The Best UK Road Trip Destinations

Thinking of taking a family road trip around the United Kingdom? The UK is a beautiful place, filled to the brim with its awe-inspiring countryside and enviable coastline scenery.

So long as you time it right and avoid the miserable British weather, staycations can’t get much better!

Read on to discover the best road trips in the UK and how to prepare for your next big adventure.

How to prepare for a road trip

Considering taking the scenic route? Diversions and excursions are often a lot of fun and add to the excitement of your trip. But things can turn south if you haven’t done the necessary research first.

Whether you’re going on a family holiday or weekend jaunt to the coast, preparation is key to minimising holdups and maximising enjoyment.

Here are a few things to consider when planning your ideal road trip destination.

Managing fuel with a fuel card

Your road trip will turn into a nightmare if you haven’t considered the fuel tank before embarking on an adventure. It’s no fun being stranded roadside, waiting for emergency assistance while your kids are growing hungry and restless. So, make sure to fill with a sufficient amount of fuel before heading off.

Worried about the cost? Refuelling comes with a significant price tag nowadays. Luckily you can organise fuel and cut the price with tools like fuel cards. Many providers offer these cards with slight discounts, meaning you’ll gradually save money along your trip.

Our top tip: Use comparison sites such as iCompario to ensure that you’re getting the best deal for personal usage. Read the lowdown on your offer to make sure you find the fuel cards that suit your unique situation and needs.

Route planning

You may have the perfect destination in mind: but have you thought about the route there? There many variables when it comes to travelling around the United Kingdom, but none more cumbersome than the feeling of being lost.

British roads are unpredictable at the best of times and this is only exacerbated when you leave the beaten path. Many road trip destinations are accessed through tight junctions and country lanes. This can cause a lot of problems for those unfamiliar with the local area.

Our top tip: download a reliable navigation app like Waze and an up-to-date map just in case your service cuts out in the middle of nowhere.

Best road trip destination in Wales

Wales is a land of hidden gems, dotted with historic hillside castles, stunning coastline stretches and wonderfully friendly people.

Truth be told, a trip over The Severn Crossing won’t disappoint wherever you go. But our number one road trip destination is the Gower Peninsular — a jaw-dropping coastline that encompasses Oxwich Bay, Horton, Three Cliffs, and Rhossili. 

On a sunny day, the endless views will be on full display, revealing scenery you could mistake for anywhere in the world. Though, navigating by car can be a tricky task at times, as you near each bay the narrow country lanes soon reward you with dazzling views even Dylan Thomas would find hard to comprehend.

Best road trip destination in Scotland

Scotland has all the essential ingredients that make up the perfect road trip – beautifully varied scenery, awesome sights and welcoming villages and towns to rest your weary head.

There are too many routes to count in Scotland and every single one will offer something different. But, the one at the top of our bucket list has to be the Road to the Isles. This dramatic coastline from Fort William through to Glenfinnan won’t disappoint.

The route is a real feast for the eyes, layered in sandy beaches and Highland history. To top it all off you can park your car up and take a ferry to some of Scotland’s fabled isles.

Best road trip destination in England

Southern England is all about big views and hearty pub meals. No other stretch of road evokes such a description than the grandly named  Atlantic Highway — a long road consisting of sea views and sprawling national parks, and quaint fishing villages.

Need a beach? You’ve got a lot to choose from! Bude beach is the ultimate blend of child-friendly environment and secluded beachside cove. But if you want to explore the towns, Port Isaac is your best bet. Plus it’s the filming location for Doc Martin if you need any more convincing.

Want to head inland? There are tonnes to see there too! From drives across Exmoor National Park to plenty of old castles to visit. You are bound to fill your day before topping it off with a tasty pub meal. 

Best road trip destination in Northern Ireland

As beautiful as Northern Ireland is, this one had an easy winner. Why? Because the Causeway Coastal Route is probably one of the best road trips in the world. From Belfast to Derry the stretch uncovers some of the globe’s most breathtaking sights.  If you want to make sure that you are seeing it in all its glory, you might consider taking the following tour: https://citytoursbelfast.com/giants-causeway-tour-from-belfast. That is going to be one of the best ways to do it for sure.

For a little pop culture, you’ll be passing through The Dark Hedges. This is an eerie avenue of beech trees made famous in Game of Thrones in its depiction of The King’s Road.

But, the route’s namesake is its big selling point. Along the way, you’ll go by The Giant’s Causeway —  a major area of outstanding beauty that all road trippers need in their sat-nav

The UK is a beautiful place to travel around so long as you prepare well and luck into warm weather. Put these fantastic routes into your GPS and get to exploring with your family!