UK Road Trip: Discover the Beauty of Britain’s National Parks

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the varied landscapes and rich history of the United Kingdom. From the gentle hills of the English countryside to the stunning coastlines of Wales, our UK road trip itineraries guarantee adventure at every turn. Join my husband and me as we explore delightful villages, historic sites, and breathtaking views on the ultimate British road trip.

What’s the best way to reach the UK?

For those traveling from the U.S., the easiest option is to fly into one of London’s airports. Numerous direct flights are available, primarily to London Heathrow or Gatwick. Be sure to check which airport you're flying into, as this will impact your travel time to the city.

If you plan to kick off your UK road trip in Cardiff, you can often find flights from the U.S. that include a layover in Europe. Once you arrive, you can conveniently pick up your rental car for your road trip right at the airport.

If you’re already in Europe (perhaps enjoying a road trip in Germany?), you can easily take a ferry across the English Channel and drive to your starting point.

Ideal vehicles for your UK road trip

To ensure a great UK road trip experience, you’ll want a comfortable and dependable car with good fuel efficiency, along with sufficient space for your luggage and passengers. Features like air conditioning and built-in GPS are also beneficial options to consider when choosing your rental car type.

A compact SUV or a midsize car with good fuel efficiency would be perfect. Ultimately, select a rental car that aligns with your budget and comfort needs.

Optimal times for a UK road trip

As a Brit who has extensively traveled throughout the British Isles, I can confidently say that the best times for a road trip in the UK are during the late spring (May and June) and early autumn (September and October).

During these periods, you’ll experience milder weather, fewer crowds, and extended daylight hours. In spring, the countryside bursts with fresh foliage and young wildlife, while autumn showcases vibrant colors and festive harvest celebrations.

Remember that the UK's weather can be quite unpredictable throughout the year, particularly near coastal and mountainous areas, so it's wise to pack for the possibility of rain!

Calculate your UK road trip budget

Before you finalize your itinerary, it’s useful to understand the costs associated with road tripping in the UK. Here are some estimated expenses, compiled from numerous travel providers to assist you in planning your budget:

Insider tip: We like to vary our meal choices while on a UK road trip. Many supermarkets offer pre-made sandwiches, wraps, and salads, making for a great value picnic lunch or snacks for the road. If you prefer dining out, you'll find a wealth of pubs, cafés, and restaurants throughout the country, offering everything from gourmet meals to classic pies and chips (similar to fries in the U.S.), and everything in between!

UK road trip: Explore the stunning landscapes of South Wales

Day 1: Explore Cardiff (stay for one night)

The lively capital city of Cardiff presents a charming mix of British culture, Welsh tradition, and Celtic spirit.

Discover the city's unique boutiques, charming bars nestled in alleyways, and the iconic Cardiff Castle, which sits right in the city center.

Be sure to check out the Senedd Cymru (Welsh Parliament) building in the vibrant and revitalized Cardiff Bay area.

Where to stay in Cardiff: Hotel Indigo offers a prime location and comes highly recommended.

Days 2 & 3: Enjoy your time in Brecon Beacons (stay for two nights)

Distance from Cardiff: 67 miles - approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes

The Brecon Beacons National Park showcases some of the most breathtaking landscapes in southern Wales.

These mountains roll dramatically across the terrain, featuring sharp ridges and secluded, forested valleys with hidden waterfalls.

The Beacons offer some of the finest walking trails in the UK, with Pen Y Fan being a popular choice—a challenging ten-mile hike to the summit's steep ridge at 2906 feet, providing stunning views. If that sounds too strenuous, consider Sugar Loaf or the charming Brecon Beacons waterfall walk.

Where to stay in the Brecon Beacons: The Plough Inn in Llandeilo boasts a prime location and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Expert tip: Don’t miss the chance to drive the legendary A4069 Black Mountain Pass, made famous by Top Gear, stretching from Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen to Llandovery. With its thrilling hairpin turns and breathtaking views, this route is a must for any road trip enthusiast, ranking among the finest drives in Wales!

Day 4: Gower Peninsula (one night)

Distance from Brecon Beacons: 20 miles - about 40 minutes

Our next stop is the stunning Gower Peninsula, recognized as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). This peninsula is home to breathtaking coastal walks and some of the finest beaches in Wales, featuring expansive sandy bays, dramatic limestone cliffs, and serene salt marshes throughout its landscape.

At the eastern edge of the Gower, you’ll find Mumbles, a charming seaside town where you can wander the lively promenade with an ice cream or engage in thrilling water sports like jet-skiing.

Where to stay on Gower: Llwyn Country House in Llanelli is a lovely historic property set amidst beautiful gardens.

Day 5 & 6: Pembrokeshire (two nights)

Distance from Gower Peninsula: 41 miles - approximately 1 hour 5 minutes

The stunning Pembrokeshire coast in Wales is famous for its dramatic cliffs, vast beaches, and secluded islands, providing endless opportunities for outdoor adventures.

