The 10 best road trips in the UK | RAC unit (2023)

From rugged mountains to picturesque beaches, Britain has endless stunning landscapes just waiting to be explored on a road trip.

The coronavirus pandemic may have put a damper on your vacation plans, but with restrictions easing, now is the perfect time to get inspired and discover what our country has to offer.

Keep in mind that your trip may require some extra planning, but as long as you follow government advice, travel when it's safe and call ahead to make sure everything is open, there are many scenic routes in the UK to explore that You can use.

Also, make sure your car is ready for the trip,Carrying out essential checksand make sure you're rightpuncture protectionmisafeno place

Is there a place more typically English than the Cotswolds? Miles of lush countryside are dotted with perfectly preserved villages and winding lanes, often marked with iconic Cotswold stone walls.

We recommend starting in Chipping Campden in the north of the Cotswolds before heading south, hopping from one pretty village to another as you visit quaint pubs, medieval churches and all sorts of local curiosities on your way to Bath in the far south.

Recognized as an Area of ​​Outstanding Natural Beauty, the region promises up-close encounters with wildlife and a variety of bird-watching opportunities at the Slimbridge Wetland Centre. For a more action-packed break, rowing, kayaking and archery are available at the Cotswold Water Park.

Stops on the Cotswolds tour

Broadway not only has one of the most beautiful streets in Great Britain, but is also home to the Broadway Tower, from which you can see an impressive 16 counties.

Best advice:Under normal circumstances, the Cotswolds host a number of different festivals each year, so look ahead and try to plan your trip around what your ship has to offer, from beer and cider festivals to country shows.

Ideal distance and duration:70 miles, 3-4 days.

did you knowThe impressive Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, was apparently intended to be the home of Nazi leader Adolf Hitler after the invasion of Britain.

Experience the east coast of England on a tour of peaceful Norfolk. After soaking up the provincial bustle of Norwich (the 11th-century cathedral is a must), head east to The Broads. With picturesque waterways and a rich variety of wildlife, it's worth spending a few extra days on a boat.

From there, take the coastal roads north to Cromer, a traditional seaside resort town and home to Britain's only remaining Pier End variety show. Further along the coast, windswept beaches like Brancaster Beach are perfect for a lazy afternoon by the sea.

North Norfolk is home to over 40 miles of sandy beaches and six Blue Flag beaches, more than any other region in Great Britain. The golden sands are also enjoyed by England's largest fur seal colony at Blakeney Point.

Road trip through Norfolk stops

There are few sights more Instagrammable than Norfolk's red and white Happisburgh Lighthouse, so be sure to check it out.

Best advice:Resort towns on the Norfolk coast, such as Cromer and Great Yarmouth, can get crowded in high season, so plan your trip accordingly.

Ideal distance and duration:90 miles, 2-3 days.

did you knowThere are around 120 round-towered churches in Norfolk, most of which date from the 11th century. They are believed to have been built for cultural reasons due to strong trade links with other North Sea communities.

The A39 is one of the longest roads in the South West of England, connecting Bath with Falmouth. Although you can drive all the way to the end of the road, we focus on a particularly scenic route between Barnstaple in Devon and the popular Cornish seaside resort of Newquay.

Although the road itself is not that close to the coast, you can enjoy many stunning views of the Atlantic as you drive through Bude, Camelford and Wadebridge.

The region is perfect for families, as Newquay has often been voted the country's most popular seaside town. Active families will love the walking and cycling routes on North Devon's Adventure Coast.

Stops on the journey from Devon to Cornwallroad

Enjoy a cream tea in Bideford, discover the legend of King Arthur at Tintagel Castle and picnic on Bedruthan Steps Beach, a spectacular stretch of coastline where colossal mountains jut out from the waves.

Best advice:Traffic on the A39 can be slow at peak times so it is best to avoid peak holiday and bank holiday periods.

Ideal distance and duration:77 miles, 1-2 days.

did you know A Devon Cream Tea is first cream then jam, while a Cornish Cream Tea is first jam then cream.

