best time to travel uk roads

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Revealed: Best time to travel on UK roads

From London rush hour to Preston's speedy road network, these are the best times to drive in the UK

With more than 245,000 miles of road in the whole of Great Britain, getting from A to B can sometimes be a time-consuming challenge.

Slow driving is one of the biggest frustrations shared by British motorists across the country, especially when stuck in a traffic jam during peak times.

If you think you have it bad, you may want to spare a few moments to sympathise with drivers in London.

London's ULEZ: the Ultra Low Emission Zone explained

According to our research, motorists in the capital spend 156 hours in traffic each year, with Thursdays between 5pm and 6pm being the most congested time of the week.

What’s the situation like in your hometown?

Sam Sheehan, motoring editor at cinch, reveals the ins and outs of cruising around 25 of the UK’s busiest towns and cities, including the best time to travel, average hours lost in congestion, and yearly petrol cost per location.

Best times to travel by road

If you’re an early bird, you’ll be glad to know the quietest time of the day for road users is when the sun is coming up.

So, if you’re off on a road trip in your eye-catching used Audi or bold used BMW car, you may want to set off between 4am and 6am to avoid lengthy queues and tooting horns.

Results show that across the UK, Mondays and Wednesdays are generally the calmest days of the week for road users driving in the early hours of the morning.

But which British cities allow for the swiftest journeys?

“Based on our findings, the best place to get from A to B quickly is Preston,” Sheehan explained.

“The quietest time to take to the road in the Lancashire city is on Wednesdays at 4am when motorists can expect to travel 10km (6.2 miles) in just under seven minutes, sticking to legal speed limits.

“Early risers in Stoke-on-Trent also enjoy their most traffic-free travelling between 4-5am on a Wednesday morning. On average, it takes them seven minutes and 39 seconds to cover the same distance.

“Across the border, even at the quietest times in the week for drivers in Edinburgh (Mondays at 6am), it takes an average 11 minutes and 29 seconds to travel 10km.”

UK Road Trip Itinerary Planner | The 7 Best Routes

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: January 29, 2024

If you love to take to the wheel and you’ll be visiting the UK at some point in the future, then you need to find the perfect UK road trip itinerary! This UK road trip planner aims to help you pin down the ideal 1 week, 10 day or 2 week UK road trip itinerary to follow during your visit. 

Featured in this guide are 7 of the best road trip routes in the UK. Whether you want a 10 days in England itinerary, would rather spend a week in Wales or have 10 days to discover Scotland, this post showcases the very best that the UK has to offer. 

Don’t plan a road trip in the UK without reading this first! From the Scottish Highlands to the sunny south coast of England and wild, unspoiled Wales, here are seven of the best UK road trip itineraries. But first, a few pointers on how to use this guide.

Cherry-picking

Pace yourself, the great british weather, driving in the uk, 1. the cotswolds and the south of england, 2. wonderful wales, 3. the english countryside, 4. the south to north circular, 5. capital to capital (london to edinburgh), 6. devon and cornwall, 7. bonnie scotland, which uk road trip itinerary will you follow, how to use this uk road trip itinerary planner.

You could follow these itineraries over whatever period of time you have at your disposal, but we’d say you need at least a week.

A fortnight means you can spend more time in each place, while ten days means having to rush around a little less than when you have only 7 nights to spare. 

The key thing to remember here is that it’s your UK road trip, not ours! So you can of course cherry pick where you want to go and leave out anywhere that doesn’t really interest you. 

If you think about it, doing that means you could fit in two of these itineraries, back-to-back, over a fortnight. Rather than just one. Having said that…

A holiday is all about having fun. Or at least it should be. For that reason, we urge you not to try to pack too much in. Pace yourself and you might just enjoy yourself a whole lot more. 

When you’re not sure about where you really want to go, ask yourself this. Would you be really disappointed if you missed out on visiting this place? Or are you not really all that bothered? If you’re not feeling the love and aren’t too fussed about it, then is it really worth spending the time and money on going there? 

Wherever you go, be prepared for the weather to take over. British people often seem to talk about little else. Whether you’re in northern Scotland, west Wales or central England, the maritime climate of the British Isles means that the weather can be very changeable. 

Dress in layers, take along a packable rain jacket and an umbrella, pick the right footwear and you’ll be prepared for anything. 

Before you draw up that UK road trip map, you’ll need to think about driving around the country. Booking car hire before you go is always advisable, especially if you want a particular kind of vehicle. Such as an automatic – cars with manual transmission are still the norm in the UK. 

In the UK they drive on the left. Cars are thus right hand drive. Meaning that the steering wheel is on the right hand side of the car. If you’re from North America, Europe or any other area that drives on the left, then this may feel very different from what you’re used to!

Roads in the UK are generally well-maintained. Signs measure distances in miles rather than kilometres. In the interests of safety, it’s a good idea to look at the Highway Code before you set off, as this will familiarise you with the rules of the road in the UK.

We recommend preparing to drive in the UK with Tripiamo which is the most comprehensive guide for Americans driving abroad.

Their guides include instructional videos and interactive 360-degree driving tours and will teach you everything you need to know about driving abroad, from reading road signs to avoiding fines. Drive safely and confidently in the UK with the help of Tripiamo.

7 best UK road trip itineraries

This suggested road trip itinerary for the UK commences in Oxford. If you make all the stops, you’ll visit the Cotswolds, Bath, Salisbury, Stonehenge , Portsmouth, Winchester, Brighton, Dover and Canterbury. 

• Heathrow/Oxford -> The Cotswolds -> Bath -> Salisbury & Stonehenge -> optional Portsmouth and/or Winchester -> Brighton -> Dover -> Canterbury 

Depending on whether you want to embark on your road trip right away or spend some time in London first, you can collect a hire car for this Cotswolds and southern England road trip either at Heathrow Airport or in Oxford.

Don’t bother trying to drive in central London – it’s congested, expensive and almost completely devoid of any parking whatsoever!

Here’s where to stop when you want to explore the Cotswolds and the south of England. As well as five of the best things to do in each of these locations.

If you choose to begin in Oxford , this historic and academic city has lots to offer. It’s packed with very old buildings, including the many colleges making up the prestigious University of Oxford. Some of these were featured in the Harry Potter movies . 

Oxford also offers the Ashmolean Museum, which focuses on art and archaeology. You can also take a river cruise on the Thames, which is a lovely way to see the city. The Oxford Botanic Gardens and Arboretum are also well worth a look. 

• Oxford University and city walking tour
• Ashmolean Museum of art and archaeology
• Sightseeing river cruise on a small electric boat
• Harry Potter tour of Oxford filming locations
• Oxford Botanic Gardens & Arboretum

If you’re spending time in southern England, then you must visit the Cotswolds . This designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is all greenery and honey-toned local stone, and dotted with appealing towns and villages. 

Stow-on-the-Wold and Bourton-on-the-Water are the two most popular spots, but there are so many villages you can visit. Check out the 10 best Cotswolds villages in this post, or use the suggestions below.

Find things to do and places to stay in the Cotswolds in our complete guides.

• Stow-on-the-Wold Market town with traditional pubs and antique shops
• Bourton-on-the-Water On the River Windrush with honey-toned stone buildings
• Lacock Home to Harry Potter filming locations and beautiful, ancient buildings 
• Bibury Timeless village where you can find photogenic and historic Arlington Row
• Painswick The Queen of the Cotswolds with Rococo gardens and a grand churchyard

Bath is a spa city in the west of England. It’s world famous for its original Roman Baths, handsome Georgian architecture and the Bath bun. Other top places to visit in Bath include Pulteney Bridge and the luxurious Thermae Bath Spa. 

Discover a Bath itinerary , where to stay and what to do in our Bath guides.

• City walking tour with Roman Baths entry
• Pulteney Bridge
• Thermae Bath Spa
• The Royal Crescent 
• Bath Bun at Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House and Museum

Salisbury & Stonehenge

So many visitors to the UK want to see Stonehenge. The mysterious stone circle can be found close to Salisbury , making it easy to visit both. 

Salisbury is a small city with a magnificent cathedral, a good museum and a bi-weekly market. You can also enjoy views of the city from Old Sarum, two miles away. 

• Stonehenge World Heritage Site
• Salisbury Cathedral and the Magna Carta
• Salisbury Charter Market | Tuesdays and Saturdays
• The Salisbury Museum | Stonehenge and local archaeology
• Old Sarum | Deserted hilltop ruins with panoramic city views

Portsmouth – optional

An optional trip to Portsmouth will particularly appeal to anyone interested in maritime history. The city is home to the historic dockyard, the Mary Rose and HMS Victory. Other sights to see include the Spinnaker Tower, and you can shop at the Gunwharf Quays outlet centre too. 

• Spinnaker Tower
• Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
• The Mary Rose
• HMS Victory
• Gunwharf Quays | Outlet shopping

Winchester – optional

Like Salisbury, Winchester is a small cathedral city. There’s an interesting military museum here. Other places to visit include the Winchester Science Centre, the Great Hall and Winchester College.

• Winchester Cathedral
• The Royal Green Jackets Museum
• Winchester College
• The Great Hall
• Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium

Brighton makes a great day trip from London – or you can stay over as part of a road trip around the UK. With a grand pier and a pebble beach, Brighton is Britain’s most popular city by the sea. 

Things to do here include shopping at The Lanes, seeing the Royal Pavilion and going on the i360. The Seal Life Centre is also popular with families. 

• British Airways i360
• The Lanes | Cafes, shops, pubs, boutiques and restaurants
• Brighton Palace Pier
• The Royal Pavilion
• Sea Life Brighton

Dover 

Dover is best known for the iconic white cliffs, but there are other attractions here too. These include St Margarets Bay beach, Dover Castle, the Fan Bay Deep Shelter and the Dover Museum and Bronze Age Boat Gallery.

• White Cliffs of Dover
• Dover Castle
• St Margarets Bay beach
• Dover Museum and Bronze Age Boat Gallery
• Fan Bay Deep Shelter

Canterbury is the capital of Kent, the county known as the Garden of England. The cathedral here is a draw, and the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the leader of the Church of England. 

You can also explore Westgate Gardens here, and visit Howletts Wild Animal Park or The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge with the kids.

• Canterbury Cathedral
• Westgate Gardens
• Official guided walking tour
• Howletts Wild Animal Park
• The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge 

Our wonderful Welsh itinerary begins in Oxford, in England, before heading via the Cotswolds to Bath. You can find out what to do in those locations under the Cotswolds and South of England itinerary above. Or read on to discover all that Wales has to offer. 

• Heathrow or Oxford -> The Cotswolds -> Bath -> Cardiff (optional) -> Brecon Beacons -> Barmouth -> Porthmadog -> Snowdonia -> Caernarfon -> Anglesey -> Llandudno -> Chester -> Liverpool (optional) -> Peak District -> Stratford -> Oxford/Heathrow

Cardiff is the cool capital of Wales. Top things to see here include Cardiff Castle, Bute Park, the Principality Stadium and home of Welsh rugby, and the National Museum. You can also take a Doctor Who walking tour of the city!

• Cardiff Castle
• Principality Stadium
• National Museum
• Doctor Who walking tour

Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)

Bannau Brycheiniog, formally known as the Brecon Beacons, is the ideal place for outdoor sorts to stretch their legs. As well as hiking, you can cycle, try watersports, stargaze or do some rock climbing here.

• Mountain biking
• Watersports
• Rock climbing

The seaside town of Barmouth in northwest Wales is a pretty place to explore. Here you can spend time at Barmouth Beach, walk over Barmouth Bridge, see the harbour, discover Old Barmouth or hike the Taith Ardudwy Way. 

• Barmouth Beach
• Barmouth Harbour
• Taith Ardudwy Way hiking trail
• Old Barmouth
• Barmouth Bridge

Porthmadog is also a coastal town in Gwynedd. Things to do in this Welsh destination include visiting Black Rock Sands, two miles from town. You can also see the harbour village of Borth-y-Gest, Criccieth Castle, take a ride on the famous Blaenau Ffestiniog railway and spend time in the I talianate village of Portmeirion.  

• Blaenau Ffestiniog railway
• Black Rock Sands beach
• Borth-y-Gest village
• Criccieth Castle
• Portmeirion village

Snowdonia ( Eryri )

This mountainous part of northwest Wales is home to Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon), Wales’s highest mountain.

The area is popular among hikers, and also known for the historic Snowdon Mountain Railway. Apart from exploring Eryri (Snowdonia National Park), taking a train ride and conquering the peak, you can also visit the National Slate Museum or go to Harlech beach and castle.   

• Scale Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon)
• National Slate Museum
• Snowdon Mountain Railway
• Harlech Castle and beach
• Eryri (Snowdonia National Park)

Caernarfon is known for its majestic castle, but there are other absorbing places to visit in this royal Gwynedd town. These include Gypsy Wood Park, the Beacon Climbing Centre and the picturesque village of Beddgelert. You can also find the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum at the castle. 

• Caernarfon Castle
• Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum
• Gypsy Wood Park
• Beacon Climbing Centre
• Beddgelert village

Anglesey is an island off the northwest coast of Wales. It offers the mediaeval capital of Beaumaris, historic sites and beautiful beaches.

You can also see the Menai Suspension Bridge built by Thomas Telford, trek the Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path, head to Llanddwyn Island and beach, or explore Plas Newydd House and Gardens.

• Mediaeval Beaumaris
• Menai Suspension Bridge
• Llanddwyn Island
• Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path
• Plas Newydd House and Gardens

Llandudno is a popular Welsh resort town . It has everything you’d expect from a British seaside spot, including a pier, gaming arcades, beaches and more. Here you can also add the Great Orme Tramway, North Shore Beach, Great Orme Mines and Rhiwledyn nature reserve to your to-do list. 

• North Shore Beach
• Great Orme Tramway
• Llandudno Pier
• Great Orme Mines
• Rhiwledyn nature reserve

Chester is a historic city with many Roman remains. It’s actually in England, but just a short hop over the border. Things to do here include shopping at The Rows, seeing the Roman walls and amphitheatre, visiting Chester Racecourse – which is the oldest in the UK – and ancient Chester Cathedral. 

• Roman walls
• Chester Cathedral
• The Rows shopping
• Chester Racecourse
• Roman amphitheatre

Liverpool – optional

There is so much to see and do in Liverpool . The most famous band in the world bar none came from the English city in northwestern England, and you can trace the tale of their success by visiting The Beatles Story or taking a Magical Mystery tour by bus. 

Two cathedrals, a major football stadium with a museum and the River Mersey are also musts. You can also find more things to do and places to stay in our Liverpool articles. 

• River Mersey sightseeing cruise
• Beatles Magical Mystery bus tour
• Liverpool Football Club stadium and museum
• Anglican and Catholic cathedrals
• The Beatles Story

Peak District

The Peak District National Park is another of those outdoor spaces that offer so much scope for active people. Here you can hike or bike, or follow the Pennine Bridleway on horseback. 

Visit the lovely spa town of Buxton, too, and don’t miss out on trying a Bakewell pudding in the town of the same name. This sweet treat is more widely known as a Bakewell tart, but locally is always called Bakewell pudding!

Discover where to stay in the Peak District here

• Horse riding
• Hiking the trails
• Try Bakewell pudding in Bakewell

Stratford-upon-Avon

The birthplace of William Shakespeare – the most famous playwright who ever lived – is a pretty town on the banks of the Avon river. Packed with historic and literary attractions, things to do here include seeing a play performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC). 

You can also visit Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford , plus Anne Hathaway’s thatched, half-timbered cottage, or go to Stratford Butterfly Farm and the MAD (Mechanical Art & Design) Museum.

• Shakespeare’s birthplace
• Stratford Butterfly Farm
• Anne Hathaway’s cottage
• Royal Shakespeare Theatre 

England is known as “this green and pleasant land”, so seeing the countryside can be a real highlight of touring the UK. While our itinerary includes a few cities, they are small and picturesque picks that complement the countryside. 

Places to include are the Peak District, Yorkshire, the Lake District and the Cotswolds. See the above itineraries, too, for a more in-depth look at locations already featured in this guide.

• Heathrow -> Cambridge -> Peak District -> York and Yorkshire -> Lake District -> Liverpool -> Chester -> Cotswolds (and Bath) -> Salisbury/Stonehenge -> Heathrow 

Academia and punting along the River Cam are what spring to mind when anyone thinks of Cambridge . You can tour the colleges here, including King’s, and also absorb all the history on a guided walking tour. The Fitzwilliam Museum of Art and Gin Laboratory are also popular.  

• University of Cambridge tour
• The Fitzwilliam Museum
• Punting on the Cam
• Cambridge Gin Laboratory
• Historic walking tour

York and Yorkshire

The city of York and the large northern county of Yorkshire have so much to offer visitors from the UK and overseas. Head to the city for history and urban beauty, or go to the Yorkshire dales and moors to see swathes of unspoiled countryside. 

If you do visit York, don’t miss the Minster, or wandering among the shops and cafes of The Shambles. The Chocolate Story is also great for fans of the sweet stuff (and who isn’t?)

You can also find out what to do in Yorkshire and where to stay in York in our guides.

