Scafell Pike. This drive takes in lakes, forest, hills and valleys, with country houses, hill walks and cozy pubs thrown in for good measure.

Highlights include visiting Wordsworth's former homes in Grasmere, walking through the classic Lakeland valleys of Borrowdale and Buttermere, admiring the wild landscapes and England's highest mountain in Wasdale and driving Hardknott Pass, the district's steepest road pass. At a 30% gradient in some places, with precious few passing places on the narrow, single-file road, it's absolutely not for the faint-hearted or nervous drivers. 

Planning tip:  Motorways and main A-roads deliver you quickly from one end of the country to another. Lesser A-roads, B-roads and minor roads are much more scenic – ideal for car or motorcycle touring. If you or your children get travel sick, you've been warned: these roads are twisty. 

7. The Midlands

Best road trip for battlefields, castles and stately homes  Nottingham – Lincoln; 344km (214 miles); allow five days

This grand tour begins with famed Nottingham Castle and ends with similarly famed Lincoln Castle , stopping at the mighty fortress of Warwick Castle en route. In between you'll see Bosworth Battlefield , where Richard III became the last English king to die in battle, and learn the extraordinary story of the 2012 discovery of his long-lost remains in a city car park.

You'll also stop at wonderful stately homes, such as lavish Burghley House , the Tudor mansion at Sulgrave Manor  and Althorp House , the final resting place of Princess Diana. In each, take time to wander the opulent corridors, the magnificently landscaped gardens and the wider estates, some with free-roaming deer.

8. The North York Moors and Yorkshire coast

Best road trip for windswept moorlands York – Robin Hood's Bay; 140km (87 miles), allow four to five days

This varied tour takes in ancient architecture, wild moorland scenery, picture-postcard villages (complete with steam trains!) and a classic seaside resort…with macabre literary connections. The Blakey Ridge road out of Hutton-le-Hole just keeps climbing and climbing, leaving behind the medieval city of York and the aristocratic splendor of Castle Howard to enter a world of windswept heather moorland, wandering sheep, lonely stone crosses and ancient footpaths.

Stop in Malton, a Yorkshire food haven, and then the bustling fishing harbor of Whitby , with its Gothic abbey and links to Bram Stoker's Dracula . End your road trip in Robin Hood's Bay, one of the prettiest spots on the Yorkshire coast.

Detour: Get transported back to 9th-century "Jorvik" (the Viking name for York) at the multimedia Jorvik Viking Centre, where history is brought to life with a smells-and-all reconstruction of the Viking settlement unearthed here during excavations in the late 1970s.

9. Historic Northumbria 

Best road trip for untamed coastline  Newcastle – Berwick-upon-Tweed; 182km (113 miles), allow three to four days

This drive along northeast England's stirring coastline from Newcastle-upon-Tyne to Berwick-upon-Tweed on the Scottish border runs through the historic medieval kingdom of Northumbria, passing long, desolate beaches, wind-battered castles and magical islands. 

Newcastle is renowned for its culture and nightlife. Stop by the iconic Angel of the North sculpture a few miles south of the city before taking the road north to nearby Tynemouth, where you'll find one of the best surf spots in England at a Blue Flag beach, overlooked by the ruins of a Benedictine priory .

Once you hit the open road the pace drops down several gears – wild and remote, this area is sparsely populated. Along the way you'll encounter incredible birdlife in Amble, where you can visit a puffin colony, and fresh-as-it-gets seafood hauled in at traditional fishing ports. Alnwick is a lovely historic town with an  impressive castle that starred as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter movies, and  Bamburgh  has the region's most dramatic clifftop castle.

Further north, the road takes you by Holy Island, or Lindisfarne , a tiny otherworldly spot linked to the mainland by a narrow causeway at low tide. 

This article was first published March 2021 and updated July 2023

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9 most beautiful road trips in the UK for 2023 revealed

Get off the beaten path and explore natural wonders

"With so many incredible routes in the UK, it's no wonder the popularity of road trips and touring holidays is on the up. We are thrilled to reveal the most popular road trip destinations for 2023," Martin Smith, founder of Campsites.co.uk , says.

Searching for some inspiration? Take a look at the most beautiful road trips in the UK for 2023...

The NC500 route

Bringing together 516 miles of stunning coastal scenery in the far north of Scotland, we're not surprised the NC500 route made the list. From the magnificent Dunrobin Castle and Scotland's largest cave, Smoo Cave, there is plenty to see and enjoy on your road trip.

READ MORE : The ultimate guide to North Coast 500 accommodation

The Atlantic Way

Running from the outskirts of Newquay, Cornwall to Barnstaple in North Devon, the Atlantic Way is perfect for adventure seekers who want to surf frothy waves, hike along cliffs and explore iconic landmarks.

Wild Wales: Snowdonia to Anglesey

This incredible Wales road trip itinerary starts with the mountains in Snowdonia, journeying on to the Anglesey coast. Stop off at castles, nature reserves and picnic spots on your ride.

The Lake District Loop

This drive around the Lake District allows people to get up close to Cumbria's spectacular landscapes.

Martin says: "Kayak along Lake Windermere before seeing the Rydal Caves in Grasmere and venturing to the more remote western lakes."

READ MORE : Lakes and mountains holidays: 8 incredible adventures for 2022

The Yorkshire Circuit

Rated the best road trip in the North of England, this pretty route encompasses the North York Moors, Yorkshire Dales and the Yorkshire Coast. Add this one to your bucket list.

The Norfolk Coast

Over in Norfolk, this road trip route spans almost 100 miles of scenic coastal views. From the beaches at Hunstanton through the Broads, to seal spotting in Great Yarmouth, it has something for every passenger to enjoy.

Cotswolds Villages

Meander through the glorious Cotswolds villages on this countryside road trip (and check into one of these best Cotswolds hotels ). You'll drive through the idyllic Bourton-on-the-water, Broadway and Castle Combe. Stop off on your way to stroll along the cobbled streets and canals.

Passes and Peaks: Snake Pass and the Peak District

"Travel along the Snake Pass with stunning views stretching into the Pennines," says Martin. "Finish the route by exploring more of the Peaks."

The Cambrian Way

Taking the final spot is The Cambrian Way — a scenic road trip which journeys through the Brecon Beacons up to Snowdonia and ends on the North Wales Coast. Taking you up the mountainous spine of Wales, it's also a pretty hiking route to explore by foot.

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12 Best Scenic Drives in UK to Plan Your Epic UK Road Trip Itinerary

The United Kingdom has some of the top scenic drives in the world varying from coastal shore drives, mountain peaks, green forests and amazing country side views. In this post, I will give an overview of the outstanding natural beauty the UK has to offer covering the best scenic drives in UK- Scotland, England and Wales. I hope the the list can help you plan your road trips in the UK, as almost all of these fall into my UK road trip bucket list with some of them gladly checked off and on the revisit list. All the maps and top stops are attached for each recommendation including the best time to visit.

1. Scottish Highlands: Fort William Area

2. north coast 500 or nc500, 3. loch lomond & the trossachs national park, 4. aberdeen, 5. isle of mull, 6. isle of skye, 7. lake district national park, 8. cotswolds, 10. cornwall, 11. brighton and seven sisters, 12. welsh road trip, final thoughts on best scenic drives in uk, pin the best scenic drives for your uk road trips, scenic drives in uk: scotland.

The Fort Williams and Loch Ness region has some of the best scenic routes in the central Scotland with some really cool bucket list adventures to check off like seeing some of the best castles in Scotland . If you can’t make it to the North Coast 500, also known as the NC500, which is the northern most and remote area of Scotland, then this is the route to plan for capturing the Scottish highland beauty. This trip is very suitable for families with many outdoor adventures possible and lots of accommodation available for a perfect Scotland Road Trip itinerary .

Route: You can take the route A83 to A82 from Loch Lomond/Edinburgh to Glencoe if you are travelling from the South.

Duration: 3 days – 1 week

Top Spots/Drives:

• Fort Williams : A major outdoor town with lot of things to do in and around with plenty of accommodation.
• Glencoe : Amazing drive and many scenic walks in this area. Try taking a detour to Kinlochleven when here.
• Glen Etive Drive : Don’t miss this renowned route for the most epic scenic route in Scotland where some scenes from the James Bond movies were shot.
• Ben Nevis : The highest mountain peak in the UK near Glencoe with a mountain resort. You can even skii here during the winter.
• Glenfinnan : This is the Harry Potter destination where you can see the viaduct from the movies and even the Jacobite train. There are some really scenic places to visit here.
• Lochness Drive : A drive around Loch Ness is one of the best scenic drives in this area with lot of stunning stops. Urquhart castle is in this route. I recommend waiting for summer timer before embarking on this drive.

The North Coast 500 route is a 500 mile route covering the entire of Northern Scotland starting from Inverness and then North via a coastal route via unique picturesque mountains roads and passes. This is definitely in the top 5 best road trip routes in the world and should be on the driving bucket list of all road trip lovers. This is the most scenic account of the Scottish highlands and a must item on your Scotland road trip itinerary , however this is a difficult remote route and hence maybe not suitable for families.

