Whether you’re chasing coastal views, historic villages, or mountainous adventure, the UK is home to some of the most diverse and rewarding road trips in Europe. From the winding roads of the Scottish Highlands to the pastoral charm of the Cotswolds, each region offers something unique, often within just a few hours’ drive. These journeys are perfect for spontaneous weekend getaways or carefully planned holidays, with routes that combine scenic beauty, cultural heritage, and plenty of hidden gems along the way. Here are ten of the best road trips across the UK to inspire your next open-road adventure.

1. North Coast 500 – Scotland

Scotland’s NC500 is often hailed as the UK’s ultimate road trip. Beginning and ending at Inverness Castle, the 516-mile circular route loops around the remote northern Highlands. Along the way, you’ll pass dramatic cliffs, white sandy beaches like Achmelvich Bay, and rugged mountain landscapes. Small towns like Durness, Ullapool and the iconic John O’Groats provide character, charm and warm Highland hospitality. Wildlife watchers can spot seals and dolphins at Chanonry Point, while adventurers might try canyoning at Corrieshalloch Gorge. This is not a trip to rush—take at least five days and be sure to book accommodation in advance, especially during summer. Petrol stations are few and far between in remote areas, so plan fuel stops carefully.

Start/End: Inverness Castle
Highlights: Ullapool, John O’Groats, Achmelvich Bay, Chanonry Point, castles, white beaches
Distance/Time: 516 miles / 5–7 days
Top Tip: Plan petrol stops; remote areas may have long gaps between stations
Did You Know? One of the best places in the UK to see the Northern Lights

2. Causeway Coastal Route – Northern Ireland

Stretching 120 miles from Belfast to Derry, the Causeway Coastal Route is a feast of natural beauty and folklore. This drive includes nine scenic routes, allowing flexibility and shorter day trips. Along the way, visit Northern Ireland’s top attractions: the mythical Giant’s Causeway, the dizzying Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, the haunting ruins of Dunluce Castle, and the tree-lined avenue known as the Dark Hedges, which featured in Game of Thrones. Stop at Bushmills, home to the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery, or take the ferry to Rathlin Island to see puffins and the famous upside-down lighthouse. Narrow, winding roads mean careful driving is essential, but the views more than make up for the challenge.

Route: Belfast to Derry
Highlights: Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Bridge, Dark Hedges, Bushmills Distillery
Distance/Time: 120 miles / 3–5 days
Top Tip: Drive carefully on narrow coastal roads
Did You Know? The Dark Hedges featured as the Kingsroad in Game of Thrones

3. Peak District – England

As the UK’s first national park, the Peak District offers dramatic scenery and charming English villages in just a short drive. Start in Glossop, just east of Manchester, and take Snake Pass into the heart of the Pennines. With peaks reaching over 500m, this route offers spectacular views of moorland and valleys. Stop at Derwent Dam or take a tour of the eerie Blue John Cavern. For a different perspective, visit Matlock’s Heights of Abraham and enjoy the cable car ride across the Derwent Valley. Weather can be unpredictable, so check forecasts—snow often forces closures in winter. A one-day trip is feasible, but an overnight stay adds depth to the experience.

Start: Glossop
Highlights: Snake Pass, Blue John Cavern, Derwent Dam, Heights of Abraham
Distance/Time: 40 miles / 1 day
Top Tip: Check weather before heading out; roads may close due to snow
Did You Know? UK’s first national park, designated in 1951

4. The Dragon’s Spine – Wales

Running from Cardiff to Conwy, the A470 takes you on a 186-mile cross-country journey through the very heart of Wales. You’ll travel from the post-industrial landscapes of South Wales into the tranquil expanse of the Brecon Beacons, and then on through rural mid-Wales toward the towering peaks of Snowdonia National Park. Highlights include the mirror-like waters of Llyn Clywedog, the historic market town of Dolgellau, and the medieval castle at Conwy. History buffs will love the detour to Carreg Cennen Castle, while drivers will relish the hairpin turns of the Black Mountain Pass, famously featured on Top Gear. Allow four to five days and make sure your vehicle is weather-ready.

Route: Cardiff to Conwy
Highlights: Brecon Beacons, Snowdonia, Llyn Clywedog, Caernarfon
Distance/Time: 186 miles / 4–5 days
Top Tip: Roads can be hazardous in poor weather—check your tyres
Did You Know? Llanidloes is the exact midpoint of Wales

5. North York Moors – England

This short but scenic trip takes you through the atmospheric landscapes of the North York Moors. Begin in Helmsley and travel north toward the fishing village of Staithes. Along the way, you’ll pass through quaint market towns like Pickering and the woodland trails of Dalby Forest, ideal for walking or cycling. Villages like Goathland offer familiar views to TV and film fans—used as Aidensfield in Heartbeat and as Hogsmeade Station in Harry Potter. Though the route covers just 42 miles, it’s rich with rural charm and wildlife. Bring a paper map, as mobile signals can be unreliable in this remote area.

