Dreaming of your next road trip adventure in the UK? Here are 6 great destinations to consider.

If you are the type of person with an adventurous spirit and also have a love for nature, road trips are definitely the best way to travel, as there’s a view around every corner and an opportunity to stop whenever you want to take in the stunning views. Thankfully, the UK has diverse landscapes, making for the perfect backdrop for leisurely car journeys. 

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In this article, we list some of the best destinations for a road trip in the UK, so check them out below!

Lake District 

The Lake District provides stops in Windermere, Kendal, Scafell Pike and Keswick, offering everything from breathtaking lake views to dramatic landscapes and picturesque towns. 

You can start your adventure at Lake Windermere, where you will find charming streets to explore and water activities or boat trips to enjoy on England’s largest natural lake. Afterwards, you can head north to Keswick and Ullswater, which have fascinating hiking trails like Catbells or Castlerigg Stone Circle. When in Ullswater, we recommend visiting the jaw-dropping Aira Force waterfall and ending your adventure in Ambleside, a market town that represents the perfect base if you want to explore the Lake District further.

Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is a region popular for its magnificent countryside, boasting lovely villages and remarkable Cotswold stone walls. This road trip will take you through beautiful villages like Chipping Norton, Broadway, and Castle Combe, where you can relax and take in the beautiful scenery. Start your trip in the bustling market town of Broadway and soak up the ambience. From there, continue your journey to Chipping Norton, which is the ideal spot where you can stop to enjoy a traditional tea and explore historic architecture. Head further through the Cotswolds, discovering Lower and Upper Slaughter, Bibury and Bourton-on-the-Water villages. 

Also, if you enjoy outdoor activities, you’ll find plenty to do in Cotswold Water Park, from kayaking to paddleboarding and archery. The Cotswolds is seen as one of the most romantic road trips in the UK, as it looks like it’s been taken out of the pages of a fairytale, but it can quickly turn into a nightmare if you become a victim of a car accident due to another driver’s negligence. While you cannot always avoid an accident on the road, make sure to practise defensive driving when going on a road trip, as this will ensure that your journey is safe and enjoyable.

Jurassic Coast

The Jurassic Coast is a 95-mile stretch of coastline spanning 185 million years of history and provides a unique blend of geological wonders and natural beauty. One of the best parts about taking a road trip to the Jurassic Coast is that you will explore the charming town of Swanage, which is famous for its safe sandy beach, 12th century Corfe Castle (once home to the crown jewels) and its heritage steam train. While on Jurassic Coast, make sure to visit Durdle Door, a natural limestone arch located in the area that features renowned limestone cliffs and a scenic pebble beach. 

You don’t want to leave Jurassic Coast without stopping at Lulworth Cove, created by the mixed forces of a river swollen due to melting ice at the end of the last Ice Age and the sea. Lulworth is rich in wildlife, so expect to discover all kinds of beautiful plants, insects and animals ( some of which are unique to this place).

Scotland’s North Coast 500

Scotland’s famous North Coast 500 should definitely be on your list when planning your next road trip adventure, as it showcases the best of the Highlands with beaches, castles, and dramatic landscapes. It’s an epic journey that allows you to take in the Scottish Highlands' rugged beauty and make stops in Fort William and Inverness. 

Start your adventure at Inverness Castle – this is where the North Coast 500 route starts and ends- and continue your adventure through the stunning landscapes of the Highlands. Along the way, you will discover windswept beaches, ancient Scottish castles and historic landmarks. While you’re here, make sure to explore the history and local culture, stopping in Ullapool, Dornoch, and John O’Groats. The Scottish Highlands is the best place to be if you’re passionate about hiking and mountain biking – besides, you will get the chance to stargaze at the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory – now, doesn’t that sound amazing?

Isle of Wight

This one may seem like a cliché, but it deserves to be on this list, as it continues to attract a huge number of visitors each year -and there’s a good reason for that, as this destination is phenomenal and perfect for road trips. Over the decades, even famous names such as Queen Victoria and Charles Dickens have enjoyed spending time on this gorgeous island. But the good news is that this beachy paradise isn’t just for summer trips – it can also be visited in spring or winter, and there are plenty of things to do here. For instance, Catherine’s Lighthouse is worth a visit, as it is surrounded by spooky legends (such as vanishing items and ghostly animal sightings). If you’re planning to take the road trip during warm weather, definitely head to the water, as the Isle of Wight is ideal for water sports, whether you enjoy diving, surfing, windsurfing or kayaking.

Anglesey

While you could drive around Anglesey in less than three days, we don’t recommend doing so because this incredible island has a lot to offer, and it deserves to be explored properly. The reason why it has made it to this list of the best road trips in the UK is that Anglesey has amazing hiking trails, breathtaking beaches and remarkable coastline, and on a clear day, you will be able to see all the way to Ireland.

Regarding the things you can do here, during the low tide, you can access St.Cwyfan’s Church, so take the time to explore it, as this place is truly magical. Another great spot in Anglesey is the South Stack Lighthouse, perched on a small island’s summit and built in 1809 to warn sailors of the rocky waters below. While the talk to the top is definitely tough, involving over 400 steps, the view is undoubtedly worth it!

Ready for an unforgettable road trip across the UK?

There you have it: a list of the 6 best places to explore when planning a road trip across the UK. All of these destinations are unique in their own ways, so ultimately, you can decide based on what you want to get from your adventure. You cannot go wrong with any of these places, that’s for sure, so trust your gut, pack the car and get ready for a memorable road trip!