The UK contains 4 nations and a wide diversity of landscapes and destinations to discover. From vibrant multicultural cities to sleepy backwaters, snow-capped mountains and stunning coastal vistas, there’s a lot more to the UK than London!
Being relatively compact, the best road trips in UK destinations pack a lot into short distances meaning you can spend more time seeing the sights than driving.
Cheaper Than Cars makes it easy to find the right car for your UK adventure. With prices to suit every budget and convenient pick-ups, your big UK adventure is just a few clicks away.
Here are ten of the best road trips in UK destinations for you to discover!
The Atlantic Highway, SW England
Devon and Cornwall in England’s far southwest are the most popular holiday destinations in the UK. Combining stunning golden beaches, rugged cliffs, moorland trails and tranquil villages, holidaymakers return year after year.
The Atlantic Highway is a 90-mile stretch of the A39 that runs from Barnstaple in north Devon to Newquay, along a dramatic stretch of Atlantic coastline. There are wide sandy, surf-kissed beaches to enjoy, and huge sea views pricked by yellow gorse above dramatic granite cliffs that are home to vast colonies of seabirds. There’s the rugged drama at Hartland Point, the charming seaside village of Clovelly, and the wild rocky coast of the northern tip of Cornwall. The resort town of Bude has plenty of places to stay, wide sandy beaches and some of the best surf breaks in Europe. Further down the coast, charming fishing villages like Port Isaac and Boscastle are great to explore.
Padstow on the Camel Estuary is Cornwall’s foodie capital and gateway to a stretch of coastline popular with families and surfers for generations. Finally, the Atlantic Highway arrives in Newquay, a lively resort town and England’s surfing capital.
- Total Driving Distance: 90 Miles (112km)
- Driving Time: 2 to 2.5 Hours
Lake District Loop, NW England
The Lake District is a timeless, stunningly beautiful corner of North West England not far from the Scottish border. It’s a place of green rolling hills, mountains, and tranquil lakes that has inspired artists, poets and outdoor enthusiasts for centuries.
The Lake District Loop is a scenic circuit through the lakes encompassing Windermere, England’s largest natural lake, stone-wall threaded hills, and picturesque villages like Ambleside and Grasmere. This winding loop reveals a picture-postcard view with every turn, from the serene waters of Ullswater, with its majestic mountain backdrop, to the quaint market town of Keswick along the shores of Derwentwater. There are also historic sites to visit, like the Wordsworth family home in Grasmere and the medieval castle in Penrith. Along the route, you’ll find charming tea rooms and cosy country pubs, and have a chance to enjoy the famed local hospitality.
- Total Driving Distance: 84 Miles (135km)
- Driving Time: 2.5 to 4 Hours
The Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland
The Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland is a spectacular journey along the country’s northeastern coastline. Starting in Belfast, it winds its way through quiet villages, rolling green countryside, rugged cliffs and pristine beaches. It takes its name from the Giant’s Causeway, a natural wonder and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Hexagonal basalt columns formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago have given birth to countless legends and stories.
As you travel along the coast, you’ll encounter iconic landmarks such as the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, suspended high above the Atlantic, and the medieval Dunluce Castle, perched dramatically on a coastal cliff. Along the way, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Irish Sea and the Scottish Isles in the distance. With great pubs and places throughout the route, you can combine the natural beauty of this corner of Ireland with the lively local culture. This route along the Northern Irish coastline deserves its place in the list of best road trips in UK destinations.
- Total Driving Distance: 120 Miles (193km)
- Driving Time: 4 to 5 Hours
Snowdonia & The Llŷn Peninsula, Wales
Beginning in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park at Betws-y-Coed, this short road trip takes you through two of the best-loved landscapes in Wales. Snowdonia is a region of mountains, narrow passes and tranquil valleys, that is popular with walkers, climbers, cyclists and day trippers. Take a ride on the railway to the top of Mount Snowdon, the highest point in England and Wales, and explore charming towns like Beddgelert. A visit to Portmeirion is never to be forgotten. Known for its colourful buildings, lush gardens, and unique architecture, it was designed by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis and gained fame as the setting for the TV series “The Prisoner.”
The Llŷn Peninsula is a quiet, sparsely populated finger of land stretching out into the Irish Sea. It’s a place of long sandy beaches, tranquil villages and charming fishing coves, like Abersoch and Aberdaron. The mysterious Bardsey Island at the end of the peninsula can be visited by boat. This is the heart of Welsh-speaking Wales making a road trip through this corner of the UK a unique and special one.
- Total Driving Distance: 60 Miles (97km)
- Driving Time: 1.5 to 2 Hours
The Cotswolds, SW/Central England
When many people think of the English countryside, they imagine The Cotswolds. This is quintessential rural England, a region of honey-coloured limestone cottages, rolling fields, tranquil meadows, attractive market towns and welcoming pubs. Covering an area of approximately 800 square miles across six counties, the Cotswolds are always highly featured in the best road trips in UK destinations. It’s a part of the world best taken at a leisurely pace.
If you arrive at one of the London airports, pick up your car and head for Chipping Camden. Here you’ll find a range of places to stay from upscale hotels to boutique B&Bs and charming self-catering cottages. Take the short drive to Broadway, a classic Cotswolds village, then head to Bourton-On-The-Water, where the River Windrush meanders through stone bridges and charming cottages. Stow-on-The-Wold has a medieval square surrounded by independent shops and boutiques, not far away is the enigmatic Rollright Stones and the charming town of Burford. For Regency elegance and a night out at the theatre, be sure to call in at Cheltenham.
This is a traditionally prosperous corner of England, and there’s a host of great places to eat and drink, large country houses to explore, beautiful gardens to lose yourself in and antique shops to browse.