• York Minster
• Yorkshire Moors
• The Shambles | Cafes, restaurants and shops
• Yorkshire Dales
• York’s Chocolate Story

Lake District

The Lake District in Cumbria is an outdoor lover’s paradise. The area is known for its dramatic bodies of water, and it is dotted with historic market towns. The Lakes also has literary associations, a thriving foodie scene and lots of camping shops. 

Things to do include sampling sticky toffee pudding (it was invented here), discovering the history of Peter Rabbit author Beatrix Potter, walking to Aira Force waterfall and visiting Lake Windermere. 

Discover where to stay in the Lakes and the best towns and villages in our Cumbria articles

• Lake Windermere
• The World of Beatrix Potter
• Aira Force waterfall.
• Try sticky toffee pudding
• Beatrix Potter tour with lake cruise

There is so much to see and do in Liverpool . The most famous band in the world bar none came from the city in northwestern England, and you can trace the tale of their success by visiting The Beatles Story or taking a Magical Mystery tour by bus. 

• Heathrow/Oxford -> Cambridge -> Lincoln -> York and Yorkshire -> Whitby -> Durham -> Northumberland Coast then via Hadrian’s Wall to Lake District -> Yorkshire Dales -> Peak District -> Cotswolds -> optional Bath/Salisbury/Stonehenge -> Heathrow 

Lincoln is a little off the beaten track when it comes to British cities, but it’s a place with so much to offer. The cathedral and castle here are incredible, as are the galleries and museums.

We recommend The Museum of Lincolnshire Life and The Usher Gallery art museum, and a stroll up Steep Hill, which will lead you to the castle via shops, cafes and pubs. 

• Lincoln Cathedral
• Lincoln Castle
• The Usher Gallery
• The Museum of Lincolnshire Life

Fish and chips, colourful beach huts, Whitby Abbey, a fascinating insight into science during Victorian times and the Captain Cook Memorial Museum all await in Whitby. 

Much of the scampi consumed in the UK is caught in the waters here, so sampling fish or seafood and chips is de rigueur. Look out for goths, too, Whitby being a favoured hangout among lovers of black attire and white makeup. 

You can also find more places to go in Whitby here .

• Whitby Abbey
• Fish and chips
• Beach huts at West Cliff beach
• The Museum of Victorian Science
• The Captain Cook Memorial Museum

Durham can be somewhat overlooked, but it’s a delightful and compact university city in the north of England. The castle and cathedral are both outstanding.

Other attractions to visit include Hall Hill Farm, the Oriental Museum at Durham University, and a wander along the banks of the River Wear. 

• Hall Hill Farm
• Durham Cathedral
• Oriental Museum
• Durham Castle
• Walk along the banks of the River Wear

Northumberland

Northumberland is England’s hidden coastal gem. It also has more castles than any other county. Think windswept, near-deserted beaches, cliff-top castles and rolling countryside, and you get the idea.

There are some breathtaking buildings to visit, such as Cragside in Rothbury and the castles. The Alnwick Garden is also well worth your time. 

Also discover the best places to stay and top coastal cottages in Northumberland

• Bamburgh Castle
• Alnwick Castle
• Alnwick Garden
• Northumberland coast

Hadrian’s Wall

The Hadrian’s Wall site of Vindolanda features Roman remains, and is one of the key spots to visit when travelling between Northumberland and Cumbria. The Roman fort at Birdoswald is also worth stopping for. You can also follow various trails in the area, or drop into the Roman Army Museum. 

• The Chesters Trail
• Roman Army Museum
• The Corbridge Trail
• Birdoswald Roman fort

• London -> pick up car at Heathrow -> Cotswolds and Stratford -> Peak District  -> York and Yorkshire -> Durham -> Northumberland -> Edinburgh 

Also, discover the best places to stay and top coastal cottages in Northumberland

Scotland’s capital city is steeped in history, has swathes of glorious Georgian architecture, and scenic parks and squares. There’s also world-class dining and shopping, and the mediaeval Royal Mile. Also not to be missed are Edinburgh Castle and the New Town. You could also take a Harry Potter walking tour or a city tour by hop-on, hop-off bus.

Also find the best ghost tours of Edinburgh , top Edinburgh tips , and great Edinburgh accommodation options

• Edinburgh Castle
• Hop-on, hop-off bus tour
• Royal Mile | The Old Town
• Magical Harry Potter walking tour
• New Town | Elegant Georgian architecture

If you want to explore the sun-drenched (well sometimes) southwest of England, check out our southwest corner road trip itinerary here . 

For 10, 14 and 18-day Scotland road trip itineraries, click here . 

Whether you want to drive around the UK for a week, ten days, a fortnight or longer, we hope this guide has inspired you to visit this glorious land.

With so much to see and do yet relatively short distances between places, you really can pack a lot into a short time when visiting the UK.

Road trip podcast episodes

UK Road Trip – 18 Unmissable Routes

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Top United Kingdom Road Trip Ideas

If you want to escape day-to-day life, explore new destinations and enjoy travel freedom, then plan a UK road trip. And where better than in the glorious isles of the United Kingdom, where landscapes vary from the gentle to the dramatic, and roads thread through the patchwork countryside between quaint villages and historic towns?

Whether you’re looking for an epic Scottish adventure through highlands and glens, a gentle potter along one of England’s beautiful coastlines, a fast-paced action-packed Welsh road trip, or you like Northern Ireland’s road less travelled, you’ll find it here, amongst our collection of the eighteen best road trips in the United Kingdom.

If you’ve got wheels, we’ve got the best UK road trip ideas for you!

Getting to the UK

The UK has over 40 airports meaning there will be one which is perfectly located for the start point of your road trip. We recommend booking through Skyscanner for live deals and the best prices.

• London Heathrow, Gatwick and Stanstead, Manchester, Newcastle and Birmingham are best for English road trips .
• Fly into Belfast City and Belfast International for Northern Irish road trips .
• Head for Edinburgh and Glasgow International for Scottish road trips .
• Cardiff, Bristol or Birmingham Airport are best for Welsh road trips .

You can hire a car  at any of these airports and be on your chosen UK driving route within an hour of landing. Book your rental car well in advance and use a car hire booker like Rentalcars.com  who will provide the best deals from all the top car hire companies.  How?  Because they have such a large market share, they’ve got way more buying power than individuals and can negotiate much harder on price.

For a real adventure , hire a motorhome or campervan in the UK. We recommend Motorhome Republic , an aggregate booking site who pull together all the best deals from a number of rental agencies, to offer you a wide choice of options alongside an excellent English speaking expert motorhome Concierge Team.

Best Time to Take a UK Road Trip

December to february.

The winter months in the UK are often cold and wet, more so if you head to Scotland or Northern Ireland. Although other visitors will be thinner on the ground, the weather may hinder you from seeing everything you want to, accommodation options may be limited and the driving experience will be a lot less enjoyable.

March to May

Late spring is a wonderful time to visit the UK, as the cold and wet retreats and gives way to kinder weather. Wildflowers appear, baby animals abound and life picks up a lively pace again. But, remember that the country is so lush because it rains frequently, so always be prepared for a downpour, or a few drizzly days when you plan a UK road trip.

June to August

Summer brings sunshine to all of the UK, with south Wales and the western coast of Scotland getting the best of the Gulf Stream. This is the perfect time to visit for outdoor adventures such as hiking and coasteering and ideal if you’re in a tent or motorhome wild camping.

September to November

Autumn is a fantastic time to explore the UK . The coasts will be quieter but still warm and the glorious colours of fall bring vibrancy to the countryside. Don’t leave it too late, it will be cold and wet again by mid-October.

Is this your first time visiting the UK? Get all the information you need in our United Kingdom Travel Guide , including what to pack, the best time of year to go, getting there and practical tips to help you have the best trip!

UK Road Trip Planner

The United Kingdom is a small but diverse country and it can be hard to decide where to take a road trip. Whatever type of road trip you enjoy, and whether you’ve got one week or one month for your UK trip, you’ll find an itinerary here that’s right for you!

UK Road Trip Map

England Road Trips

Devon & cornwall, barnstable – rock – padstow – newquay – st ives – sennen – porthcurno – penzance.

The most south-westerly county in England has some of the best beaches the country has to offer. You’ll also find plenty of quaint seaside towns, stunning landscapes and lots of fantastic days out, which make Cornwall one of the best UK road trips for families.

The drive down the M5 or A303 can be long and slow, especially at the weekends when lots of self-catering accommodation providers have their change-over days. Try and head down mid-week and break up the journey before you get to the A30, the main arterial road through the county.

Visit the  Eden Project on the way, an amazing place to explore, and not to be missed when you’re driving so close by.

Alternatively, take the Atlantic Highway from Barnstable, just south of the glorious Exmoor National Park, to Newquay. This route takes you into Cornwall on the A39 road, passing some of the  best beaches in north Devon  on the way. As you head south, enjoy the walking and cycling trails on North Devon’s aptly named Adventure Coast.

The Camel Estuary

With pretty Padstow on one side of the estuary and trendy Rock on the other, this is a fantastic family destination with lots to do. Try your hand at surfing or body-boarding in Rock or just have fun in the waves. Eat delicious, locally caught fish in Padstow restaurants and enjoy strolling the charming harbour and town. 

The most famous of all Cornish holiday and seaside towns, St Ives is graced with a couple of superb beaches and a lively ambience in the busy and picturesque town and harbour and is a must-stop on any  Cornwall road trip .

With shops, restaurants and bars open long into the evening in summer, and several world-renowned galleries, St Ives has a cosmopolitan feel and is perfectly placed for day trips around the south of Cornwall. It can get very busy here in the high season, if you’re travelling as a couple, visit before UK schools break up for summer if you possibly can. 

Porthcurno & Around

The tip of the Cornish peninsula has some amazing coves and beaches. Porthcurno is one of our all-time favourite beaches and is overlooked by the Minack Theatre, which you should visit, if only for the spectacular views. Get to the beach early in the summer months, the car park fills quickly.

Elsewhere on the peninsula, Sennen Cove and the  tin mines at Botallack  provide a fascinating insight into Cornish history.

Head east for charming Mousehole (pronounced Mowzle), one of Cornwall’s hidden gems (as much as anything in this part of the world can be!).

Penzance, of pirate fame, and the splendid  St. Michael’s Mount , accessible on foot when the tide is out, are all within a few miles of each other and well worth a visit.

RELATED POSTS: Cornwall Road Trip: The Best Itinerary, Map & Tips | Atlantic Highway: An Epic Devon & Cornwall Road Trip

Make sure you have travel insurance you can trust when visiting the United Kingdom . We recommend True Traveller for their 5-star TrustPilot reviews, variety of cover options, best activities cover as standard, great prices and excellent service.

The Cotswolds

Burford – cheltenham – painswick – bath.

Is there anywhere more perfectly English than the Cotswolds? The lush and rolling countryside of southwest England is dotted with honeyed picture-perfect villages set around duck ponds and greens, and the winding country lanes are lined with stone walls and hedgerows.

The region is recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and offers close encounters with wildlife and birdwatching opportunities at the  Slimbridge Wetland Centre .

If you prefer a bit more activity, paddle boarding, kayaking and archery are all available at the  Cotswold Water Park , and there are lots of great cycling and hiking routes in the area. If you’re looking for a gentle escape and a slow pace, this is a perfect 1 week road trip in the UK.

The medieval town of Burford, just 30 minutes west of historic Oxford and an hour and 45 minutes by car from  London , is on the edge of the so-called ‘Golden Triangle’, bordered by the A40, A44 and A429.

The triangle is home to some of the most idyllic chocolate box villages of the Cotswolds, including Kingham, Churchill, Broadwell, Bledington and Oddington, and a perfect place to start a Cotswolds road trip.

Burford itself has changed little over the centuries, other than becoming one of the most popular tourist spots in the area. Stroll down the famous High Street, lined with half-timbered houses and Georgian architecture, as it descends to the River Windrush.

Dip in and out of the side streets and alleys for hidden treasures, more historic buildings and great places to stop for lunch. 

Painswick, known as ‘The Queen of the Cotswolds’, is a beautiful and historic wool town. One of the best-preserved settlements in the Cotswolds, built from locally quarried stone, Painswick is a great starting point to travel around the area.

Close enough to Cheltenham to make exploring easy, there are many small country roads and tiny villages between Painswick and Cheltenham to discover.

Sitting halfway along the  Cotswold Way National Trail , Painswick is surrounded by fabulous hiking country and is a great base to start from. Painswick Beacon has spectacular views across the Severn Valley to the mountains of Wales.

End your road trip in the historic Roman and Georgian spa city of Bath. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bath is famous for its hot springs, Roman baths, Medieval heritage and elegant Georgian architecture.

Visit the fascinating  Roman Baths  which date from AD43, to see how the Romans liked to relax. At the more modern end of the scale, take a dip in the contemporary  Thermae Bath Spa , which houses the only natural thermal hot springs in Britain.

Make time to admire the iconic Royal Crescent and the majestic Circus to see the fine period architecture which epitomises the city that was home to the author, Jane Austen.

Bournemouth – Swanage – Corfe Castle – Kimmeridge – Lulworth – Weymouth – Portland – Abbotsbury

This stunning  coastal road trip in England  takes you through the county of Dorset, which boasts a rugged UNESCO World Heritage Site coastline, traditional villages and some great bucket-and-spade resorts.

The cliffs of the 95 mile long ancient Jurassic Coast contain millions of fossils and there is even a forest of fossilised trees.

With Bournemouth, Swanage and Weymouth providing good old-fashioned seaside entertainment, there’s a lot to recommend on this England road trip itinerary.

Swanage & Around

Swanage is a traditional English sea-side resort that was ‘discovered’ by the Victorians when sea bathing became fashionable.

At the far eastern end of the Jurassic Coast and Isle of Purbeck, Swanage boasts a safe sandy beach, steam train, nearby  Corfe Castle , great wreck diving and  Durlston Country Park , so there’s a great deal to keep you busy and entertained.

Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door

At the other end of the Isle of Purbeck, Lulworth Cove is an almost perfect circle and is considered one of the best examples in Europe of this type of marine erosion.

Whatever the reason for Lulworth Cove, it really is a wonderful holiday spot, perfect for kayaking, stand-up paddling or just messing about in the water.

Literally next door is Durdle Door, a natural limestone arch in the sea, caused by millions of years of erosion. Durdle Door is backed by a beautiful pebble beach and the imposing limestone cliffs that the Jurassic Coast is famous for.

Both places are on the glorious  South West Coast Path , which starts in Minehead in Somerset and ends in Poole harbour. The longest long-distance footpath in the UK, it snakes along the coast for 630 miles. Follow the path west from Lulworth for wild clifftop views free of people, and the geological wonder that is Kimmeridge Bay.

Chesil Beach & Around

An eighteen mile long shingle barrier beach made up of 180 billion pebbles, the iconic Chesil Beach stretches from West Bay to Portland, on the western side of Dorset.

Head for  Abbotsbury Gardens  for one of the best views of Chesil Beach from above, stretching miles in either direction. Pop in to see the mute swan colony at the Abbotsbury Swannery, also a little-known filming location for the Harry Potter movies.

Energy levels permitting, drive south to the instantly recognisable  Portland Bill  lighthouse at the tip of Portland, for more wild seascapes.

RELATED POST: A South England Road Trip to Dorset & the New Forest

Don’t forget your road trip essentials! Our free road trip checklists help you remember everything, including road trip snacks , podcasts and road trip songs for the journey!

The Lake District

Ullswater – keswick – grasmere – ambleside – windermere.

The rugged Lake District in Cumbria is known as ‘Wordsworth country’ and is home to some of the most scenic roads in UK. This English road trip has something for everyone, whether escape or adventure is on the agenda, and is one of the best road routes in the UK for active families and experience days for couples .

Head for the busy towns of Ambleside and Keswick or find peace and quiet by one of the sixteen beautiful bodies of water in this stunning national park.

Enjoy great hiking, biking and outdoor activities in the warmer months, or spend time on the water, with boat hires, kayaking and SUP all on offer. 

Start your Lake District road trip at Ullswater, the second largest of the national parks lakes. Ullswater is nestled amongst some of the best fells the area has to offer and is home to the stunning Aira Force waterfall.

With hiking and water sports on your doorstep, this is a perfect spot for road trippers to enjoy nature and outdoor activity, and some of the best Lake District hikes.

To the west of Ullswater, Keswick is a busy market town that lies between the natural beauty of Derwentwater and the imposing Skiddaw mountains.

Hike up to the prehistoric Castelrigg stone circle, literally surrounded by fells and sky in every direction, or try an easy trail like Catbells, which also has the added benefit of  incredible Lake District views  of the rugged and far-reaching landscape.

Honister Slate Mine

At the southern end of Derwentwater is the valley of Borrowdale, leading to the Honister Pass and the home of the Honister Slate Mine, the last working slate mine in England.

The mine has a visitor centre which provides underground guided mine tours and a range of adventure activities including a Via Ferrata (by ropes) course, a ropes course in the mine and a daring infinity bridge – kids big and small will love it here!

The New Forest

Fordingbridge – lyndhurst – brockenhurst – lymington.

