If you’re looking for a new and exciting way to see Great Britain, why not take a UK road trip? There are some amazing routes to explore, and we’ve put together a list of 10 of the best!
Whether you’re looking for winding country roads or dramatic coastal drives, we have something for everyone. So pack your bags and get ready for an adventure!
Our Top Picks For Scenic UK Road Trips
In a hurry? No problem. Here’s a quick rundown of the best road trips in Britain (ranked in no particular order). If you continue reading, we’ll go into more detail about these road trips in the UK.
- The North Coast 500, Scotland
- The Great West Way, England
- The Snowdonia National Park Circuit, Wales
- The Jurassic Coast, England
- The Lake District, England
- The Cotswold Way, England
- The Pembrokeshire Coast, Wales
- The Peak District, England
- The Norfolk Coast, England
- Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland
The North Coast 500, Scotland
View this post on Instagram
Trip length: 500 miles
The North Coast 500 is a personal favourite UK road trip of ours. This 500-mile route takes you along the stunning coast of Scotland, from Inverness to Aberdeen. You’ll see some of the most spectacular scenery on these coastal roads, including lochs, mountains and castles.
Whether you travel to Scotland for the experience or already reside in the area, this trip should be on all bucket lists.
Top tips for driving the North Coast 500:
1. Plan your route in advance: The North Coast 500 is a long route. You’ll need to plan your journey in advance to make sure you have enough time to complete it.
2. Drive during the daytime: The North of Scotland can be a remote and wild place, so it’s best to stick to driving during the daytime hours.
3. Take your time: There’s no need to rush when you’re driving the North Coast 500. Take your time to enjoy the scenery and make sure you stop off at some of the highlights along the way.
4. Be prepared for weather conditions: The weather in Scotland can be changeable, so it’s important to be prepared for all eventualities. Make sure you pack plenty of warm clothing, even if you’re driving in the summer months.
5. Drive safely: Remember to drive safely at all times, and be aware of the conditions underfoot. The roads can be narrow and winding in places, so take care when driving.
The Great West Way, England
View this post on Instagram
Trip length: 500 miles
This newly-opened route runs for 155 miles from London to Bristol. Along the way, you’ll see some of England’s best-loved landmarks, including Stonehenge and Windsor Castle.
To experience the true benefits of The Great West Way on your UK road trip, we highly recommend getting out of the car and experiencing the historic landmarks for all they have to offer. Stonehenge is a must – how did it get there?!
Top tips for driving The Great West Way:
1. Plan your route in advance: Allow plenty of time to explore all the attractions along the way.
2. Book accommodation well in advance: Especially during peak tourist seasons.
3. Drive cautiously: Be aware of changing conditions, especially in rural areas where wildlife may be present.
4. Be prepared for long distances: Make sure your vehicle is in good mechanical condition before embarking on the journey.
5. Bring the essentials: Make sure you have plenty of food and water with you, as well as a first-aid kit and spare tire.
The Snowdonia Circuit, Wales
View this post on Instagram
Trip length: 100 miles
This stunning route takes you through Snowdonia National Park, one of the most beautiful and popular tourist destinations in Wales. The route is just under 100 miles long and takes you past some of the most iconic landmarks in the country, including Snowdon Mountain and Lake Bala.
If you have time on your hands, consider taking a hike through the National Park on one of their many routes. On a good day, the views at the top are breathtaking.
Top tips for driving The Snowdonia Circuit:
1. Plan your route carefully: This route is a challenging driving route with many tight turns and blind corners. Make sure you know your route before setting off, and always take care when driving on unfamiliar roads.
2. Allow plenty of time: The Snowdonia Circuit is a notoriously difficult route to complete in a single day. Make sure you allow plenty of time to complete the circuit, and take regular breaks to avoid fatigue.
3. Drive defensively: With so many tight turns and blind corners, it’s important to drive defensively. Be extra cautious of other drivers, and be prepared to brake suddenly if necessary.
