The Best Road Trips in the UK
With an end in sight to the current coronavirus pandemic and lockdown restrictions continuing to ease, it seems as though we will all be able to enjoy somewhat of a normal summer, particularly within the UK.
So, with that in mind, we thought we’d take you through some of the best road trips in the UK so that you can have a truly memorable summer without the need to travel abroad.
Scotland
There is only one road trip we are going to recommend for Scotland (well, we could recommend a few but we are talking the best of the best, here!) and that is the North Coast 500 (NC5000).
The North Coast 500 is dubbed as Scotland’s answer to America’s Route 66, so if you’re after a UK road trip that offers a combination of mountains, beaches, castles, and lochs, you needn’t look any further.
Bringing together the very best that Scotland has to offer, NC500 is 516 miles of coastal roads, so you can stop off to look at spectacular views, woodland, and wildlife, or put on your hiking boots and head to the mountains.
From challenging bends to peaceful open roads, North Coast 500 has something to offer everyone.
Here’s a few things you can expect to see:
- Rogie Falls
- Dunrobin Castle
- Culloden Battlefield
- Balnakeil Beach
- Inverness Cathedral
We recommend that you allow a minimum of 5-7 days for this road trip. As this is quite the road trip, we advise using a car that can do it all with plenty of space, such as the Range Rover Evoque.
Northern Ireland
The Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland is one of the very best the UK has to offer. The road trip begins in Belfast and ends in Derry – or the other way round – and passes some of the most popular landmarks and sights in the whole of Europe.
Following the Atlantic coastline, this road trip is filled with castles, stunning scenery and landscapes and is even home to several Game of Thrones filming locations.
Whether you’re looking for sunny beaches, historic monuments or cliff-top views, the Causeway Coastal Route offers it all and everything in between throughout its 200 miles.
Here’s a few things you can expect to see: The Giant’s Causeway Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge Rathlin Island Roe Valley The Gobbins Glenarm Castle For this road trip, we recommend the hot hatch VW Golf.
Wales
There are several road trips that we love in Wales, but our favourite? The Ultimate!
The Ultimate (yes, that is its name!), starts and ends in Cardiff, but allows travellers to take in all that Wales has to offer. From the lakes in Mid Wales to Snowdonia and the coast, pencil a few days into your diary and get exploring!
Even when driving for extended periods of time during day one of your trip, you will be surrounded by beautiful views and scenery. Why not take a pit stop at the smallest house in Britain, also known as the Quay House[RH1] in Conwy to break up your journey?
You will stop off and see the sights at Llandudno and Betws y Coed, as well as taking in all the mountains and adventure that Snowdonia has to offer.
Here’s a few things you can expect to see:
- Conwy Castle
- Zip World
- Snowdonia National Park
- Swallow Falls
- Devil’s Bridge
For a road trip that has everything on offer, we recommend the Audi A3 Sportback, a lightweight yet spacious and luxurious car.
North East of England
If you’re looking for a complete adventure, why not head to Hardknott Pass and Wrynose Pass? As some of Britain’s most challenging roads situated in the midst of the Lake District, they provide the ultimate road trip for driving enthusiasts.
Although relatively short, Hardknott Pass is deemed the steepest road in England! If you’re visiting the Lake District, experience the North of Lake Windemere with Wrynrose Pass before continuing through Hardknott Pass.
Taking you between Eskdale and the Duddon Valleys, both roads will provide you with plenty of hairpins, twists and turns. But remember to stop (when safe to do so) to take in the breath-taking views.
We only recommend doing this during the warmer months, though.
Here’s a few things you can expect to see:
- Roman remains
- Mountain views
We recommend hitting the open road in a Mercedes A-Class for this road trip.
North West of England
Another one situated in between Manchester and Sheffield in the Peak District; Snake Pass is a great route to take whilst in the North West of England.
Here, the White Peak meets the Dark Peak and is just an 11-mile drive! Although relatively short in distance, Snake Pass makes up for it in views.
Starting at Whaley Bridge on the A6 and continuing past Mam Tor and Castleton, this road is renowned for its serpent-like, winding route.
A popular route for both motorists and cyclists, sections of Snake Pass have been used for races including the Tour of Britain. This road is closed throughout the winter and in bad bouts of weather, so we recommend taking to the road during the summer months.
Here’s a few things you can expect to see:
- Lady Reservoir
- Summit views
For a road trip with such a difficult yet exhilarating drive, we recommend a car that is reliable and sturdy, such as the Ford Ranger.
