There is no better way to explore the UK than a road trip!
This allows you to take in more of this gorgeous country and tick several destinations off your bucket list at once.
Road trips also allow you to remain in charge of your own schedule and not be trapped by public transport schedules or baggage restrictions.
You’ve got plenty of UK road trip ideas to choose from, including longer drives and short-day trips.
I’ve rounded up the five best road trips in the UK to make the choice a little bit easier, so consider embarking on one of these adventures for your next holiday.
To maximise your time on the road and enjoy the stunning nature of the UK, I recommend hiring a motorhome for your trip.
This allows you even more freedom, as you don’t have to check-in and out by a certain time, and you don’t waste all that energy on constantly unpacking. You also get the chance to fall asleep under the stars on a comfortable mattress, unlike regular camping.
You can arrange your motorhome hire through a sharing platform like Goboony, so that all you have to do is pack your bags, buy some snacks and hit the road!
Are you ready to enjoy scenic drive routes on board a campervan?
Table of Contents
1 – North Coast 500
The North Coast 500 is often named the Scottish Route 66 and has quickly blossomed into one of the world’s most iconic driving routes.
It takes you along a sweeping loop of Scotland’s northern coast, allowing you to experience the breathtaking untouched wilderness of the Scottish Highlands.
Beginning in Inverness, this road trip leads you all the way to John O’ Groats in the northeast, along the jagged coastline to Durness and then down the west coast before heading inland at the Applecross peninsula.
Highlights of this route include Balnakeil and other deserted beaches, the mysterious Smoo Cave, Dunrobin Castle, and the best malt at Glenmorangie and Old Pulteney distillery.
Given that this route is 516 miles, you will need about a week to complete it!
Make sure to organise your accommodation in advance, as this is a popular route and campsites along the way may be full. Also, keep in mind that the roads can be quite narrow, so go for a smaller campervan to ensure you don’t get stuck!
2 – Cheddar Gorge
A far shorter road trip, ideal for those looking for a day trip, or a single night away.
You’ll be driving for about an hour maximum, starting in Axbridge and ending in Ashwick.
The main attraction of this road trip is, as the name would suggest, the stunning Cheddar Gorge! A national heritage, and something that everyone should see once in his/her life.
You can enjoy the easy drive through the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Beauty, surrounded by plenty of flora and fauna.
It’s one of the greatest UK road trips for those on a busy schedule or travelling with family.
There are plenty of campsites nearby, so you won’t have to travel far to pitch your campervan.
This itinerary is perfectly combined with a visit to the iconic city of Bristol, which is known for having cosy cafes, great museums, and lots of art galleries.
3 – South West Coastal 300
Looking for a Scotland road trip that’s a bit shorter than the NC500? Then the South West Coastal 300 is exactly what you need!
This road trip takes you along 300 miles of quieter roads through the beautiful countryside of South Ayrshire and Dumfries & Galloway.
You’ll get to experience secluded beaches, rugged clifftops, rolling hills, picturesque towns and villages.
Some of the best sights along the way include the Whithorn, Kirkcudbright, the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory and the romantic ruins of Sweetheart Abbey.
It’s also less busy than the NC500, so it would be better to choose this one if you’re travelling in the peak summer months.
Plan at least four days for this road trip, or a week if you’d like to take things at a slower pace.
4 – The Atlantic Highway
Undoubtedly one of the best UK road trips is the Atlantic Highway, also known more simply as the A39.
This stunning south England road trip reaches from the Devon border into Cornwall’s northeastern corner, the most picturesque region in England.
It allows you to discover a region of Cornwall that is less explored but is actually home to some of the prettiest fishing villages and views.
If you like your campervan holidays in the UK to be filled with beaches, fresh seafood, dramatic coastlines and more, then the Atlantic Highway should be fighting for a spot on your bucket list!
The driving time for this road trip would be about eight hours, so we recommend splitting it over two or even three days. Start in Bridgwater and finish in Land’s End.
This is also a great option for surfers, who would enjoy a stop in Newquay, home to the best surfing in England.
5 – The Cotswolds
The Cotswolds look like they’ve emerged right from the pages of a fairytale, with adorable cottages, and ivy creeping up the walls, all lined perfectly on cobblestoned streets.
The serene roads through the dense forest provide the perfect escape from reality.
You can make this road trip as long as you like, from a day trip to a long weekend away.
I’d recommend visiting Burford, Bourton-on-the-Water, Stroud, Bibury and Cirencester – as well as nipping out to Cheltenham for a city trip!
There are plenty of accommodation options, from campsites to adorable BnBs.
You can fly to London and hire your transport there to visit the Cotswolds, as it’s one of the most scenic drives near London.
Which of these UK road trips will you choose for your next holiday? Will you head to the northern tip of Scotland with the North Coast 500, or go all the way south to the Atlantic Highway in Cornwall?
Either way, you’re assured to have a wonderful holiday, filled with delicious food and drinks, lovely people and breathtaking views.
And who knows, maybe you’ll head back soon to tick another road trip off of your list or even take the challenge to complete them all!
Safe travels and have fun road tripping in the UK.
More UK content that might interest you:
- How to Get to Buckingham Palace
- Best Christmas Lights in London
- Van Gogh Immersive Experience London
- Best Brazilian Restaurants in London
- The Best Places to Take Instagram Pictures in London
- 7 Best Things to Do in Edinburgh
- Arthur’s Seat Hike
- Best Restaurants in Edinburgh
Don’t forget to save these pins for later 😉
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- Rent A Car Rental Cars is a great site for comparing car prices to find the best deal.
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