Planning a UK highway journey? Questioning the place you may go on a scenic drive round Nice Britain and wish some concepts and itineraries for locations to go to in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Eire? No worries- we’ve obtained you coated. Listed here are 12 of one of the best UK highway journeys and scenic drives- and easy methods to take advantage of them!
Don’t overlook to seize your FREE highway journey planner under that will help you keep organised.
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UK Highway Journeys- getting began
Whether or not you’re visiting the UK from elsewhere or planning a staycation, I can guarantee you that there’s LOADS to see and do on a self-drive tour of Nice Britain.
In case you’re going for a weekend, per week or perhaps a longer journey of two or 3 weeks, there might be a lot so that you can get pleasure from.
I’ve been exploring the UK for years, each on motorhome holidays and I’ve plenty of tricks to share.
On this put up, we’re highlighting 12 of our favorite UK highway journeys of all occasions. In case you’d like extra assist truly planning the journey, you would possibly discover these helpful:
BEST UK ROAD TRIPS- 5 English scenic drives
I like roadtripping in England and have loved many elements of the nation, however it could take longer to drive round England than you would possibly assume.
It’s been powerful to decide on, however listed here are a couple of of my favourites (to see extra unmissable England highway journey concepts, click on right here)
Cotswolds highway Journey
One of many prettiest UK highway journey concepts for England must be the Cotswolds.
This complete space is stuffed with picturesque villages, fairly roads and unimaginable views over the rolling English countryside- so long as it’s a transparent day!
Cotswolds highway journey itinerary
I’d advocate beginning in Salisbury, a phenomenal cathedral metropolis with a lot to do and see. There are nice outlets and loads of bars and cafes to get you began.
While there, you must head out to Stonehenge and see the world-famous stone circle. You’ll be able to see it fairly nicely from the highway, however there are sometimes lengthy queues as everybody decelerate to take images. We as soon as spent an unimaginable night time wild tenting subsequent to Stonehenge with our motorhome – the dawn was among the finest we’ve ever seen!
From Salisbury, head into the Cotswolds ‘correct’. Among the greatest locations to go to within the Cotswolds embrace Bourton-on-the-Water and Fortress Combe- each have been referred to as the prettiest villages in England. You’ll be able to drive round as many villages within the Cotswolds as you’ve gotten time for and there are many locations to remain within the space if you wish to probe for a couple of days.
Alternatively, head to Tub for an in a single day keep (until you’re in a motorhome and may use Britstops or a campsite. Tub is one other lovely metropolis, constructed from yellow stone which appears to be like spectacular within the night gentle. I extremely advocate staying an evening (or two) and having fun with afternoon tea on the Pump rooms (an English custom), in addition to exploring town on foot.
Devon Highway Journey
Famed for its surroundings and cream teas, Devon is among the hottest UK highway journey locations, particularly for households. It’s not too removed from London or the remainder of the UK and there’s a lot to see and do.
Devon highway journey concepts for one-week
There are such a lot of choices for highway journeys in Devon that it’s onerous to decide on the place to start out. For me, my coronary heart lies within the south as I spent a whole lot of my early maturity there.
Picturesque cities like Salcombe and Dartmouth, Exmouth, Woolacombe and Ilfracombe all have a beautiful quiet appeal. In case you really wish to get away, park up and luxuriate in among the greatest hikes within the UK up on the infamous Dartmoor.
For extra life, head to Exeter or Plymouth- these cities have an enormous vary of actions and issues to do. One in all our favourites is the Dartmoor Zoo (house of the REAL ‘we purchased a zoo’ story)
In case you are having fun with your UK highway journey in a motorhome or camper, watch out the place you keep overnight- motorhome wild parking shouldn’t be simple in lots of locations round right here. However there are many campsites and different locations you need to use.
Highlights and among the greatest locations to go to in Devon
- Dartmouth- among the finest cities within the county
- Clovelly
- The unimaginable seashores at Westward Ho! or Saunton Sands
- Paignton- the seaside with the purple sand
- Salcombe Harbour
TOP TIP: When you’ve got time, prolong your vacation to incorporate a Hampshire & Dorset highway journey too- there are some superb locations to see on the South coast of England.
Cornwall highway journey
In case you’re on the lookout for a UK highway journey concepts, head to Cornwall.
