Embark on a journey through picture-perfect scenery, historical landmarks, and quirky villages in our guide to the best UK road trips.
UK road trip itineraries
Skyscanner’s recommendations
With so many interesting places to explore, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to UK road trip routes. Here are some road trip ideas to inspire your next trip…
North Coast 500
Scotland
5 – 7 days
Known as Scotland’s answer to Route 66, it’s easy to understand why the North Coast 500 is on many travellers’ bucket lists.
It’s a 516-mile scenic drive around the north of Scotland where you’ll see stunning coastal landscapes, visit charming villages, and explore breathtaking natural wonders.
Pick up a hire car at Inverness Airport and make your way to the city’s historic castle. From there, you begin (and end) your journey through the Highlands. Going clockwise from Inverness, you’ll come across:
- Muir of Ord: A village in the Black Isle which is home to Castle Hill Henge and dates back to the Bronze Age.
- Applecross: A single street village, known to locals simply as The Street, that has dreamy views across the water to Skye.
- Bealach na Ba: A winding mountain road that so many love to drive. Just keep in mind that it’s often closed in winter.
- Durness: Settled since prehistoric times, Durness is your first stop on the very northern edge of Scotland.
- Castle of Mey: Further along the coast is the former holiday home of Queen Elizabeth I which offers panoramic views over the Pentland Firth.
- Thurso: The northernmost town on the British mainland is a well-known surfing spot.
Atlantic Highway
South West England
3-5 days
A much shorter route than the NC500, the Atlantic Highway is a 70-mile stretch of the A39 which encompasses the best of Devon and Cornwell.
This quintessential UK road trip takes in some of the area’s lesser-known attractions, giving you more time to soak in the solitude and quiet. Pick up a hire car in Bath or Torquay and take it slow along the coast. We recommend stopping off at:
- Park Head: See some of Cornwall’s most rugged coastline with a short hike along Park Head.
- Padstow: This fishing post is a perfect pit stop for foodies and is home to Rick Stein’s signature restaurant.
- Tintagel Castle: An ancient attraction that’s said to be the birthplace of the legendary King Arthur.
- Bude: You’ll not want to miss the cliffside views along the South West Coast Path in this town.
- Hartland: The narrow streets of Hartland are lined with historic buildings, including a 12th-century abbey that stands as a testament to its medieval past.
- Exmoor National Park: One of the UK’s best natural areas, Exmoor is one of the best places to observe the night sky in Britain.
A word to the wise: In this part of England, caravan park residents often leave their sites on a Saturday, making driving that little bit slower.
Causeway Coastal Route
Northern Ireland
3-5 days
The third UK road trip route idea we have for you is in Northern Ireland. The Causeway Coastal Route takes in one of the country’s, if not the world’s, most iconic rock formations. Plus, you can expect to visit whiskey distilleries, TV locations, and stomach-dropping rope bridges.
One of the best road trips in the UK, you can customise the itinerary to suit your tastes, budget and available time. Some areas that might interest you are:
- Cushendun: Popularised by its Game of Thrones filming locations, Cushendun is a beautiful stop-off point in its own right.
- Ballycastle: This coastal village has ferries to Rathlin Island and is home to just 100 or so people.
- Ballintoy: After taking in the beautiful cliff saves in Ballintoy, you might want to go on trip to the nearby rope bridge at Carrick-a-rede.
- Giant’s Causeway: Marvel at the sight of 40,000 rock columns created by volcanic activity more than 50 million years ago. This is one one of the most beautiful places to visit in Northern Ireland.
- Old Bushmills Distillery: Dating back to 1784, Bushmills is the oldest whiskey producer still in operation on the Irish isle,
Taking the non-scenic route back from Derry to Belfast (or vice versa) takes just over one hour along the A6.
Eryri Snowdonia 360
Wales
5-7 days
Eryri Snowdonia 360 is a circular route through the heart of North Wales. The 360-mile journey begins in Conwy or Porthmadog and takes you through some of the most iconic sites in Wales.
This UK road trip offers a blend of adventure and tranquility, and we recommend stopping off at:
- Mount Snowdon: The highest peak in Wales, accessible by foot or the Snowdon Mountain Railway, offers gorgeous views and challenging hikes.
- Betws-y-Coed: A charming village known for its stone bridges, cascading waterfalls, and forest trails, is perfect for a peaceful stop.
- Caernarfon Castle: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a medieval fortress with rich history and world-famous architecture.
- Beddgelert: A quaint village with traditional stone cottages and the legendary grave of Gelert offers a glimpse into Welsh folklore.
- Portmeirion: This quaint village is nestled on the coast and is known for its unique architecture and vibrant gardens.
- Anglesey: Drive across the Menai Bridge to explore this island’s sandy beaches, ancient sites, and coastal paths.
- Llyn Peninsula: Detour to this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), where you can discover hidden coves and stunning seascapes.
Watch out: The narrow roads and unpredictable weather can make this route a challenging drive, especially during peak season. Plan your journey to allow for plenty of time.
Northumberland 250
North East England
7-10 days
The Northumberland 250 showcases the best of the region’s rugged coastal landscapes and historic landmarks.
It’s a 250-mile circular route that’s perfect for a leisurely drive. But there are plenty of places for adventure seekers to stop along the way for hikes and swims. Some recommended stops include:
- Alnwick Castle: Also known as the Windsor of the North, this castle offers a glimpse into the past and has been featured in films and TV shows, including Harry Potter.
- Bamburgh: A picturesque village dominated by the imposing Bamburgh Castle and offers incredible views over the North Sea,
- Holy Island of Lindisfarne: Listed as one of the best free attractions in the UK, Holy Island is home to Lindisfarne Castle and the historic priory. Just remember it’s only accessible at low tide via a causeway.
- Kielder Water and Forest Park: This area offers opportunities for hiking, cycling, and stargazing, with Kielder Observatory providing some of the darkest skies in the UK.
- Hadrian’s Wall: An iconic landmark, this ancient Roman wall stretches across the countryside and there are numerous historical sites and scenic walks along its path.
- Cragside: This Victorian country house near Rothbury is renowned for its innovative use of hydroelectric power and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and woodland trails.
Remember: The weather in Northumberland can be unpredictable, so pack accordingly and check the tide times carefully.
The best time of year for a UK road trip
If you’re planning a driving holiday in the UK, the weather can play a huge part in how enjoyable that is.
The weather tends to be best in the summer months, and many of us take time off then because of school holidays. However, if you’re child-free, this is a good time to avoid because of the crowds and the increased prices of accommodation.
Weather is another consideration. In winter, the north of Scotland can get cold and snowy, which makes the roads difficult to drive on. Overall, the UK is wettest from October to January, so avoiding these times is generally a good idea.
This leaves early autumn and the whole of spring as the best time to travel, in terms of weather and costs.
However, if you’re thinking of doing a trip to the North Coast 500, be aware that midges are in their highest numbers from late spring to late summer.
These are by no means the only road trips worth doing in the UK, but they’re all memorable trips nonetheless. Once you’ve settled on a destination for your next driving holiday, read our guide to getting the best deals on car hire.
Thinking of a British road trip? Skyscanner can help you find the best flights, hotels and car hire deals for your next adventure.
