The UK might be compact, but it’s packed with scenic routes, historical landmarks, and unforgettable pit stops that make it ideal for road trips. Whether you’re chasing coastal views, mountain landscapes, or countryside charm, a UK road trip lets you experience it all at your own pace. Buckle up and get ready to discover the most iconic and breathtaking road trips across Britain.
1. North Coast 500 – Scotland’s Ultimate Drive
Route: Inverness – Applecross – Durness – John o’ Groats – Inverness
Often dubbed the “Scottish Route 66”, the NC500 covers over 500 miles of rugged highlands, lochs, and dramatic coastline. It’s a dream for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Highlights:
- Bealach na Bà (one of the UK’s steepest roads)
- Fairy-tale castles like Dunrobin
- Remote beaches like Achmelvich Bay
2. Causeway Coastal Route – Northern Ireland’s Coastal Wonder
Route: Belfast to Derry~Londonderry
This spectacular drive hugs the coastline, offering clifftop views, hidden caves, and charming seaside towns.
Highlights:
- Giant’s Causeway (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge
- The Dark Hedges (featured in Game of Thrones)
3. The Atlantic Highway (A39) – Cornwall to Somerset
Route: Barnstaple to Newquay
This laid-back coastal route along the A39 offers sweeping ocean views and classic Cornish scenery.
Highlights:
- Tintagel Castle (legend of King Arthur)
- Surf beaches in Bude and Newquay
- Cream teas in quaint fishing villages
4. Snowdonia to Anglesey – Welsh Wonders in One Drive
Route: Betws-y-Coed to Holyhead
From mountain passes to island views, this route is a showcase of North Wales’ natural beauty.
Highlights:
- Mount Snowdon (via Llanberis Pass)
- Portmeirion village
- South Stack Lighthouse on Anglesey
5. The Lake District Loop – England’s Storybook Drive
Route: Windermere – Keswick – Ullswater – Coniston
Driving through the Lake District is like stepping into a poem. It’s serene, romantic, and filled with picturesque lake views.
Highlights:
- Grasmere (home of poet William Wordsworth)
- Lake Windermere boat cruises
- Scenic stops at Tarn Hows and Buttermere
6. Peak District Scenic Drive – Hills, Hikes & History
Route: Bakewell – Castleton – Glossop
As England’s first national park, the Peak District offers a perfect mix of natural beauty and charming market towns.
Highlights:
- Chatsworth House
- Mam Tor and Winnats Pass
- Blue John Cavern
7. The Norfolk Coast – Flat Lands & Wild Beaches
Route: King’s Lynn to Cromer
Ideal for a peaceful drive through the countryside, wildlife reserves, and long sandy beaches.
Highlights:
- Holkham Beach
- Blakeney Point seal tours
- Fish and chips in Cromer
8. Yorkshire Dales & Moors Drive
Route: Skipton – Hawes – Whitby
For those who love open roads and wild landscapes, this trip covers both the Dales and Moors, with plenty of pubs and tearooms along the way.
Highlights:
- Ribblehead Viaduct
- Goathland (Heartbeat and Harry Potter filming location)
- Whitby Abbey
9. The Cotswolds Villages Trail
Route: Burford – Stow-on-the-Wold – Broadway
This route takes you through quintessential English countryside, with golden stone cottages, rolling hills, and antique shops galore.
Highlights:
- Bourton-on-the-Water
- Broadway Tower
- Sudeley Castle
10. London to Land’s End – The Big South West Adventure
Route: London – Stonehenge – Devon – Cornwall – Land’s End
This longer road trip is perfect for those wanting to experience the best of Southern England in one journey.
Highlights:
- Stonehenge
- Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks
- St Michael’s Mount
UK Road Trip Travel Tips
- Plan your fuel stops: Some remote routes have limited stations.
- Stay overnight in small towns: Local B&Bs offer charm and value.
- Download offline maps: Signal can be patchy in rural areas.
- Pack layers and rain gear: British weather is famously unpredictable.
- Respect local speed limits and rural roads.
Final Thoughts
UK road trips are all about freedom—freedom to explore, pause for a photo, or take the scenic detour. Whether you’re crossing highland peaks or meandering through coastal towns, these routes let you discover Britain at its very best.