Route: Start from Inverness to travel counter clockwise and cover the east first or start from Inverness via Ullapool to visit the west coast first. I personally think west is more scenic than east, so I would recommend trying to cover the east quicker and allow more time to cover the west.

Duration: 5-7 days

Here is a quick list of top spots in this area that I have short listed from my experience. I shall just mention the main experience as there is a lot to cover during this trip.

• Inverness: Dolphin watching from the land, Inverness castle. You can drive to Loch Ness from here too.
• Dunrobin Castle : A stunning castle facing the sea, worth paying to get in.
• John O Groats : The northern tip of Scotland and very scenic. Don’t miss the Duncansby stacks. You can go to Orkney islands from here.
• Durness : This route on NC500 is very scenic.
• Lochinver: Another very scenic route.
• Ullapool : Coastal town famous for seafood
• Loch Carron/Apple Cross : A tiny village with a scenic drive. Don’t miss the Baelach Na Ba driving route here when you go.
• Kyle of Lochalsh : A stunning small town from where you can see all the islands including the Isle of Skye and the Isle of Mull, I wish to revisit this place one day for a staycation.
• Eilean Donan Castle : One of the best castles in Scotland.

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park is the closest national park to the main cities of Scotland- Glasgow and Edinburgh. This region is very scenic and outdoorsy with lots of hills and glens perfect for hiking opportunities, along with great options for trying water sports and a perfect location for a staycation. I have been here multiple times and it is perfect to visit during both spring and summer and there are some other pretty scenic Scottish villages that are worth visiting in this area for example Luss. Some of the drives like taking a round of Balloch drive definitely fits in the classic Scottish drive route and as a result you will spot many convertibles and luxurious cars in this area.

Duration: 2-3 days

• Three Lochs Forest drive: 7 mile scenic drive covering three lochs- Loch Drunkie, Lochan Reòidhte and Loch Achray.
• 26 miles Loop drive from Port of Menteith to Callander via Aberfoyle and Brig o’ Turk
• 22 miles along the A85 between Callander and Killin passing Loch Lubhnaig. You will pass the Glen Ogle viaduct and Falls of Dochart
• Balloch Drive : Take loop from Balloch, Firkin Point and Balamana also visiting Arrochar

Submitted by Victoria from Guide Your Travel

The area around Aberdeen in Scotland is stunningly beautiful and the perfect place for a road trip. Before you head north from the city make sure to make the quick 30-minute drive south to the little fishing village Stonehaven and the nearby Dunnottar Castle. This clifftop castle is an impressive location and perfect for taking pictures. Craigievar Castle is also located close to Aberdeen and known for its pink exterior. Definitely add this incredible historic place to your itinerary for your Scotland road trip. There are some beautiful hiking trails nearby perfect for exploring the area. Drive further inland until you hit the Cairngorms National Park. This area is fantastic for hiking, biking or even camping during the summer. Admire the impressive mountain ranges and stop by Braemar, a beautiful little town.

Image by Nigel Scott from Pixabay

Once you’ve had enough of the mountains and rolling hills head north up the coast of Scotland and stop in Peterhead and Fraserburgh. These pretty coastal towns are just like you’d imagine Scotland to be and the best spot to get some fish and chips and enjoy the beautiful views. Elgin is also worth a stop before you finally reach Inverness. This is the largest city (or large town) in northern Scotland before you reach the Highlands. Visit here for traditional haggis, Scotland’s most famous dish and of course a whisky tasting. 

• 30-minute drive south to the little fishing village Stonehaven and the nearby Dunnottar Castle
• Craigievar Castle
• Braemar, a beautiful little town
• Fraserburgh

Scenic Drives in UK: Scottish Islands

Submitted by Anuradha from Country Hopping Couple 

If you are looking for an offbeat location and one that is packed with plenty of interesting adventures like seeing native wild animals in Scotland , Isle of Mull is the place to be. A compact island located on the western coast of Scotland, Isle of Mull makes for a fantastic road trip. Whether you are looking for a weekend getaway or a longer holiday destination, there are an array of interesting things to do on Isle of Mull . The island is known for its exemplary landscape, pristine beaches, ample wildlife adventures and quaint villages.  

READ: Scenic Scottish Highland Towns to Visit in Summer

The easiest way to reach Isle of Mull is by taking a 45 minute ferry from Oban, which takes you to Craignure port. Begin your road trip from Craignure and drive to Ross of Mull, where you can dip your feet in the waters of Fionnphort. Next up, drive to Ben More, largest and only munro (Scottish mountain with a height over 3000 ft)  in Isle of Mull.  If you are a mountain lover, don’t miss the chance to hike up Ben More to enjoy the sweeping views of surrounding mountains and the coast. Calgary Bay, in the north west of Isle of Mull is home to powder sandy beach that is worth visiting. You can also take the 2 mile Sculpture trail in Calgary that takes you through woodlands.  Explore Tobermory, the capital town, known for colourful buildings on the promenade, buzzing cafes and a destination in itself with lot of happening things to do. Tobermory is one of the top scenic towns in Scotland you must visit.

• Ross of Mull
• Calgary Bay

Submitted by Rachel and Nico from the Average Lives

One of the best road trips in the UK is the magical natural wonderland that is the Isle of Skye . It is located on the West Coast of Scotland and is the most accessible Scottish Isle for a road trip. There are so many exciting things to see and do on Skye and to see the best of the best you should follow this Isle of Skye itinerary.

For your first day, you could begin in Portree, explore the harbour stock up on supplies and drive to hike up the Old Man of Storr, stopping at Bride’s Veil Waterfall viewpoint on the way. After the hike, you should go to the viewing platforms of Lealt Falls, Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls to see the mighty falls. Then you can hike the Quiraing, explore the Falls of Rha and hunt for fairies at The Fairy Glen. For day two, you could discover the west loop, swim in the cold clear waters at Coral Beach, step back in time at Dunvegan Castle, watch the sunset at Neist Point Lighthouse and then go on a Talisker Distillery tour. Finally, on day three, you could explore the magical Fairy Pools, Elgol and Spar Cave. Overall, this road trip is incredible, and you will discover how enchanting it is!

Best time to Visit: The peak months are July and August, but to appreciate it without the crowds, mild weather and fewer midges, you should aim to go in October.

• Old Man of Storr
• Lealt Falls
• Mealt Falls
• Fairy Pools

Scenic Drives in UK: England

The Lake District National Park is one of the top scenic drives in England and my most favourite. Every route is scenic here, so it is hard to pick just a few. There are so many hiking trails and scenic routes to experience. Driving regions around Keswick are very famous and a drive from here to Windermere is known to be very scenic. Below is a list of top stops and scenic routes to help plan your road trip. Almost all the routes in this area are going to be pretty scenic, so just start somewhere and let the roads and adventure unfold as you go.

Duration: 2-5 days

Top Spots to plan your route:

• Drive around Windermere lake and up North to Kirkstone Pass
• Drive to Ullswater
• Orrest Head walk
• Highest peaks here: Skiddaw, Helvellyn
• Hardknott Pass A110 New Alpine Road

Submitted by Joanna from The World In My Pocket

One of the most beautiful road trips that you can go on in England is to the Cotswolds . Here you will find some of the most beautiful villages in the entire country. The outstanding area of natural beauty of the Cotswolds is best explored by car, to give you freedom of stopping in as many villages as you want. A Cotswolds road trip can be as long as you want it to be, from a day trip from London , long weekend short stay or even a staycation for a week. You will never run of things to do and see in the Cotswolds.

There are several villages which should be visited as early as possible, due to their popularity with tourists. These are Castle Combe, Bourton-on-the-Water, Lower Slaughter and Bibury. Some of them, such as Bibury and Lower Slaughter have very limited parking, another reason to visit either early in the morning or late in the evening.

It is highly recommended to stay overnight in one of the cute B&Bs or traditional small hotels in the villages. This way you can not only experience the warm hospitality but also the delicious locally sourced produce prepared in the tastiest meals by the local restaurants.

Some of the other villages that you can’t miss when you visit the Cotswolds are Broadway, Stow-on-the-Wold, Painswick and Moreton-in-Marsh.

• Castle Combe
• Bourton-on-the-Water
• Lower Slaughter and

Submitted by Kat from Wandering Bird

Devon is one of the best places to visit in England. There’s so much to see and explore. If you only have a week or less, choose your Devon road trip route carefully and concentrate on either the north or south. 

Image by Roman Gr ac from Pixabay

North Devon is an unexpected treat, with some wonderful bays, beaches harbours to explore. You’ll find the best surfing waves here, as well as some quieter beaches with golden sand and play areas for kids. Don’t miss getting fish and chips from Squires in Braunton- it’s been voted best in the country.

