When you think of travelling, you no doubt think of far-off destinations, but you don’t have to take a trip to a foreign country to have a great time.
Sometimes all you need is a good hike in nature or a relaxing stroll along the beach to soothe your adventurous soul. And if your wanderlust has you wanting to explore new destinations, I’ll bet there are some beautiful gems not too far from you that you haven’t explored yet. This is exactly why road trips will never lose their charm.
Imagine hitting the road with your favourite playlist, your friends or family members in the passenger seats, and of course the snacks you’ll need along the way. We’ve all heard the cliche saying that travel is as much about the journey as it is the destination and on a road trip, the journey really is half of the fun.
And when it comes to planning a route and choosing your stops, every country has so much to offer by way of stunning destinations, the UK included. If you’re searching for a road trip to untouched, natural destinations, then believe me, the UK will not disappoint.
Whether you live in the UK or you’re a tourist, England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales all have some stunning destinations that are well worth a visit. So buckle up and let’s go through the top 8 road trip destinations in the UK.
1: Enjoy the Scenery of the Lake District
Home to the finest lakes and picturesque drives in Europe, the Lake District is a famous holiday spot in Cumbria, in the North West of the UK. Filled with tons of outdoor activities, it offers unique and exciting experiences.
There are plenty of hikes to be had, kayaking and SUP opportunities, and countless photo spots. With quaint towns and villages dotted around the Lake District, you can also enjoy some retail therapy in village gift shops, or stop for a traditional pub lunch.
You can hike to Scafell Pike, the third highest peak in the UK or make a stop at Lake Windermere, the largest natural lake of England. You can also visit Dove Cottage of the renowned English poet William Wordsworth or the little market town of Keswick to complete your tour.
And depending on whether you consider yourself an outdoorsy person or you like to travel with all of your home comforts, there are plenty of accommodation options, from campsites to caravan parks, hotels, B&Bs and cottages for hire.
2: Learn From the Castles of Northumberland
If you’re a fan of British history, Northumberland is the perfect UK road trip destination for you. This county will transport you back to medieval times with castles and epic battlegrounds.
You can plan a stop at Bamburgh Castle, a much-loved fortress that has been home to a succession of Kings over the last 1,400 years. Or take a trip to Hogwarts by visiting Alnwick Castle. This castle has been the official residence of the Duke of Northumberland for 700 years but it rose to fame after its appearance in the Harry Potter movies. Other popular spots that are worth including on your road trip are Lindisfarne Castle and Chillingham Castle.
3: Hike Over the Ancient Cheddar Gorge
Somerset’s Cheddar Gorge, located 10 miles south-west of Bristol in Mendip Hills, is nothing short of a natural wonder. With towering 450ft high limestone cliffs — the highest inland, limestone cliffs in Britain — prehistoric caves, and roads that wind through some of Britain’s most scenic landscapes, a road trip to Cheddar Gorge is one of the most beautiful and fascinating trips you can take.
The roads are stunning and interesting to drive, and once you arrive there’s plenty to do. There are some incredible walks, caving opportunities for families and thrill-seekers alike, rock climbing sites, even free fall experiences (don’t worry, they’re completely safe). There are also escape rooms, over 30 local, independent shops to explore and a museum of prehistory.
The highlight of this landmark are the Gough caves that are over 500,000 years old. The skeleton of the Cheddar Man, the oldest skeleton to be excavated in the UK, was found in these very caves. For mountaineers, Jacob’s Ladder and the Lookout Tower are the landmarks to explore for the astounding views around the gorge.
4: Enjoy the Natural Beauty of the Cotswolds
Road trips in the UK can help you reconnect with nature and discover places that take you back in time. And one of the most adorable and nature-rich areas in the UK is the Cotswolds. With mountains, lakes, nature parks as well as dainty, medieval villages, the Cotswolds are the ideal destination for nature-lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
Brimming with lush green countryside, small pubs, narrow lanes and unique stone cottages, the Cotswolds is quintessentially English. This area offers everything you could hope for from an English road trip. And as the Cotswolds is an area that spans several counties, there are so many different sights to see within this area. Castle Combe in Wiltshire, Chipping Campden in Gloucestershire and Broadway in Worcestershire are few of the villages that should be on your bucket list.
