10 Best UK Road Trips

The summer holidays are here and the sun is shining, so there’s no better time to head out on a UK road trip.

Why not get together with friends or family and plan an unforgettable journey by exploring some of the greatest parts of Britain. To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of the most memorable driving routes across the country… How many will you tick off the list?

Atlantic Highway in England

Where is the Atlantic Highway route?

Spanning the South West of England, the Atlantic Highway route takes you along the A39 which connects Bath to Falmouth. One of the longest roads in the South West, you’ll take in the stunning sights of Somerset, Devon and Cornwall with near-constant views of the Atlantic Ocean during your journey. 

What will you see along the Atlantic Highway route?

Considered not only one of the UK’s most scenic drives, but one of the most scenic driving routes in the world, you’ll be spoilt for choice along the Atlantic Highway. A perfect trip for families, stop-off for a visit to the UK’s favourite seaside town, Newquay, continue down to the iconic Land’s End for an obligatory photo, and plan a hike or cycle along Devon’s aptly-named ‘adventure coast’.  

How long does the Atlantic Highway route take?

Depending on how many sights you want to take in along the Atlantic Highway, we’d recommend you allow a minimum of five days, extending your trip to seven days to make the most of your adventure. 

Causeway Coastal in Northern Ireland

Where is the Causeway Coastal route?

Linking Northern Ireland’s two largest cities, the Causeway Coastal is a 130-mile route from Belfast to Derry, Londonderry. The journey will take you along miles upon miles of outstanding coastline with some jaw-dropping scenery for an unmissable trip.     

What will you see along the Coastal Causeway route?

A much-celebrated seaside route, you’ll be spoilt for choice with things to see along the Coastal Causeway. Discover landmarks such as the world-famous Giant’s Causeway (which helps give the route its name), Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and Dunluce Castle. This road trip is a must for Game of Thrones fans too; take advantage of selfie opportunities at Cushendun Caves and Ballintoy Harbour.  

How long does the Coastal Causeway route take?

The route consists of nine smaller scenic drives, so you can choose to make the trip as long or short as you wish. Based on this, we’d recommend you allow anywhere from three days up to seven days of journey time. 

Dragon’s Spine in Wales

Where is the Dragon’s Spine route?

The Dragon’s Spine route will take you on a coast to coast driving adventure. You’ll journey along the A470 which takes you all the way from Cardiff in South Wales to Conwy in North Wales, with the chance to stop-off at not one, but two stunning National Parks for a picture-perfect adventure. 

What will you see along the Dragon’s Spine route?

Kick-off your journey in the Welsh capital before heading up to the beautiful Brecon Beacons which is the heartbeat of this wonderful country. A trip wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Black Mountain Pass - a stretch of road along the A4069 made famous by Top Gear - fans of the show will no doubt recognise it! Make sure you visit the mountains of Snowdonia for a snow-capped photo opportunity too. 

How long does the Dragon’s Spine route take?

To do the trip properly, allow at least five days of travel time so you can make the most of the stunning Welsh scenery.  

Island Trail in Scotland

Where is the Island Trail route?

Don’t miss out on an opportunity to journey the 100-mile Island Trail route in bonny Scotland. Also referred to as the ‘road to the isles’, the A830 will take you from Fort William and Ben Nevis, when you’ll then head westwards and eventually make your way to the coast before travelling across the sea to the stunning Isle of Skye. 

What will you see along the Island Trail route?

There’s an abundance of wonderful sights to see along Scotland’s Island Trail route; mind-blowing backdrops showcase mountainous views which feature monolithic rocks alongside idyllic lochs. Harry Potter fans will want to stop off at the incredible Glenfinnan Viaduct, and the journey to the Isle of Skye will be worth it for the sunset views alone. 

How long does the Island Trail route take?

If you don’t fancy heading over to the Isle of Skye, then you can probably do this trip in just three days. However, we recommend you add on an extra couple of days and make the effort to visit the sensational Isle of Skye.  

Jurassic Coast in England

Where is the Jurassic Coast route?

Famous the world over, the Jurassic Coast route is a bucket list road trip not to be missed! You’ll begin in the coastal town of Poole, Dorset, before embarking along the historic coastline over to Swanage, following 18-miles of the B3157 through to Weymouth and ending in Exeter.   

What will you see along the Jurassic Coast route?

The Jurassic Coast boasts 185 million years of history, which is why it’s given the ‘jurassic’ name. Filled with rugged cliffs, beyond-beautiful beaches and cute seaside towns, there is so much to see and do. Highlights include Old Harry Rocks, Lulworth Cove and Dorset’s picturesque Durdle Door. 

How long does the Jurassic Coast route take?

This is a great little road trip if you fancy a long weekend away as three days will do the job nicely

Lake District in England

Where is the Lake District route?