South Devon is less wild, with plenty of coves and sandy beaches of its own. Dartmouth is worth the effort of getting there, as is the pretty harbour of Salcombe. Take a river cruise or rent a small boat for the day. Don’t miss the Dartmouth steam train. The route goes all the way up to Paignton and you can ride up and back in just a couple of hours. It allows for beautiful views across the river and the surrounding countryside.

In the centre, you’ll find Dartmoor- the largest National Park in the south of England. This is the best place for hiking and nature- you’ll see many of the wild ponies which roam the moor. This is a great place to take children- a lot of the moor is relatively flat and they can run, play (and chase ponies!) to their heart’s content.

Best time to visit Devon: Springtime, when the flowers are out- particularly the bluebells, or Autumn, as the leaves turn and the crowds from summer have gone home. 

Duration: 3-5 days

• Dartmoor National Park

Editor’s pick

Cornwall county in the south west coast of England, is a popular destination for staycations and coastal road trips. The county is filled with attractions throughout and is also famous for family holidays with theme parks and wildlife experiences, amking it ideal for a road trip to Cornwall . The villages, castles and gardens here are famous for being the most beautiful places in England. Surfers, kayakers and beach lovers head out here in summer. If that is not enough Cornwall is also pretty popular amongst foodies, the Lost Gardens of Heligan is a mystery unveiled and finally Cornwall is also home to the Eden project, the world’s largest indoor rain forest, which is not to miss.

READ: A Perfect Cornwall Road Trip Itinerary

Image by top sy_toby98 from Pixabay

Duration: 3-8 days

• Drive from St Ives to Sennen
• Drive from Newquay to Padstow
• Drive around Whitsand Bay -Cawsand and Kingsand villages
• The Roseland
• Boscastle to Bude
• Minack Theatre
• St Nectan’s Glen
• Brown Willy

Brighton is like the California of England. This southern city is pretty unique from rest of England with some quirky and colourful ambiance with an amazing coastline. The beaches and pier here really reminded me of California during my visit. One can easily do a road trip to Brighton from London and from there being in the south coast of England, you can either go west towards to Portsmouth or to the Seven sisters in the east. The seven sisters cliff in the south east of England is a pretty unique landscape and the coastal drive is very scenic and relaxing.

• Brighton pier
• Coastal drive from Brighton to South end on sea
• Birling Gap
• Seven sisters

Scenic Drives in UK: Wales

Wales is a unique country to explore on it’s own just like Scotland is. Filled with mountains, national parks, castles and scenic routes, Wales also calls for a country wide road trip. Some top destinations and road trip can be done around Snowdonia, Pemborkshire Coast National Park , Swansea and Brecon Beacons National Park . Apart from these top destinations, here is the list of route or passes to aim for scenic drives in Wales.

Image by Roman Grac from Pixabay

• A4069 Black Mountain Pass
• The Abergwesyn Pass near Snowdonia
• Drive from Cardiff to Llandrillo
• Drive from Llandrillo to Llandudno
• Drive from Llandudno to Snowdonia
• Drive from Snowdonia to Aberdaron

The United Kingdom has a lot to offer for road trips with signature views and cultural elements to explore. Wales, England, Scotland and Northern Ireland are dramatically different that you will notice the differences easily when you cross the borders. There are historic landmarks to see, cute villages to explore and coastal areas to discover throughout. The British countryside is very charming and different from the touristic London pictures you see mostly on media. There are tons of routes and passes to take in the country side of Britain. During your next visit to UK, don’t forget to embark on one of these scenic drives at least once to explore some of the unquie countryside charm of the UK. As we all still exploring, if you have your own recommendations, feel free to send me a message.- I’m always happy to grow the travel bucket.

Jumana is a travel writer and technologist living in the United Kingdom, born and brought up in India. While she is busy with her full time job as a computer technologist, she is an active explorer during her spare time. She has been exploring states of India since she was 15 and then around the world since she moved to the west in her 20s. Her favourite travel style is “On the Road” and she has perfected the art of road trip planning, covering multiple famous and undiscovered routes around Europe, UK and USA. She is on a mission to road trip the planet and learn more about the cultures around the world.

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Great post, Jumana. Ellie & I love going on road trips in the UK and have done a fair few of the trips you mention. Funny enough, just yesterday we were talking about doing Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park in early June.

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6 of the best road trips in the UK

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written by Mike MacEacheran

updated 16.11.2023

There is something about a road trip that creates a state of heightened excitement. No matter the destination, a road trip unfolds at the same, ascending rhythm. Back roads are followed (whenever possible), motorway service stations are avoided (at all costs) and the countryside flies by with the same tempo as a rock song (cue Status Quo). If you’ve got wheels – be it a car, bike or camper – here are 6 great road trips in the UK to try.

Prepping for your trip

1. north coast 500, scotland, 2. a yorkshire circuit, england, 3. the atlantic highway, england, 4. coastal circuit, northern ireland, 5. ben nevis to the isle of skye, scotland, 6. the black mountain pass, wales.

Whether it's an Easter break or your summer holiday, none of these routes will disappoint. For everything from car hire to the best routes to take, we can help! No time to plan and book yourself? Try our tailor-made travel service and our local experts will create an itinerary according to your preferences, ready to book, like The Great British Road Trip .

It's important to prepare carefully for a road trip – it's no fun being stuck roadside because you've run out of fuel, or getting a puncture with no spare wheel. If you've not got a banger of your own, that's no problem: there are plenty of rental companies offering competitive deals. Better still, hire an electric car and help protect the pristine landscapes you're driving through. Be sure to check charging points along your route, or – if you're car isn't electric – fill up the tank before you leave.

If you're taking your own car, it's worth a trip to the garage before you leave to check it's in good shape. Make sure you've got all your car documents on hand, as well as a spare tyre in the boot. It also pays to pack a first-aid kit and some non-perishable snacks, just in case. Take out breakdown cover and keep the emergency number handy.

This circular route is a greatest hits of Scottish icons, stretching across 805 km of back roads. Skirting the coast from Inverness and the Black Isle, past the seaboard crags of Caithness, Sutherland and Wester Ross, it offers up gothic ruins, rugged fairways, historic castles, shingle-sand beaches, tiny fishing hamlets and peaty whisky distilleries. Even the name is a doff of the cap to The Proclaimers.

Along the way, the road becomes a symphony, building note after note, bend by bend, from its rallying start through the east coast villages of Dornoch and Wick to Aultbea, Poolewe and Gairloch on the savage west coast. Here, it reaches a crescendo below the impregnable peaks of Loch Maree.

Finally, the road reaches the brilliant Bealach na Bà, which loops up and over the Applecross Peninsula like a piece of gigantic spaghetti. It could scarcely be more isolated or awe-inspiring — there's a reason this was featured in our reader survey of the most beautiful places in Scotland .

Best for: Escaping urban life and enjoying unexpected traffic jams, courtesy of wayward Highland cows and stags.

Duration: 4-7 days.

Need to know: Accommodation options are few and far between, so book in advance. Outside of summer, you’ll have the route to yourself, when even a witches’ brew of winter clouds couldn’t dampen the drama or Highland spirit.

Where to stay: Straddling the banks of the River Ness, Inverness is the hub of the Highlands. You'll find plenty of accommodation options here, but for sprawling grounds, airy rooms and a luxury spa, treat yourself at Kingsmills Hotel before your road trip. Once you're on the road, sea-view Harbour Quay in Wick (private accommodation) and the Shiskine Pod (think: cute wooden chalet with blow-away views) in Gairloch are good bets.

The Scottish Highlands offer magnificent scenery © Mountaintreks/Shutterstock

In Yorkshire, the roads move from moor to dale through centuries of dark medieval history, once a backdrop to the War of the Roses, the bloody struggle between the royal houses of Lancaster and York.

Here the mix of A- and B-roads create a daisy-chain link between some of the most beautiful villages, waterfalls and rolling backdrops in northern England . When heading through fields of summer grasses over the Buttertubs Pass from Wensleydale to Swaledale, the road twists and turns like a thrashing snake.

Set off on the A59 from Harrogate towards the historic market town of Grassington before boomeranging back to Aysgarth Falls, a wide, multi-tiered falls that’s perfect for a hazy summer ramble.

Next, putter along the valley floor to the Wensleydale Creamery Visitor Centre at Hawes to stock up on Wallace and Gromit ’s favourite cheese, before plunging over into Reeth and looping back to your start point via Jervaulx Abbey. A spooky Cistercian monastery in the moors, the abbey also has an excellent tea room if you need a pitstop.

At the end of a long day’s drive, there’s nothing more satisfying than the promise of a pint of Black Sheep ale from Masham Brewery. The welcome here is warm, the people friendly, the surrounding landscapes wild, and the beer strong. It's undoubtedly one of the best road trips in the UK.

Best for: Ale drinkers and cheese lovers.

Duration: 3 days.

Need to know: The Yorkshire Dales are a magnet for tour buses and parking can cause major headaches.