The historic New Forest in Hampshire, planted in 1079 by William the Conquerer, retains a strong sense of tradition. Home to New Forest wild ponies, roaming pigs, Highland cattle and deer, the forest is a haven for wildlife and offers peace and tranquillity to all who visit.

It is a particularly special place to visit in autumn , when the crowds have gone, and the fall colours are spectacular. You might also spot rutting deer if you visit at this time of year.

Also a hub for outdoor activity, including water sports, cycling and hiking, you can find the top  New Forest outdoor activities here . 

Just a few hours from the capital, the New Forest is one of the best road trips from London and perfect for an activity focussed long weekend.

Brockenhurst

A charming village to the south of the forest and an excellent base for cycling and walking, Brockenhurst has a few good pubs and a seriously good  takeaway fish and chip shop . An excellent hub from which to explore, you can hire bikes in the village or bring your own – download this helpful map for routes.

New Forest Water Park

On the western fringes of the forest, the New Forest Water Park offers wakeboarding and a giant inflatable aqua park, the best fun you can have in a wet suit and a perfect family day out. Try your hand at wakeboarding, kayaking and stand-up paddle before running the gauntlet on the aqua park course …its a lot, lot harder than it looks!

Right on the southwestern edge of the New Forest, Lymington is a traditional bustling market town. With a busy modern harbour and easy access to the Solent, this is a haven for sailors.

From your base in Lymington, take a trip to  Hurst Castle , built by Henry VIII and situated on a shingle spit stretching into the Solent.

On hot days, take a dip in the seawater swimming baths on the edge of Lymington town.

Lymington also makes a great base to visit the Isle of Wight. Sitting guard in the Solent, at the entrance to one of the UK’s busiest freight ports, the island is famous for being the one-time home of Queen Victoria and having the sunniest beach in the UK, amongst lots of other things.

You can get the  car ferry  there and back in a day, making it a road trip within a road trip!

RELATED POST: Top 16 New Forest Outdoor Adventures

Norwich – Wroxham – Hemsby – Cromer – Blakeney – Hunstanton – Kings Lynn

One of the most beautiful counties in England, Norfolk enjoys an incredible and unspoilt heritage coastline and the famous Norfolk Broads, where you will find huge skies and mesmerising landscapes, making it one of the best road trip destinations around the UK.

A national park and a haven for birds and wildlife, the Broads are a nature lover’s paradise and can be explored on foot or by boat, with a traditional Norfolk wherry being the ultimate Broads experience.

The historic city of Norwich is a hidden gem and a must-visit if you’re in Norfolk. Considered the UK’s best preserved medieval city, Norwich delivers a fine Norman cathedral with the second highest spire in England, a lively and well-respected bar and restaurant scene, and the Norwich Lanes, a muddle of pedestrian alleys full of independent shops and boutiques.

As you follow the coast north from the Broads, you’ll come to the North Norfolk coast and Blakeney . This pretty coastal village lies in an area of outstanding natural beauty which boasts a nature reserve of spacious landscapes with salt marshes, sand dunes and horizons stretching far out to sea.

Practice your crabbing skills in the harbour, or take a trip out to Blakeney Point to see the Common and Grey seals that breed here in winter. 

Sandringham

South of the Wash lies the royal estate of Sandringham. Set in beautiful woodlands, perfect for walking, you can also visit the house, gardens and transport museum before heading to see the St Mary Magdalene church where the Queen attends services when she is staying at Sandringham.

There are often events here too, such as farmer’s markets and craft fairs, check the Sandringham Estate website for details and dates.

RELATED POST: Road Trip England – 10 of the Best Routes

Northumberland Coast Route

Alnmouth – craster – embleton – beadnell – seahouses – bamburgh – holy island of lindisfarne – alnwick.

This drive takes you along the stunning Northumberland coast, passing through the beautiful landscapes and seaside fishing villages of the county.

Northumberland is home to some of England’s most dramatic castles, an iconic holy island and Hadrian’s Wall, on the border with Scotland. There is fantastic coastal walking in the region, huge sandy beaches that seem endless and warm hospitality for visitors.

Alnwick Castle

Alnwick Castle is a spectacular castle and country house, and the seat of The 12th Duke of Northumberland. It was built following the Norman conquest and renovated and remodelled a number of times, into the castle you see today.

Film and TV fans shouldn’t miss a visit here – the castle has been featured in Transformers: The Last Knight, Elizabeth, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, as the magnificent Brancaster Castle in Downton Abbey, and probably most famously, as Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter films.

Coastal Villages

As you head north, spend a night in one of the fishing villages such as Craster or Beadnell, and enjoy a bracing beach walk from your accommodation, and a traditional fish and chip supper from the local chippie!

Lindisfarne Holy Island

The tidal island of Lindisfarne , also known as Holy Island, is one of the most important centres of early English Christianity. Irish monks settled there in 635CE and the monastery became the centre of a major saint’s cult celebrating its bishop, Cuthbert.

In 793CE the Vikings attacked Lindisfarne, looting the monastery and killing or enslaving many of the monks. It was the first time the Vikings had attacked a monastic site in Britain, and the attack came as a major shock for medieval Christians.

The historic island lies just off the extreme Northeast corner of England near Berwick-upon-Tweed, and is reachable across a paved causeway, but only when the North Sea tides permit! Safe times to cross are predictable and can be found here , and the route takes around two hours to walk.

The Peak District

Chesterfield – bakewell – buxton – castleton – glossop.

Nestled between the cities of Manchester and Sheffield is the glorious Peak District. Straddling the Pennines’ southernmost hills lie ancient stone villages, hillsides dotted with grand stately homes and rocky outcrops in every direction, but no peaks, despite the name.

To the north, the Dark Peak area is dominated by exposed moorland and gritstone ‘edges’, while to the south, the White Peak is made up of rolling limestone dales. The diverse and soaring landscapes of the Peak District mean some seriously good drives, making for one of the best road trips in England.

Chatsworth House

Known as the ‘Palace of the Peak’, this huge stately home three miles northeast of Bakewell has been the family seat of sixteen generations of earls and dukes of Devonshire. Inside, the lavish apartments and mural-painted staterooms are filled with priceless paintings and period furniture.

Head outside for 25 square miles of grounds and ornamental gardens, including water features, a maze, sculptures, and splendid Victorian glass houses. Some of the grounds were landscaped by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown.

Full of history,  Chatsworth House  was founded in 1552 by the formidable Bess of Hardwick, who came from modest beginnings to become the second most powerful woman in Elizabethan England after the Queen. It was with Bess’ second husband, Sir William Cavendish, that the Cavendish line, which continues today, was established.

Finish your Chatsworth House visit with lunch or dinner a few miles up the road, at the highly-rated Prince of Wales in Baslow, one of the best fine dining pubs in the Peak District .

Caves and Caverns

The Peak District is littered with caves and caverns, some entirely natural and some created as a result of historic mining activity.

Peak Cavern  at Castleton is the largest cave system in the Peak District and is almost all entirely natural. Known as the ‘devil’s arse’, the cave was inhabited by rope-making cave dwellers until the early 20th century and 40 families lived in two rows of cottages in the cave entrance, along with stables, a pub and a few small shops! You will also find Speedwell Cavern, Blue John Cavern and Treak Cliff Cavern in Castleton.

The  Heights of Abraham  opened in 1780 and is one of the oldest tourist attractions in England. Alongside the cable car ride and parkland with lots of attractions are two 350 million-year-old caves, Rutland Caverns and Great Masson, where you can experience what lead mining in the 17th century was like.

In the heart of the rugged North Peak area of the Peak District, lies Snake Pass. Winding its way through the valley connecting Sheffield and Glossop, this is one of the best roads to drive in Europe . Following the river Ashop, Snake Pass crosses the Pennines at Ashopton and reaches a high point of 512 metres above sea level.

With stunning views in every direction and surrounded by heather-carpeted moorland, deep valleys, reservoirs and lush woodland, the scenic Snake Pass makes for a truly memorable drive. With its sharp twisted roads, moulded around the rugged landscape, Snake Pass really is a drive to be celebrated by road trippers. 

Just a word of warning though, this road is considered one of the most dangerous in the UK, so take it slowly, stop for photos, and savour the drive.  

RELATED POST: Why We Say These Are the Best Driving Roads in Europe

Yorkshire Dales

Harrogate – malham – hawes – richmond.

In ‘God’s own country’ of Yorkshire , the roads ribbon between glacial valleys, patchwork fields, flat-topped hills and rocky outcrops, punctuated by pretty villages with quaint pubs, and windswept hiking trails.

There’s history aplenty too, in this land that was once host to the War of the Roses, the bloody struggle between the royal houses of Lancaster and York.

Be aware that the Yorkshire Dales National Park is a mecca for tour buses which cause major headaches both on the roads and in car parks at the most popular spots. Avoid the summer months if you possibly can.

Start in the well-heeled and elegant Georgian town of Harrogate, known then as ‘The English Spa’. On the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, this is a great starting point for your Yorkshire road trip.

Malhamdale is in the Pennines, at the southern end of the Yorkshire Dales. Malham itself is a pretty village, surrounded by the limestone buildings and the dry-stone walls so common in the Dales, with a stream bubbling through the centre of the village. 

Malham is best known though for the glacial lake, Malham Tarn, and the majestic Malham Cove, a vast curving amphitheatre-shaped cliff formation of limestone rock. 

The vertical cliff face is about 80 metres high. If you’re lucky, you may see Malham Cove waterfall, which appears in the centre of the cliff face in spring and after heavy rain.

Wensleydale

The lush sweeping valley of Wensleydale is distinct for its wooded hillocks and rushing waterfalls, the most famous being the triple flight Aysgarth Falls and Hardraw Force, England’s largest single-drop waterfall.

The capital of Upper Wensleydale, Hawes, is a lively market town with many hotels and tearooms. Local craft and artisan industries thrive making pottery, wooden toys and the famous Wensleydale cheese, Wallace and Gromit’s favourite.

The  Dales Countryside Museum is an essential visit for anyone interested in traditional countryside life in Yorkshire.

One of the northernmost dales in the national park is Swaledale, a deep and winding valley that is home to the pretty cobbled market town of Richmond, which boasts a rich and vivid history.

Sitting high above the town,  Richmond Castle  dominates the skyline. The views from the top of the massive keep are far-reaching between the hills of Swaledale to the west, the Vale of York to the south and in the far distance to the east, the stunning North York Moors.

Famous for its hardy breed of horned sheep, Swaledale also puts on a spectacular wildflower display in its meadows, which are a riot of wildlife and colour in June and early July.

Spring comes late to this part of England, but you’ll find it an excellent time of year to hike the trails crisscrossing the rugged countryside.

Northern Ireland Road Trips

The causeway coastal route, ballycastle – bushmills – portrush – portstewart – castlerock – londonderry.

This picturesque and unspoilt country of the United Kingdom may require a ferry crossing if you don’t live there, but it is a coastal road trip in the UK that’s worth making the effort for.

From the breathtaking natural beauty of the  Giant’s Causeway  to the huge Benone Beach, the coastline is studded with Game of Thrones locations and pretty seaside towns.

End your trip in the walled city of Londonderry, a popular tourist destination in its own right, or continue onto the Wild Atlantic Way just over the border, for more big seas, idyllic beaches and dramatic landcscapes.

If you don’t live in Northern Ireland, why not start your road trip in the fun city of Dublin – we even have the perfect one day Dublin itinerary for you!

It’s easy to fly in and rent a car in Ireland before heading north across the border to Belfast and making your way up the coast – if you have to take a ferry or plane, you might as well make the most of it and cover two countries in one trip!

The Giants Causeway & Around

Forged by volcanic nature some 50 to 60 million years ago, these 40,000 columns of basalt spilling into the wild North Atlantic are simply unmissable.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Northern Ireland’s most famous historic and natural landmarks, as well as being an awe-inspiring place that really gets you thinking about man’s insignificance in the grand scheme of things.

Climb the Shepherd’s Steps to hike along the clifftop trail for an aerial view of the dramatic sea views, or take the road less travelled on a five mile hike along the stunning cliff-top path for uninterrupted views.

Don’t miss the tiny harbour at Ballintoy (also a Game of Thrones location) before heading along the coast to the  Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge  and testing your courage as you cross between the mainland and the island.

Portstewart & Portrush

Literally next to each other, both Portstewart and Portrush are pretty seaside holiday towns.

With souvenir shops, restaurants and bars, Portrush is livelier and has a nightclub and amusements.

Portstewart has a more laid-back vibe with some interesting independent shops along the prom which sell local crafts and a few great places to eat.

Both have superb beaches and excellent golf courses. If you like motorbikes, head here in May for the infamous  North West 200 , when bikes race along the roads you are driving, but at twice the speed.

Benone Beach & Around

A favourite of surfers, kite flyers and walkers, the vast beach stretches from Magilligan Point in the west to Castlerock in the east.

From here you can see, and then visit the  Mussenden Temple  on the headland and the Downhill Demesne.

The mighty Binevenagh mountain sits to the south and is excellent for hiking, with stunning views of the coast, Loch Foyle and Donegal from the summit, if you pick a clear day. 

Make time to pop into the  Sea Shed Cafe  for their legendary Spanish hot chocolate and home made cake right on the beach!

RELATED POST – Causeway Coastal Route: The Best Road Trip In Ireland?

Mourne Coastal Route

Belfast – bangor – ards peninsula – downpatrick – newcastle – mourne mountains.

The Mourne Coastal Route follows the lesser travelled eastern route of the Northern Ireland coast.   This area is known for its traditional fishing villages and picturesque seaside towns, only surpassed by the stunning scenery and coastal landscapes of the region.

As you drive, you’ll get many glimpses into the past, from ancient tower houses to stately homes and gardens. You’ll also be able to spot many birds including geese and duck, oystercatchers and curlew, and in the summer nesting tern are in abundance.

Strangford Lough

Strangford Lough is a Marine Nature Reserve, meaning the marine life is worth exploring. Wandering along the shore reveals starfish, urchins, shellfish and even glimpses of seals basking on the rocks. If you stop for a walk along the coast, you’ll be sure to see beautiful wildflowers and a huge variety of butterflies.

With Northern Ireland’s three main fishing ports on the Mourne Coastal Route, you have to sample the fresh seafood. It features on many menus, whether you’re looking for fine dining, or just to grab some fish and chips and watch the boat activity in the harbours.

Artisan food producers are plentiful in this area which is home to Comber potatoes, Portavogie prawns, Dundrum Bay oysters, local honey, Finnebrogue venison and many local brews and beverages. 

Stately Homes

The National Trust sites in this area all offer beautiful views and glorious nature. Neo-classical Mount Stewart has exceptional gardens and walks, as well as a house tour. Castle Ward estate extends right to the edge of Strangford Lough, with its unique mansion, gardens and trails, and you can experience archery and a medieval banquet on the original set of Winterfell from Game of Thrones.

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Want to plan your own road tri p? Get our step-by-step road trip planning guide to help you organize the perfect trip, or check out our top road trips in Europe for ideas and inspiration.

Scotland Road Trips

The argyll coastal route, loch lomond – inverary – lochgilphead – oban – glen coe – fort william – glenfinnan.

Starting at the tip of Loch Lomond and following the coast from Inveraray to Fort William, this west coast of Scotland road trip is for seafood gourmets, sunset lovers and those that want to get under the skin of Scotland and feel its turbulent history in the air and glens of the incredible landscapes. 

We’ve added an extra stop to the official route at Glenfinnan – you’re so close to this historic village at the end of the trip, we just couldn’t resist.

Cultural Glasgow and historic Edinburgh are also both within striking distance at the start or end of your road trip if you fancy a few days of city life.

Easdale Island

Spend a fantastic car-free day wildlife watching from Easdale Island. Make the five minute passenger ferry crossing to this tranquil part of Scotland, where you can take a whale spotting trip, an excursion to the Corryvreckan Whirlpool or a tour of a local seal colony. 

Other areas of interest include the historical remains of what was once the centre of the Scottish slate mining industry.

The still pools, which are a defining feature of Easdale, were once active slate quarries, and together with the wide variety of flora and bird life make Easdale unique.

With magnificent views of towering mountains and glens, Glen Coe is a landscape full of natural wonders. Explore the  Glen Coe Geotrail  to learn more about the ancient volcanic history of this other-worldly place which was shaped by glaciers and fiery volcanic explosions millions of years ago.

In the picturesque village of Glencoe, you can learn about local history, including the Massacre of Glencoe in 1692, when members of the Campbell clan murdered members of the MacDonald clan on the orders of the English Crown.

At the top of this road trip lies Glenfinnan, the historic spot in which Bonnie Prince Charlie called for the local clansmen to assemble in 1745, proclaiming the throne of Great Britain to be denounced and rightfully returned to his family, the Stuarts.

His actions and the subsequent Battle of Culloden led to a seismic change in the Highland way of life and caused a long rift between Scotland and England. 

You’ll also find the magical Glenfinnan Viaduct here, made famous by the Harry Potter films. This railway viaduct has carried trains on the West Highland Line since 1897. 

For the best views, take the Glenfinnan Trail to the viewpoint, where you’ll see the steam train crossing the famous viaduct. Turn around for a magnificent view of Loch Shiel and the Glenfinnan Monument which commemorates the Jacobite uprising.