4. Watch out for wildlife: The SnowdoniaNational Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including sheep, deer, and badgers. Be on the lookout for animals crossing the road, and always drive cautiously in areas where wildlife is known to roam.
5. Take care in adverse weather conditions: This circuit can be treacherous in winter weather conditions. If you’re driving in snow or ice, make sure you’re prepared for the conditions and take extra care on the road.
The Jurassic Coast, England
View this post on Instagram
Trip length: 95 miles
If you’re looking for a UK road trip of a reasonable length, The Jurassic Coast is for you. This UNESCO World Heritage Site stretches for 95 miles along England’s south coast.
These coastal roads take you past some of the most famous landmarks in the country, including Durdle Door and Old Harry’s Rocks.
Top tips for driving The Jurassic Coast:
1. Plan your route in advance. It’s important to map out your route before you start driving. This will help you avoid getting lost and missing any of the key sights.
2. Take your time. There’s no rush when exploring the Jurassic Coast. Take your time to enjoy the views and make sure you stop at all of the major attractions.
3. Pack for all weather conditions. The weather on the Jurassic Coast can be unpredictable. Make sure you pack plenty of warm clothes, as well as sun cream and rain gear.
4. Be aware of tides. If you’re planning to walk along the coast, it’s important to be aware of the tides. Check tide tables in advance so you know when it’s safe to walk along the beach.
5. Stay safe. The Jurassic Coast is a popular spot for outdoor activities, but it’s important to stay safe while enjoying them. Make sure you follow all safety advice and take care when exploring the coastline.
The Lake District, England
View this post on Instagram
Trip length: 120 miles
This world-famous national park is a must-see for any road-tripper in the Lake District.
The route takes you through some of the most stunning scenery in the country, including Lake Windermere and Scafell Pike.
Top tips for driving in the Lake District:
1. Take your time: The roads in the Lake District can be narrow and winding, so it’s important to take your time and drive carefully.
2. Be prepared for the weather: The weather can change quickly in the Lake District, so make sure you’re prepared for all conditions.
3. Watch out for wildlife: There is a lot of wildlife in the Lake District, so be on the lookout for animals on the roads.
4. Plan your journey: Make sure you plan your journey in advance, so you know what roads you’ll be taking.
5. Enjoy the journey: The Lake District is a beautiful place, so make sure you enjoy the drive and take in the stunning scenery.
The Cotswold Way, England
View this post on Instagram
Trip length: 102 miles
This 102-mile route takes you through some of the most beautiful countrysides in England.
You’ll pass by idyllic villages and rolling hills, as well as some of the country’s most famous landmarks, including Warwick Castle and Stratford-upon-Avon.
Top tips for driving The Cotswold Way:
1. Stop in at the visitor centre in Moreton-in-Marsh: to learn more about the area and pick up a map of the Cotswold Way.
2. Enjoy the views: Make sure to stop at some of the scenic lookouts along the route to enjoy the views of the rolling hills and countryside.
3. Look out for pedestrians: The Cotswold Way is a popular walking trail, so be prepared for some pedestrians on the road. Be courteous and yield to walkers when necessary.
4. Eat and drink!: There are several places to eat and drink along the route, so be sure to stop for a bite to eat or a refreshing pint.
5. Avoid peak times: The Cotswold Way is a beautiful drive, but it can be busy during peak times. If possible, avoid driving on weekends or during holidays.
The Pembrokeshire Coast, Wales
View this post on Instagram
Trip length: 186 miles
This 186-mile route takes you along the stunning coast of Wales. You’ll see some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, including beaches, cliffs and castles.
Top tips for driving The Pembrokeshire Coast:
1. Be aware of the tides. If you’re driving along the coast, there are certain times when the tide will come in and cut off your route. Make sure you check the tide times before you set off, and give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination.
2. Be aware of the weather. The Pembrokeshire coast is known for its wild weather, and there have been instances of high winds and even storms causing problems for drivers. If the weather is looking bad, it’s best to avoid driving along the coast.