Where to stay: The starting point of Harrogate – a gorgeous, historic spa town with more tea rooms than you can shake a spoon at – has plenty of places to stay. The DoubleTree by Hilton , occupying a 19th-century beauty, has all the facilities you'd expect, as well as 12 acres of lovely gardens – perfect for stretching the legs. For something a little less imposing, try the friendly Franklin Mount Boutique Guesthouse . Over in Grassington, meanwhile, plump for The Clarendon Country Pub with Rooms – the bedrooms are all super cozy, and you can wind the day up with a hearty meal and pint at the pub downstairs.

The Yorkshire Dales in the evening light © BerndBrueggemann/Shutterstock

A storied ribbon of tarmac and maritime history, this 275 km road has the wild beauty that has become the hallmark of southwest England: it’s all about the big views.

Sandwiched between barley fields and a succession of bays and beach breaks, the A39 from Bridgewater to Bude is a magical concertina that creases and folds along the Devon and Cornwall coasts . Beyond the roadside hedgerows, the windswept dunes become the territory of shaggy-haired surfers, where foaming waves beat the shoreline.

Stop off at Exmoor National Park for hikes across the hilly moors, before driving south from Barnstaple through the salt-tanged seaside towns of Bude (for surfing), Padstow (for seafood) and Newquay (for weekend partying). Then it’s onwards to Land’s End – the place Cornish residents once thought was the end of the world.

Best for: Surfers and wannabe hippies.

Duration: 4-5 days.

Need to know: The name is a bit of a cheat. The route travels inland for much of Cornwall, eventually feeding onto the shoreline at Newquay. The only way to do this trip is in a VW camper van with a board tied to the roof.

Where to stay: At the edge of Exmoor National Park, overlooking pretty Lynmouth Bay, the Rising Sun Hotel will charm your socks off with its thatched roof, crooked stairways and wooden beams. In Padstow, make for St Petroc's B&B , with stylish rooms and a charming garden. And while there's a whole raft of accommodation to choose from in Newquay, if you're after some of your own space, try Porth Cottage Studio , which has its own kitchen facilities – though full breakfasts can be provided, too.

Newquay's golden sands © Lukasz Pajor/Shutterstock

Related articles from the blog

Plan a journey around the knuckle-shaped fist of the Northern Irish coast and you won't regret it. There’s a hypnotic quality to this 195 km route from Belfast to Derry/Londonderry, one that can see you detour off the road to find smaller villages. It's one of the most varied road trips in the UK in our list.

First, head for the Gobbins Cliff Path, an ambitious walkway chiselled out of basalt rock with hammers and rudimentary tools. North of Belfast, it carves a path through caves, over bridges and gantries, and down steep drops. Following a £7.5 million investment, the path reopened in 2015 for the first time in more than 65 years.

As the journey continues, stories, both ancient and modern, will pull you over. Detour to Antrim to see the Dark Hedges, a tree-lined road used in Game of Thrones , while making sure to stop at Ballintoy harbour (also another GoT location).

Stare in awe at the 40,000 jigsaw pieces of the Giant’s Causeway, then pop into the Old Bushmills Distillery for a refresher of Irish whiskey.

Freedom on a road trip like this is only limited by how far your imagination takes you. After Londonderry, the road keeps going south into Ireland , to Sligo and Galway or Dublin. Simply roll down the window and keep on driving.

Best for: Story-lovers and stargazers

Duration: 3-5 days.

Need to know: Rathlin, Northern Ireland’s only inhabited offshore island, sits around halfway along the route and is home to an RSPB reserve. Its resident guillemots, razorbills and puffins are a must-see for birdwatchers.

Where to stay: You won't be pressed to find a fabulous place to stay along this route. Belfast and Londonderry are buzzing cities full of options, though our picks are Maranatha House in Belfast – famed for the chef's Ulster Breakfast – and the 4-star Beech Hill Hotel near Derry, a country house just outside the city set in glorious scenery. While on the road in Antrim, meanwhile, try Crockatinney Guest House : stock up on supplies and use the BBQ facilities in the garden.

The Giants Causeway, Northern Ireland © Jon Chica/Shutterstock

This 74 km scenic drive route from Fort William to Mallaig has an antique weirdness, like stepping back in time. Every mountain and loch tells a story and the ghosts of the Jacobite and Victorian eras are never far away.

At Fort William flows the Caledonian Canal, first built for trade and commerce; past Loch Eil stands the Glenfinnan Monument, where Bonnie Prince Charlie kicked off his bid for the crown in 1745; then comes the glorious West Highland Line, one of the great railway journeys of the world.

Start in the shadows of the UK’s most alluring peak, Ben Nevis, before tracing your route like a squiggly marker pen across a fold-out map from its namesake whisky distillery onto the A830. Venture westwards and you’ll pass a series of stand-out movie locations – the Glenfinnan Viaduct, famous for its starring role in the Harry Potter films; then Camusdarach Beach at Arisaig, where Bill Forsyth’s classic Local Hero was filmed.

Near the journey’s end, Loch Morar, the deepest freshwater lake in the UK, will fill your windows with stunning views. From here you can stop and enjoy the surroundings, or continue across to the Isle of Skye.

Best for: Historians and Harry Potter fans.

Duration: 2-3 days.

Need to know: Like Loch Ness , Loch Morar has a storybook monster of its own; Nessie’s cryptid cousin, Morag.

Where to stay: Gateway to the Highlands, the main draw of Fort William is its location – including its proximity to Ben Nevis – but it's as good a base as any, and it's not short on places to stay, either. On the Caledonian Canal you'll find the Moorings Hotel , housed in a funky building with some brilliantly garish interiors and stellar views. In Arisaig, Brae Hoose is a holiday home with a smart TV, surround-sound bar and an excellent hygiene rating. In Mallaig, after your long drive, bed down at the West Highland Hotel – be sure to dine at its fantastic Terrace restaurant, with fresher-than-fresh fish, panoramic views and a wood-burning stove. End-of-the-road meals don't get any better than this.

Camusdarach beach, Arisaig © alan92 todd/Shutterstock

The shortest road trip of the bunch, this epic mountain road more than makes up for it with spectacular Brecon Beacons scenery, unrivalled views of the Tywi Valley and the kind of hairpin bends and switchbacks that’d bring a Swiss Alpine engineer out in hives.

It rolls between Llandovery in the north, crossing the dragon’s humps of Pont Aber and Herbert’s Pass past jaw-dropping viewpoints, before sinking low and cascading down to the village of Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen.

Along the way, you’ll be met by rustic farmhouses, ruddy-faced farmers, wayward sheep and perhaps the odd motoring journalist. Thanks to ex-BBC host Jeremy Clarkson, Black Mountain Pass is also known as the Top Gear road and is enduringly popular with test drivers.

If you need to gear down, catch a breath and take a break from driving, our guide to 21 most beautiful beaches in Wales has just the place.

Best for: Driving enthusiasts.

How long: One day, though it’s far better to extend your trip and stay in the Brecon Beacons area for at least 48 hours. The A470 running through the park’s east is also highly recommended.

Need to know: Make sure to tackle the route north to south.

Where to stay: For a Welsh cottage experience, look no further than Merlin Cottages or The Byre . Both are excellent options near Llandovery, with stone walls, original features and plenty of country charm.

The Brecon Beacons National Park © antb/Shutterstock

Well, what are you waiting for? Get your car in gear and take to the open road.

Mike MacEacheran is a travel journalist & guidebook author based in Edinburgh, Scotland. He has reported from 108 countries for National Geographic, Conde Nast Traveller, The Times, The Telegraph, The Guardian, The Observer, The Sunday Times, The Wall Street Journal, Mail on Sunday, The Independent, Evening Standard, The Sun, The Globe and Mail, Scotland on Sunday, The National and South China Morning Post. Follow him on Twitter @MikeMacEacheran

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How to plan the ULTIMATE UK road trip

Trying to plan a UK road trip? Not entirely sure where to start? The UK is amazing and full of incredible road trip possibilities- but narrowing those down to fit an itinerary can be a bit daunting. 

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How to plan a UK Road trip

The key to planning any road trip is figuring out how much time you have for your trip vs where you want to go vs how long you want to drive for each day.

That’s it.

The more road trips you plan, whether in the UK, Europe or anywhere else, the better you get at knowing how far you want to drive each day and how much time you want for sightseeing, relaxing and enjoying your break.

We’ve been roadtripping almost non-stop for years now and today we’re going to share our secrets for how to plan a UK road trip, step by step.

We’ve travelled extensively in the UK, from Lands End in Cornwall all the way up to John o’Groats (if you’re not from the UK, that’s a really popular road trip itinerary if you have the time!)

We are constantly amazed at just how pretty the UK is and how diverse the scenery, architecture, history, accents and customs are. If you’d like to grab some ideas for places to visit, here are some of our favourite UK road trip itineraries .