This lovely county is among the greatest locations within the UK— the climate is usually higher than elsewhere within the UK, the seashores in Cornwall are spectacular and the native meals contains mouth-watering pasties, cream teas and ice cream (now’s NOT the time to be on a weight loss plan!)
There’s a lot to do, you’ll by no means see all of it in a weekend or perhaps a week, however there are some highlights you need to undoubtedly go to.
Highlights of a Cornwall highway journey
For a full checklist of one of the best locations to go to on a Cornwall highway journey, go to our Cornwall Highway Journey Itinerary & Information
Yorkshire Highway Journey
Yorkshire is England’s largest county and the right place for the highway journey. There are numerous sights fairly shut collectively, so you may discover lots in a brief time frame. You could possibly ‘cowl’ Yorkshire in a few days however to really respect all it has to supply we advocate a minimum of one full week.
Highlights of a Yorkshire one-week UK highway journey
- England’s highest single-drop waterfall- Hardraw Power
- The longest present collapse England- White scar
- Ribblehead Viaduct
- Stand on Hogsmeade station (or a minimum of the station which performed it in Harry Potter!)
- Quite a few castles and ruins to go to
Yorkshire Highway Journey Itinerary concepts
Begin your highway journey within the lovely Yorkshire Dales. Go to the eleventh century Skipton Fortress or descend underground to see the formations in White Scar Caves, the longest present collapse England.
Select between the waterfalls of Ingleton, Aysgarth Falls or Hardraw Power- England’s highest single-drop waterfall. Earlier than leaving the Dales, go to the spectacular monastic ruins and landscaped gardens of Fountains Abbey.
Make sure you go to York. This gorgeous metropolis is a perfect location for historical past buffs. You’ll be able to go to Viking, Roman, Georgian and Victorian websites all in sooner or later! Make sure you stroll alongside the cobbled Shambles, which has been voted the ‘Finest Avenue in Britain.’
Head onto the moors to finish your Yorkshire highway journey. Cease at Goathland practice station which doubled as Hogsmeade station within the Harry Potter motion pictures. Alternatively, stretch your legs with a hike on the Gap of Horcum, an enormous historic pure amphitheatre.
Lake District Highway Journey
The Lake District Nationwide Park is an ideal UK highway journey concept. A UNESCO website, it’s fantastically maintained and the surroundings is unimaginable.
Many individuals hurry previous on their UK highway journey itineraries from England to Scotland, but it surely’s nicely price making the time to cease should you can.
Finest scenic drive locations within the Lake District
The Lake District has among the worlds greatest scenic drives and a visit alongside the Honister Cross and Kirkstone Cross are a should, as are the gorgeous cities of Keswick and Cockermouth.
The Castlerigg stone circle can be price a cease and the views throughout Derwent Water are spectacular.
Within the South Lakes, Grasmere is pleasant. That is the area of William Wordsworth (well-known poet) and there’s a lot to see right here to recollect him. Make sure you additionally get pleasure from Sarah Nelson’s pleasant gingerbread and go to one of many many tearooms.
In case you love Beatrix Potter, you may study extra about her at her house in Hawkshead and in addition at Wray Fortress, the place she loved her holidays. There’s additionally Beatrix Potter World in Bowness- on- Windermere.
In case you’re not exploring in a motorhome or campervan, there are many locations to remain, from rustic B & Bs to breathtaking resorts. There are additionally a great deal of out of doors activites to get pleasure from, regardless of the climate.
READ MORE: Uncover extra itinerary concepts for our favorite England highway journeys
NC 500- one of the well-known UK highway journeys
The NC500 has been voted one of many UK’s most scenic drives, with spectacular surroundings, unimaginable seashores and unmissable views throughout the Highlands.
The route is simply over 500 miles lengthy, will take round 3 or 4 days and takes in elements of the Highlands within the north-west of Scotland. Among the roads are very slim, however there are many passing locations, even should you’re motorhoming or campervanning in Scotland.
You can begin the route wherever you need, go clockwise or anticlockwise and do all or simply a part of it. We selected to do half of it earlier than heading off to discover different issues to do in Perthshire and the encircling areas.