Immerse yourself in Wordsworth Country on an adventure along some of England's most beautiful roads. Begin in Kendal and head north through the Lake District National Park towards Windermere, England's largest lake and a picture-postcard tourist center that attracts all kinds of visitors.

Head north from Windermere and drink in the pretty lakeside villages of Ambleside and Grasmere, the last home of William Wordsworth's Dove Cottage and where the poet famously wrote 'I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud'.

Tranquil lakes offer the perfect opportunity to get out on the water by renting a boat or sailing. If you prefer to stay on land, you can explore the area by bike or steam train along one of the many scenic rail routes.

Trip stops in the Lake District

If you want to find out more about Britain's greatest writers, a short detour will take you to Beatrix Potter's Farm in Near Sawry, the inspiration for Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle-Duck and others.

Best advice:If you plan to climb mountains along the way, be sure to pick up Kendal Mint Cakes, an energizing favorite with local hikers.

Ideal distance and duration:30km, 2-3 Stages.

did you knowThe Lake District is home to not only England's highest peak, Scafell Pike, but also the country's deepest lake, Wastewater, which is over 74 meters deep.

• Summer Driving Tips: How to Avoid a Summer Crisis
• How to prepare for a road trip
• 12 Simple Car Maintenance Checks You Should Definitely Do

Explore some of Britain's most stunning scenery as you drive through Snowdonia National Park and across the Menai Strait to Anglesey. Start at Betws-y-Coed and head west past Swallow Falls in the heart of Snowdonia. The A4086 will take you past Snowdon, but you may want to stop and explore the mountain.

Away from the impressive peaks, North Wales is also home to lakes that offer exciting watersports opportunities. Look out for kayaking the natural rapids at the National White Water Center.

Outside the park, take the scenic route across the Sound, first passing historic Caernarfon before crossing the water to explore the beautiful Isle of Anglesey.

Snowdonia-Travel Stops

Situated on the banks of the Menai Strait, Caernarfon is one of North Wales's most elegant towns and a must-see with its elegant waterfront and spectacular castle (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).

Best advice:Welsh is widely spoken in Gwynedd and Anglesey, so impress the locals and pack a phrasebook or learn a few words before you set out.

Ideal distance and duration:50 miles, 1-2 days.

did you knowIf you don't want to walk to the top of Snowdon, why not take the train? The Snowdon Mountain Railway leads to the top and offers spectacular views.

With dense forests, meandering streams and vast moors, the North York Moors National Park is a spectacular journey. While the journey from the market town of Helmsley to the seaside town of Staithes is short and pleasant, you can extend it by a few days if you want to spend the night in a B&B in the village.

Take the A170 towards Pickering and Thornton-le-Dale, past moss-covered dry-stone walls and grazing sheep. Then take the A169 for a scenic drive up the coast past Goathland and Grosmont.

The moors are one of the UK's most dog-friendly regions, with B&Bs, glamping and other accommodation options welcoming furry members of the family. Whenever your pet wants to explore the area, there are also plenty of dog-friendly bars and beaches.

Stops on the Yorkshire Moors tour

Dalby Forest is a great place to stretch your legs or go for a bike ride if you have one. If you stop at Goathland you can go in search of Mallyan Spout, the highest waterfall in the Moors.

Best advice:Please bring a map as sat navs may not be 100% reliable due to the rural nature of the North York Moors.

Ideal distance and duration:42 miles, 1-2 days.

did you knowGoathland has been featured in many TV shows and movies, including Aidensfield in Heartbeat and Hogsmeade Station in the Harry Potter movies.

One of the best ways to experience Wales is by driving from coast to coast. The A470 runs from Cardiff in the south to Conwy in the north, passing through two national parks.

Begin in the Welsh capital, then travel through the South Wales Coalfield to the Brecon Beacons. In the heart of Wales, you'll pass beautiful Llyn Clywedog Reservoir and the market town of Dolgellau before heading through the majestic mountains of northern Snowdonia to Conwy.