Just remember, wherever you go, you’re bound to have a good time. (Just bring a coat. And an umbrella. At all times.)

So, grab a cup of tea and a slice of cake (so English!) and let’s get started on how to plan the PERFECT UK road trip!

If you want to make life even easier, grab our FREE, printable Road Trip planner . It’s the best way to keep track of all your ideas, itineraries and locations.

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Planning a UK road trip- How much time do you have?

I know the UK is small compared to some countries, but you are unlikely to see much of it in a week. It is possible to drive from the bottom to the top in about 24 hours… but all you’ll see is motorway!

Itinerary ideas for a one-week UK road trip

My advice? If you have a week to drive around the UK, you could do one the following areas:

• Split your England Road Trip into 4 quarters. You could do a part of each quarter in roughly a week. 
• One or two of these best scenic drives in Scotland
• Wales – here are some great Wales Road Trip ideas
• Northern Ireland (and Ireland)

If you have extra time, then add more places in! Or take your time and really enjoy the places you find.

VERY VERY VERY IMPORTANT ROAD PLANNING TIP

Do NOT overface yourself. You are NOT going to want to drive 18 hours every day. Heck, what’s the point?

And you are probably not going to want to drive EVERY. SINGLE. DAY either, especially if you’re the only driver or you’re travelling with young kids. You need to allow time to explore the places you travel to. Also, remember many roads in more rural regions of the UK (like Cornwall and Scotland ) are narrow and speed limits are much slower- which means travel times between places are a lot longer!

Planning a vehicle for your UK road trip

There are plenty of vehicle options for a UK road trip and all of them are available for hire (age and licence dependant of course! Check if you’re allowed to drive in the UK with a non-UK licence here .)

Motorhome/ Campervan

Our personal favourite method of roadtripping is a UK Motorhome (RV) or campervan holiday . We love being able to take our home on our backs and see where we end up- much more freedom than booking hotels or B & B’s in advance. We’ve extensively toured the UK and Europe in our motorhome and it’s a perfect way to take everything you need with you. 

If you want to go wild camping, make sure you’re aware of the motorhome and campervan parking laws in the UK .

Hiring a motorhome or campervan? Make sure you ask these important motorhome rental questions first.

However, if a motorhome or campervan really isn’t your style, hire a car and set out on the open road! Don’t forget- it’s cheaper to start/ finish at the same place than pay a one-way fee BUT you may be able to see more if you don’t have to return to your starting point.

You’ll also save on the fuel you might use to return the vehicle, so a one-way hire might be a great option depending on the type of UK road trip you want to do.

For car hire, we use and highly recommend Europcar.    

Motorbike/ bicycle

Lastly, how about a road trip by bike? Yep, that could be a pushbike (don’t underestimate the hills in the UK!) but why not treat yourself and road trip on a motorbike! There are some awesome biking roads all over the UK and plenty of biker-friendly accommodation options. You can even hire helmets and leathers.

Route planning for a UK road trip

So, once you’ve decided on your timescale and how you’re going to get around, you can start planning a UK road trip route and then your accommodation.

If you’re making it up as you go and wild camping in the UK or booking campsites/ accommodation on the fly, then this doesn’t matter so much, but if you’re planning a route in order to book accommodation, then remember my advice from above-  many roads in the UK are slower and smaller than you might be used to, and distances can take longer to travel- particularly in places like Scotland, Wales and Cornwall.

READ MORE: Drive the national driving routes in Wales- the Wales Way – and see some of the best bits of this beautiful country.

Again, don’t try and cram too much in, or you’ll be arriving late each day utterly exhausted. Remember, at this stage you don’t necessarily need to plan each road you will take, but just which towns you want to visit, how long you want to spend in an area and how far driving distances are between each place.

You can record all this information on our FREE printable road trip planner so you can keep track of it all and adjust your route and itinerary accordingly.

TOP TIP: If you’re going to be booking a lot of accommodation, use Booking.com. They offer great discounts on hotels, BnBs, apartments and more & the more you book, so each night gets cheaper and cheaper.

We rarely plan actual routes, but when we do we use Google. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your route with Google Maps

Things to remember while route planning

• If you have a motorhome or large vehicle- get an appropriate motorhome sat-nav . You’ll need it. Make sure it’s in an appropriate holder if you’re looking at it whilst driving.
• Bring a car USB charger for phone/ ipad etc. You’ll need it- using maps on your phone takes more battery power than you might be used to.
• Make sure you have the best route planning apps to help you get the most out of your trip, whether it’s Park4night, Google Maps or one of the others we recommend.

Plan a UK road trip- Travel Documents to bring

Once your rough routes and accommodations are sorted, you need to make sure you have the appropriate travel documents with you . Here’s a list, along with a printable checklist for you to download.

Note – there is NOT an official border between England, Scotland and Wales- you can drive between them in any vehicle you hire. However, for any country which requires a ferry (Northern Ireland, Isle of Man, Channel Islands) you might need a letter from the hire company saying it’s ok to take the vehicle out of the country. You will need to carry your passport/ proof of ID as well.

Another Note – this does NOT apply to the Isle of Wight on the south coast of England- that’s still part of England. It’s complicated, I know.

READ MORE: Here’s everything you need to know to plan a road trip to the Isle of Wight

UK Road Trip tips

Speed limits.

Apparently, us Brits have a reputation for speeding. Having driven in both France and Italy, I think that’s a little unfair- but it’s also probably true. So, here’s the deal when you’re roadtripping in the UK:

• The speed limit on the motorway (3/4 lanes each side) is 70mph. You WILL see people going faster, but remember there are unmarked police cars all over the place.
• IF you see another speed limit on the motorway (for roadworks or traffic) obey that speed limit. There will be cameras everywhere- they are often on the bridges.
• Many motorways in the UK now have average speed cameras, which means they monitor you from one point on the motorway to another, and if your average speed is above the limit, they will send you an automatic fine.
• National speed limit (white circle with black diagonal line through it) is 70 on dual carriageways (unless otherwise marked) and 60 on single lane roads.
• In towns, the speed will often by 30mph, and sometimes 20mph near schools. Do not speed in towns- cameras (and kids!) are everywhere.

Driving Tips for the UK

• There is NO turn on red. Red means stop and wait. Always. Wait for green. If you’re turning, there might be a green arrow while the rest is on red.
• There’s no requirement to drive with your headlights on during the day.
• In the UK, we drive on the left. The slow lane is the lane nearest the curb, the overtaking lane is the one near the centre. DO NOT hog the middle lane- pull into the slow lane as often as you can.
• At a roundabout, the left lane is for either turning left or going straight on. Unless it’s marked differently. 
• If you’re in a tall vehicle (motorhome!) know your height and width and PAY ATTENTION to signs for narrow roads or low bridges. There are MANY of them all over the place. 
• In rural areas, you’ll find many narrow roads. Sometimes, you just have to go for it (slowly!) In a big vehicle, sound your horn before approaching a tight bend- don’t do this at night! These roads will often have passing places- these are NOT laybys, so don’t stop here for the night.
• Double yellow lines mean NO parking (there are some exceptions for disabilities). A single yellow line means parking is restricted at certain times. Don’t block entrances, driveways or bus stops.
• Talking of buses, do NOT drive in a bus lane. Most buses now have cameras on the back and they will fine you.

Driving in London

Personally, I hate driving in central London. Too many cars and the road system is crazy complicated. Add to that the taxis who just push through everyone, the lorries which are too big for the roads… yeah, I park up and catch the train in.

If you do drive into London, be aware of the congestion zone. You can pay it on the day- you don’t need to buy in advance, but DO NOT forget. Here’s the link for info and to pay. 

You also need to be aware of several toll roads around the UK- they should be well signposted, but some you have to pay for via an app or online- if you forget, you’ll be fined automatically. That’s just one of many things NOT to do on a road trip !

Useful (and weird) things to know before travelling to the UK

• We drive in ‘miles’ (imperial), but we buy fuel in litres (metric). No idea why.
• Currency is in GBP- not Euros.
• The UK is no longer in the EU. Which means we are NOT in the Schengen area and visiting the UK doesn’t count towards your 90 days. If you’re travelling to Europe from the UK , make sure you comply with the correct conditions.
• Amex is only accepted in the bigger shops- many places won’t take it.
• Carry small coins (anything from 10p to £1) Many car parks require change to pay for a parking ticket. A rough guide is you’ll pay £1/ hour for parking. Expect to pay MUCH more in cities.
• The best UK weather is usually May-October- but that’s a constant source of amusement for UK residents. In 2018 it was blissfully warm from April all through the summer. In 2019, I was still wearing my winter coat in May. (In 2020, we didn’t leave the house so who cares!) 
• It rains in the UK. A lot. Whenever you’re coming, bring a coat.
• If you’re into history, you have LOADS of places to visit. Many of them are run by the National Trust- you can buy a touring pass here to save money on the attractions. We also recommend getting an English Heritage membership so you can visit some of the best castles and historic monuments.