- Total Driving Distance: 60 Miles
- Driving Time: 2 Hours
The North Costal 500, Scotland
For a truly awe-inspiring journey through some of the of the most dramatic, beautiful and remote landscapes that the UK has to offer, then the North Coast 500 cannot be beaten. This a journey for road trippers with a sense of adventure through the rugged and diverse landscapes of the Scottish Highlands.
Spanning approximately 500 miles this stunning route starts and finishes in Inverness, weaving along the west coast to Applecross, and northwards toward the towns of Torridon and Ullapool. From there you’ll head to some of the most northerly points on the British mainland, through Caithness to John o’Groats before turning south along the North Coast on the way back to Inverness. Along the way, you’ll encounter mountains, beautiful beaches, and iconic landmarks such as the ruins of Ardvreck Castle, the wild beaches of the far northwest and the tranquil farming landscape of the Black Isle.
This journey around the northern tip of Scotland is a real adventure around the wildest landscapes in the British Isles.
- Total Driving Distance: 519 Miles (835km)
- Driving Time: 15 to 18 Hours
Jurassic Coast, SW England
The Jurassic Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most captivating stretches of coastline in the UK. Stretching from Exmouth in East Devon to Studland Bay in Dorset. This geological marvel showcases 185 million years of Earth’s history through its dramatic cliffs, fossil-rich beaches, and unique rock formations.
The journey begins in Exmouth, where the striking red cliffs of Triassic rocks mark the start of this ancient coastline. As you travel eastward, the Jurassic and Cretaceous cliffs reveal a fascinating timeline of prehistoric life, including the famous Durdle Door arch and the towering sea stacks known as Old Harry Rocks. Stop to fossil hunt in Charmouth, or take time out to relax in picturesque seaside towns like Sidmouth and Lyme Regis.
Along the way, you’ll find beautiful beaches, hidden villages, cider makers, cosy pubs and rolling West Country landscapes.
- Total Driving Distance 96 Miles ( 155km)
- Driving Time: 2.5 to 3 Hours
Yorkshire Dales & North York Moors, Northern England
Yorkshire is England’s biggest county and contains two of the country’s national parks. The North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales sit on either side of the flat farmland of the Vale of York and regularly feature on lists of the best road trips in UK destinations.
Beginning in the historic city of York, this is a scenic loop through captivating landscapes of northern England. Head west through the spa town of Harrogate, to Skipton the Gateway to Dales, before heading north to Grassington and onwards to Hawes at the head of Wensleydale. Here you can sample the world famous local cheese, before heading towards Swaledale and the historic fortified town of Richmond. From here you can head east towards the North York Moors via the climb up Sutton Bank, one of the steepest roads in England.
Visit during the summer to see the moors covered in purple heather, explore the ancient ruins of Rievaulx Abbey, and take a ride on a steam train through the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Finally, head towards the romantic Yorkshire seaside town of Whitby, with its Gothic ruined abbey and Dracula associations.
- Total Driving Distance: 250 Miles (402km)
- Driving Time: 8 Hours
Peak District, Central England
Bridging the English Midlands and the North, the Peak District has some of England’s most captivating landscapes. Edged by the cities of Manchester and Sheffield, the Peak District has long been a weekend playground for people from urban areas. With hills and the occasional mountain to climb, it’s an outdoor enthusiast’s heaven. Hiking, caving, climbing and kayaking are all popular. As too is mountain biking, with hundreds of miles of excellent trails to discover.
Beginning your journey in charming Bakewell, be sure to sample the delicious Bakewell Pudding, before heading through the scenic beauty of Monsal Dale. Stop at the iconic Monsal Head for breathtaking views of the river and viaduct below, providing an ideal photo opportunity. Explore the dramatic limestone caverns of Castleton, including the imposing Peak Cavern and the enchanting Blue John Cavern. Head to Mam Tor for panoramic views of the Hope Valley and the Great Ridge. The picturesque village of Edale is a gateway to the Pennine Way and is surrounded by stunning walking trails. Spa towns like Matlock Bath and Buxton are also well worth a visit.
- Total Driving Distance: 100 Miles (161km)
- Driving Time: 3 Hours
Scottish East Coast Tour, Scotland
This road trip between the two great Scottish east coast cities of Edinburgh and Aberdeen takes you through a landscape rich in often bloody history, charming coastal villages, fascinating towns and striking natural beauty. Beginning in the Scottish capital of Edinburgh, where history meets a vibrant culture, you journey northeast along the Firth of Forth. The historic town of St Andrews is a coastal beauty, known for its ancient university and world-class golf courses.
Continuing the journey, follow the coastal route through the Kingdom of Fife, where picturesque fishing villages like Anstruther and Pittenweem offer a glimpse into traditional Scottish coastal life. The road keeps pulling northward, through the coastal town of Arbroath to the scenic cliffs and seabird colonies of the Angus coastline. Along the way, there are castles and historic gardens to explore. The road trip concludes in the vibrant and historic coastal city of Aberdeen, where you can catch a ferry to the Northern Isles of Shetland and Orkney if you fancy continuing the adventure.
- Total Driving Distance: 150 Miles (240km)
- Driving Time: 4 Hours
Time To Start Planning Your UK Adventure?
The list of best road trips in UK destinations is a long one, and these are just a few of them.
Wherever you go in the UK you’re never far from a beautiful landscape, rolling hills, coastal charm, old towns and villages, vibrant cities and historic sites. The UK is a country that’s perfect for road trips whatever your passion.
Cheaper Than Cars makes it easy to find the right car for your road trip adventure. With affordable prices and convenient pick-ups, you can start planning your UK road trip today!
