Nothing sounds better than packing your bags, loading your car, and going on an epic road trip. Luckily, the United Kingdom has tons of routes where you can have as many adventures as your heart desires. Holidaymakers in need of a quick break from the city will fall in love with the coastal views along the Atlantic Highway. Meanwhile, history and nature lovers will enjoy exploring the trails across Pembrokeshire and the Jurassic Coast. And if you prefer the comfort of solitude, the remote Scottish regions have plenty to offer. Reward your inner explorer with these popular road trip routes across the UK!
11 Most Popular Routes for UK Road Trips
Planning a road trip for the summer? The United Kingdom has many routes that you can take. Families and friends looking for some fun under the sun can explore the beachfront of Cornwall and Pembrokeshire with these coastal routes. On the other hand, the idyllic landscapes of Scotland and Northern Ireland are perfect for remote adventures or relaxing strolls. Whether you’re looking for a classic holiday break or a full-on countryside getaway, you’ll surely enjoy these designated courses. If you need more ideas, here are some of the most visited road trip routes across the UK:
1. The Atlantic Highway, England
The Atlantic Highway, locally referred to as A39, is a 70-mile stretch of road that starts in Barnstaple, Devon and ends in Newquay, Cornwall. If you want to explore the Cornish coast all at once, then this is the best route to take.
There are plenty of reasons why holidaymakers love driving down A39. For one thing, it offers fantastic cliffside sceneries and endless views of the Atlantic Ocean. The route also offers easy access to the seaside towns of Bude, Padstow, and Newquay, plus their neighbouring beaches. Aside from beach cafes and hidden coves, don’t forget to visit historical spots like Tintagel Castle and iconic villages such as Port Isaac.
Here’s an insider tip: the highway is busy during the summer but is relatively remote during other parts of the year. If you’re visiting for the first time, it’s best to drop by during the off-season so you get the road all to yourself!
2. North Coast 500, Scotland
North Coast 500 or NC500 is a 500-mile-long route that loops through the famous Scottish Highlands. One of the more remote destinations in this list, the NC500 is extremely popular amongst glampers and extreme adventurers.
If you’re fond of road trips, then the NC500 is one for the bucket list. The route begins and ends at Inverness Castle, taking you across six regions including Black Isle, Caithness, Easter Ross, Sutherland, and Wester Ross. Along the way, you’ll be treated to views of castle ruins, rich farmlands, and romantic lakes. As you head further north, you’ll reach the area where the mountains converge with the sea and you’ll be rewarded with breath-taking views across stormy coasts.
It can take more than a week to cover all of the bases across the North Coast 500. Most holidaymakers prefer to explore the route by car, but you can also rent a motorbike if you fancy touring the region on two wheels!
3. Jurassic Coast, England
The Jurassic Coast is a popular trail along the coastline of the county of Cornwall in England. With its UNESCO World Heritage Site status, the region is a magnet for holidaymakers, history buffs, and fossil enthusiasts.
Spanning over 90 miles of beach and cliffs, there are plenty of things to do along the Jurassic Coast. Visitors love searching for fossils on the coastline of Lyme Regis. If you don’t mind stopping your car and taking a quick walk, you can check out the lovely lighthouse at Portland. And who can forget the magnificent natural beauty that is Durdle Door? The limestone arch and its sandy beach are popular spots among travellers.
It only takes three days to explore the entirety of the Jurassic Coast, making it the perfect escape for families on weekend breaks. When you visit, don’t forget to stop by the golden beaches of Swanage and Weymouth!
4. Pembrokeshire Coast 200, Wales
The Pembrokeshire Coast is a fantastic road covering 200 miles of the county’s dramatic coastline. Surrounded by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, the route offers tons of adventures for all types of holidaymakers.
The route starts at the pretty seaside village of Amroth and finishes at the idyllic riverside hamlet of St. Dogmaels. During the trip, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to visit the popular beaches of Saundersfoot and Tenby. You’ll also get to visit the ancient city of St. Davids which is also considered the smallest city in the United Kingdom. If you have the time, remember to dip your toes in the waters of the Blue Lagoon at Abereiddi.
To explore the very best of Pembrokeshire, you must dedicate at least three days of your holiday to roaming the coast. The route was created with campers in mind, so you’ll find lots of camping sites along the way!
5. Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland
The Causeway Coastal Route is a stretch of road in Northern Ireland which covers 120 miles of views and attractions. From the bustling centre of Belfast to the charming city of Londonderry, there are tons of reasons to love the rugged Northern Irish coast.
Before you start your road trip, you can treat yourself to hotspots across Belfast including the Titanic Museum and Carrickfergus Castle. As you trace the coast, you’ll visit the nine glens of Antrim, and the Dark Hedges, and catch glimpses of Rathlin Island. Towards the end of the route, snag the chance to explore the unique rock formations of Giant’s Causeway and the unique landmark that is Mussenden Temple. Finish off your holiday in Londonderry with visits to the Peace Bridge and Guildhall.
Visitors will need at least three to five days to fully appreciate the beauty of Northern Ireland. If you’re a big fan of “Game of Thrones,” you’re in luck because you’ll be able to visit some of their filming locations like Ballintoy Harbour and Cushendun Caves!
