7 of the top road trips to take in the UK

The U.K. boasts over 260,000 miles of roads just waiting to be discovered. As a fun alternative to flying, a road trip can bring everyone closer together. From the untouched Welsh coastline to the rugged landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, a road trip is the perfect opportunity to blast your favorite power ballads, explore off-the-beaten-path routes, and compare gas stations along the highways.

There are countless breathtaking road trip possibilities across the beautiful islands. Our top picks are highlighted below, as they offer enjoyable drives combined with stunning scenery and exciting activities. We've also included suggestions for accommodations ranging from luxurious to adventurous options.

Navigating your journey

Road trips require vehicles, right? Be sure to select the best credit cards for your car rental, which offer benefits like upgraded status with companies such as Avis and Hertz, opportunities to earn airline miles, and enhanced insurance coverage.

For a unique experience, consider renting a car through Turo, the largest car-sharing platform in the world. This service allows car owners to earn money by renting out their vehicles when they're not in use. Turo offers a diverse range of vehicles, from classics and convertibles to SUVs and more.

England

Traveling from the Peak District to the Lake District

Begin your road trip by driving through Windermere, the Yorkshire Dales, and Manchester, starting with two stunning National Parks—the Lake District and the Peak District. The Lake District is an ideal kickoff point for this self-guided journey, featuring 912 square miles of towering mountains, picturesque coastline, and, of course, 50 lakes and tarns.

While in the Peak District, a stop at Chatsworth House is a must, as it ranks among the U.K.'s most beloved stately homes, boasting 30 splendid rooms, a 105-acre garden, expansive parkland, a farmyard, and one of Britain's finest farm shops. No visit to the Peak District is complete without tasting the original Bakewell Pudding before heading to the vibrant city lights of Manchester.

What’s the duration? Expect to spend four to five days on this adventure.

Accommodation options: The DoubleTree by Hilton Sheffield Park Hotel is ideally situated right at the edge of the stunning Peak District National Park. Featuring a spacious spa, it serves as a great base for exploring South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire. Room rates begin at approximately $80 per night.

Oxford and the Cotswolds

This road trip takes you through Ross-on-Wye, the Cotswolds, Cheltenham, Gloucester, and Oxford, making it perfect for those seeking a truly British weekend. Start with the historic charm of Oxford, then meander through the picture-perfect Cotswold villages before crossing into Wales.

This journey will take you through numerous Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Cotswolds spans an impressive 800 square miles across five counties: Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, and Worcestershire. Enjoy the 3,000 miles of footpaths and bridleways available for exploration, along with wildflower meadows and 4,000 miles of historic Cotswold stone walls that shape the stunning landscape.

Duration: Three to four days.

Accommodation: Malmesbury is ideally positioned along this route, and Whatley Manor is perfect for a bit of indulgence. This luxurious manor house hotel is nestled in the picturesque Cotswolds countryside, featuring 12 acres of gardens, a spa with an indoor/outdoor pool, and not one, but two Michelin Stars. Rates begin at around $340 per night.

Wales

The Coastal Way

Beginning in St Davids in the south and meandering up to Aberdaron at the northern tip of the rugged Llŷn Peninsula, this Welsh road trip showcases sandy beaches, charming harbor villages, and secluded coves.

As you drive through St Davids, Mwnt Beach, Cardigan, and Portmeirion, you'll traverse two National Parks. Whether you're in your vehicle or on a train, there are seven heritage railways within Snowdonia, with the scenic Snowdon Mountain Railway and the quaint Talyllyn Railway being the highlights.

Mwnt Beach is definitely worth a visit. This sandy beach is a summer haven for dolphins, seals, and porpoises. You'll navigate down country lanes to encounter breathtaking views over Cardigan Bay, and don't miss the charming little Church of the Holy Cross perched above the beach.

Estimated duration: Six to seven days

Accommodation: The Quay Hotel & Spa in Deganwy offers a blend of cool elegance and comfort on the North Wales coast. Situated on the beautiful Conwy Estuary, guests can enjoy breathtaking views of North Wales's most enchanting landscapes. Prices start at $240 per night.