Activities for kids

Planning a UK road trip with kids in tow? I’m just going to point you in the direction of these amazing road trip activities for kids (and adults!) and quietly close the door. Feel free to rock back and forwards whilst gently hugging yourself. It will be ok.

Road trip songs

Any good road trip needs some TUNES. Here are 100+ of the best road trip driving songs !

Some of the best UK road trip destinations

Looking for some roadtrip inspiration? Here are a few of our favourite places to visit in the UK:

• Cornwall (Avoid Cornwall in July and August- crazy busy.) Here’s an amazing Cornwall itinerary (with map).
• Devon – here are some unmissable Devon road trip itineraries
• Dorset and Hampshire- here are some great places to visit in Hampshire and Dorset
• Wiltshire – (Think Salisbury, Durdle door and Stonehenge )
• Southern Wales. Don’t miss the waterfall walk or the show caves
• Scotland . Pretty much all of it. Here’s a perfect 7-10 day Scotland itinerary (with map) , including the Isle of Skye

I hope this post has helped you plan a UK road trip and I wish you an incredible trip. Let me know where you end up!

Other posts you might find useful:

• Best European Road Trip itineraries and ideas
• 18 beautiful road trip journals and logbooks to record your trip
• Quick, easy and HEALTHY road trip snacks

See all our UK itineraries and places to visit

See all our road trip tips

Know someone who might enjoy this post? Feel free to share it with them.

Kat never planned to buy a motorhome. She also never planned to quit her job as an air traffic controller, go touring around Europe in said motorhome, start one of the UK’s largest motorhome travel websites… or get a cocker spaniel.

Find out how she went from stuck in the rat race to being a digital nomad and inspiring thousands of people to have their own epic adventures here.

If you’d like to connect with Kat, send her an email or follow her adventures on social media.

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omg this post has made me super proud to live in the uK!!! so many amazing places!!! thanks for sharing!

I love that this has literally EVERYTHING to get us prepared for a UK roadtrip!

Happy roadtripping!

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10 Best Road Trips in the UK

Experience the best of britain on the open road.

The best road trips in the UK have been selected from across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. From isolated stretches of moorland to scenic coastal drives, the landscapes represented here will live long in the memory, so drive slowly, stop often, and don’t worry about taking a long way around.

Summertime is the best time to embark on these adventurous drives, but you can enjoy many of Britain’s finest drives at any time of year – weather permitting.

Land of the Lakes, Lake District

The coniston loop, via eskdale and the duddon valley.

The Coniston Loop is a 42-mile-long drive that takes you through some rarely seen parts of the Lake District. It's an excellent way to see many different parts of the area in a day. Stopping frequently, you’ll visit Duddon Valley, an area so famed for beauty, poet William Wordsworth wrote The River Duddon, A Series of Sonnets in 1820.

Other highlights of this road trip include Stanley Force waterfall, Dalegarth station on the miniature Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, and Hardknott Roman Fort. Every village and hamlet you pass will have coffee shops and pubs. Make a stop whenever one takes your fancy. 

Snowdonia to Anglesey

A 26-mile drive to the west coast of wales.

This scenic drive across 26 miles of the Welsh countryside takes you from the region’s highest peak, Snowdonia, to its westernmost point, Anglesey. The journey is packed with things to see and do along the way, including visits to Snowdonia National Park and Penrhyn Castle and Garden. After crossing the Britannia Bridge onto Anglesey, consider stopping to visit the town with the world’s longest name, Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch. There’s not much to do here, but it makes a great photo to send to your mates.

The endpoint to your journey is South Stack Lighthouse on Holy Island. Come in summer and you can climb the lighthouse for fantastic ocean views out towards Ireland. 

10 Best Castles and Ancient Ruins in the Lake District

10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Belfast

5 Best Things to Do in Manchester This Summer

North york moors national park, helmsley to whitby via the b1257.

The North York Moors has the world’s largest collection of heather moorland, which is a rough, windswept type of landscape that has a forgotten, timeless quality to it. In summer, you will find wide-open space filled with wildflowers. There are several journeys you could make through the moors, but this 50-mile route takes in some particularly rugged landscapes and interesting sights.

Starting from the village of Helmsley, take the B1257 north, passing wide open fields and stone homesteads. Consider stopping at Rievaulx Abbey, an 11th-century abbey ruins. After 20 miles you will reach the market town of Stokesley. From here, head east towards the coast. You could choose to make a stop at Captain Cooks monument on the Cleveland Way hiking trail. It’s a further 30-mile drive through moorland until you reach Whitby. Celebrate with some of the UK’s finest fish and chips, sat on the harbor wall with your feet dangling off the side. 

North Coast 500, Scotland

The uk’s northernmost road trip.

The Scottish North Coast trip is the ultimate circular route around Scotland, starting and ending at the historic Inverness Castle. The route covers over 800 km and includes the UK’s northernmost mainland coast. Be sure to stop by the village of John o’ Groats, famous as one of the furthest mainland points from Land’s End at the other far end of the country.

The Scottish North Coast trip comprises 6 distinctive encounters. There are whiskeys to sample at Easter Ross, and seals to spot off its shores. You might also see dolphins off Black Isle, where the local food and craft beer scene are worth a stop, too. That’s without even mentioning the mysterious lochs and stunning white-sand beaches of Wester Ross. 

Cheddar Gorge, Somerset

Cheddar to ashwick along the b3135.

The award-winning Cheddar Gorge drive twists and turns its way for 14 cliffhanging miles. It’s easy to reach from popular tourist spots in the southwest, like Bath, Bristol, and Weston-Super-Mare.

Owing to its fame, this route through the gorge is particularly popular so expect plenty of traffic to contend with if you head here on the weekend or during the peak summer months. It’s best to set off in the early morning when you’ll have this winding drive mostly to yourself. 

The Black Mountain Pass

Take the a4069 across the brecon beacons.

The Black Mountain Pass is a fantastic drive through an isolated landscape in south Wales, winding its way through Brecon Beacons National Park for 20 hair-raising miles. This road has plenty of hairpin turns to test your driving skills, rising up the side of an abandoned quarry to an altitude of 1,600 ft.

This stretch of road links the towns of Llangadog and Brynamman. The scenery starts among pastures, before rising into desolate moorland. The view from the top of the pass is stunning but do watch out for errant sheep wandering across the roads. 

Snake Pass, Peak District

Take the a57 between sheffield and manchester.

Snake Pass is a famous route in Derbyshire that cuts through the Pennines, past several small villages, with Ladybower Reservoir as a halfway point. Stop here to enjoy the panorama from the Bamford Edge viewpoint. As you head north towards Manchester, you’ll be treated to stunning views as you drive into Glossop town.

Beautiful in summer but often closed in winter due to heavy snow, the weather up here makes driving rather hazardous. There are sharp bends and sudden drops to contend with, but that’s also what makes driving Snake Pass so fun. Be aware of cyclists who like to traverse this rugged pass. 

Causeway Coastal Route

Belfast to derry, the long way around.

The Causeway Coastal Route is a 130-mile road trip linking Northern Ireland’s 2 largest cities – Belfast and Derry. One of the UK’s most celebrated seaside routes, you will pass a collection of famous landmarks along the way so you should expect to stop often on this journey.

The town of Ballycastle marks the halfway point of the route – it's just a few miles from Northern Ireland’s most famous tourist attraction, the Giant’s Causeway. Factor in some time to stop and gaze at this geological peculiarity but be ready for some extreme weather conditions. Other highlights along the way include Dunluce Castle and the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. 

Ben Nevis to the Isle of Skye

100 miles through the scottish highlands.

A road trip from Ben Nevis to the Isle of Skye is one of rugged adventure. All along the route from Scotland’s highest peak to the largest island of the Inner Hebrides archipelago, you’ll be treated to views of idyllic lochs, monolithic rocks and impressive landscapes. The 100-mile-long drive takes around 2 hours in good weather, but it's a good idea to stop frequently as there are plenty of incredible views to enjoy.

Once on the Isle of Skye, there's nowhere better to watch the sunset than at Neist Point on the far western coast. The rippling coastline is saturated in golden tones when the sun slips over the horizon at this rocky outcrop, located near the township of Glendale. 

Atlantic Highway (A39), South West England

Barnstaple in north devon down to newquay in cornwall.

The Atlantic Highways is a 70-mile section of the A39 that runs from Barnstaple in North Devon down to the seaside town of Newquay in Cornwall. This drive takes around 1.5 hours and presents many beautiful coastal views on one side with hilly landscapes on the other.

Highlights on the Atlantic Highway include many beautiful beaches, such as Westward Ho! in Devon and Summerleaze Beach in Bude on Cornwall’s northern shore. If you have time, take a short detour along the toll road to the lighthouse at Trevose Head near Padstow. 

photo by Nilfanion ( CC BY-SA 3.0 ) modified

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.

