UK's Top 10 Road Trip Destinations

Travelling to different countries has been seriously limited due to the coronavirus pandemic during the last year. So, more people than ever decided to opt for a UK staycation.

A survey of UK drivers by Refused Car Finance showed that 16.7% of drivers had driven to a UK staycation during the first UK lockdown even though it was advised against.

With the travel restrictions unsure in 2021 so far, more UK drivers may be looking at staying local or discovering the countryside. So, what’s the best road trip destinations in the UK?

Lake District

The Lake District is our number 1 road trip destination and is very popular with walkers, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. The Lake District it home to some of the most beautiful lakes and mountains in the UK. Scafell Pike is the highest mountain in the UK and takes around 5 hours to climb. If hiking isn’t your thing there are many cosy villages, you can visit and also take part in many outdoor activities. The lake District has a number of top-rated tourist attraction such as the Keswick Pencil Museum, the home of Beatrix Potter’s 17th Century cottage and also a top rated ‘Alpacaly Ever After’ Alpaca farm!

Devon to Cornwall

Down south in the UK, Devon and Cornwall has some of the most beautiful coastlines in the whole of Europe. A road trip between Devon and Cornwall covers around 1,000km and you’ll not be short of things to discover! Start your roadtrip in Devon, see beautiful beaches, check out the Oldest working gin distillery in Plymouth and treat yourself to a traditional Devonshire cream tea. On your travels you can experience a whole range of activities such as surfing on Croyde beach, go walking in Dartmoor National Park or Visit the Dartmouth Steam Railway. In Cornwall, the beaches can make you feel like you are abroad without leaving the UK! Beaches such as Porthcurno and Pedn look like they were photos take straight out of a Caribbean holiday magazine! You can also visit the Eden Project, the UKs best open-air theatre (Minack Theatre), the most surreal fishing village in Mousehole and before you leave don’t forget to try a REAL Cornish pasty.

Peak District

The Peak District is located right in the centre of the UK and is home to stunning landscapes and idyllic towns and villages. The three main landscapes the Dark peak, White Peak and the South West Peak are great for adventurers looking or challenging walks but there are also some wonderful walks for all abilities. There are many family activities and sites to see such as the Renishaw Hall & Gardens, Shipley Country Park and Peak Wildlife Park.

North Coast 500

The North Coast 500 is the ultimate Scottish road trip. It is one of the worlds most iconic coastal touring routes and you will discover the beauty of the North Highlands. It brings together 500 miles of stunning coastal scenery, beginning and ending in Inverness. The North Coast 500 is now a globally recognised touring route and since it first started 5 years ago it has reached a global audience of over 2.3 billion people.

North Yorkshire Moors – specifically the road to Whitby

The North Yorkshire Moors offers the best of both coast and countryside, with a beautiful rolling moorland and a dramatic coastline. Experience amazing views, reconnect with nature, explore the market towns and picturesque villages, go walking or cycling in the large forests and woods and end your journey by visiting the Yorkshire coast! It’s the perfect getaway for any outdoor lover. Finish your road trip in Whitby, a gorgeous seaside town in the Scarborough borough or North Yorkshire. Its town and harbour are famous for its tasty fish and chips and is home to the famous Captain Cook museum. You can also climb the 199 steps up to get to Whitby Abbey. The steps were thought to be a test of Christian faith and climbing the steps to reach the Abbey

Snowdonia to Anglesey

Snowdonia is a beautiful mountainous region in North West Wales. It is recommended that you start in Snowdonia Nation Park and complete one of the most scenic drives to Anglesey. The Snowdonia National Park is the largest national park in wales and also is the home to some of the highest mountains in England and Wales. It is jam packed with outdoor activities such as walking, climbing, cycling, caving and water sports. Travel all the way along to Anglesey, which is a stunning island off the North West coast of wales. It is slightly more remote with unspoilt coastlines and lighthouses and wild beauty. It is definitely not to be missed.

Scottish Borders between Northumberland and Edinburgh

This road trip is one of the easiest to follow as it perfectly positioned with Edinburgh and the Lothians in the North, Dumfries and Galloway to the west and Northumberland in Northern England to the south. Enjoy miles of rolling hills and open countryside and visit some of the journeys spellbinding abbeys, castles and the Common Ridings. The Common Ridings is a summer tradition where the towns of the Scottish Borders host one of the oldest equestrian festivals in the world.

Stonehenge

Construction started in 3000BC, making Stonehenge one of the oldest pieces of English heritage. It is located in Wiltshire, about 90 miles outside of central London and consists of a fully open stone circle, exhibition and visitor centre so you can really make a day of it. It is one of the world’s most famous prehistoric monuments and was built by the Druids. You should note that Stonehenge is an attraction with an admission, and it is advised to book your tickets as it can get very busy on the day. Stonehedge is a great choice for families and is a educational attraction for all ages.

Norfolk Coast

The Norfolk Coast is a great choice for a day trip or stop in one of the nearby villages and make a weekend out of it. Its stunning beach are vastly different ranging from goldens sands, to mud flats and salt marches to shingle and pebbles! It is one of the most scenic coastal trips you can experience and is even protected under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. Soak up gorgeous ancient architecture in Kings Lynn, beautiful beaches in Hunstanton, visit Brancaster & Burnham Market or go seal watching at the colony in Blankeney Point. There’s something for everyone to enjoy!

The Cotswolds

The Costwolds is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is renowned for its breath-taking natural beauty. The Costwolds can cater for a range of different travellers and is the perfect mix of picturesque hikes and cosy village life. One of the most popular villages is Burton on The Water which has often been called “Venice of the Cotswolds”. It’s a great spot for a day out walking round the beautiful village and visiting the tearooms, cafes pubs and independent shops. You could also drive to Bath and experience the Thermae Baths, which allows you to bathe in Bath’s naturally warm mineral rich waters just like the Celts and the Romans did over 2000 years ago! History and architecture fans will love a trip to Chipping Campden which is home to one of the most stunning streets in England.

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Luciana Oliveira

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Luciana joined our team as a mum blogger in 2020. A dedicated mum to a lively daughter and a dog, Luna, Luciana brings authenticity and passion to every post. Her expertise in parenting and lifestyle topics offers practical, relatable advice for real-life situations.