Yorkshire and the Humber
Whether you’re heading for a UK stay-cation or are looking or a scenic drive, then we recommend hitting the open road from Whitby to Scarborough via Robin Hood’s Bay.
With just one drive, you can see three of Yorkshire’s most stunning places. This drive will allow you to explore everything from coastal views and beaches to waterfalls and hidden coves.
This drive has plenty of opportunities for pitstops along the way, allowing you to discover the likes of dinosaur footprints, Scarborough Castle, and the famous town of Ravenscar.
Here’s a few things you can expect to see:
- Coastal birds
- Railways
- Whitby Light House
- Whitby Abbey
- Robin’s Hood Bay
For a simple yet scenic drive, consider leasing the unrivalled Tesla.
West Midlands
If you’re looking for the perfect country drive with exquisite views, then the route between Shropshire and Worcester is the one for you.
Experience a picturesque drive filled with hill tops and rolling countryside views by taking the A5 through to Weston Park – the ideal destination for an overnight stay.
Continue along the A443 and you will continue to be surrounded by grand houses and gardens, and why not stop off at the popular Wenlock Edge Farm? With lots of rural views and historic landmarks to explore, what are you waiting for?
What you can expect to see:
- The Malvern Hills
- Wightwick Manor
- Dudmaston Hall
For a comfortable and luxurious ride, why not lease a Volkswagen T-Roc?
East Midlands
The East Midlands is filled with scenic views, quaint towns, and stately homes. And with so much to see and do, why not see it all?
Start in the Peak District before travelling towards Nottinghamshire and Stapleford, before heading back up via Leicestershire, Staffordshire, and Derbyshire.
Along the way, consider stopping off at The National Water Sports Centre and Donington Grand Prix Exhibition, perfect for adrenaline junkies, or visit Melton Mowbray to experience their famous pork pies. If you’re looking to stretch your legs, the High Peaks is the ideal destination for hilltop hiking.
What you can expect to see:
- Wild woods
- Shakespeare’s birthplace
- Country manors
- Countryside views
With no difficult twists and turns, enjoy an effortless drive with the Mercedes A-Class.
South West of England
In the South West, there are plenty of shorter road trips available, but if you want to see all it has to offer, then why not go all out and do just that?
Start your journey in Wiltshire before heading up towards Bath and then Bristol, where you will be surrounded by nature and history and explore the towns and cities that these destinations have to offer.
Now for the big stretch of road! Head down to Cornwall and discover the stunning sights of Newquay before driving through to Devon. If your road trip is during the summer, then you’re in luck, as Cornwall and Devon experience plenty of sunshine and warmth - take it all in and enjoy a day on the beach.
You can continue through to Dorset before heading back home via London or Bristol.
What you can expect to see:
- Roman Baths
- Bath Abbey
- Castle Combe
- Stonehenge
- Cotswolds (if you fancy a slight detour!)
- The Lost Gardens of Heligan
For a road trip this long, we recommend leasing a car with plenty of space such as the Range Rover Velar.
South East of England
If you have an entire week to explore, then we recommend this fantastic seven-day road trip – from London right through to Sussex and Brighton.
This road trip wouldn’t be complete without spending a few days in the Capital of England! Be the ultimate tourist and take in the world-famous sights in London, before heading to Kent. Visit the historic town of Canterbury and explore the many walks, city walls and gardens on offer.
Whilst driving further south, stop off at the historic town of Hastings before venturing over to Brighton. With a combination of countryside, seaside, town and city, Brighton has something to offer everybody and with beautiful architecture, quaint lanes, and quirky boutiques, it is the perfect location to settle down for a night or two and explore!
Continue along the coastline and head out on a picturesque cliff-top walk before heading home.
What you can expect to see:
- Buckingham Palace
- Royal Pavillion
- Canterbury Cathedral
- Historic ruins
- Hastings Castle
- Brighton Pier
Drive around in style in our Mercedes CLA-Class Coupe.
East of England
For a short yet riveting drive, take the A1 from Litlington to Hertfordshire.
With lots of tight turns, twists, and bends, this short 14-mile drive features plenty of opportunities for sight-seeing and adventure.
What you can expect to see:
- Fairlands Valley Park
- Welwyn Garden City
For something as short and sweet as this, we recommend the classic Ford Mustang.
So, with the end of lockdown in sight, where will you be heading on your first road trip?
If you need a car for the occasion, we offer a variety of cars that are perfectly suited to all kinds of road trips - all with price match guarantees on the best lease deals available.
For more information on our car leasing options, contact our friendly team today. Our experts will be able to assist you in choosing the ideal car for you, whilst helping you to settle on a lease deal that suits your specific budget.