6. Kintyre 66, Scotland
Kintyre is another road trip favourite located along the Kintyre Peninsula in Scotland. With 66 miles of scenic areas, this countryside loop is perfect for glampers on weekend breaks.
The best part about travelling around the peninsula is its wonderful attractions at every pit stop. Kintyre offers some of the most delicious seafood in the area and boasts its famous Scotch whiskies. It’s also known for its ancient stones, historical castles, and thriving local wildlife. If you have the time to camp out, don’t forget to add kayaking, hiking, and stargazing to your activities list!
While it may take up to four days to complete the Kintyre loop, it’s still an excellent choice for first-time road trippers. Some of the route’s best highlights include Saddell Bay, Tarbert Castle, and the Isle of Arran.
7. Lake District, England
Lake District National Park is one of England’s biggest national parks with its dedicated road trip route within its borders. Tucked in the landscapes of Cumbria is a 47-mile trail that will take you across the region’s fantastic features.
Unlike the other routes on this list, Lake District has plenty of shorter courses that you can choose to explore depending on your schedule. One of the more popular scenic routes will take you from Penrith to Whitehaven. There are plenty of charming towns and villages where you can rest up including Buttermere, Keswick, and Ullswater. When you visit, remember to check out the district’s largest lake – Windermere.
Holidaymakers will need three days to explore all of Lake District’s trails. Here’s a tip: add hiking trails to your trip and get the chance to stretch out your legs after long hours of driving!
8. Road to the Isles, Scotland
The Road to the Isles is another Scottish favourite and for good reason. Also known as the A830, the route stretches for 43 miles within the “outdoor capital of the UK.”
Many adventurers start their trip at Fort William, tracing the path alongside mystical lakes, rolling fields, and stunning peaks. You’ll also get the chance to witness the Glenfinnan Viaduct which was also featured in the “Harry Potter” films. While most trips end in Mallaig, you can extend your holiday and visit the Isle of Skye. The island is another adventure of its own with dramatic sceneries and natural attractions.
The best time to visit the Road to the Isles is during the summer when the weather is warm and the waters are pleasant. However, if you want to avoid the crowds, it’s recommended to visit earlier in the spring when the landscape is just as lovely!
9. The Yorkshire Dales, England
The Yorkshire Dales is a 129-mile journey through one of England’s most beautiful national parks. Thanks to its geographical location, the route enjoys lush valleys, pockets of woodlands, and never-ending views of the Pennines.
Most visitors recommend starting in Harrogate and making full stops at the lovely towns of Grassington, Arncliffe, and Malhalm Cove. There are lots of attractions to add to your agenda such as the Royal Pump Room Museum and Linton Falls. The Yorkshire Dales boasts an idyllic atmosphere, creating the perfect setting for glampers and hikers. When you visit, feel free to admire the stunning views across the national park.
Due to its scenic location, the Yorkshire Dales is a popular road trip destination for holidaymakers. Whether you’re spending a day or four days on the road, you’ll definitely enjoy your time in the county!
10. The Cambrian Way, Wales
The Cambrian Way is a countryside drive in Wales, also known as the A470 to locals. It’s the ultimate route for holidaymakers who want to experience the Welsh countryside to the fullest.
Starting in the city of Cardiff, the route runs across the map and stops at the seaside town of Llandudno. Throughout your trip, you’ll have easy access to some of the country’s best national parks including Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia. There are also many heritage landmarks to cross off your list like Brecon Cathedral, Llangoed Hall, and Castell Coch. Aside from driving your car, visitors are also free to explore the route on a motorbike or by train.
If you want to appreciate the beauty of Wales, you better prepare four to seven days for this exciting trip. From deep woodlands to vast open fields, there are tons to love in Welsh country!
11. Norfolk Coast, England
Norfolk Coast is a road trip route spanning over 100 miles within the region of East Anglia in England. From the historical centre of King’s Lynn to the seaside town of Great Yarmouth, the route showcases the natural beauty of Norfolk.
Exploring the entirety of the Norfolk Coast will take several days to complete, but the journey is worth it. Located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the road is full of nature reserves, quaint villages, and golden beaches. The route’s proximity to the coast also makes it popular among tourists who love watersport activities. As you explore, don’t forget to visit some of the iconic landmarks including Norwich Cathedral and Cromer Pier. Norfolk is also famous for its waterways, namely the Norfolk Broads, and the Norfolk Windmills.
Holidaymakers love the Norfolk Coast because of its access to sandy beaches and gorgeous cliffsides. The best part is that plenty of these attractions are pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends along!
Final Thoughts
The United Kingdom is not without its share of beautiful scenery for amazing road trips. Even within England and Wales, you’ll find plenty of drives across the coastline and countryside. For remote adventures in diverse landscapes, the nations of Scotland and Northern Ireland are just within reach. If you’re travelling for the first time, it’s recommended to start light with shorter routes like the Atlantic Highway or the Lake District region. On the other hand, if you’re up for a challenge, the roads of Pembrokeshire Coast and North Coast 500 await!
Featured Image: “Lake District”, by Diliff, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0