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The North Coast 500

Inverness – john o’groats – durness – lochinver – ullapool – inverness.

This ultimate Scottish route and one of the great British road trips is a 516 mile spectacular circular trip around the north coast of Scotland, starting and ending at Inverness Castle and passing through some of the most beautiful places in Scotland.

Do a bit of it or tackle the whole iconic route, for which you’ll need at least two if not three or four, weeks to do the trip justice. You’ll find incredible landscapes, myths and legends, welcoming Scottish hospitality and the thrill of the open road. 

The NC500 is one of Europe’s best-known road trips and it will be busy in the summer months – head there in late spring or autumn for quieter roads and better deals on accommodation.

Both the start and finish point of your driving holiday in Scotland, this ancient cathedral city is full of history and interest. Go hunting for monsters on Loch Ness, take a trip to the haunting and emotive  battlefield at Culloden  and visit  Inverness Castle .

Home to John O’Groats and Dunnet Head, the most northerly village and northerly point of mainland UK respectively, Caithness is right at the top of Great Britain.

It is so far north that in favourable conditions, it’s possible to see the northern lights from here. The coastline features soaring sea stacks and towering headlands, home to puffins and other sea birds.  

One of the last great wilderness of Europe, quite a few miles of the NC500 pass through Sutherland’s raw and naturally beautiful.

The coast of this part of the route is unspoilt and diverse, from huge sandy beaches in the west to the rugged and aptly named Cape Wrath cliffs, the most north-westerly point of mainland UK and only accessible by boat or special transport.

RELATED POST: North Coast 500 Route Planner + Highlights, Map & Tips

Kyle of Lochalsh – Portree – Duntulm – Dunvegan – Armadale

The Isle of Skye is Scotland’s second-largest island, a 50 mile long stretch of heather-carpeted moors, jagged mountains, sparkling lochs and dramatic sea cliffs.

This incredible landscape is the main attraction, but there is plenty to do when the mist descends, including castles, museums, craft studios and even fairy pools.

Follow this popular UK road trip route out of season for real solitude and remoteness, some of the best hiking in Scotland, and to breath the clear air and remind yourself of why life is good. 

Dunvegan Castle

In a beautiful position at the edge of Loch Dunvegan, Skye’s most famous historic building,  Dunvegan Castle , is the seat of the chief of Clan MacLeod and has been so for over 800 years.

The castle itself is fascinating and the formal gardens make a wonderful contrast to the stark beauty of the surrounding landscape. It’s a busy tourist attraction though, and best visited outside of the peak months of July and August.

The Sleat Peninsula

Commonly referred to as ‘the garden of Skye’, the Sleat peninsula is home to verdant gardens and thick forests, surrounded by glorious beaches and sparking seas.

This eclectic corner of Skye not only has nature on its doorstep, it also has some of the best restaurants on the island and of course, a  whisky distillery , for that wee dram you must have when visiting.

The Trotternish Peninsula

Trotternish is the most northerly peninsula and enjoys Skye’s most striking and dramatic landscapes. As you drive north your attention will be captured by The Storr and The Old Man of Storr, a 50m high lance of rock that sits at the foot of the cliffs. 

Head to The Quiraing for some fantastic hiking and to see the best of these ancient landscapes in this remote, stunning part of the island.

The South West Coastal 300

Prestwick – ballantrae – cairngaan – isle of whithorn – kirkudbright – dumfries – lockerbie – moffat – dalmellington – prestwick.

The South West Coastal 300 is a road trip for nature lovers and history buffs. With stunning coastlines, lush forests which stretch over rolling hills and dramatic moorlands, this quiet corner of Scotland will woo you until you fall in love with its gentle charms.

This is a well-located road trip in Scotland for those driving north from the rest of the UK and can be joined at Lockerbie, within a 20 minute drive of the Scottish border. 

Dunure Beach

Our favourite beach on this road trip, the small but perfectly formed Dunure Beach has dark sand and shingle with great rock pooling and stunning views of Ailsa Craig from the ragged ruins of Dunure Castle.

Dip into  Galloway Forest Park , the only Dark Sky Park in Scotland and a top spot to see the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, or visit the  Scottish Dark Sky Observatory  at Dalmellington to use their powerful telescopes to observe the night skies – stargazing without light pollution is an incredible experience.

Kirkudbright

Spend a day in lively Kirkudbright (pronounced kir–coo–bree) and follow the Arts and Crafts Trail. Home to generations of creatives, ‘the artist’s town’ has a flourishing community of painters and craftworkers. You might also hear bagpipes here as they have lots of parades.

Wales Road Trips

Brecon beacons, hay-on-wye – brecon – libanus – llandovery – gwaun-cae-curwen.

Undulating dramatically across the landscape, the Brecon Beacons National Park (Parc Cenedlaethol Bannau Brycheiniog) encompasses some of the most spectacular scenery in southern Wales.

High mountain plateaus and glacial hollows rise above forested valleys, hidden waterfalls and gorgeous rural landscapes that echo to the sound of rushing waterfalls, making this a varied and exciting Wales road trip.

The relatively short distance from London to Wales, just three hours and 40 minutes driving makes this one of the best weekend road trips from London.

Starting at the northernmost tip of the national park, Hay-on-Wye is famous the world over for books and the annual  Hay Festival of Literature and Arts , a reputation that belies its small size.

Known as Hay by locals, this charming town in Wales sits on the gently flowing river Wye and abuts the Wales-England border. 

The town centre is made up of skinny sloping lanes characterised by a shabby elegance that suits the quirky bookshops and antiques emporia that thrive in Wye’s independent and cosmopolitan vibe. 

Known as ‘the Beacons’ to hikers, there are many trails to choose from in these mountains. Pen-y-Fan, which just misses out on ‘Furth’ status (the equivalent of a Munro in Scotland), is a favourite of many.

The route is a challenging ten mile slog through forest and moorland to the steep ridge of Pen-y-Fan. The views from the top, at 886m, are superb, especially in the winter when the landscape is dusted with frost and snow.

But there is more hiking here than just Pen-y-Fan; an online search will reward you with many options, including Sugar Loaf in Monmouthshire and the four waterfalls walk which starts in Porth yr Ogof.

The Black Mountain Pass

One of the most scenic drives in Wales, this epic mountain road of Top Gear fame gives unrivalled views of the surrounding valleys and mountains, and enough hairpin bends and switchbacks to satisfy any dangerous road enthusiast.

For the best experience, drive the A4069 road from north to south. Starting in Llandovery, the pass snakes between breathtaking viewpoints as you cross the twin humps of Pont Aber and Herbert’s Pass, before descending to the village of Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen. 

Be aware that sheep will cross the road indiscriminately – not uncommon for roads in Wales! It is known that mobile speed cameras are sometimes along the route in objects such as horseboxes or small trucks.

Since its exposure by Jeremy Clarkson, the route has become incredibly popular – save this one for a weekday if you can.

RELATED POSTS: The Best Wales Road Trip Route and Itinerary | One Day Cardiff Itinerary – Map, Tips & Guide

Pembrokeshire

Fishguard – st davids – marloes – pembroke – tenby.

Famous for its rough cliffs, huge beaches and remote islands, the coast of Pembrokeshire offers limitless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, and is one of the most beautiful places in the UK.

From the Victorian seaside town of Tenby to the puffins of Skomer Island, this road trip in Wales has something to suit everyone, outdoor adventurers and nature lovers alike.

Coasteering

Pembrokeshire boasts that it invented coasteering, so how could we leave it off the list? The sport of jumping from land to sea, cliff scrambling and swimming between rocks will stretch you mentally and physically but give you hours of fun.

You can find a pace to suit you, there are guided expeditions and courses for beginners of all ages, some of which include marine biology education along the way.

Skomer Island

The wild island of Skomer is a haven for migrant birds such as puffins, razorbills and guillemots. You may also see seals here, which come to moult in April, along with owls, buzzards and peregrine falcons.

In the spring, wildflowers cover the island, making it a truly beautiful and fascinating place to visit.

Working on a first-come, first-served basis, numbers and tickets are limited so make sure you get to Lockley Lodge visitor centre early.

Tenby is one of the most iconic seaside towns in Wales, steeped in history and surrounded by an imposing medieval stone wall. With several excellent sandy beaches, a colourful harbour and narrow cobbled streets with a fantastic selection of gift shops, cafes and pubs, this charming town is perfect for a day out. 

If you base yourself here for a few days, you’re within striking distance of two of the best castles in Wales,  Pembroke Castle  and  Carew Castle , both well worth a visit.

Snowdonia & Anglesey

Betws-y-coed – bangor – newborough – holyhead – benllech.

Head for spectacular Snowdonia in north Wales for drama, huge skies and outdoor adventures.

Cross the iconic Menai suspension bridge to reach the beautiful Isle of Anglesey, home to some of the best beaches in Wales, and fantastic coastal hiking and cycling paths.

With a good dose of remoteness, this is one of the best travel routes in the UK to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life.

Betws-y-Coed

Set in a beautiful valley, Betws-y-Coed is a typical mountain town, full of companies offering outdoor adventures and shops selling outdoor gear. Pubs are full of hikers talking about the day’s adventures.

The town is a great base for outdoor sports and activities such as climbing, hiking, abseiling, zip-lining and mountain biking.

You’ll also find natural beauty spots such as Fairy Glen and Swallow Falls to visit in the nearby area.

Snowdonia National Park

Test yourself by climbing to the peak of Snowden, the highest mountain in England and Wales, some 1,085m above sea level.

If you still want to enjoy the views but don’t fancy the hike, take the train up and hike down!  

Newborough Beach & Llanddwyn Island

Newborough beach is our favourite beach on Anglesey, backed by the tranquil Newborough Forest, where you might see red squirrels.

Take a walk through the forest and dunes to the peninsula of Llanddwyn Island to see the fascinating lighthouse and pilot’s cottages. 

UK Road Trip Resources

Here are the websites and services we personally use and recommend for traveling in the UK.

• Search for affordable flights to the UK with Skyscanner
• Search for availability and book hotels and accommodation in the UK with Booking.com
• Find and book the best campsites in the UK with Eurocampings
• Book the cheapest and most reliable hire cars in the UK with Rentalcars.com
• Find and hire your perfect motorhome or campervan with Motorhome Republic
• Get highly rated, reliable and trustworthy travel insurance with True Traveller
• Check if you need a visa and arrange your documents with Visagov

Information About Driving in England

Whether you’re road tripping the UK in a car, camper or motorbike, make sure you’ve got all your documents handy and your spare tyre is in good condition. If your UK road trip itinerary is longer than a few weeks , you may want to consider a vehicle service before you go, and breakdown cover is probably a good idea.

• Drivers from non-EU countries may require an International Driving Permit. The general rule is that if your licence is not in Latin script, then an IDP will be required. Check with your hire company or embassy if you’re in doubt.
• You must have at least 3rd party insurance for your vehicle.
• Your car must be considered roadworthy in the country in which it is registered.
• Your headlights must be adapted for driving on the left if your vehicle is registered outside the UK.
• Unlike France, the UK does not have laws that require you to carry certain equipment in your car, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t. Being prepared in the event of an accident or a breakdown is invaluable. Ideally, you should carry a reflective jacket, a warning triangle, a first-aid kit and a fire extinguisher.
• Understand insurance options, mileage limits and fuel policies before booking a rental car.
• Check the car for damage on collection and make sure anything you spot is noted, and the same again when you drop it off.
• Remember to drive on the left during your trip to the UK!

RELATED POST: Driving in Europe – Everything You Need to Know

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17 Tips To Plan The Ultimate UK Road Trip

The United Kingdom is a road tripping paradise – windy roads, scenic vistas, rolling hills, majestic mountains, meandering rivers, quaint towns, castles and history galore. 

Every great travel adventure starts with an equally great plan. So, I’ve put together my best British driving and planning tips to help kick off your own epic UK road trip. 

Let’s jump in!

1) Start from the end

When hiring a car, it’s much cheaper returning the car to the starting point, rather than paying for an exorbitant one-way fee. Pick out a few key non-negotiable locations you want to see along the way (you’ll find ideas at the end of this article) and plan the high-level route first, then fill in the detail from there. Avoid the temptation to cram in too much detail (yes, I’m often guilty of that!).

2) Choose your car rental wisely

If you’re starting in the south (and don’t live in the UK already), chances are you’ll be flying (or train-ing) into London . Check out the cheapest London car hire options, or save time and go with SIXT car hire . If you’re starting in the north, then look through Edinburgh car hire options. Once you’ve settled on a rental provider, ensure you’re adequately covered. It is mandatory to have at least 3 rd party insurance, which most rental car providers will include. However, check the fine print of your credit card or travel insurance terms to find out if “full cover” (also known as collision damage waiver - CDW) is automatically included. No point paying for the same thing twice!

Typically, you can use your driver’s license from your home country, but check the official list .

3) Don’t pay for a GPS

Pffft! Rental GPSs are sooooo 1999! Download offline maps using Google Maps. Or even better, travel with a Wi-Fi hotspot . Many roads in the UK were designed before automobiles, so there’s no shortage of 1-way streets and unexpected sharp turns. If you find yourself taking the wrong turn accidently you’ll be glad you’ve got Google Maps to re-route.

Tip: Bring your own car power adapter & USB cable so your smartphone never goes flat.

4) Make your drive cheaper by selling space

If your trying to stretch your road trip budget as far as it can go, make a little extra cash by driving other passengers using BlaBlaCar - a smart, safe carpooling platform. Once you’ve registered, let the platform know of your route and add as many “stopovers” as possible (cities that you’ll be driving through) for a better chance of picking up a paying passenger along the way. That’s guaranteed to make your road trip conversations more interesting!

5) Be flexible & book accommodation on the way

There’s oodles of small hotels and cute B&Bs in the United Kingdom. I recommend checking the latest accommodation prices on Kayak.com.au . It saves you time by comparing prices with several big agents, including Booking.com and Expedia. If you keep your hotel bookings flexible, and only book a day or two in advance (or even on the day), then you can go with the flow and see where the road takes you. Preparation is simple – just download the free Kayak mobile app before departing.

Travel tip: if you're flying into London but don't need to take all your luggage with you, I recommend this  London luggage storage  service. Less luggage means you can fit into a smaller (and cheaper) rental car for your road trip.

6) Stick to the speed limits

This is one thing you can’t be flexible about. Don’t just follow everyone else because the Brits have a reputation for speeding. Speed limits are indicated with black numerals on circular white signs with a red border. The “National Speed Limit” is indicated by a plain white circular sign with a black diagonal stripe (no numbers) which is 60 miles/h (~97km/h) on single-carriageway roads and 70 miles/h (~112km/h) on dual-carriageways and motorways. Built up areas are usually 30 miles/h(~48km/h) and school areas typically drop down to 20 miles/hr. It’s no fun adding the cost of a speeding fine to your road trip. Trust me!

7) Beware of local driving laws

If you’re from the United States or Canada, some of the local road laws may seem a bit foreign. There’s no “right on red”. And of course, they drive on the left side of the road (not a problem for us Aussies!). If you’re going through a roundabout (also called a “traffic circle”) don’t change lanes mid-way through and give way to traffic on the right (already on the roundabout). 

8) Roads are narrow!

On UK roads it's often necessary to stray into the opposing lane to get around obstacles such as parked cars, vans unloading, or roadworks. Drive with caution and use courtesy. In rural and more remote areas, including Scotland, it’s common to find “single track roads” – just 1 lane that allows traffic in 2 directions. Fortunately, there are “passing places” (that’s their real name!) that you can pull off on the side of the road to let opposing traffic pass or an impatient overtaking driver from behind. If you get stuck, stay calm and patient. Just use a bit of common sense, and if in doubt, vehicles travelling uphill have right of way.

9) Park in the right places

While parking areas on streets are usually clearly marked with white lines, there’s marked areas that you should also avoid. A single yellow continuous line along a kerb means there are parking restrictions at certain times of the day. A double yellow continuous line means no parking any time. These are typically strictly enforced. No lines at all doesn’t necessarily mean that parking is acceptable either, so pay attention to what other local drivers are doing.

10) Avoid toll roads

There aren’t too many toll roads and bridges in the UK, but every penny saved is a penny earned. So, use your favourite maps app to try to avoid unnecessary paid roads.

11) Avoid driving around central London

This is especially true within the inner-city area called the “ Congestion Charging Zone ”. If you zip through here, even for a few minutes, you will get slugged with a hefty extra fee that is charged automatically to your car rental provider (and passed onto you). Cameras are used to track the number plate of every vehicle that enters and leaves. On top of that finding parking in central London ain’t easy (or cheap!). I found out about this the hard way, when the rental car provider notified me when I returned my vehicle. It would have been handy to know about it before !

12) Metric & imperial living side-by-side in harmony

File this under “strange but true”. The road speed limits and distances on signage in the UK are indicated in miles (imperial) but fuel purchasing is measured in litres (metric). No point fighting it, just go with the flow. 

13) Take a ferry

Yes, you can drive your car onto some ferries. This is the best way to extend your UK road trip into Ireland. Check that your car rental agreement allows travel outside the UK – some, like Enterprise, may charge extra for the privilege.