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A UK road trip check list: Things to remember

Updated On 23rd February, 2024

Before setting off on your UK road trip there are a few things you’re going to want to make sure you have on your road trip checklist or packing list.

Being prepared is key to making your UK adventure as fun, safe and adventure-filled as possible. Road trips are by far my favourite way to explore new territory and in the UK you are completely spoilt for choice.

From surfing the swell down in  Cornwall , exploring The Lanes in the coastal town of  Brighton , pitching up and enjoying a picnic in the  Surrey  countryside all the way to hiking the  Scottish Highlands , rock climbing in the  Peak District  and diving into the culture in the city of  London … Your road trip can be as diverse, as vibrant or as peaceful as you’d like it to be.

In this blog post, I’ve made a list of things you must remember to prepare and purchase before you set off…

SEE ALL MY UK ADVENTURES HERE

EXPLORE ALL MY ROAD TRIPS HERE

I recently teamed up with Esso to bring you the very first road trip in my newly converted  camper van , where I drove over and  explored Suffolk  on the East Coast of the UK. In addition to this vlog I filmed during the 3 day road trip, I thought I’d create a checklist of all the things you should prepare and take with you when heading out on a UK road trip.

This blog post has been brought to life through a paid partnership with Esso UK. The creative ideas, content and photography are all my own.

See my complete guide to planning your UK road trip  here.

See the 30  best places to visit in the UK here.

You want to be prepared for your adventure and not stop off for things all the time so here’s a list of things to make sure you have packed up and ready to go.

A checklist of things to remember and bring when heading out on a UK road trip…

1. drivers licence, insurance and roadside assistance.

The essentials. You don’t want to be heading out without these bits prepped. Make sure you have a copy of your driver’s license on you and any car documents that you might need if you get pulled over or have an altercation with another vehicle during your road trip.

If you’re renting your car, make sure these are easily accessible and that you have the roadside assistance number handy, should you need it.

Also, consider paying the extra to get more than one person insured on the car. This means you can share the driving and avoid being tired behind the wheel. It may mean you can cover more ground as a result too!

Tip:  Figure out your spare wheel and jack situation so that you know your method if you get e.g. a flat tyre.

See my essential checks before heading out on your UK road trip  here.

2. Sat navigation or phone GPS

Though I do love a good old bit of map reading, more often than not we are now using technology when navigating our road trips. Before heading out on your UK road trip, consider your navigation options.

Do you have a sat nav? Can you buy, borrow or rent one? Are you going to use your phone? Do you have a charging cable to make sure you don’t run out of battery?

Tip:  Bring a  portable battery charger  for extra power on the road!

3. Prepare the Spotify playlists for your road trip

The key to a great drive? Great sounds.

It doesn’t even have to be music, it could be a podcast or an audiobook you’ve been meaning to listen to. Whatever your preference, select your playlists, download them (in case you lose signal) and make sure you’re ready to breeze through the long drives ahead! (Do however make sure these don’t distract you while driving!)

Tip:  Do you need an aux cable to connect your phone to the sound system?

4. Bring your walking boots and outdoor wear!

There are way too many beautiful  walks, hikes and countryside ramblings to go on in the UK  to forget your walking boots, as well as the  15 National Parks . Make sure you have your outdoor gear at the ready because, rain or shine, you want to be prepared to embrace the adventure.

Remember to bring your camera as well, if your camera phone isn’t quite up to scratch! Look how dreamy Dunwich Beach was in Suffolk during my recent trip. You are guaranteed to make some unforgettable memories on your UK road trip so bring your camera and capture a few snaps to look back on.

See my 16 hikes in the UK that you cannot miss  here.

5. Tissues, mints, hand sanitiser and any medication you might need.

Those things you always wish you had with you but usually forget. Pack them!

6. Save money and bring reusable bags, reusable mugs, and refillable water bottles!

Take a canvas bag to put your shopping and road trip snacks in. Take a  reusable cup  to put your morning coffee in (you also receive a discount in most places now for bringing your cup!). Bring a  refillable water bottle  for hiking and for refilling with water as you go.

Taking reusables not only saves you money, but it saves single-use plastic too! Get more  sustainability tips for your next UK road trip in this blog post !

7. Remember your loyalty cards!

I’m always looking for ways to make my money go further when I’m on the road. Loyalty cards are one way to do that, whether it’s collecting coffee stamps or having your Nectar card to hand. Throughout my road trip, I’ll have my Nectar card with me. You can now collect Nectar points at participating Esso stations in GB when filling up, and buying essentials or snacks from the shop and you can earn points when you use the car wash as well.

• Simply visit one of the participating Esso service stations ( find your nearest here ).
• Swipe your Nectar card and collect points when you pay.
• You can then use the points you’ve collected and redeem them with lots of different retailers.
• Keep the road trip rewards coming.

EXPLORE THE UK ON MY BLOG HERE

SEE ALL MY YOUTUBE TRAVEL VIDEOS HERE

8. Umbrella

You’re in the UK after all…

Visiting the UK in the winter? Here are  12 tips for adding adventure into your UK winter trip.

9. Fill your tank and get your road trip snacks ready.

Save time diverting off course from your destination and prepare your vehicle the night before. Fill up the tank and pick up your favourite snacks to keep you going for the drive.

Remember:  Fill up and purchase your snacks at a participating Esso station  ( find your nearest here ) and you can collect Nectar points!

10. A picnic blanket and camping chairs

Whether your UK road trip has you camping, glamping or staying in hotels, there’s still nothing better than seeing a beautiful view, pulling up and having a drink whilst soaking it all up.

I usually pack a couple of  camping chairs , my  foldable table,  my  portable stove  and some bits to make a cuppa so that I can savour any breathtaking views I stumble across.

Check out my  camping packing list here  to check you don’t forget anything!

Discover beyond the UK with these  15 epic road trips to go on in Europe.

EXPLORE EUROPE ON MY BLOG HERE

What are your road trip essentials?

Have you been on a UK road trip? I’d love to know!

Love as always and happy adventuring,

Did you find this post helpful? I’d love you to share it for me.

I can’t do this without you.

Pin and save this blog post for later…

IT’S LOVELY TO MEET YOU

I’M MOLLIE AND I STARTED THIS BLOG BACK IN 2013 WHEN I HEADED OUT ON MY FIRST BACKPACKING ADVENTURE. 

I’D LOVE TO SHARE THE JOURNEY WITH YOU, WE’VE GROWN A LOT SINCE THEN!

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15 Best UK Road Trip Ideas With Kids

Although the UK is 1/40th the size of the USA, there is no shortage of beautiful places to travel to. From metropolitan cities to amazing California-like beaches and Jurassic coastlines, the UK doesn’t disappoint in variety and magical places.  Plan a UK staycation with one of these 15 road trip ideas with kids.

As an American expat, I’m still amazed by how different the areas can be in the UK despite how small it is in comparison to the USA. But because of this, it allows families to travel far more easily and therefore experience it all without ever boarding a plane – whether a day trip, weekend getaway, half term, or summer holiday. ☀️

You can easily drive to all of these places in the UK. Many aren’t far at all from London, making them the perfect family road trips with kids, especially for those who tend to get car sick or need a few stops in between.

With the exception of Edinburgh, York, and Durham, these UK trips were all done by car and easy, too. It’s not that these 3 destinations aren’t great trips by car, we simply had more passengers than cars to fit our two families of 8. Besides, who can resist an excuse for sipping wine, and nibbling on cheese and crisps while navigating the edge of the British coast. The train ride is quite spectacular up north! Super easy for kids, too.

So, if you’re looking for staycation ideas in Great Britain, here’s travel inspiration on 15 of the very best family road trips.

(This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  For the full disclosure, read it here .)

Table of Contents

15 UK Road Trip Ideas With Kids

After tackling a very thorough expat bucket list for living in the UK, these places rank as the best road trips in the UK due to scenery, options for kids, easy to get to, and something of interest for the whole family. Just be sure to pack the car (or train) with plenty of water and snacks for the ride!

1 – Newquay, Cornwall

Cornwall Road Trip

Still our family’s favorite destination in the UK, possibly Europe. It might be that we managed to visit during perfect weather conditions but even so, Newquay offers it all for the entire family.

Even after planning days’ worth of activities to explore the entire region of Cornwall, we never left Newquay. That never ever happens for my family. Newquay is just that good.

Newquay is located at the northern end of Cornwall, which makes it a super easy UK road trip without fear of winding roads and 90-degree turns.

Read more: Where to stay, eat, and things to do in Newquay with kids

2 – Jurassic Coast & Dorset

Jurassic Coast Road Trip

Dorset and the Jurassic Coast is a “you’ve got to see it to believe it” place. The coastline views are breathtaking and walks can be as easy or as hard as you want them to be.

If you think the Jurassic Coast is only for nature lovers or fossil diggers, guess again because I’m neither. There are so many activities to do in Dorset with families of all interests.