The Black Mountain Pass

This short road trip takes you from the coast to the mountains, showcasing the stunning scenery of the Brecon Beacons and panoramic views of the Tywi Valley. It’s perfect for driving enthusiasts who love hairpin turns and switchbacks.

Begin your journey in the north at Llandovery, navigating the dragon-shaped curves of Pont Aber and Herbert's Pass, before descending into the village of Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen. Along the route, you might encounter wandering sheep, traditional Welsh farmers, rustic cottages, or even a motoring journalist—thanks to Jeremy Clarkson, this path is famously dubbed the Top Gear road.

Estimated duration: One day; however, it's highly recommended to prolong your visit and enjoy a weekend in the Brecon Beacons area.

Accommodation: The Charcoal Hut offers a perfect stay for those who wish to step right into the Brecon Beacons from their doorstep and then return to the cozy charm of a hut complete with a hot tub. Pure bliss. Cabins start at $140 per night.

Scotland

Heart 200

This relatively new road trip, introduced in 2019, spans 200 miles around the core of Scotland. The circular journey from Stirling leads you through Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, up to Cairngorms National Park, and back down through Perthshire. It’s easily manageable in a weekend, and you can also zip down from Glasgow and Edinburgh.

The Heart 200 road trip offers a little something for everyone, featuring castles, distilleries (for gin and whisky), breathtaking landscapes, and fantastic pubs and restaurants. As you travel down from the Heart 200, don't miss Scotland's National Museum of Flight, where you can get an up-close view of Scotland's only Concorde.

How long will it take? Two to three days

Where to stay: The Macdonald Aviemore Resort is located right in the center of Cairngorms National Park, featuring a selection of three four-star hotels and 18 woodland lodges. With its loyalty program, Fans of Macdonald Hotels, you can enjoy discounts on short breaks, dining options, spa treatments, and enter competitions. Room rates start around $170 per night.

North Coast 500

Scotland’s equivalent to Route 66, and possibly inspired by the famous Proclaimers song, the North Coast 500 will lead you to the most remote areas of the Highlands. Begin your journey in Inverness and keep an eye out for Nessie at nearby Loch Ness, then spend the week uncovering enchanting castles, stunning beaches, and quaint Scottish villages. Just be cautious of wandering Highland cows and stags along the way.

Wander through the charming east coast villages of Dornoch and Wick, making your way to Aultbea and Ullapool on the west coast. Ullapool, which sits by the shores of Loch Broom, is home to the award-winning Highland Liquor Company, famous for its Seven Crofts gin, named after the original seven homes that made up Ullapool back in 1791. Don’t miss a tour of the distillery and tastings for the lucky adults who aren’t driving — or, even better, stay overnight.

How long will it take? Five to six days.

Where to stay: Since the road trip traverses rural areas, it’s wise to book your accommodations in advance. Ullapool features The Ceilidh Place, a charming, laid-back hotel free of TVs and centered around literature, complete with a restaurant serving local seafood. Don’t miss trying the Loch Broom langoustines paired with lemon mayo and salsa verde. Rooms start at $215 per night.

Northern Ireland

Causeway Coastal Route

Begin your journey in either Derry or Belfast and make your way to the coast, where you'll encounter the Giant's Causeway, the Dark Hedges (famous from Game of Thrones), and the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, where clear days may offer views of Scotland. Afterward, venture to the Gobbins Cliff Path, located north of Belfast, an impressive walkway carved from basalt rock using hammers.

The pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters of Whitepark Bay provide a beautiful stopping point. Rathlin, Northern Ireland's only inhabited offshore island, lies roughly midway along the route and features an RSPB reserve. It is home to guillemots, razorbills, and puffins, making it a must-visit for birdwatching enthusiasts.

How long will it take? Three to four days. Several ferry companies, such as Stena Line, offer regular sailings that can transport you and your vehicle to Northern Ireland.

Where to stay: Belfast offers a variety of activities and features two great Radisson Rewards options: the Radisson Blu, available for 44,000 points (approximately $100 midweek) per night, and the Park Inn, costing 38,000 points (around $85 midweek) per night.

Final thoughts

Whether you’re planning a summer getaway or taking a break from work, these routes promise to impress with their diverse offerings, catering to both short weekend escapes and extended weeks of exploration.