14) Consider mixing a train with your car

The train network in the UK is world class, and especially for long distances. In some cases it can be more convenient than driving, especially if left-side driving freaks you out a little. So, consider mixing train travel with a car on your UK road trip. You could use a car to zip around a small region/city, then return the car and catch a train elsewhere in the UK. This is a good idea if you’re not planning on returning to the starting point of your road trip. 

15) Save money on historic sites

A lot of historical sites in the UK are free or have a relatively small entry fee. However, on a road trip you’re likely to be stopping at quite a few of these places. If you purchase a special ticket in advance from specific organisations, you can access multiple sites for a deeply discounted rate. Check out prices from National Trust (specifically, their Touring Pass ), and the Scottish Heritage Pass .

16) Road trip weather

Keep an eye on the daily weather forecast. As you can imagine, it can change very quickly in the UK. The ideal time for a road trip in the UK is late June to early September . There’s a good chance you’ll hit rain at some point, so don’t stress, and just pack your poncho. 

17) A little location inspiration

If you don’t know where to start your UK road trip planning, here’s a few locations (with map links) to get the creative juices flowing: 

Stonehenge – iconic prehistoric monument in the southwest of England. 

Bath – known for its natural hot springs that were popular back in Ancient Roman times. 

Salisbury – old medieval town home to the magna carta. 

Oxford – home to the world-famous university and plenty of historic sites.

Stratford-upon-Avon – birthplace of William Shakespeare.

Liverpool – industrial city that was the birthplace of The Beatles. 

Edinburgh – Scotland’s capital and home to Scotland’s crown jewels. 

Glasgow – Scotland’s cultural hub (tip: Save up to 40% on Glasgow car hire ). 

Cardiff – Wales’ capital with a beautiful redeveloped waterfront. 

If you want a smaller road trip, check out my Wales road trip . 

I hope this has helped to inspire you for a road trip around the UK. 

Happy travels!

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Reader Comments...

Hi, This is very impressive and very helping blog. You explain each and every detail information about UK road trip. Thanks for sharing this blog with us. Please keep sharing more blogs about more countries road trips experience.

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Excellent post – so many great tips and very helpful The picture itself speaks how the fascinating places are they and thank you for posting it. What an interesting blog post! This is a great post and place you visited. Lovely pictures.

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Christmas travel: Best times to beat the traffic chaos with millions set to pack out the roads

'if schedules allow, leave bright and early or following the end of the afternoon commute,' say experts.

Millions of Britons are expected to pack out the roads in the days running up to Christmas as rail strikes force many to make long journeys by car.

Strikes and planned engineering works are set to wreak havoc on those planning to travel by rail over the festive period, with workers walking out from Christmas Eve until early on the 27 December.

Even outside of these dates, trains are running with short-notice cancellations and timetable amendments due to a union-imposed ban on workers doing overtime from Sunday 18 December until Monday 2 January.

People have been warned to only travel by rail “if absolutely necessary” on Christmas Eve, with warnings of a “very limited service” on other days “with no trains at all on some routes”.

Meanwhile, roads are expected to be busiest on Friday (23 December) and Saturday (24 December), with lengthy jams expected at traffic hotspots.

Transport analytics specialists Inrix expects travel times by road to be around 14 per cent longer compared to the same period last year, with stretches of the M25, M60 near Manchester, M6 in the north-west and M40 in Oxfordshire set for some of the longest jams.

The RAC says that 7.9 million getaways are expected over the two days, peaking in evening rush hour on Christmas Eve, when traffic is likely to cause jams in and around cities and at key pinch-points on major roads.

There is likely to be little respite for those travelling by air or sea into the UK during the festive period, with Border Force strikes likely to add lengthy delays at Britain’s airports and ferry ports between Friday, 23 December and Saturday, 31 December.

How to beat the traffic

While it may not get you home before Father Christmas, the best way to beat the traffic is to travel on Christmas Day or Boxing Day – when there are fewer cars on the roads overall due to the lack of commuter traffic, and serious delays are less likely.

For those looking for a quieter day to travel before Christmas, Wednesday and Thursday (21 and 22 December) are expected to be slightly less busy.

If you have to travel on Friday or Saturday, however, experts say it may be best to head off first thing in the morning or later into the evening in a bid to avoid the chaos.

Best and worst times to travel over Christmas (according to Inrix and the RAC) 21 December – Worst time to travel: Between 12pm and 2pm. Best time to travel: Before 12pm 22 December – Worst time to travel: Between 12pm and 2pm. Best time to travel: Before 11am or after 3pm. 23 December – Worst time to travel: Between 12pm and 2pm. Best time to travel: Before 10am or after 7pm 24 December – Worst time to travel: Between 12pm and 1pm Best time to travel: Rest of day 25 December – The roads should be clear all day! 26 December Worst time to travel: Between 10am and 5pm Best time to travel: Before 10am or after 5pm

Inrix transportation analyst Bob Pishue said: “With pre-pandemic levels of travellers hitting the road this holiday, drivers must be prepared for delays – especially in and around major cities.

“Our data shows, and our advice is, to avoid travelling during peak commuting hours this week. If schedules allow, leave bright and early or following the end of the afternoon commute.”

RAC Breakdown spokesman Rod Dennis said: “Our research suggests getaway traffic will build steadily all week, culminating in two frantic days of travelling just before Christmas itself.

“By Friday, we fear it will be a case of ‘jams today and jams tomorrow’ on the roads as millions of people jump behind the wheel to see family and friends – with last-minute Christmas shoppers as well as the impact of another rail strike also leading to an increase in traffic.

“If possible, drivers should try to make their trips on a quieter day earlier this week if they possibly can.

More on Transport

“One saving grace for drivers might be that much of the country will see milder weather conditions this week with a much smaller chance of snow and ice like we saw just a week ago. Nonetheless, it’s still vital drivers do everything they can to avoid their cars letting them down.

“Checking oil and coolant when the engine is cold are two simple things that can cut the chances of a serious breakdown, as is ensuring tyres have plenty of grip and are inflated properly. Topping up with a good quality screenwash that protects to well below zero degrees is also important as gritted roads create a constant need for clearing the windscreen.”

National Highways customer service director Andrew Butterfield said: “We don’t want roadworks to spoil Christmas, so we’re doing everything we can to make journeys as smooth as possible; that’s why we’re keeping almost 98 per cent of the road network we manage free from roadworks.

“We know from experience that peak travel times can vary in the run-up to Christmas, so we’re encouraging drivers to check conditions before heading out to help keep traffic flowing.

“We’re also asking motorists to be prepared before setting off. Almost half of breakdowns can be easily avoided if motorists carry out simple vehicle checks before their journeys.”

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When is the best time to visit the UK?

Though it may look small, the UK is a hugely diverse and exciting island nation, and there are countless reasons to visit. In fact, London is regularly ranked one of the top travel destinations in the world. So when's the best time to go?

Since the weather stays relatively mild year-round, there's really no bad time to visit the UK. However, the country is generally at its peak in spring and autumn, when there are fewer tourists and the landscapes are either coming into bloom or bursting into autumnal colour.

If you're after sunshine, the important thing to know is that the weather is notoriously unpredictable in the UK - no matter what time of year it is, you just never know what will happen.

Luckily, it's also famously temperate, which means you're very unlikely to experience extremes like blizzards, hurricanes, tornadoes or intense heat waves.

That being said, it's rather hard to generalise about visiting a country that consists of 4 distinct nations, each with their own seasonal quirks.

And so, read on to discover the best times to visit England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, followed by a month-by-month guide to visiting the UK.

Best time to visit South England

Whether you want to visit London, another big city like Liverpool or Bristol, or take a trip to the English countryside, there's lots to see and do in this historic country.

As locals, we would argue that any time is a good time to visit London for a city break , but of course there are less crowded months that you might want to take advantage of.

High tourist season in London is in the summer (May to mid-September) and December, over the Christmas holidays.

So to avoid the throngs and benefit from cheaper hotel rates and flights, you should plan your London trip to fall over autumn, late winter or springtime.

We'd advise going in the autumn or spring if you're planning on doing a road trip around England , taking in the major sites like Oxford, Stonehenge, Cheddar Gorge and Brighton.

These popular spots can get pretty busy in high season, and the roads are somewhat unreliable in the winter, so October-November and March-May are ideal.

Average monthly temperature and rainfall for England (London Heathrow)

Best time to visit north england, average monthly temperature and rainfall for north england (durham), best time to visit scotland.

Seeing as it's more northerly than England, it's unsurprising that generally Scotland tends to get colder weather.

But it also means that you'll enjoy long daylight hours in the summer, with the sun not setting until around 10pm in some parts of the country.

And in the wintertime, the high latitude means Scotland is occasionally illuminated by the Northern Lights - a truly spectacular phenomenon.

Many travellers with their sights set on Scotland opt to visit the capital Edinburgh for a city break.

If you're one of them, we recommend going in early autumn or springtime, when the weather is not too cold and the summer tourists haven't arrived.

You could also visit in August to experience the legendary Edinburgh Fringe Festival (which everyone should absolutely do at least once in their lifetime), but if you don't enjoy big crowds, give this one a miss.

If, on the other hand, you are looking to explore the epic wilderness of northern Scotland, consider booking your trip for the summertime.

A road trip along the North Coast 500 , a stunning scenic route in the Highlands, will take you about a week - and what a memorable, photogenic week it will be!

Average monthly temperature and rainfall for Scotland (St. Andrews)

Best time to visit wales.

Wales is all about the great outdoors, so if you plan on doing some hiking, beach-hopping or camping, you'll want to wait til early summer.

In May-June, it won't be too crowded, the wildflowers will be in bloom, and the sun should be shining at least a little bit.

Wales is also stunning in autumn, however, when the leaves transition to vibrant shades of gold and the harvest season yields fresh local produce.

And if you want to experience the country's most important holiday, be there on the 1st of March, when locals attend parades, wear daffodils and traditional Welsh dress, and snack on Welsh cakes for St David's Day.

Average monthly temperature and rainfall for Wales (Cardiff)

Best time to visit northern ireland.

Slightly less temperate than England, Northern Ireland does tend to get rather cold in the winter season.

During the summer months, though, it benefits from long daylight hours - we're talking 5am to 10pm - which makes it a fun and lively time to visit.

Plus, the capital city Belfast was recently voted the best place to visit in 2018, proving that this country is a hidden gem just waiting to be discovered.

If you'd rather save some money and escape tourist season, consider booking a trip to Northern Ireland in autumn, when the trees take on fiery orange hues.

Head to Castle Cool and take a stroll around the lake to discover beautiful autumnal scenery at every turn.

Average monthly temperature and rainfall for Northern Ireland (Armaghada data)

Best time to visit the uk - a month-by-month guide.

After the chaos of Christmas subsides, things become calmer and quieter in the UK, making it quite a pleasant time to visit.

You can also take advantage of the post-holiday sales offered at many of the stores in London and beyond.

The only downside of visiting the UK in January is the weather.

On average across the UK, temps this month range from a high of 7° Celsius (44° Fahrenheit) to a low of 1° C (34°F).

Plus, you should note that many of the older buildings in the country are not very well insulated, so you'll need to bring along fuzzy pyjamas and lots of layers!

On the other hand, if there's one thing the UK does well, it's providing ways to get cosy - and there truly is nothing better than lounging beside a log fire in a quaint, old pub with a red wine and a steak and ale pie.

Plus, if you visit Scotland at the end of January, you'll be there on Robert Burns night - a festive holiday commemorating the country's favourite poet.

It's traditional on Burns Night to read his poetry, sip on whiskey and eat haggis - a classic Scottish dish made from sheep's heart, liver and lungs. Bon appetit!

The weather in the UK is still pretty dreary in February; in fact, you're more likely to see snow and ice now than earlier on the the winter.

Luckily, there's plenty of fascinating things to do and see indoors, so as long as you bring a warm coat, February is a fine time to visit the UK.

In London, for instance, it's a great time to head to the numerous museums - many of them free - to take in the latest exhibitions and shows.

You can also avoid the bad weather by going on a trip to one of the UK's Georgian spa towns - historic resorts that are home to therapeutic mineral spas.

Bath, Cheltenham, Harrogate and Royal Leamington Spa are some of the best and most popular spa towns in the UK, where you can 'take the waters' like they did in the olden days.

March is another changeable month in the UK; some years it will reveal the first glorious hints of spring, and other years it will be a month filled with snow and extreme cold.

Whatever the weather, the best way to channel your inner Brit is by layering up, putting on a brave face and going outside for a good old country walk.

In England and Wales alone, there are an estimated 225,000km (140,000 miles) of public footpaths - walking routes on which the public have a legally protected right to travel on foot.

This means the possibilities for long, scenic walks are essentially endless.

Some of the most picturesque walks are located in the Lake District, the Cotswolds, Norfolk, Cornwall, Devon and Wales - but really, you can find a good route pretty much anywhere.

Do it the true British way by congratulating yourself at the end of the walk with a pint and a hot meal at a traditional country pub.

The final match of the rugby Six Nations Championship also usually takes place in March, so if you love a spirited, sporty atmosphere, this is a great month for you to visit the UK.

Usually by April, things have warmed up a little bit, but it has also been known to be quite rainy and chilly this month - such is the nature of UK weather!

The good thing is that April marks the beginning of daffodil season in the UK, and you're bound to see people selling little bouquets around every street corner.

If you're heading to the countryside in April, daffodils, bluebells and crocuses will be starting to blanket the hills and forests, creating a beautiful and colourful display.

It's a particularly lovely time to travel to the Lake District, where you'll be greeted by spectacular landscapes and countless hiking opportunities for all abilities. Just remember to bring your waterproofs!

April is also a great time of year to tour the south coast of England by car , before the roads become congested with summer travellers.

You can time your trip so that you finish in London at the end of April, just in time to catch the famous London Marathon, which draws more than 36,000 runners to the city.

One thing you should know about May in the UK is that there are two bank holidays this month, which means some of the more popular destinations may be crowded during those weekends.

Flights and train tickets will also likely be at a premium, so try to avoid travelling on those particular weekends.

On the plus side, visiting the UK in May means you're very likely to experience some degree of sun and warmth - finally!

For a special UK holiday treat, make your way south to the famed Jurassic Coast, known for its dramatic cliffs and pristine beaches, as well as being home to fossils that date back millions of years.

In May, you can expect temps to reach about 18°C (65°F) - not quite sunbathing weather, but pleasant enough!

It's also a fabulous time to visit Snowdonia, a majestic mountainous region in Wales where you can go hiking, mountaineering, cycling, fishing and wildlife-spotting.

In terms of weather, June is definitely one of the best times to visit the UK - although, again, you can never be 100% sure.

Still, by June, summer has well and truly started, even in the northernmost parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland, with as many as 13 daylight hours in Northern Ireland, and an amazing 17.5 in Scotland.

Plus, this month is super busy in terms of festivals and events all around the UK, including the well-known Glastonbury and Isle of Wight music festivals.

Wherever you decide to go in the UK, now is the time to take advantage of all the amazing outdoor activities on offer, from touring London on a Thames clipper boat, to climbing Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh, to watching the sunrise over Stonehenge on the Summer Solstice.

Most schools across the UK will have broken up by mid-July, so this month tends to be a bit more hectic.

Rather than visiting London, which will be packed with tourists, you're probably better off heading to a smaller city like Bath or Oxford for a city break.

You can also escape to the seaside to get some sun - just don't expect tropical beaches and swaying palm trees.

Instead, the UK coastline is far more wild, and UK seaside towns tend to be all about kitschy charm and 60s nostalgia, with fish and chip shops, arcades and fresh seafood galore.

Our personal favourite is Margate - a shabby-chic beach town with a cool Turner Contemporary art gallery, top-notch restaurants, and quaint antiques shops, just 90 minutes from London.

Cornwall is another top UK summer time destination, especially among keen surfers.

August is another busy month in the UK, with the Edinburgh Fringe Festival taking top billing.

This month-long theatre and arts extravaganza takes over the entire Scottish city, turning nearly every street corner into a stage.

It's an incredibly exciting time to visit Edinburgh, but it's also extremely popular - which means high prices, competition for hotel rooms and lots of people.

If crowds aren't your cup of tea, don't bother. If, however, you love the arts and don't mind long queues, then book your travel, accommodation and performance tickets at least a few months in advance.

Meanwhile, in London, the August bank holiday at the end of the month marks the start of Carnival - a huge annual event that sees millions of revellers and performers descending on Notting Hill.

This vibrant and colourful street festival celebrates London's multiculturalism, highlighting British West Indian and Caribbean cultures in particular.

Other UK events going on in August include Brighton Pride, Oxfordshire's Wilderness Festival, Cowes Week sailing regatta, and the Bristol Balloon Fiesta.

If you're planning a trip to London , September is one of the best times to visit, especially towards the end of the month.

By then, most of the summer tourists will have gone and the weather is still mild, which means you can explore the city to your heart's desire.

There are also a number of festivals this month including Bestival, Creamfields and London's Proms in the Park.

With the tourists having subsided, now's another good time to embark on a North Coast 500 road trip around northern Scotland .