Route: Helmsley to Staithes
Highlights: Goathland (Heartbeat & Harry Potter fame), Dalby Forest, Buttertubs Pass
Distance/Time: 42 miles / 1–2 days
Top Tip: Take a map—sat navs may be unreliable
Did You Know? Goathland doubled as Hogsmeade Station

6. North Wales

This route takes you deep into the wild beauty of Snowdonia and then out to the coast of Anglesey. Starting in Betws-y-Coed, head through the heart of the national park via the A4086, which runs close to Mount Snowdon. Outdoor lovers can hike or take the Snowdon Mountain Railway to the summit. White water kayaking is popular at the National White Water Centre, while the town of Caernarfon, with its magnificent UNESCO-listed castle, is the perfect stop before crossing the Menai Strait to Anglesey. The region blends rugged terrain with seaside serenity, ideal for a 1–2 day mini break. Bonus points if you learn a few words of Welsh to impress the locals!

Route: Betws-y-Coed to Anglesey
Highlights: Snowdonia, Caernarfon Castle, white water kayaking, Menai Strait
Distance/Time: 50 miles / 1–2 days
Top Tip: Learn a bit of Welsh—locals appreciate it
Did You Know? Snowdon can be reached via mountain railway

7. Lake District – England

If tranquillity and literary heritage appeal, the Lake District is a must. This short 30-mile journey is best enjoyed slowly, over two to three days. Starting in Kendal, make your way to Lake Windermere, England’s largest lake. From there, continue to Ambleside and Grasmere—home to poet William Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage. Visitors can hire boats or hop on a cruise to explore the lakes, or travel via vintage steam trains. Beatrix Potter fans should visit her former home in Near Sawrey. Keep Kendal Mint Cake on hand if you’re planning any hikes, and prepare for changing weather—it can go from sunny to stormy in minutes.

Route: Kendal to Grasmere
Highlights: Windermere, Ambleside, Beatrix Potter’s Farm
Distance/Time: 30 miles / 2–3 days
Top Tip: Bring Kendal Mint Cake if trekking
Did You Know? Home to England’s highest peak (Scafell Pike) and deepest lake (Wastwater)

8. Atlantic Highway – Devon & Cornwall

The A39—nicknamed the Atlantic Highway—connects North Devon and North Cornwall along a rugged, wave-lashed coast. Begin in Barnstaple and head southwest toward Newquay, taking detours to Bude, Tintagel (steeped in Arthurian legend), and Bedruthan Steps for postcard-worthy coastal views. Along the way, stop in Bideford for a cream tea—remember, it’s cream first in Devon, jam first in Cornwall! Newquay is a popular family resort known for surfing and lively nightlife. This 77-mile stretch can be done in a day, but a two-day trip lets you soak in the seaside atmosphere. Try to avoid travelling during school holidays as the road gets congested.

Route: Barnstaple to Newquay
Highlights: Bude, Tintagel Castle, Bedruthan Steps, cream teas
Distance/Time: 77 miles / 1–2 days
Top Tip: Avoid peak holiday season due to traffic
Did You Know? Cream first in Devon; jam first in Cornwall

9. Norfolk Coast – England

A gentle, relaxing road trip along England’s east coast, this route starts in Norwich and loops through The Broads before heading north to Cromer and the expansive beaches beyond. With a mix of medieval history, wildlife sanctuaries, and traditional seaside charm, Norfolk is ideal for nature lovers. Don’t miss the seals at Blakeney Point or the striking Happisburgh Lighthouse. If time allows, take a boat trip on the Broads or enjoy the sandy calm of Brancaster Beach. This 90-mile drive is best explored over a long weekend. It gets crowded in summer, so aim for shoulder seasons if you prefer a quieter trip.

Route: Norwich through The Broads to Cromer
Highlights: Happisburgh Lighthouse, Brancaster Beach, seal spotting at Blakeney
Distance/Time: 90 miles / 2–3 days
Top Tip: Cromer and Great Yarmouth are crowded in summer
Did You Know? Norfolk has the UK’s largest number of round tower churches

10. The Cotswolds – England

Few regions in the UK feel as picture-perfect as the Cotswolds. Rolling green hills are punctuated by stone-built villages, historic churches and meandering lanes. Begin in Chipping Campden and head south through Broadway (don’t miss Broadway Tower), Bourton-on-the-Water, and Castle Combe, finishing in the city of Bath. Outdoor enthusiasts can kayak or paddleboard at the Cotswold Water Park, while history lovers will enjoy Slimbridge Wetland Centre and the Roman Baths in Bath. With so many charming villages to explore, three to four days is ideal for this 70-mile journey. Watch out for Bath’s clean air zone charges if you’re driving an older vehicle.

Route: Chipping Campden to Bath
Highlights: Broadway, Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Cotswold Water Park
Distance/Time: 70 miles / 3–4 days
Top Tip: Check clean air rules before entering Bath
Did You Know? Hitler wanted to use Blenheim Palace as a home post-invasion!

Motorhome driver training:

Many people who do road trips do so in motorhomes. We offer bespoke confidence courses for clients who need a boost when driving their new motorhome. Learn more here.