3. Make sure you’re familiar with the roads. The Pembrokeshire coast road is winding and narrow in places and can be challenging to drive. If you’re not confident in your driving skills, it’s best to stick to the main roads.
The Peak District, England
View this post on Instagram
Trip length (Snake Pass): 26 miles
This national park is a popular destination for road trippers.
The route takes you through some of the most stunning scenery in the country, including the Derbyshire Dales and the famous Snake Pass.
Top tips for driving in The Peak District:
1. Drive carefully: The first is that the roads can be quite narrow and winding, so it’s important to take your time and drive carefully.
2. Avoid peak times: Because the area is so popular with tourists, there can be a lot of traffic during peak times. So, it’s a good idea to avoid the busiest times if you can.
3. Be aware of parking: There are some areas of the park where you need to pay to park your car. However, there are also plenty of free parking spaces available. So, if you’re looking to save money, it’s worth checking for free parking before setting off.
The Norfolk Coast, England
View this post on Instagram
Trip length: 84 miles
This beautiful coastal route takes you through some of the most picturesque villages in England.
You’ll see some of the country’s most iconic landmarks, including Norwich Cathedral and Sheringham Park.
Top tips for driving The Norfolk Coast:
1. Start early: Start your journey early in the day to avoid the crowds.
2. Take a slow pace: Take your time and enjoy the many stops along the way, including historic sites, pretty villages, and stunning beaches.
3. Bring a map: Make sure you have a map with you so you don’t get lost!
4. Be aware of floods: If you’re driving in the summer, be aware of the possibility of road closures due to flooding.
5. Take some snaps!: Don’t forget your camera to capture the beautiful scenery.
Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland
View this post on Instagram
Trip length: 130 miles
This 120-mile route takes you along the stunning coast of Northern Ireland.
You’ll see some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, including the Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.
Top tips for driving The Causeway Coastal Route:
1. Use Maps: Make sure you have a map of the route before you set off, so you know where you’re going and can plan your stops in advance.
2. Be prepared for changeable weather conditions: The weather can be unpredictable in Northern Ireland, so make sure you pack a coat and have some warm clothing in the car just in case.
3. Drive safely and keep to the speed limit: The roads can be narrow in places and there are often pedestrians and cyclists about, so it’s important to take your time and drive carefully.
FAQs
How long should I allow for my road trip?
This depends on how many miles you’re planning to drive and how much time you want to spend exploring each destination. We recommend allowing at least a few days for each route so that you can really make the most of your trip.
What are the best times of year to take scenic trips in the UK?
The best time of year to take a scenic UK road trip depends on where you’re planning to go. If you’re planning to visit the Scottish Highlands, for example, we recommend avoiding the winter months when the weather can be very harsh.
The summer months are generally the best time to visit most of the routes, as the weather is usually milder and the days are longer.
Do I need a special driving license to drive in the UK?
No, you don’t need a special driving license to drive in the UK. However, we recommend that you check with your local authorities before you travel, as they may have specific requirements.
What side of the road do people drive on in the UK?
People in the UK drive on the left-hand side of the road. This can take some getting used to if you’re used to driving on the right-hand side, so we recommend taking it easy and being extra cautious when driving on UK roads.
What are the speed limits in the UK?
The speed limit on most Scenic UK Road Trip routes is 60 mph (96 km/h). However, there are some sections where the speed limit is lower, so it’s important to pay attention to the signs.
Is there anything else I need to know before I go on a road trip?
We recommend doing some research before you go on your scenic UK road trip so that you can plan your route and make the most of your trip. We also recommend checking the weather forecast in advance, so that you can pack accordingly.
Finally, we advise against driving at night, as the roads can be very dark and dangerous. If you do need to drive at night, we recommend sticking to main roads and well-lit areas.
It’s Time To Get On The Roads
So there you have it, our top picks for a memorable UK road trip! Whether on the lookout for seaside towns or simply wishing to explore the UK’s natural beauty, we hope you enjoy exploring these amazing routes.
Happy travels!