In September, the temps hover around the mid-teens Celsius (60s Fahrenheit) in north Scotland, so all those outdoor activities - think surfing, kayaking and hiking - will be a breeze.

September is also a delightful time to see the striking white chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters, in East Sussex.

Plan to spend the day walking the length of the cliffs, starting in Seaford and ending up in Eastbourne.

October is an especially beautiful month for visiting the UK; in fact, some of the best places in Europe to see the autumn leaves are right here on these humble islands!

Loch Lomond, Wye Valley, Perthshire and the Lake District - these are just some of the UK destinations that rival New England in terms of dazzling fall foliage.

But it's not just leaves that draw people to the UK in October; the country also hosts numerous numerous lively events and festivals that are worth making a trip for.

Seafood lovers might want to check out the Newquay Fish Festival in Cornwall, where top chefs from around the region cook up delicious fish dishes.

And in the second half of October, the BFI Film Festival takes over London, with more than 300 films and documentaries being screened across the city.

This wonderful event gives you the opportunity to watch new and unique movies from around the globe.

On the 31st, children and adults everywhere celebrate Halloween, which brings with it many of the same traditions you'll see in the USA: cobwebs, pumpkins, witches and sweets.

Some cities - like Birmingham, England, and Londonderry in Northern Ireland - even put on 'spooktacular' fireworks displays for the occasion.

Probably the most important November day in the UK is the 5th, known as Guy Fawkes Night or Bonfire Night.

This holiday commemorates a famous event on 5 November 1605, when Guy Fawkes - a member of the Gunpowder Plot - made a failed attempt to blow up the House of Lords.

To celebrate the fact that King James I survived the attempt, the people of London lit bonfires all around the city, a tradition that still carries on across the UK to this day (although today, you'll see mostly fireworks rather than bonfires, for obvious safety reasons).

If you're in the UK on this day and hear people chanting, 'Remember, remember, the fifth of November,' that's why!

One of the best Guy Fawkes celebrations is in East Sussex, where more than 30 'bonfire societies' band together and form torchlit processions through the towns.

With its pagan feel and spooky atmosphere, it's quite the experience!

Thinking of travelling a bit further north? November in Scotland is pretty chilly, but on the other hand it's a wonderful time to try and spot the Northern Lights - or the 'Mirrie Dancers,' as the Scots call them.

Isle of Skye, Aberdeenshire, Orkney and Caithness are all in prime positions for stargazing.

In some countries, December is considered the dead of winter. But in the UK, it's really more like late-autumn, with temperatures remaining around 5-7°C (mid-40s°F).

Finally, the bland UK weather pays off!

An added bonus is the magical holiday spirit that takes hold in December, with fairy lights and Christmas markets adding a jolt of energy to the country.

The markets in Bath and Edinburgh are some of the best Christmas markets in Europe, easily rivalling the likes of Vienna and Prague.

And if you stick around long enough, New Year's in Edinburgh (which the locals call Hogmanay) is second to none.

The only drawback to visiting the UK in December is that you certainly won't be the only one; with schools out of session and many businesses closed, it's a super popular time go.

Still, if you're looking for a sure-fire, heartwarming way to thaw your winter blues, a visit to the UK will most certainly deliver.

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When is the best time to travel on the motorway?

When trying to figure out the best time to travel on the motorway, you’re likely to find yourself facing a dilemma.

A quick browse through the internet will turn up a multitude of websites and forums advising you to travel at night or during the early hours of the morning to avoid motorway traffic jams.

This is sound advice as far it goes but overlooks one crucial factor – safety. Motorway driving is far more dangerous at night.

So, in this blog we’ll be considering the best time for motorway driving from a safety perspective as well as looking at when traffic is lightest.

Best time to avoid motorway tailbacks

Motorway traffic is considered to be lighter on certain days of the week, namely Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, particularly from 8pm to 6am.

On the other hand, Fridays are more congested than any other weekday. They’re also more dangerous, with nearly 20 per cent more accidents. Weekday rush-hours to be avoided if possible are 6am-10am and 4pm-8pm.

The best time to travel on a motorway to avoid weekend congestion is early morning Saturday or after 6pm, before congestion becomes more likely around 11am Sunday.

How to avert a bank holiday motorway nightmare

Bank holiday weekends can be a nightmare on motorways as millions of leisure-seekers hit the road for a mini-break.

The problem is often aggravated by increased railway engineering works. Network Rail plans major improvement jobs for bank holidays in order to cause the least disruption to passengers. However, that’s little comfort for motorists as even more people are forced to take to the roads.

Based on historic traffic records, TomTom, the navigation and map technology specialists, have compiled a list of the UK’s busiest bank holiday motorway routes, so you might want to avoid:

• M1 between Sheffield and Luton.
• M5 between Bristol and Exeter.
• M6 between Preston and Penrith.
• M40 between Oxford and Uxbridge.

The RAC recommends avoiding heavy bank holiday traffic by using less-used roads at peak times and busier routes at their quietest. Traffic analytics company INRIX says the best time for bank holiday weekend travel to avoid the worst of the traffic is as early or as late in the day as possible.

Ensuring your car is in good condition can help to avoid running into trouble on the motorway, but research by car repair and servicing experts Kwik Fit shows that 90 per cent of motorists fail to check their vehicle before setting off on holiday journeys.

Safest time to travel on the motorway

The Road Safety Foundation says motorways are seven times safer than A-roads. However, motorways become far more hazardous as it gets darker, although traffic becomes lighter. From a safety point of view, the best time to travel on a motorway is from 6am to midnight.

A major problem of driving at night or during the early hours is fatigue. Using a motorway is monotonous at any time but less traffic during the hours of darkness can lead to lack of focus and resulting tiredness.

A 2017 survey by RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) revealed that one in five serious motorway accidents was caused by falling asleep at the wheel. Other risk factors of motorway night driving include reduced visibility and difficulty gauging distance and speed.

If you decide the best time to travel on a motorway is during the evening or overnight, you’ll want to minimise the safety risks. See our guide on how to stay safe on the motorway after dark .

Staying safe on the motorway at all times

No matter what time of day you drive on a motorway, a breakdown can potentially put you in danger, particularly on smart motorways with no hard shoulder.

To keep you and your passengers safe on the motorway, the RAC recommends regular inspection of your car’s:

• Engine oil levels.
• Coolant levels.
• Brakes and disc pads.
• Air conditioning, which also often powers essential components.
• Tyre tread and pressure.

Keeping an eye on your car’s fuel gauge can also help to keep you out of trouble.

If you suspect your car may be failing during a motorway trip but is still driveable, exit at the next junction or pull over at the first service station.

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19 Best Road Trips in the UK for Scenic Drives

March 19, 2024

The UK is home to some of the world’s best road trips , with lots of (both official and unofficial) routes zig-zagging across the entirety of the region.

So in this four-wheeled guide, we’ve brought you the 19 best road trips in the UK . I’ve covered routes in all parts of the region, and I’ve included short rides, long rides, coastal journeys, mountainous meanders, and everything in between.

Rev up that engine and come join the fun!

1. The North Coast 500

2. the northumberland coastal route, 3. the north pennines, 4. the arran ring road, 5. the a4069 black mountain pass, 6. the heart 200, 7. the trotternish loop, 8. the snow roads scenic route, 9. the causeway coastal route, 10. the central sperrins route, 11. the cambrian way, 12. the welsh coastal way, 13. the borders historic route, 14. the lake district loop, 15. the atlantic highway, 16. the south west coastal 300, 17. the high mournes scenic loop, 18. the norfolk and suffolk coasts, 19. belleek to teemore, before you go.

I’m starting with my favorite road trip in the whole of the UK.

A 500-mile (800km) loop around the most northern parts of mainland Scotland, the North Coast 500 is iconic and unmissable—and if you’re only going to attempt one ride on this list, you should definitely make it this one. I’ve done this loop twice, and I’ll definitely be doing it again.

People genuinely have no idea how beautiful or remote this part of Scotland is. Along the route, you get fishing villages, charming towns, massive mountains, some of the best beaches you’ve ever seen, and lots of the planet’s best landscapes. Some stretches are unbelievably otherworldly, and totally unlike any other part of the UK.

If you like hiking, you’ll love this ride—it takes you to some of the best, most rugged and most underrated walking spots in the UK, and you could spend years exploring new treks and trails in this area. For walks, I recommend Stac Pollaidh, Torridon, and the shoreside strolls on the west coast (but there are also way more).

For sheer variety and beauty, road trips really don’t get much better than this… and this is one of the best road trips in the UK.

• Location: Scotland
• Distance: 500 miles/800km
• Itinerary: Signposted loop beginning and ending in Inverness (or Applecross), and following the coast for the majority of the way
• Recommended Time: 5-21 days
• Highlights: Ullapool, Torridon, the Bealach na Bà, the tiny villages, the meandering roads, and the beautiful beaches

For me, the Northumberland Coastal Route is the very best road trip in England.

That might be because I’m from the area and I’m very very biased and I absolutely love the place I’m from… but it just might also be because it’s actually true.

If you like remote beaches, isolated shorelines, friendly fishing villages, massive castles, or gigantic portions of heavily-salted fish and chips, you’ll undoubtedly fall in love with this ride.

You start in Tynemouth, just east of the city of Newcastle . From here, you follow the coast all the way to Berwick-upon-Tweed, the last significant settlement before England becomes Scotland.

Along the way, you’ll pass some of my favorite places in the world, including Cresswell, Alnmouth, Amble, Seahouses, Bamburgh, Craster, Bamburgh Castle, Dunstanburgh Castle, and plenty more. If you want history and beaches without countless crowds, it doesn’t get better than this.

Though this is an incredible road trip, it’s actually most famous as the route for the ultra-beautiful Coast and Castles bike ride .

• Location: England
• Distance: Around 75 miles/120km
• Itinerary: Linear route from Tynemouth to Berwick-upon-Tweed, following the coast the entire way
• Recommended Time : 3-5 days
• Highlights: Tynemouth, Cresswell, Alnmouth, Craster, Bamburgh Castle, Dunstanburgh Castle, lots of friendly faces, lots of fish and chips, and a whole load of quiet towns and beaches

If you’re looking for underrated and under-the-radar, this is the best English road trip on our list.

I love the North Pennines. A bleak, barren and boggy range of peaks in northern England, this is the best mountainous area if you’re looking for remote, rural hikes without lots of other people.

It’s a very unique area. While most hilly regions are green and verdant, this place is sort of apocalyptic and empty, but in a strangely attractive way.

It’s also a great choice if you want a short trip—the route I’m recommending measures only 40 miles (65km).

Start in Lambley, a village famous for its massive viaduct. From here, head south to lovely Alston, my favorite town in the area. Keep heading south and you’ll hit Garrigill, Ashgill Force waterfall, and the ever-popular town of pretty Barnard Castle.

If you want to add a detour, I recommend hiking up Cross Fell , the tallest peak in the North Pennines. The highest point in England outside the Lake District, it sits at a lofty 893 meters (2,930 feet).

• Distance: Around 40 miles/65km
• Itinerary: Linear route from Lambley to Barnard Castle
• Recommended Time : 1-3 days
• Highlights: Lambley Viaduct, Alston, Ashgill Force, Barnard Castle, the optional detour to Cross Fell, and exploring a barren-but-beautiful area

Another circular Scottish route, this is one of the best road trips in the UK for completionists who like feeling as if they’ve seen the entirety of one particular place.

Off the west coast of mainland Scotland, you have the Isle of Arran… which is famously known as ‘Scotland in miniature.’

It comes with that reputation because it offers most of the same things as mainland Scotland. You get great beaches , excellent hikes , multi-day walking and cycling trails, fantastic food, friendly faces, varied wildlife , and some of the cutest coastal settlements you’ve probably ever seen.

If you want to see pretty much the entirety of the island, you can drive around its whole perimeter by riding the Arran ring road. It measures in at only 56 miles (90km), but it brings you close to everything you could want to see .

Make sure you hike up Goatfell, walk some stretches of the Arran Coastal Way , and spend some time exploring towns and villages.

• Distance: 56 miles/90km
• Itinerary: Loop beginning and ending in Brodick, following Arran’s entire coast in a big circle
• Recommended Time : 2-7 days
• Highlights: Seeing all of Arran’s highlights, some of the best beaches you’ve ever seen, the Arran Coastal Way, an ascent up Goatfell, and the settlements of Brodick, Lochranza and Blackwaterfoot

The A4069 Black Mountain Pass is only a short journey, but it’s the most famous road trip in Wales by a long way, and it’s absolutely incredible.

Sitting in the western side of the Brecon Beacons (a massive range of mountains in the south of Wales) , rides this short don’t normally have views this good. Famous for appearing on British TV show Top Gear, the route offers jagged peaks, massive passes, and some of the best panoramas that Wales has to offer.

Notorious for its tight bends, hairpin turns, suddenly-there sheep, and stomach-churning scenery, this is an adrenaline junkie’s dream. That said, it’s not as dangerous as some people like to pretend… so as long as you’re a competent driver, you’ll definitely be comfortable.

If you like mountains, or if you’re looking for a short but brilliant ride, this is one of the best road trips in the UK. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to stop for photographs (there are lots of laybys where you can pull in to get your camera out) .

• Location: Wales
• Distance: 20 miles/32km
• Itinerary: Linear route from Llandovery to Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen, across the A4069 road in the Brecon Beacons
• Recommended Time : 1 hour
• Highlights: A short ride, an exhilarating adventure, hitting the most famous road in Wales, and some of the most dramatic mountain scenery that the UK has to offer

The Heart 200 is one of the newest official road trips in Scotland. And unlike the North Coast 500, it takes you in a loop through the center of the nation, instead of on a tour around the outskirts.

The idea behind this ride is that it journeys through the heart of the nation, hitting lots of the most popular tourist spots. It runs between two excellent national parks: Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, and the Cairngorms National Park (which is the biggest national park in the UK).

In between those parks, you also hit Perth, Stirling, Pitlochry, Callander, Bridge of Allan, Loch Tay, Loch Earn, Loch Leven, and loads more great stuff. The whole route is signposted… which is useful, because the ride meanders a maze-like route through this part of the nation.

For lots of people, the highlights here are all the cute towns and villages, and there are dozens of tiny places dotted around the route. If you like exploring small settlements, this is one of the best road trips in the UK.

• Distance: 158 miles/320km
• Itinerary: Loop starting and ending in Perth or Stirling, following the official signposts all the way
• Recommended Time : 3-7 days
• Highlights: Perth, Stirling, Pitlochry, Bridge of Allan, Loch Tay, Loch Leven, and exploring the outskirts of two of the UK’s best national parks

Sort of similar to the Arran route I’ve outlined above, the Trotternish Loop takes you around an island. But this time, it’s the much-more-famous Isle of Skye —and you don’t see the entirety of the place.

Instead, you see the whole of the Trotternish Peninsula, where you’ll find lots of Skye’s most famous attractions. The most northern part of the Isle of Skye, the Trotternish Peninsula is a finger-shaped area full of attractions and adventures. The most famous parts of this place include the Quiraing, the Old Man of Storr, Mealt Falls, and the island’s capital of Portree.

But you’ll also see Staffin, Uig, Rubha Hunish, the Fairy Glen, the dinosaur footprints of An Corran Beach, and plenty more.

Even if you don’t make any en-route stops, the drive itself is still phenomenal, offering some of the most dramatic landscapes in all of Scotland. If you’re visiting Skye, you should absolutely drive along the Trotternish Loop.

• Distance: 50 miles/80km
• Itinerary: Loop beginning and ending in Portree, following the coast for pretty much the entire ride
• Recommended Time : 2-4 days
• Highlights: The Quiraing, the Old Man of Storr, Mealt Falls, Rubha Hunish, the Fairy Glen, Portree, the dramatic drive itself, and seeing lots of Skye’s highlights in one big trip

If you want a real adventure, this is one of the best road trips in the UK. It takes you through some of the highest parts of the Cairngorms, the biggest (and arguably most impressive) national park in the UK.

Riding through some of the most mountainous parts of Scotland, the Snow Roads Scenic Route climbs through the highest public road in Britain (and, consequently, typically the first road to be hit by seasonal snowfall, which gives the route its name).

Because it’s so high, this is the best ride on our list for panoramic views—along the way, you’ll see lots of peaks and passes. The highest point is Cairnwell Pass, which sits at a loftily-impressive height of 670 meters (2,200 feet).

Full of tight turns and hair-raising switchbacks, you need to be fairly confident to drive this one. But the roads are well-surfaced, and the infrastructure is great (with lots of designated photo-grabbing opportunities along the way, which are purposely placed in the most scenic spots).

By road, there’s no better way to explore the Cairngorms… and this ride is a mountain-lover’s dream.

• Distance: 90 miles/144km
• Itinerary: Linear route from Blairgowrie to Grantown-On-Spey, following the signposts all the way
• Highlights: Cairnwell Pass, Tomintoul, Corgarff Castle , the photo opportunities, the winding roads, and seeing many Cairngorms highlights without ever needing to leave your car

The most famous road trip in Northern Ireland by a long way, The Causeway Coastal Route runs from Derry to Belfast along the northern and eastern coasts of the nation.