Jeremy Clarkson fans may recognize the A4069 Black Mountain Pass, also known as 'Top Gear Road', the route is popular with drivers including the outspoken presenter. Those looking for a bit of culture are spoiled for choice between Carreg Cennen Castle and Dinefwr Castle, both nearby.

Stops on the Brecon Beaconsroad trip

Stroll along the canal to Brecon and enjoy a leisurely lunch in a cozy pub in the hills of Betws-y-Coed.

Best advice:Some parts of the road can be dangerous in bad weather so make sure you do itcheck your tiresand windshield wipers before you go.

Ideal distance and duration:186 miles, 4-5 days.

did you knowThe exact center of Wales is Llanidloes, the first town on the River Severn.

Next on our list is this tour of one of the most popular national parks in the country, the Peak District. Begin in Glossop, east of Greater Manchester, and travel to the Pennines along the famous Snake Pass, one of Britain's highest mountain passes, reaching a highest point of 510m above sea level.

From there, continue south to the reservoirs around the popular Derwent Dam, which offer excellent hiking opportunities. A short detour west brings you to Blue John Cavern, an underground cave system that offers guided tours, ideal if you're looking for an alternative to walking the hills on your way south.

If you want to explore more, the Heights of Abraham in Matlock has tours that will help you retrace the miners' footprints at Great Masson Cavern. Alternatively, take the famous cable car up in the air over the Derwent Valley.

Travel stops in the Peak District

Where to start There are many excellent attractions in and around the Peak District, from the Alton Towers theme park to the neo-Gothic Derwent Dam.

Best advice:The weather in the Peak District can change very quickly and roads in the mountains are often closed due to snowfall, so always check conditions before you head out.

Ideal distance and duration:40 miles, 1 day.

did you knowThe Peak District was Britain's first national park, established in 1951.

This impressive route from Belfast to Derry along the Atlantic coast is steeped in myth and legend. The route is actually made up of nine scenic drives, so you can break it up into smaller drives and take your time enjoying the views.

The journey takes you past several of Northern Ireland's top tourist attractions and sights: Giant's Causeway itself, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Dunluce Castle, Dark Hedges and the Glens of Antrim.

Take a short ferry ride from Ballycastle to Rathlin Island for a tour of the inverted cliff-side lighthouse, or experience a slice of history at Old Bushmills Distillery. The world's oldest licensed distillery has been producing Bushmills Irish Whiskey on-site since 1608.

Stops on the trip to Giant's Causeway

Stroll the spectacular Gobbins Cliff Path and go bird watching at the RSPB Reserve on Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland's only inhabited coastal island.

Best advice:Some of the roads are quite narrow and winding in places, so watch your rear view mirrors.

Ideal distance and duration:120 miles, 3-5 days.

did you knowDark Hedges played Kingsroad on the hit TV drama Game of Thrones.

Scotland's answer to Route 66 offers some of the most spectacular scenery in Britain, if not the world. Showcasing the best of the Highlands, with ancient castles, windswept beaches and historic monuments lurking around every corner.

The official route starts and ends at Inverness Castle and passes through idyllic towns and villages such as Ullapool, Durness, John O'Groats and Dornoch. It is advisable to book accommodation in advance as the options are limited.

The more adventurous can surf the Caithness Reef or canyoning in Corrieshalloch Gorge. The extreme sport combines mountaineering, climbing and diving and tour operators offer safe courses for beginners.

North Coast 500-Travel Stops

Enjoy the beauty of Achmelvich Bay, a stunning white sand beach popular with walkers and water sports enthusiasts. Farther north, you can see dolphins and seals offshore at Chanonry Point.

Best advice:Although there are several gas stations along the route, do not underestimate the kilometers you have to cover before refueling. EITHERWebsite officials make NC500gives tips on how to drive the route safely.

Ideal distance and duration:516 miles, 5-7 days.

did you knowThis area of ​​Great Britain is one of the best places outside of Scandinavia to see the Northern Lights.

Know more: Visit the NC500 websitefor more information and to start planning your trip.