The Lake District is England’s largest National Park, so the stunning route will take you from the famous Lake Windermere, up to Ullswater (known as England's 'prettiest lake’), Keswick and Buttermere. 

What will you see along the Lake District route?

From hill-filled backdrops bordering stunning lakes, to the bustling market towns that make up the Lake District, there’s an abundance of sights to see. Why not stop at the Duddon Valley, made famous by Poet William Wordsworth, Stanley Force waterfall, or hop on a boat to enjoy one of the many lakes during your journey. 

How long does the Lake District route take?

Depending on how much of the Lake District you want to drink in, two to three days is plenty of time to drive the route whilst stopping at a few key destinations too. 

Norfolk Coast in England

Where is the Norfolk Coast route?

Hugging the East Anglian Norfolk coastline, the Norfolk Coast route proudly showcases everything the county has to offer. Kicking off in King’s Lynn, you’ll follow the coastal route along to Great Yarmouth through parts of the famous Norfolk Broads all the way to Norwich. 

What will you see along the Norfolk Coast route?

Breathe in the unspoilt Norfolk coastline for a good old-fashioned road trip through England. If country pubs and seaside resorts are your thing, then the Norfolk Coast route is the break you need. The Norfolk Broads offers the perfect opportunity to spend time on a boat, while Norfolk’s six ‘blue flag’ beaches will give you a glimpse of the largest seal colony in England. 

How long does the Norfolk Coast route take?

The great thing about the Norfolk Coast road trip is that you can tweak the route depending on the amount of time you have. Whether you set aside two days or four days, you’re bound to have a holiday to remember. 

North Coast in Scotland

Where is the North Coast route?

Introducing Scotland's answer to the world-famous Route 66! The circular North Coast 500-mile route in Scotland starts and finishes at Inverness Castle, taking you through the likes of John O-Groats and the stunning Scottish Highlands.  

What will you see along the North Coast route?

Also referred to as the North Coast 500 or NC500 for short, this Scottish route is considered one of the best road trips in the world by those that have tackled the epic journey. For the social media savvy amongst you, Scotland’s North Coast route is also the most instagrammed in the UK. Stop-off at Inverness Castle, visit John O-Groats village and look out for dolphins off the Black Isle. 

How long does the Norfolk Coast route take?

The Norfolk Coast in Scotland is a lengthier trip than most other UK-based road trips, so to do it properly, we’d recommend a week to nine days of vacation time.    

Peak District in England

Where is the Peak District route?

One of England’s much-loved National Park’s, the Peak District route is a must-see road trip. You’ll start in Glossop to the east of Greater Manchester before heading into the Pennines, taking the A57 towards Sheffield. 

What will you see along the Peak District route?

The Peak District route includes the stunning ‘snake pass’ - one of the UK’s best mountainous road trips - you’ll travel 510 metres above sea level to view scenes that will really take your breath away. Stop-off at Ladybower Reservoir for panoramic views and take a short detour to explore the network of caves at Blue John Cavern.    

How long does the Peak District route take?

With an abundance of small villages to visit along the Peak District route, the length of the trip is down to you. If you fancy a non-stop drive around the 40-mile route, then allow just one day to complete it. Why not add on an overnight stay or two to your trip to really make the most of everything at the stunning National Park. 

Yorkshire Moors in England

Where is the Yorkshire Moors route?

The Yorkshire Moors route takes you through the North York Moors National Park for a colour-filled 50-mile road trip. Your journey begins in the market town of Helmsley as you head onto the A170 towards Pickering. Jump on the A169 along the coast through Goathland before completing the trip at the seaside village of Staithes. 

What will you see along the Yorkshire Moors route?

If you’re looking for a dog-friendly holiday to enjoy with your four-legged friends, then the Yorkshire Moors route is an ideal vacay. The Moors are considered one of the dog-friendliest regions in the UK, which means many B&B’s, hotels, and campsites are happy to host your canine companion too. Enjoy your drive through the world’s largest collection of heather moorland and wild flowers, surrounded by rugged coastline and dry-stone walled fields.  

How long does the Yorkshire Moors route take?

Although you can easily fit this trip into just one day, we’d recommend you extend your stay by a couple of days to really take in everything the Yorkshire Moors have to offer.

Road Trip Ready Cars at Wilsons Epsom

Are you looking for a car to conquer your next UK road trip? Here at Wilsons Epsom in Surrey, you can choose from over 1,000 new and used cars from some of the world’s biggest and best manufacturers. 

We proudly represent 11 new car brands which include the latest electric vehicles, so you can enjoy a more environmentally-friendly mini-break. Get started by viewing our vehicles in stock to discover the perfect set of wheels to take you on your next adventure.