It’s most well-known for passing the Devil’s Causeway (the only UNESCO site in Northern Ireland, and the location that gives the route its name). Make sure you stop to see it—it’s one of the strangest geological oddities in this part of the planet.

But the highlights run way beyond that… you get beaches, coastal walks, some surprisingly good inland hikes, Dunluce Castle , Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge , and super-friendly towns and villages.

If you’re only going to tackle one road trip in Northern Ireland, you should probably make it this one. It’s a particularly good choice if you’re a big fan of detours — there are nine official side-trip loops along the route, and they all make your journey bigger, better, much more scenic, and a lot more adventurous.

You should also give yourself enough time to explore both Derry and Belfast, two excellent cities. Tiny Derry in particular is super charming, and it’s one of my favorite settlements in the UK.

• Location: Northern Ireland
• Distance: 130 miles/212km
• Itinerary: Linear route from Derry to Belfast, running all the way along the coast
• Highlights: The Devil’s Causeway, Derry and Belfast themselves, lots of excellent detours, endless coastal walks, Dunluce Castle, Carrickfergus Castle, seeing a massive chunk of Northern Ireland, and riding around the nation’s most famous road trip

In the northwest of Northern Ireland, you have the Sperrins, a mountainous area that takes up almost a quarter of the nation. They’re not the tallest or most well-known mountains in the area, but they’re brimming with hikes, drives, cycling routes, lakes, valleys, historical sites, and some of Northern Ireland’s most overlooked adventures.

In and around the entirety of the Sperrins, there are four official driving routes , taking you to various parts of the area. Of them all, the Central Sperrins Route is the longest, the most comprehensive, and (arguably) the best.

This particular route takes you very close to the summit of Sawel, the highest peak in the area. It’s not massive (measuring in at only 678 meters/2,224 feet), but it’s a great hike.

Other highlights along the way include Baronscourt Forest, Gortinglen Forest, Glenelly Valley, the climb up Mullaghcarn, the villages of Donemana and Sion Mills, and the medieval Aghascrebagh Ogham Stone.

And of course, if you want to add even more action and adventure to your ride, you can add an extra Sperrin road trip or two to your route (all four are joined to one another).

• Distance: 90 miles/145km
• Itinerary: Loop beginning and ending in various possible places, but the best choice is Strabane
• Highlights: Strabane, Baronscourt Forest, Gortinglen Forest, Glenelly Valley, the ascents up Sawel and Mullaghcarn, exploring an underrated part of Northern Ireland, and the exciting option of adding extra road trips

If you want to see lots of Wales and lots of mountains, The Cambrian Way is one of the best road trips in the UK.

The longest Welsh ride we’ve featured on our list, it’s an official route, and it’s probably the most popular road trip in the nation. It runs from the Welsh capital of Cardiff (right in the south of the nation) through to Conwy, a castled resort town on the nation’s northern coast.

But though it begins and ends in coastal territory, the route mainly passes over mountains. It runs through the Brecon Beacons, Elan Valley, the Cambrian Mountains, and parts of Snowdonia National Park.

If you want to take some hilly hiking detours, you have endless options. Snowdon is of course the most popular choice, but there are also lots of wanders in and around nearby Beddgelert. But don’t overlook the southern mountain ranges, which are quieter and arguably more interesting.

Non-hiking highlights include the narrow-gauge Brecon Mountain Railway , Gwydir Castle , and Adventure Parc Snowdonia , but there’s plenty more fun.

• Distance: 240 miles/386km
• Itinerary: Linear route from Cardiff to Conwy via the Brecon Beacons, Elan Valley, the Cambrian Mountains, and parts of Snowdonia National Park
• Recommended Time : 2-10 days
• Highlights: Endless hiking side-trips, Snowdonia National Park, Elan Valley, Conwy, Cardiff, and tackling the longest Welsh road trip on our list

Another official Welsh road trip, the Coastal Way is another south-to-north odyssey through Wales.

But instead of cutting inland through peaks and passes, it instead runs along the coast, taking riders along some of the nation’s best beaches and coastal settlements. The route meanders from St Davids to Aberdaron, following the coast pretty much all the way.

If you like seas, sands and shores, this is one of the best road trips in the UK. Some of the best beaches along the route include Whitesands Bay, Tywyn Beach, and Llangrannog Beach, but there are many more. Make sure you also stop off at the lovely seaside settlements of Abersoch, Cardigan, Aberaeron, and Llangrannog.

All of that said, this ride isn’t all beaches and bays—you also get some good inland hiking opportunities. The northern part of the ride runs west of Snowdonia National Park, while the southern Preseli Hills are great for low-level wanders.

Last of all, make sure you also spend some time in both St Davids and Aberdaron. While St Davids is the pilgrimage-famed smallest city in Britain, Aberdaron is a quaint former fishing village.

• Distance: 180 miles/290km
• Itinerary: Linear route from St Davids to Aberdaron, following the coast all the way
• Recommended Time : 3-10 days
• Highlights: Whitesands Bay, Tywyn Beach, Llangrannog Beach, Abersoch, Cardigan, Aberaeron, St Davids, the Preseli Hills, and seeing countless hidden highlights of the beautiful Welsh coast

The Borders Historic Route is the most underrated Scottish road trip we’ve featured on this list.

Starting from just inside England, the ride then runs all the way to Edinburgh, passing through some of the most history-stuffed parts of southern Scotland.

If you’re interested in history and heritage, make sure you check out Gilnockie Tower , Abbotsford House , and the National Mining Museum of Scotland . And of course, when you reach Scotland’s capital of Edinburgh , there’s plenty of historic stuff to explore there too.

Along the route, you’ll also pass some serene towns and villages, including Langholm, Hawick, Selkirk and Galashiels.

Broadly speaking, this route is very rural and quiet, with lots of rarely-visited settlements and attractions. If you’re interested in Scottish history, lowland Scotland, or being surrounded by few other tourists, you’ll definitely love this ride. It’s not the most dramatic or scenic route in Scotland, but it’s endlessly charming.

• Location: Scotland (and a tiny bit of England)
• Distance: 89 miles/143 km
• Itinerary: Linear waymarked route from Scots Dyke to Edinburgh
• Recommended Time : 3-4 days
• Highlights: Exploring an underrated part of Scotland, the settlements of Hawick, Selkirk and Galashiels, the borderland lowlands, the history and heritage, and an excellent finale in Edinburgh

For seeing very-famous places, this is definitely one of the best road trips in the UK.

The Lake District National Park is the most well-known hiking hub in the entirety of England, and masses of locals travel here for hiking, cycling, swimming, and various other outdoor adventures.

There are endless beautiful drives in and around the region, but for seeing lots of the highlights, here’s what I recommend…

Start in Ambleside, right in the middle of the park. Head east (via the shores of Ullswater) to Pooley Bridge, then cut west to Keswick and Cockermouth. From Cockermouth, head south to Broughton-in-Furness, then back to Ambleside to complete your route.

If you take no detours (though you probably will!), this ride clocks in at 110 miles (177km).

It’s impossible to squeeze all of the Lake District highlights into one drive, but this route does a pretty good job of doing exactly that. It offers Helvellyn, Coniston Water, Keswick, Windermere, Ullswater, all the places we’ve already mentioned, and some of the best panoramas of the park’s various areas.

If you have time, I recommend hiking up Helvellyn, and walking along the entire southern shore of Ullswater.

• Distance: 110 miles/177km
• Itinerary: Loop beginning and ending in Ambleside, via Ullswater, Pooley Bridge, Keswick, Cockermouth, and Broughton-in-Furness
• Highlights: Ambleside, Coniston Water, Keswick, Windermere, seeing the most famous national park in the UK, hiking up Helvellyn, and walking along the shores of Ullswater

Probably the most well-known driving route in England, The Atlantic Highway runs across some of the most famous beaches in the UK.

The ‘Atlantic Highway’, in truth, is just a better-sounding name for the A39 road, a beautiful drive that runs through a western part of southern England.

Though most people only drive from Bridgwater to Bude (which is around 100 miles/160km), I think it’s best to take the route a little further, traveling all the way from Bath to Newquay. If you take the longer route, it measures in at around 210 miles (338km).

Along the way, you’ll pass some of the best parts of the Devon and Cornwall coasts, which many people think are the best shorelines in the whole of the UK. And as another big perk, this is one of the warmest parts of the region, perfect if you’re trying to dodge shoddy weather.

One of the best road trips in the UK for seas and sands, it’s phenomenal. But be warned: it gets outrageously busy in summer… so you should expect lots of crowds and traffic, and you should try to tackle it outside of peak season.

• Distance: Around 210 miles/338km
• Itinerary: Linear route from Bath to Newquay, following the coastline all the way
• Recommended Time : 5-10 days
• Highlights: Bath, Bude, Porlock, Ilfracombe, Woolacombe, lots of beaches, cliffs and sands, and enjoying the warm climes of the hottest part of the UK

The South West Coastal 300 takes you to some of the most overlooked parts of Scotland’s brilliant coastline.

Most people have heard about the northern and northwestern coastlines of Scotland… but way fewer know about all the treats and treasures on Scotland’s southwestern coast.

Some of the highlights include Ayr, Stranraer, Newton Stewart, the Mull of Galloway lighthouse, Girvan, Portpatrick, Moffat and Whithorn. Portpatrick in particular is a big local hotspot, and it’s one of my favorite seaside villages in Scotland.

You also get great seafood, rolling hills, mini lochs, and some underrated hiking opportunities. The entire route circles around Galloway Forest Park , which I think is the best walking region in southern Scotland. Best of all, because this area isn’t yet overrun by tourists, locals are super friendly and welcoming, and love chatting with visitors.

If you want beaches, hikes and villages without crowds, this is one of the best road trips in the UK.

• Distance: 300 miles/482km
• Itinerary: Signposted loop starting and ending in many potential places (but Dumfries is best)
• Recommended Time : 7-14 days
• Highlights: Newton Stewart, Girvan, Portpatrick, the stretch of coast between Ayr and Stranraer, Galloway Forest Park, great seafood, and enjoying coasts without crowds

The High Mournes Scenic Loop takes you through the most impressive part of the Mournes mountains, in the southern part of Northern Ireland.

If you’re looking for short but impressive, this is one of the best road trips in the UK, and it’s crammed with peaks, panoramas and passes at every twist, turn, and hairpin bend.

In and around the area, there are mountains, lakes, seaside views, and forests—so although the route only clocks in at 32 miles (51km), there’s a huge amount of variety. Best of all, the route skirts around Slieve Donard, the highest mountain in Northern Ireland (with a highest point of 850 meters/2790 feet).

Start in the beautiful seaside town of Newcastle, then follow the B180 and the B27 roads, which will lead you to the village of Attica. From Attica, head east, and you’ll hit Annalong, a tiny marina-fronted village where most people end their trip. But I recommend not stopping here—instead, you should turn this trip into a loop by riding along the coast back to Newcastle.

It’s almost unbelievable how much beauty, variety and awe you can cram into a trip this small. If you’re short on time, I 100% recommend it.

• Distance: 32 miles/51km
• Itinerary: Loop beginning and ending in Newcastle
• Recommended Time : 1-3 hours
• Highlights: Newcastle, Annalong, climbing up Slieve Donard, pretty coastal views, the tucked-away lakes, and seeing what might just be the most dramatic mountains in Northern Ireland

Though they’re famous, the Norfolk and Suffolk Coasts (in the southeast of England) are often overlooked in favor of the coastlines in the southwest of England (where you find the Atlantic Highway, which we’ve already outlined).

But this region is absolutely beautiful, and it’s definitely worth exploring.

Because it’s such a big area, there are of course lots of routes you can attempt in the region. But I’m going to recommend driving from Felixstowe to Huntstanton, which is a pretty lengthy drive of around 180 miles (290km).

If you ride the whole route, you’ll hit the three best parts of the region: the Norfolk Coast Area of Natural Beauty, The Norfolk Broads, and The Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Natural Beauty.

The coastlines are the most famous part of this ride, but this part of the nation also has some pretty good low-level hills and hiking… if you want a compromise between shorelines and mountains, you won’t find any better than this.

If you’re interested in birds, this is one of the best road trips in the UK—there are many RSPB reserves in this part of the region.

• Distance: Around 180 miles/290km
• Itinerary: Linear route from Felixstowe to Huntstanton, following the coast all the way
• Recommended Time : 5-8 days
• Highlights: Hunstanton, Blakeney Point (where you’ll find the largest seal colony in England), Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft, and the three officially-designated areas of natural beauty

Another great option for a short ride, the route from Belleek to Teemore is in an underrated part of Northern Ireland, and it’s brimming with endless lakeside views.

It’s not an official drive, but it’s one of my favorites… and it’s absolutely beautiful. But here’s the important part: when you tackle it, don’t take the direct route. Instead, follow the A46 out of Belleek, which will bring you along the southwestern shores of Lower Lough Erne.

One of the prettiest lakes in Northern Ireland, it’s full of great views, excellent picnic spots, and lots of tiny islands. Other highlights along this part of the route include the Cliffs of Magho , Blackslee Waterfall , and Tully Castle .

Eventually, you’ll hit the town of Enniskillen, which is great for an overnight stay. From here, pass both Lisnaskea and Teemore on a pretty ride which takes you over the shores of Upper Lough Erne.

During this part of the ride, make sure you check out the oddly-situated Hare Krishna Temple, which sits on a small island inside the lake.

When you get to Teemore, you’re super close to the Republic of Ireland border. I recommend crossing the border for even more adventures!

• Distance: 38 miles/61km
• Itinerary: Linear route from Belleek to Teemore, via Enniskillen
• Recommended Time : 1-2 days
• Highlights: The Cliffs of Magho, Blackslee Waterfall, Teemore, Enniskillen, the strange Hare Kirishna temple, lots of tiny islands, and endless lakeside views

And that brings us to the end of our guide to the 19 best road trips in the UK . Thanks for reading!

We compiled this list from our collections of the best road trips in England , the best road trips in Scotland , the best road trips in Wales and the best road trips in Northern Ireland . So for even more detail, rev on over to those.

And if you’re curious, here’s the answer to the popular question: How Long Does it Take To Travel Across Great Britain?

About the author

Senior Travel Reporter

Paul is a handsome and hilarious travel writer and travel journalist from the UK. He's hiked, hitchhiked and laughed his way through more than fifty countries, and he's always looking for a new place to call home. Originally from Newcastle, he's lived all over the UK, spent more than three years in Asia, and most recently lived in Vietnam and then in Georgia.

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The best time to travel on the roads this UK bank holiday weekend

More than 14m drivers are set to make leisure trips this bank holiday weekend – nearly 2m more than last year, data from the RAC suggests.

Saturday, August 26 th , is expected to be the busiest ‘getaway’ day of the weekend on the roads in the UK, with a RAC’s research showing as many as 3.1m separate trips are due to be taken. Friday is forecast to be the next busiest with 2.8m trips planned, followed by Sunday with 2.3m, while the bank holiday Monday is predicted to see 1.9m. On top of these estimates are another 4.2m trips which will be made at some point over the course of the three-day weekend by drivers who have yet decide which day to travel on.

While the overall number of getaway trips due to be made over the August Summer bank holiday weekend is 1.8m more than last year when fuel prices were at an all-time high, they are not as high as previous years when petrol and diesel were much cheaper.

Transport experts INRIX are warning of longer-than-normal journeys on some key routes on Friday around 1pm with delays of 55 minutes on M1 North J12 to J16. They also advise drivers to avoid using major roads between 10am and 7pm on Friday, between 10am and 3pm on both Saturday and Sunday, and between 10am and 4pm on Monday. The best time to travel on Friday, Sunday and Monday is before 10am whereas on Saturday it’s after 3pm.

“With fuel prices much lower than last summer’s record highs, it’s clear from our research that many more drivers are planning to make the most of what the UK has to offer over the last bank holiday of the summer. And if the weather is kind, even more people may decide to take trips swelling numbers on the road further still and possibly adding to the inevitable delays.”, says RAC Breakdown spokesperson Simon Williams.

The most popular destinations for the bank holiday weekend are: Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire, followed by the West Country (Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset), then Wales and Scotland jointly.

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Britons holidaying abroad are getting more value for money

Strong currency performance puts more cash in pockets of Britons holidaying abroad

Rising rates for sterling mean holidaymakers can look forward to getting more for their money in the vast majority of holiday destinations this year, according to new exchange rate analysis by Post Office Travel Money for its regular Holiday Money Index survey of currency rates and sales trends.

Sterling has strengthened in value against 21 of Post Office Travel Money’s 25 bestselling holiday currencies over the past 12 months but the amount by which Britons can hope to benefit varies quite significantly from one destination to another. While Britons can expect to receive 3.8 per cent more than a year ago when changing their pounds into euros and 5.5 per cent more US dollars, they will get far more for their money when visiting Turkey, Kenya and Japan.

The  Exchange Rate Monitor , published as part of the Holiday Money Index, reveals that Britons visiting Turkey will currently get around 73 per cent more liras for the pounds than a year ago – the equivalent of almost £211 extra on a £500 currency purchase. This rises to 113.5 per cent – or £266 extra – over two years.