5: Drive the Black Mountain Pass to the Brecon Beacons
A list of road trip destinations in the UK wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Wales. And one must-see, Welsh destination is the Brecon Beacons National Park. The Brecon Beacons are a mountain range with stunning scenery, waterfalls, caves, castles and beautiful villages. This 500 square miles piece of land includes breathtaking mountain ranges that are part of the UNESCO Global Geopark due to their amazing wildlife and geological formations.
There are plenty of hikes, cycle and mountain biking routes, and other fun outdoor activities including watersports, horse riding, and family-friendly caving adventures. And one daring activity park that’s perfect for both adults and children is Zip World — you can try out the world’s fastest zipline and travel at speeds of over 100mph, bounce on underground trampolines in the slate caverns or make your way through an underground assault course.
Other attractions include Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal that offer magical, fairytale scenery. Craig y nos Country Park is also worth visiting — this area will take you back to Victorian times with its historic heritage and architecture.
And when you visit the Brecon Beacons, you’ll have the chance to drive what is often considered the best road in Wales: Black Mountain Pass. Not only is it scenic, but it’s also super fun to drive with the occasional hairpin bend and roads that cut through the countryside. Just watch out for sheep in the road!
6: Unravel the Mysteries of the Isle of Skye
Scotland has some absolutely stunning scenery that looks completely untouched by man. And one place to drive through unspoilt landscapes and reconnect with nature is the Isle of Skye. The mysterious blend of historical sites, quaint little towns and spectacular landscapes will make you fall in love with this region.
The Old Man of Storr is the perfect hiking spot for adventure lovers whereas the mystical Fairy Glen and Fairy Pools will hook you with their mythical charms. And you don’t want to miss the sunset at Neist Point — it’s one of the best sunsets you’ll ever see, and it’s the perfect area to appreciate the beauty and natural magnificence of this island.
7: Travel the Causeway Coast Route and Explore the Giant’s Causeway
The Causeway Coast Route in Northern Ireland is without a doubt one of the best roads to drive in the UK. Starting in Belfast, you can drive your way through picturesque coast roads, past beautiful little villages and unforgettable landscapes, and there are countless attractions to stop and visit along the way.
For example, you could visit the Carrickfergus Castle, Nine Glens of Antrim and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge but one place that is going to take your breath away is the Giant’s Causeway. It is characterized by horizontally lined polygonal basalt columns formed as a result of volcanic eruptions over centuries. However, the legend says that the Irish Giant Fionn Mac Cumhaill made this path to have a fight with its Scottish counterpart over territorial issues. But whatever the story may be, this UNESCO world heritage site is a symbol of pride for Northern Ireland.
There are also plenty of gardens to admire, fairytale-like scenery to discover, adventurous activities to try and even Game of Thrones attractions to explore.
To get to this Northern Ireland route from mainland UK, you can take your car on a ferry, or fly to Belfast and rent a car.
8: Discover the Elegance of the White Cliffs of Dover
If you are coming from London, take a drive from the town of Kent along the English coast to the magnificent White Cliffs of Dover. Overlooking the English Channel and facing France over the Strait of Dover, the cliffs are a popular spot for keen hikers, cyclists and photographers.
And as well as offering beautiful flora and fauna, Dover has seen its share of historical events ranging from the Roman invasion to the evacuation mission from Dunkirk during World War II. Other interesting areas around the cliffs are the South Foreland Lighthouse and Dover Castle.
When touring these destinations it doesn’t matter if you are a foreigner or a local. All that matters are the wonderful experiences you gain from each and every one of these road trips. So pack your raincoat and camera, and enjoy the gifts that the UK has to offer.
