The best road trips in the UK to take this summer
Date published: 7 Jul 2026
There's something satisfying about packing the car, picking a direction and seeing where the road leads. Whether you're planning a week-long adventure or a long weekend escape, a United Kingdom road trip is one of the best ways to discover places you might otherwise pass by.
From mountain passes and coastal routes to winding country lanes, these journeys showcase some of Britain's most memorable landscapes. Along the way, you'll find charming villages, hidden beaches, historic landmarks and plenty of reasons to pull over for an unscheduled stop.
Whether you're travelling as a couple, with friends or searching for the best family road trip destinations, there's a route to suit every style of traveller. From Britain's best driving roads to scenic coastal escapes, these are the UK road trips worth adding to your summer plans.
North Coast 500
The North Coast 500 has become Scotland's most famous road trip, but there's a reason people keep talking about it. One minute you're winding past white-sand beaches that look borrowed from much warmer climates, the next you're navigating mountain passes where the scenery feels almost oversized.
There are whisky distilleries, harbour villages and plenty of opportunities to pull over simply because the view demands it. Give yourself time and resist the urge to rush. This route rewards curiosity.
Causeway Coastal Route
Northern Ireland's Causeway Coastal Route packs an extraordinary amount into a relatively short distance. Clifftop roads, seaside towns and dramatic headlands arrive one after another, with barely a dull mile between them.
Highlights include the Giant's Causeway, but half the fun comes from the places you weren't planning to stop. Think hidden beaches, old castle ruins and cafés with sea views worth lingering over. It's the kind of drive that encourages spontaneous detours.
Atlantic Highway
Running from North Devon into Cornwall, the Atlantic Highway is less about racing from A to B and more about embracing the slower pace of the South West.
Surf beaches, rugged cliffs and colourful harbour towns line the route, creating endless excuses to leave the car behind for a while. Whether you're chasing coastal walks, fresh seafood or a proper ice cream by the sea, there's always another stop worth making just around the bend.
Northumberland Coast Road Trip
If crowded seaside destinations aren't your thing, Northumberland delivers a refreshing alternative. This stretch of coastline feels wonderfully open, with vast beaches, windswept dunes and some of Britain's most impressive castles.
Bamburgh, Alnwick and Lindisfarne all deserve a place on your itinerary, but don't overlook the smaller villages scattered between them. There's a sense of space here that's increasingly rare, making every stop feel a little more relaxed and a little less hurried.
Coastal Way, Wales
Part of the Wales Way network, the Coastal Way strings together some of the country's most memorable scenery. Beginning in the north and heading south through Cardigan Bay, the route combines beaches, mountains and characterful towns in one easy-going adventure.
Dolphins are known to appear offshore, while colourful waterfront communities provide plenty of opportunities to stretch your legs. It's a drive that constantly changes character, ensuring the journey feels fresh from start to finish.
Jurassic Coast Road Trip
The Jurassic Coast isn't just for fossil hunters. This spectacular stretch of shoreline offers dramatic cliffs, charming seaside towns and some of England's most distinctive landscapes.
You'll find natural landmarks that seem almost too unusual to be real, alongside traditional resorts where fish and chips still feel like part of the experience. The beauty of this route is its variety. Every stop has its own personality, making it easy to build a road trip that suits your pace.
Lake District Scenic Loop
The Lake District was practically designed for leisurely drives. Twisting roads connect sparkling lakes, bustling market towns and fells that rise dramatically from the landscape.
One moment you're browsing independent shops in Keswick, the next you're watching the light shift across the water at Ullswater. There's plenty to see from behind the wheel, but you'll want to leave the car regularly. Some of the best experiences here begin with a short walk and a bit of curiosity.
Argyll Coastal Route
Often overshadowed by Scotland's more famous road trips, the Argyll Coastal Route is one of the country's great under-the-radar adventures. Stretching along the west coast, it serves up lochs, forests, islands and ever-changing sea views without the crowds found elsewhere.
Historic towns and ancient sites add extra interest along the way, while ferries crossing nearby waters create a sense of exploration. It's a route that feels adventurous without ever feeling demanding.
Yorkshire Dales and Moors Road Trip
Why choose between two national parks when you can enjoy both? This road trip links the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors, combining rolling valleys with wild, open landscapes.
Dry stone walls, traditional villages and cosy pubs are all part of the appeal, but it's the contrast between the two regions that keeps things interesting. The scenery shifts constantly, creating a journey that's every bit as rewarding as the destinations themselves.
Snowdonia (Eryri) and Llŷn Peninsula Road Trip
This route combines some of Wales' most dramatic mountain scenery with one of its most beautiful stretches of coastline. Eryri National Park provides the big landscapes, while the Llŷn Peninsula introduces sandy beaches, fishing villages and sweeping sea views.
The result is a road trip with plenty of variety and no shortage of memorable moments. Expect winding roads, spectacular viewpoints and the occasional urge to pull over just to take it all in.
Cotswolds Villages Road Trip
The Cotswolds has a knack for making even a simple drive feel enjoyable. Honey-coloured stone cottages, village greens and independent shops create a landscape that's easy to explore at a relaxed pace.
Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold and Castle Combe may attract the headlines, but smaller villages often leave just as strong an impression. This is a road trip built around wandering, stopping frequently and discovering somewhere unexpected when you least expect it.
Norfolk Coast Explorer
The Norfolk coast does things differently. Instead of dramatic cliffs and towering mountains, you'll find huge skies, nature reserves and beaches that seem to stretch forever. The slower pace is part of the appeal.
Spend your days hopping between seaside towns, spotting wildlife on the salt marshes and sampling fresh local produce along the way. It's an easy-going road trip that proves you don't need hairpin bends and steep climbs to keep things interesting.
The beauty of a road trip is that it doesn't always need months of planning. Sometimes the best adventures happen on a whim, with a packed bag, a full tank and a free weekend ahead. If you're feeling inspired to hit the road, browse our collection of cottages for last minute holidays in the UK and find the perfect base for your next spontaneous getaway.
Meet the author
Ian LewisIan's worked in travel for over 15 years and has written about destinations across the whole of the UK (and beyond). He loves all kinds of getaways with every member of the family on two legs or four, seeking out the more unique and interesting properties wherever he can.