Alongside the NC500, you’ll encounter lovely white sand seashores with extremely clear water, unimaginable mountain views, the Smoo Cave, one of many largest in Scotland and the Kylesku bridge.
There are many pretty resorts and B & Bs alongside the route, lots of which offer views throughout the ocean or the Scottish highlands. Historically, the route begins in Inverness, though you may be part of and go away it anyplace. We embrace a part of it in our full Scotland highway journey Itinerary, which is a good choice for individuals who wish to see as a lot of Scotland as doable in a restricted time.
Planning a visit to Scotland?
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Highlights of the NC 500 embrace:
- Inverness- probably the most northerly metropolis within the UK
- Smoo Cave
- Bealach Na Ba- the UK’s steepest highway. Do NOT try this with a motorhome (or should you’re a nervous driver!)
- Clachtoll Seashore
- Kylesku Bridge
- John o’Groats
READ MORE about driving the NC500
Isle of Skye highway journey
The Isle of Skye is among the most well-known islands on the west coast of Scotland and attracts a whole lot of guests every year.
Highlights of an Isle of Skye highway journey embrace:
- Fairy Swimming pools
- Talisker Distillery
- Previous Man of Storr hike
- Dunvegan Fortress
- Neist Level
It’s doable so as to add Skye onto the NC500 and go to for the day, but it surely’s nicely price spending 3 days in a highway journey right here to actually see among the unimaginable sights.
READ MORE: Our full 3-day Isle of Skye itinerary and ideas for visiting
SWC300 – hidden UK highway journey gem
The south of Scotland is a wonderful vacation spot for a UK highway journey or staycation because it’s far off the ‘widespread’ vacationer monitor.
The South West Coastal 300 (SWC300) is a scenic drive across the south-west of Scotland. It passes by means of elements of Ayrshire, runs alongside the coast of Dumfries and Galloway and crosses into the Moffat and Galloway Hills.
SWC300 highway journey itinerary concepts
It will probably take 4-5 days to see the whole lot, however one of the best half is the drive across the Mull of Galloway peninsula, so focus your time right here.
Begin by exploring the southernmost level of Scotland and go to the Mull of Galloway Lighthouse – from the highest, you may see the coast of Northern Eire, the Lake District and the Isle of Man.
The picturesque harbour of Portpatrick provides loads of locations to get pleasure from dinner. Different highlights on the SWC300 embrace Culzean Fortress on the coast and the Darkish Sky Park within the Galloway Hills.
Brecon Beacons – Good UK Highway Journey concept
The Brecon Beacons is one in every of three nationwide parks in Wales and is stuffed with scenic drives good for highway trippers on the lookout for an journey. It’s one of the under-rated highway journey locations within the UK.
The Gospel Cross- one of the scenic drives within the UK
The very best driving highway in Wales is known as the Gospel Cross- snaking over the Black Mountains from Abergavenny to Hay-on-wye on the east of the Beacons.
From Abergavenny, flip off the A465 at Llanvihangel Crucorney and observe indicators for the ruins of Llanthony Priory. From Hay-on-Wye, the Gospel go is sign-posted.
CAUTION- The Cross is 22 miles of usually single monitor, very steep (1/4) and is never cleared in winter. Motorhomes would possibly discover it powerful and snow chains are important in winter.
Driving the Prime Gear Highway
You can even drive to the west of the Brecon Beacons (the A4069,) That is the highway made well-known by Jeremy Clarkson and Prime Gear (no, that is NOT the identical highway because the Gospel Cross!) The highway runs from Brynamman to Llangadog.
Gower Peninsula – Wales
The Gower peninsula is an ideal cease on UK Highway Journey. It’s a small peninsula on the southern Welsh coast, simply west of Swansea.
Highlights of a Gower highway journey embrace:
- Worm’s Head.
- Gower beaches- together with Caswell and Landland, the place you could find the whole lot you want for a day on the seaside: ice cream, parking and outlets.
- Additionally, don’t overlook to go on a correct coastal hike. The best of all of them is definitely the hike between the 2 aforementioned seashores.
- The Mumbles is the place we spent our very first night time ‘wild tenting off-grid’ in our motorhome. DEFINITELY price a go to.
Pembrokeshire Highway Journey
The Pembrokeshire Coast is within the far south-west of Wales. The highway follows the coast with quite a few little seashores, lovely castles and small cities. The additional west the smaller the roads grow to be and extra rugged the panorama.