This area serves as an ideal starting point for exploring the Pembrokeshire Coast Path and is a haven for thrill-seekers, offering activities like surfing, diving, paddleboarding, coasteering, and rock climbing.

Discover St Davids, the smallest city in the UK, or visit Tenby, a delightful seaside town known for its sandy beaches and charming cobbled streets. Be sure to take a trip to Skomer Island to witness its famous puffins and diverse wildlife.

Where to stay in Pembrokeshire: Elm Grove Country House in St Florence is a peaceful retreat with outstanding reviews.

UK road trip: the ultimate 14-day itinerary

Day 1: Oxford (one night)

Just an hour’s drive from London, the first stop on your UK road trip is Oxford. Renowned as the ‘City of Dreaming Spires,’ this historic city is celebrated for its prestigious university, the oldest in the English-speaking world.

Renowned for its stunning architecture, such as the Bodleian Library and Christ Church College, Oxford boasts a lively cultural atmosphere filled with museums, galleries, and theaters.

Where to stay in Oxford: The Mercure Oxford Eastgate Hotel is ideally located and includes breakfast in the room rate.

Days 2 & 3: Bourton-on-the-Water (two nights)

Distance from Oxford: 33 miles - 1 hour

Bourton-on-the-Water serves as an excellent starting point to discover the broader Cotswolds, recognized as another Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

In addition to Bourton, the northern Cotswolds feature stunning villages like Moreton-in-Marsh, Broadway, and Lower Slaughter. With their charming honey-colored limestone buildings set against rolling hills, it’s hard to imagine a more quintessentially English landscape.

To the south, you can explore Painswick, often referred to as the 'Queen of the Cotswolds', along with Castle Combe and Cirencester, the historic capital of the Cotswolds.

While traveling between the villages, be sure to stop and appreciate the area's craftsmanship and delightful tearooms. There are also walking and cycling paths, as well as stately homes like Blenheim Palace and Sudeley Castle that are worth visiting.

Where to stay in Bourton-on-the-Water: The charming Mousetrap Inn offers a quintessential cozy Cotswold experience and has received outstanding reviews.

Insider tip: If city life isn’t your preference and you're open to a roadside motel, consider skipping Manchester and instead visit Stratford-upon-Avon along the way. As the birthplace of William Shakespeare, Stratford is unbeatable for immersing yourself in British history and culture.

Day 4: Manchester (one night)

Distance from Bourton-on-the-Water: 141 miles - approximately 3 hours

Manchester is a vibrant city located in northwest England, celebrated for its rich industrial past, cultural importance, and energetic ambiance.

Once a key player in the 18th-century Industrial Revolution, Manchester has transformed into a vibrant modern city with a rich cultural tapestry and a lively arts and music scene. It boasts world-class attractions like the Museum of Science and Industry and the Manchester Art Gallery, along with iconic sites such as Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United Football Club.

The cultural diversity of Manchester is mirrored in its culinary offerings, showcasing a vast array of international cuisines across its numerous restaurants and cafés.

If you set off from the Cotswolds early, you'll have ample time to explore the city in the late afternoon and perhaps enjoy some of its famous nightlife!

Where to stay in Manchester: The ibis Styles Manchester Portland is conveniently located in the city center and features its own parking facilities.

Days 5 & 6: Harrogate (two nights)

Distance from Manchester: 60 miles - 1 hour 50 minutes

Often referred to as 'God's Own Country', Yorkshire boasts glacial valleys, quilt-like fields, and flat-topped hills punctuated by rocky outcrops. Quaint villages with inviting pubs and rugged hiking trails enrich the landscape, revealing the area's deep historical roots.

Start your adventure in the charming Georgian town of Harrogate. Nestled on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, this elegant Victorian spa town serves as an ideal base for exploration.

The scenic village of Malham features limestone buildings and traditional dry-stone walls typical of the region. It is renowned for its natural beauty, including the glacial lake of Malham Tarn and the striking Malham Cove, a vast limestone cliff formation that rises 263 feet high. If you're lucky, you might see the stunning Malham Cove waterfall, which flows from the cliff face during spring and following heavy rains.

As you proceed on your journey, delve into the stunning valley of Wensleydale, famous for its rolling hills and cascading waterfalls. Highlights include the breathtaking Aysgarth Falls and Hardraw Force, the tallest single-drop waterfall in England.

The lively market town of Hawes, known as the capital of Upper Wensleydale, greets visitors with its vibrant atmosphere, plentiful hotels, and delightful tearooms. This area supports a flourishing local craft scene, offering pottery, wooden toys, and the famed Wensleydale cheese, beloved by the UK’s iconic comic characters, Wallace and Gromit.

To the east of the national park lies Masham, home to the visitable Theakstons and Black Sheep breweries, alongside the historic town of Ripon, known for its impressive cathedral and nearby Fountains Abbey.

Where to stay in Harrogate: The Harrogate Inn is ideally positioned for exploring the national park and features a beautiful bar area, perfect for relaxing after a day of adventure.

