Here’s our ultimate guide to some of the most epic road trips the country has to offer.
Whether you’re planning a staycation or visiting the UK for the first time, it can be difficult to know where to start. Fortunately, we’re here to help. Here’s our ultimate guide to some of the most epic road trips the country has to offer.
1. The Lake District
Home to England’s highest peak, Scafell Pike, and deepest lake, Wastwater, a road trip around the Lake District is a must. With rolling hills, stunning stretches of water and picture-perfect villages, there’s so much to see and do. Kick off your adventure in Kendal – be sure to pick up a few of their famous mint cakes – and work your way up to Windermere, Ambleside and Grasmere.
2. The Norfolk Coast
If you enjoy a slower pace of life, head to Norfolk and explore the county’s beautiful eastern coastline. Begin in the medieval city of Norwich before heading east into the Broads, with its peaceful waterways and array of wildlife. From there, drive north and explore the North Norfolk coast, which boasts no less than 40 miles of golden sandy shores.
3. Wales
Wales is home to some incredible scenery and a great place to start is Betws-y-Coed, before heading west past Swallow Falls, and into the heart of Snowdonia National Park. The A4086 will take you past Mount Snowdon itself, but if you don’t fancy climbing up, the Snowdon Mountain Railway will take you to the summit. From there, drive out across the Menai Strait to the beautiful island of Anglesey.
4. Northern Ireland Coastal Route
If you’re a fan of Game of Thrones, this one’s for you. Begin your tour in Belfast and head for Gobbins Cliff Path, which is often labelled the most dramatic walk in Europe. Drive on to Antrim to check out Dark Hedges, a tree-lined road that featured in Game of Thrones as the ‘Kingsroad’. You’ll soon get to the dramatic Giant’s Causeway before reaching Londonderry – by which time you’ll have covered almost 200km.
5. North Coast 500, Scotland
Who needs Route 66 when you have the stunning vistas of Scotland? Covering more than 800km, this trip begins and ends at Inverness Castle and boasts some of the most incredible landscapes in the world. You’ll drive along winding, narrow roads and see everything from quaint villages and historic landmarks to stunning beaches and heady whisky distilleries.
Road trip essentials
So, you’ve got your route figured out, what now?
There are a few things you need to get in place before heading off on an unforgettable road trip.
The most important thing, of course, is a car that will go the distance. Make sure it’s fully insured so you don’t get any nasty surprises. A spare tyre, spare fluids and an air freshener are also wise to have.
We could reel off a huge list of what to pack, but other than the obvious, make sure you consider taking a portable charger – as you may go for long periods without access to a plug. Have an overnight bag in case you go on a hike, and make sure you have lots of baby wipes, toilet paper and hand sanitiser.
Finally, of course, no road trip is complete without an epic music playlist.