Highlights of Pembrokeshire highway journey embrace:
- Tenby
- Caldey Island
- Pembroke and Pembroke Fortress
- Manobier Fortress
- Skomer Island (puffins!)
- St David’s- the smallest metropolis within the UK
Pembrokeshire highway journey itinerary concepts
Tenby is a small seaside city and has lovely seashores. When you’ve got time, a go to to Caldey Island is very really useful.
A brief distance from Tenby is Pembroke. This is among the bigger cities and you may’t miss Pembroke Fortress. Much more spectacular is the close by Manobier Fortress that appears over a small bay good for browsing.
If seeing puffins is in your bucket checklist then go to Skomer Island. This small island is house to 1000’s of puffins and it’s virtually assured to see them in summer season.
The ultimate vacation spot to go to in Pembrokeshire is St David’s. That is the smallest metropolis within the UK and has a phenomenal cathedral and small winding streets- in addition to among the finest pasty outlets we’ve ever discovered!
Snowdonia – one of many UK’s greatest highway journeys
In case you’re on the lookout for a weekend UK highway journey concept, head to one of many prettiest Nationwide Parks within the UK- Snowdonia in Wales. Snowdonia is definitely a part of two of the Wales Approach driving routes– North and Cambrian and it’s simple to see why.
Snowdonia is amazingly nicely linked to most locations within the UK- the drive from Manchester takes round 2 hours (80 miles)
Just about the whole lot in Snowdonia entails being outside, so be sure you carry applicable clothes for the time of yr. It is best to at all times count on rain in Wales, even in mid-summer, but it surely can be surprisingly heat. There are many nice roads with spectacular surroundings and the celebs at night time are unreal. In case you don’t have a motorhome or campervan, there are many resorts or glamping spots in North Wales to get pleasure from.
Make sure you add the Swallow Falls to your itinerary – it’s one of many prettiest waterfalls within the UK and nicely well worth the simple hike and the small charge to go to.
Need extra ideas for planning the final word UK highway journey, together with a map and easy methods to take advantage of your time? Right here you go!
Northern Eire Scenic Highway Journey concept
The Causeway Coastal Route is within the north of Northern Eire. Highlights embrace:
- Giants Causeway
- Carrick-a-rede rope bridge
- Dunluce Fortress
- Darkish Hedges (you may truly drive down this highway)
READ NEXT: Extra Eire highway journey concepts and tricks to take advantage of your journey
Northern Eire highway journey itinerary concept
Head early to the well-known Giants causeway to get there at opening time. It’s a couple of 90 minute drive from Belfast.
The close by Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bride connects the mainland to the tiny Carrickarede island and crossing on foot is an exhilarating expertise. Anticipate to queue for some time to get throughout, but it surely’s well worth the wait.
One other distinctive cease on the route is the clifftop ruins of Dunluce Fortress which grasp precariously above the ocean under.
Don’t miss the Darkish Hedges. This highway of arching 18th Century beech timber options within the HBO Sequence Sport of Thrones and is among the most lovely roads in Eire. It may be simple to drive proper previous it because it was surprisingly badly signposted once we visited- and count on crowds. LOTS of crowds. You can even drive down it- should you’re motorhoming in Eire be VERY nervous about this- I’m not even positive you’ll make it in a campervan!
How lengthy does it take to drive the Causeway coastal route?
You’ll be able to comfortably drive the entire route in a single weekend because it’s fairly a brief route- solely 200 miles.
Planning a UK ROAD TRIP? Ideas to assist
In case you’re planning a UK highway journey, there are some things to know which can make your life simpler.
- It rains. Quite a bit. Everytime you’re coming, carry a coat.
- The most effective climate is normally Could-October. In 2018 it was blissful from April all by means of the summer season. In 2019 I used to be nonetheless carrying my winter coat throughout Could.
- Faculty holidays are round Easter, throughout finish of July and all through August and per week in mid-October. Attempt to keep away from planning your UK highway journey throughout these should you can.
- We drive in ‘miles’ (imperial), however we purchase gas in litres (metric).
- Foreign money is in GBP- not Euros.
- Carry small cash (something from 10p to £1) Many automobile parks require change to pay.