Insider tip: Be sure to indulge in tea at Betty’s during your visit to Harrogate. Betty’s Tea Rooms are a cherished institution in Yorkshire, offering traditional afternoon teas for over a century!

Days 7, 8, and 9: Keswick (three nights)

Distance from Harrogate: 102 miles - 2 hours

The stunning Lake District in Cumbria, often called 'Wordsworth Country', is the perfect destination for a family road trip, where adventure amidst breathtaking fells and shimmering lakes awaits!

The vibrant market town of Keswick, nestled between the scenic Derwentwater and the towering Skiddaw mountains, serves as an excellent base for exploring sixteen beautiful lakes and engaging in outdoor pursuits like hiking, biking, and water sports such as canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding during the warmer months.

From Keswick, you can visit the ancient Castlerigg stone circle, framed by majestic fells and vast skies, the stunning Aira Force waterfall at Ullswater, and Catbells, which boasts remarkable views of the rugged terrain.

At the southern tip of Derwentwater, explore the charming valley of Borrowdale, which leads to the Honister Pass and the famous Honister Slate Mine—the last operational slate mine in England. The mine features a visitor center offering underground tours and a variety of adventure activities, including a Via Ferrata course, an underground ropes course, and the exhilarating Infinity Bridge—ideal for adventurers of all ages.

Where to stay in Keswick: The Inn on the Square is conveniently located in the town center, featuring boutique accommodations and a delightful homemade full English breakfast.

Day 10: York (one night)

Distance from Keswick: 113 miles - 2 hours

A historic walled city, York is renowned for its stunning 13th-century York Minster, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe, featuring elaborate stained glass windows and towering spires.

Encircled by well-preserved medieval city walls, York boasts a plethora of historic sites, including the famous Clifford's Tower, the charming medieval Shambles street lined with timber-framed houses, and the ancient Micklegate Bar, one of the city's historic gateways.

The city's rich history is vividly illustrated through its numerous museums, such as the Jorvik Viking Centre, which offers a captivating glimpse into York's Viking heritage, the York Castle Museum, showcasing the city’s social and military narratives, and the Monk Bar gate that features an exhibition detailing the life of Richard III, the 15th-century Plantagenet king.

Where to stay in York: The Judge’s Lodgings boasts a convenient location in a charming historic building brimming with character.

Day 11, 12 & 13: Buxton (three nights)

Distance from York: 82 miles - 2 hours

Buxton is situated in the heart of the Peak District, the UK's first national park, making it a perfect base for exploration.

Nestled along the banks of the River Wye, the charming town of Bakewell is famous for creating the delectable Bakewell Pudding, a treat made with a buttery puff pastry shell, a layer of seedless strawberry jam, and a soft-set custard crafted from eggs, sugar, and almonds.

Just a short drive from Bakewell, you’ll find the stunning 16th-century Chatsworth House, the ancestral home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. Discover the majestic Painted Hall, historic State Rooms, and the Sculpture Gallery, all surrounded by the magnificent gardens of the Cavendish family, regarded as some of the finest in Britain.

At the entrance to Hope Valley, the delightful village of Castleton serves as an ideal gateway to the notable caves and taverns of the Peak District National Park. Nearby lies Winnats Pass, one of the most breathtaking mountain passes in the UK, flanked by limestone ridges that create a stunning backdrop for unforgettable photographs.

Expert tip: Make sure to take some time to drive the spectacular Snake Pass! This breathtaking mountain road links Sheffield and Glossop, forming a small segment of the A57. With stunning views and surrounded by wild moorland, it offers a truly unforgettable driving experience.

Where to stay in Buxton: The Old Hall Hotel is a historic ivy-covered establishment located in the heart of Buxton, believed to be the oldest hotel in England!

Day 14: It’s time to make your way home.

Buxton is about a four-hour drive from London's main airports, or just 90 minutes from Birmingham International Airport, especially convenient if you’ve arranged a one-way car rental drop-off.

You can catch a domestic flight from Birmingham to your departing London airport.

Conclusion

By the end of your UK road trip, you will have explored some of the most stunning locations across the Great British Isles. From the breathtaking scenery of the Lake District to the charming villages of the Cotswolds, you’ll be able to check off many of the UK's iconic national parks and attractions from your travel list.

Yet, this journey is just the beginning. With vivid memories of magnificent landscapes, historic towns, and remarkable experiences, your UK road trip will provide you with cherished memories for a lifetime.

So why delay? Begin planning your adventure now and uncover the beauty that awaits you in Britain's awe-inspiring national parks.

What was our process for creating this guide?

Hailing from the UK, we have dedicated our lives to exploring the four nations: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales by road.

Our passion lies in outdoor adventures infused with history and culture, and we find that road-tripping—whether by car, motorhome, or bike—is our preferred mode of travel.

For the past five years, we've been crafting our blog, The Gap Decaders, while journeying through the UK and Europe, mastering the art of planning and executing the ideal road trip!