Nearby villages like 8,000 year-old Corfe Castle and downtown Dorset offer the cutest shopping scenes and treasures. A visit to the Jurassic Coast and Dorset area is one of the best and easiest UK road trips with kids you can possibly take.

Read more: Where to stay, eat and things to do in Jurassic Coast with kids

3 – Norfolk

Norfolk England Road Trip

For a peaceful beach staycation in England that involves long walks on the beach, shell hunting, farm-to-table restaurants, and just good ol’ fashion fish and chips by the sea, a family road trip to Norfolk is the answer.

Norfolk beaches are so pristine it’s hard to not take a million photos. Between the different fishing stops and seaside villages for kids to explore, quaint shopping, over-the-top mussels (even for kids), and coastal walks (or dune jumping more like it for kids), a road trip to Norfolk any time of year is a must.

Read more: Where to stay, eat, and things to do in Norfolk with kids

4 – Stratford-Upon-Avon

Stratford-Upon-Avon England Road Trip

Despite the impression that Shakespeare’s birthplace might not be all that interesting to kids, Stratford-Upon-Avon is actually one of those places that over-delivers with kids.

In fact, although we only spent 2-3 days there, we could easily see ourselves spending several more.

Between Harry Potter inspired shops, kid-friendly museums, markets, and Warwick Castle , Stratford-Upon-Avon is a fabulous family UK road trip. Super easy to get to from London, too!

Read more: Where to stay, eat, and things to do in Stratford-Upon-Avon with kids

5 – Bath

Bath England Road Trip

Bath was our very first family UK road trip.  It’s an extra special place because our American born dog joined the road trip, too.

The Roman Baths are a must-see for all ages, but it’s other non-famous Bath stuff that make it a fab UK road trip with kids.

The city offers some of the finest foodie experiences in the country. It wins for having the best pizza (Italian) restaurant in the UK from my kids’ perspective (and I don’t disagree) and the hotel was top-notch. Between fresh milk from the hotel fridge for the kids whenever they wanted, a park for the dog directly across the street, and easy access to all the main sites, Bath is a no-brainer road trip for the entire family. And it really is one of those places you just have to see.

Read more: Where to stay, eat, and things to do with kids for a Bath, Cotswolds & Blenheim Palace road trip

6 – Cotswolds

Broadway England Road Trip

Possibly home to the quaintest villages and cottages in England, the Cotswolds are super easy to get to and perfect for combining with a trip to Bath. The Upper and Lower Slaughters appear more like villages from Disney-themed movies than real working homes. As an American, it’s hard to imagine that places like this truly exist until you visit yourself.

The Cotswolds is a wonderful UK road trip for city kids that need a bit of country.

Bibury is an easy road trip from London while Broadway and the Slaughters are fun for a longer road trip if traveling from London.

7 – White Cliffs Of Dover

St Margaret’s Bay England Road Trip

White Cliffs of Dover makes the UK road trip ideas list because it’s an easy weekend getaway for 1-2-3 days.

The awe-inspiring White Cliffs are the main draw but it’s everything else about Dover that makes it a fun road trip with kids. St Margaret’s Bay is an absolute must and the White Cliffs Hotel is, too. Dover Castle is an obvious win, but the town offers so much more. Just don’t forget to pay the Dart Charge. 😜

Read more: Where to stay, eat, and things to do with kids in White Cliffs of Dover

8 – Edinburgh

Edinburgh Scotland Train Trip

Edinburgh suits as a family road trip, but is also one of those places that’s just far enough to opt for the train. No matter how you decide to travel to Edinburgh, you really must go. It’s the perfect UK destination with kids and offers so much to do for everyone of all ages. If you do opt to go by car, be sure to drive to Blackness Castle on the south shore of the Firth of Forth.

Read more: Where to stay, eat, and things to do with kids in Edinburgh

9 – Durham

Durham England Train Trip

Durham isn’t as widely known to Americans as some of the other UK travel ideas on this list, but that’s what makes it so special. It’s another one of those UK towns that totally surprises you. In fact, I had no idea that Durham Cathedral was voted as Britain’s most favorite building until I was in it. And in 2020, National Geographic named Durham 1 of Great Britain’s 8 most beautiful cities . Now, THAT says a lot.

Read more: Where to stay, eat, and things to do with kids in Durham

10 – York

York England Train Trip

Quite possibly one of those UK cities that you can never get enough of, York England is an amazing staycation destination. With its city walls and monuments to climb, there’s more than enough to do here with kids. Between the plethora of activities to do after a long drive, the food scene, and Harry Potter galore, York is a must-do train or road trip with kids.

Read more : Where to stay, eat, and things to do with kids in York

11 – Lake District

Lake District England Road Trip

The Lake District is home to 16 different lakes, making the drive time from London to really vary. The hardest part about a road trip with kids to the Lake District is deciding which lake to use for basecamp.

I’ve narrowed which lake to stay at down to these two: the largest, Windermere, or the smallest, Ullswater. They are completely opposite in size and demeanor. Windermere is the busy water sports destination, whereas Ullswater is the total calm and take-it-all-in watercolor spot. If you have the time, road trip the two.

Read more: Where to stay, eat, and things to do in the Lake District

12 – Wales

Portmeirion Wales Road Trip

Whether you’re up for a family hike to the UK’s second-highest peak or prefer a low-key sightseeing holiday with an Italian twist, Wales covers both. Between Mount Snowden and Portmeirion, a Wales road trip offers the extremes. Learn to surf on a continuous wave, too!

Read more: Where to stay, eat, and things to do in Wales

13 – Margate, Ramsgate & Broadstairs

Ramsgate & Broadstairs Road Trip

Perhaps the easiest road trip trifecta from London is visiting the beach hut towns on the Isle of Thanet in east Kent, England.  With no shortage of beach huts, flip-flops, and ice lollies, the entire family will enjoy this easy UK road trip in just 1-2 days.

Read more:   16 Things To Do In Ramsgate And Broadstairs With Kids

14 – Canterbury

Canterbury & Whitstable Road Trip

Possibly the easiest family road trip from London is Canterbury.  The historical Cathedral town offers sightseeing for a lovely day trip.  Combine Canterbury with a drive to Whitstable for a sunset walk on the beach and oyster dinner.   This road trip can be completed in 1 day.

Read more:   10 Best Things To Do In Canterbury That Make A Visit Worth It (+ map)

15 – Isle of Wight

For a road trip idea completely off Britain’s mainland, take a ferry from England’s southern coast to the Isle of Wight.  This UK destination is packed with Mermaid sightings (a rock), the Needles, Godshill Model Village, and other Isle of Wight highlights destined only by a car.

Read more: Get the Isle of Wight travel details in the Moving to England Workbook

Save for your next UK road trip!

Final Tips On UK Road Trip Ideas With Kids

If you got through this list and have traveled them all, head north for an epic UK road trip through the Highlands and Isle of Skye.  And for a destination a bit closer to London, the New Forest family road trip surpassed all expectations.  Find even more inspiration with this illustrative Great Britain book from one of my favorite UK bloggers.

Hand Luggage Only: Great Britain: Explore the Best Coastal Walks, Castles, Road Trips, City Jaunts and Surprising Spots Across England, Scotland and Wales

Buy On Amazon

As of April 22, 2024 08:19:41 More Info Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

With so many amazing options for a UK staycation, I hope this list has inspired you to plan your next road trip.  Where’s your favorite place on the island to road trip with kids?

Looking for more UK bucket list travel ideas with kids?

• Things To Do In Oxford
• St Albans: An Awesome Day Trip From London
• Subscribe to aBroad purpose to receive travel printables, like this 👉🏻 UK Bucket List ❤️

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12 comments

I appreciate you providing this highly informative information! You have a wealth of knowledge and opinions on the subject, and I’m honored to have had the chance to study under you. Reading your articles is enjoyable due to your fascinating, easy-to-read writing style.

I appreciate you for sharing such valuable and helpful information.

Thank you, Mike! I appreciate your feedback! I hope you found a round trip here that inspired you. x

I appreciate you for sharing amazing information and ideas about road trips and travel in the UK. Regards: Lux Transfers UK

This is the kind of trip I can’t wait to take my kids to. The Cotswolds and the Lake District are two of the destinations I can’t wait to get to:) Thank you for this fantastic post.

Thanks, Madi! A UK road trip is something I look forward to very soon! xx

Such a good list! My kids are almost old enough to go to Europe and so this info is going to be SO helpful for us.

Thank you, Kate! The UK is amazing for families and given the size relative to the USA, there really are so many places to see and road trips with kids you can do. xx

These are fabulous ideas and so varied. Something for everyone to plan for once we can travel again!

Indeed! Thank you, Christine. I have the Lake District 3-day itinerary ready to conquer. Happy to share with anyone that needs a plan for that, too.

Amazing places and I’ve only been to around half! Can’t wait to tick them off the list with the family

Thank you, Toni. As soon as the lockdown lifts, we’ll be taking a UK road trip with the kids for sure.

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