Sterling has also gained almost 21 per cent in value against the Kenyan shilling and 15.7 per cent against the Japanese yen compared with a year ago. Although the dramatic fall in value of the Egyptian pound reported in last year’s Holiday Money Index has bottomed out, it is still 6.3 per cent weaker than last March. Cumulatively, this means visitors will receive around £234 (88 per cent) more on a £500 currency transaction now than two years ago.

There have also been sizeable sterling gains against the currencies for a trio of the most popular destinations for UK holidaymakers – Prague (Czech Republic: +12.7 per cent), Thailand (Thai baht: +9.9 per cent) and South Africa (South African rand: +9.2 per cent), while Britons visiting friends and family in Australia will get 8.5 per cent more holiday cash for their pounds.

Only four currencies – the Polish zloty, Mexican peso, Costa Rican colon and Swiss franc – have gained ground against sterling. The pound’s biggest fall of 4.3 per cent year-on-year has been against the Polish zloty, although this is eclipsed by two year losses of over 20 per cent against the Costa Rican colon and Mexican peso.

“ Sterling’s current buoyancy against most leading holiday currencies – including the euro and US dollar – provides a great incentive for Britons considering trips abroad in the coming months. Most currencies have weakened against the pound in the past year, and many of these are for destinations that traditionally offer the cheapest prices for meals, drinks and other tourist staples. Good examples of this range from Turkey and the Czech Republic in Europe to Kenya, Thailand and Vietnam further afield ,” says Laura Plunkett, Head of Travel Money at Post Office .

The latest analysis of currency sales by Post Office Travel Money, which accounts for one-in-four of all UK foreign exchange transactions, reveals that sales of 16 of its 20 bestselling currencies have risen over the past 12 months (February 2023-January 2024). It also observes that many of these currencies are continuing to show marked growth in 2024 to date.

Reviewing sales for January 2024, Post Office Travel Money reports that Caribbean currencies have seen the most dramatic year-on-year growth among its 20 bestselling currencies. In particular, it found that East Caribbean and Barbados dollar purchases rocketed by 103 per cent and 64 per cent respectively in January – outperforming growth levels by rival destinations in the Far East.

However, taking at the year as whole, seven Far Eastern currencies dominate the top 10 chart of Post Office Travel Money’s currencies showing the greatest levels of growth. The biggest percentage sales increase was for the Chinese yuan, which recorded a spectacular 573 per cent year-on-year rise, albeit against very low sales the previous year when visits to China were off limits.

The euro and US dollar remain by far the most popular holiday currencies, topping the chart for the past year as they have consistently done – and a sales increase of nine per cent in January made the euro the 10 th  fastest growing currency for that month.

Demand for aspirational destinations is also particularly strong. Both the Australian dollar, third in the Post Office bestsellers top 10, and New Zealand dollar, ninth in the table, have built on the exceptional currency growth seen a year ago when Australia and New Zealand re-opened to international visitors.

Swiss Air Lines to offer direct services from Seoul to Zurich

Swiss International Air Lines will be further expanding its services in the 2024 summer schedule with the addition of Seoul to its long-haul network in Asia. Alongside the already announced new intercontinental destinations of Washington, DC and Toronto, Canada in the West, SWISS will also be enlarging its long-haul network in the East by connecting the South Korean capital of Seoul with Zurich, Switzerland.

Seoul, the capital of South Korea, will receive its first-ever SWISS services in summer 2024. This metropolis offers a perfect blend of traditional charm and contemporary flair and delights visitors with sights like the Gyeongbokgung Palace and futuristic landmarks such as the N Seoul Tower. Similarly, Switzerland offers a mix of natural beauty and modernity with its majestic Alpine landscapes, including the Matterhorn and Jungfrau peaks, as well as the vibrant economic and cultural centre of Zurich.

“We are delighted to be further growing our network,” says SWISS Chief Commercial Officer Heike Birlenbach. “As well as our new long-haul destinations of Washington, DC and Toronto, which we’ve already announced, we’ll be adding the extremely attractive destination of Seoul to our Asian network in summer 2024. The capital of South Korea has a lot to offer leisure and business travellers alike. And our new Seoul service will help us even better meet our customers’ needs for non-stop services to and from the world’s key cities.” 

According to Leo Tonidandel, General Manager Korea, Lufthansa Group Airlines: “We are excited to launch Seoul as the first new destination in Asia for SWISS in 2024. As a premium carrier, SWISS will offer four cabins including First Class and Premium Economy Class and provide Korean passengers with more choices when traveling to Europe with direct flights from Seoul/Incheon to Zurich and beyond with connections in Zurich. In addition, SWISS, as a member of Lufthansa Group Airlines, gives Korean customers the opportunity to enjoy combined services with Lufthansa, including the same mileage program and various benefits.”

SWISS will commence its thrice-weekly non-stop service between Zurich and Seoul on 8  May 2024. The flights will be operated with an Airbus A340 equipped with First, Business, Premium Economy and Economy Class.

Great places to stay in the Algarve that won’t break the bank

Known for its golden sandy beaches, good tourism infrastructure, and friendly weather all year round, it is not a surprise that the Algarve , in Portugal, is a sought-after destination for locals and tourists from around the world. And popularity comes at a price: according to the National Institute of Statistics (INE), over the first semester of 2023 alone, the average property prices in the Algarve increased by 16.6% compared to the first quarter of 2022. In fact, in the past four years, the price per square meter of properties still available in the region has increased by an astounding 57% – a 10 percentage point increase above the national market average in Portugal.

Thankfully, you don’t have to buy a property in the Algarve to enjoy its 100+ beaches and 155 km coastline. Although the cost of living in Europe have pushed princes up, including temporary accommodation, it is still possible to visit Portugal and stay in decent places charging reasonably affordable daily fees in the Algarve .

Here our readers share the places and areas they have chosen to stay while in the Algarve to make the most of this popular destination without emptying their wallets.

Olhos de Água for affordable boutique hotels

“I spent 12 days in Algarve while backpacking throughout Latin American and European cities. While searching through different hotel booking sites, I came across Velamar Boutique Hotel, in Olhos de Água, which cost me € 85 per day, which is reasonable given the number of amenities the hotel provides including an outdoor swimming pool, a spa, as well as game and meeting rooms.”

Shreya Patel – Marketing Manager at Lowest Flight Fares

Portimão for riverside tranquillity

“I typically head to Spain’s Costa Brava for a quick beach getaway. Last summer, I wanted to treat myself to a little luxury in a new location, so I decided upon the Jupiter Marina Hotel – Couples & Spa – in Portimão, Algarve. It is a luxurious 4-star hotel ideally positioned in Portimão, just a stone’s throw from the riverside and close to the  marina and beach. I particularly enjoyed the comfort of the rooms and the ambiance of the rooftop bar. Reasonably priced from €56, I found it almost half the price of other luxury accommodation in the area.”

Guy Sharp – Relocation Manager at Andorra Guides 

Ferragudo for timeless beauty

“Nestled between the vibrant cities of Lagos and Albufeira, Ferragudo unveils the essence of a quintessential Portuguese fishing village. During my visit last year, I found myself enchanted by the town’s authenticity, momentarily setting aside my camera to soak in the natural beauty that surrounded me. Positioned at the mouth of the Arada River, Ferragudo retains its timeless beauty, offering a tranquil riverside route. While there, also take time to visit Praia do Pintadinho Praia dos Caneiros and the Ferragudo Lighthouse for breathtaking panoramic views.”

Olly Gaspar – Adventure Travel Publisher & Photographer

Daily rates for accommodation in Ferragudo start from €50.

Roja-Pé for family Airbnb near the beach

“I like to stay at nice places, but I try to avoid busy hotels whenever possible. And as someone who often travels with a family of six members, that is why I first look at Airbnb to see if large properties are available. This works out more economically than booking several rooms separately. For two years in a row, I have stayed at Casa D’ Cor, a spacious townhouse in Albufeira with a rooftop terrace, within walking distance from Falesia Beach and Olhos D’agua Beach. It is a very residential area so, besides feeling safe, I find it close enough to  bustling places during the day – yet still very tranquil for those looking to rest at night.”

Celine Allard – Retired teacher

Booking the entire Casa D’Cor , costs from £69 per day during the low season (November – March).

Porches for luxury within budget

“During my recent trip to the Algarve, I stumbled upon this fantastic spot called Vila Vita Parc by Azure Retreats. It’s a luxury resort offering 7 nights from £1,105pp, including flights, transfers and breakfast. It is Tucked away in the countryside with great views. If you are up for a bit of luxury that won’t wreck your budget, give Azure Retreats a shot – totally worth it!”

Maarten Cox – Director at Gecko Routes

Luz for luxury within budget

“As a travel and lifestyle writer with over 12 years of extensive travel experience, one of my most recent adventures took me to Luz, in the Algarve, where I stayed at the Luz Beach Apartments. These self-catering apartments appeal with their balance of comfort, luxury, and affordability. With fully equipped kitchens, spacious rooms, and stunning sea views, it was far superior to my average Airbnb stays. Being able to enjoy the golden sands within just a short stroll from my temporary home added a unique convenience and luxury that is rare to come by, especially without burning a hole in your pocket. Plus, with eateries and local marketplaces in the vicinity, I could truly immerse in the local culture and lifestyle.” Amelia Thompson – Travel writer

Sea view studios at Luz Beach Apartments cost from €70 during the low season (November – March)

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Driving home for Christmas: best and worst times to travel

Congestion expected to peak on Friday while Saturday due to be Heathrow’s busiest day

Congestion during the great festive getaway is expected to peak on Friday afternoon, although motorists may face lighter traffic than usual due to staggered holidays and a midweek Christmas , driving organisations have said.

Analysis showed Thursday 19 and Friday 20 December would be the busiest days, with more than 17 million drivers on main roads and motorways between commuter traffic and people driving home for Christmas.

AA polling of its members showed a predicted peak from 4pm on Friday, as well as a last-minute shopping rush on Saturday. It said staggered holiday dates would allow some families to travel earlier, while Christmas falling on a Wednesday could also help spread journeys out.

Traffic delays can be expected on Friday on stretches of motorway including on the M25, the M5 between Bristol and Weston-super-Mare and the M6 around Birmingham, the AA said.

The RAC warned there could be long queues on the northbound M1 on Sunday afternoon, according to data from the traffic analysts Inrix.

However, it said people driving home for Christmas early next week could expect a quieter journey, with work and business traffic falling away.

Further relief for motorists has come from Highways England, which said that 98% of England’s motorways and major A-roads would be clear of roadworks between Friday and 2 January.

Network Rail said the vast majority of the railway would be open, aside from a two-day closure on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, when more than 20,000 staff will be involved in £100m of engineering projects.

Work on the Great Western Railway will mean no trains from London Paddington between 24-27 December, and a reduced timetable between 28-31 December.

Engineering works taking place at London King’s Cross will affect services running north until late on Friday 27 December, while work near Liverpool Street station will affect Greater Anglia services over the holidays.

The busiest day at Britain’s biggest airport, Heathrow , is expected to be on Saturday 21 December, when 255,133 passengers are due to fly in or out.

British Airways said more than 1 million customers would use the airline over the festive period, with New York, Los Angeles, Johannesburg and Cape Town its top long-haul destinations. Crew expect to serve more than 100,000 traditional Christmas dinners.

The UK aviation industry is relaunching its “One Too Many” campaign to warn passengers of the consequences of overly festive behaviour at airports, including £80,000 fines for drunken passengers who disrupt flights.

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Easter getaway: best and worst roads and times to travel

March 25, 2024 by John Rawlings

• Peak traffic expected on Thursday 28th March and Good Friday
• Thursday 28th March: traffic predicted to be busiest from 2pm to 7pm
• Thursday 28th March: busiest route expected to be M25 between M23 to M1
• Good Friday: traffic holdups most likely between 11am and 3pm
• Good Friday: busiest roads – M5 from Bristol to Taunton; M3 from M25 to south coast

To make your Easter road trip as ‘eggscellent’ as possible, these tips on when the most popular roads will be at their busiest could save adding extra hours to your journey.

As the first Bank Holiday of 2024, Easter will be a popular time to getaway, but data from a study of motorists by the RAC and INRIX estimates that traffic will peak on Good Friday between 11am and 3pm when 2.6m cars could be on the UK’s roads. The best time to travel on that day is expected to be after 5pm, if you can, and the roads likely to be the busiest are the M5 southbound between Bristol and Taunton, and the M3 from the M25 to the south coast with journey times taking twice as long as usual.

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It won’t be much better the day before either as nearly two million cars are expected to try to beat the Good Friday rush by travelling on Thursday 28 March when the worst times for traffic congestion are expected to be between 2pm and 7pm. If possible, aim to be on the roads before or after those times. 

The busiest road on that Thursday before Easter is thought to be the M25 in both directions between the junctions with the M23 in Surrey and the M1 in Hertfordshire with delays predicted to add two hours to anyone travelling on this stretch. 

Easter Saturday and Sunday will, of course, also be busy with 2.3m cars likely to be out and about, with peak periods of 10am to 12pm and 11am to 1pm, respectively.

RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: “Anyone who can delay leaving on Thursday 28 March until much later in the evening or set off as early as possible on Good Friday is likely to have a better journey than those who travel during the peak periods of the day. On every journey there are key pinch points where you can save yourself lots of valuable time if you can get through before everyone else. This will be especially true over the whole Easter holidays as our research shows two-thirds (64%) of drivers will be making a leisure journey on major roads at some point.”

With many taking a whole week’s holiday over Easter, traffic is predicted to peak again as people make their return journey on Friday 5 April. The M5 is expected to be a traffic hotspot at about 3pm that day with delays of up to 2.5 hours.

If your Easter trip is the first long distance your car has travelled for a while, to reduce the risk of any issues or breakdowns, check it is in as good condition as possible before you go.

If you’ve decided to stay at home this Easter and are looking for an easy way to change your car  then Carwow is the place to go. All through our network of trusted dealers and all from the comfort of your home. Tap the button below to get started today.

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• Transport planning

National Travel Survey mid-year estimates

The survey collects information on how, why, when and where people travel. The mid-year estimates provide faster indicators for key tables.

National Travel Survey mid-year data tables

The mid-year estimates provide faster indicators for key tables and include data for 12-month periods from July to June.

NTSMY0101: Trips, distance travelled and time taken: England, year ending June 2023 ( ODS , 7.24 KB )

NTSMY0303: Average number of trips, stages, miles and time spent travelling by mode: England, year ending June 2023 ( ODS , 12.4 KB )

NTSMY0403: Average number of trips, miles and time spent travelling by trip purpose: England, year ending June 2023 ( ODS , 11.7 KB )

NTSMY0409: Average number of trips and distance travelled by purpose and main mode: England, year ending June 2023 ( ODS , 13.4 KB )

NTSMY0601: Average number of trips, stages and distance travelled by sex, age and mode: England, year ending June 2023 ( ODS , 33 KB )

NTSMY0611: Average number of trips and distance travelled by sex, age and purpose: England, year ending June 2023 ( ODS , 24 KB )

NTSMY9903: Average number of trips by main mode, region and rural-urban classification of residence: England, year ending June 2023 ( ODS , 14.4 KB )

NTSMY9904: Average distance travelled by mode, region and rural-urban classification of residence: England, year ending June 2023 ( ODS , 15.8 KB )

NTSMY0001: Sample numbers ( ODS , 7.65 KB )

National Travel Survey statistics

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Map shows London Marathon route map and road closures for 2024

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Thousands of people will be making their way into the capital today for this year’s London Marathon.

Crowds of people will be supporting the runners as they take on the 26.2 mile course through the city.

The course will set off in Blackheath and will take the runners past such sites as the Cutty Sark in Greenwich, Canary Wharf, The Shard and Tower Bridge, before finishing up at St James’s Park.

There will of course be travel disruptions and road closures today, so read on to find out where you can expect them and from what time.

Which roads will be closed for London Marathon 2024 and at what times?

Which roads are closed for the marathon?

Here are the closures to be mindful of:

• Charlton Way, Greenwich: 4am to 1pm
• Shooters Hill Road: 4am to 1pm
• St John’s Park: 7am to 1pm
• Charlton Park Road: 7am to 1pm
• Old Dover Road: 7am to 1pm
• Little Heath: 7am to 1pm
• Charlton Park Lane: 7am to 1pm
• Artillery Place: 7am to 1pm
• John Wilson Street: 7am to 1pm
• Woolwich Church Street: 7am to 2pm
• Woolwich Road: 7am to 2pm
• Trafalgar Road: 7am to 3pm
• Creek Road: 7am to 3pm
• Evelyn Street: 8am to 4pm
• Surrey Quays Road: 8am to 4pm
• Salter Road: 8am to 4pm
• Brunel Road: 8am to 4pm
• Jamaica Road: 8am to 4pm
• Tower Bridge: 8am to 7pm
• The Highway (south side): 8am to 7pm
• Narrow Street: 8am to 7pm
• Westferry Road: 8am to 7pm
• East Ferry Road: 8am to 7pm
• Marsh Wall: 8am to 7pm
• North Colonnade: 8am to 7pm
• Poplar High Street: 8am to 7pm
• Commercial Road: 8am to 7pm
• The Highway (north side): 8am to 7pm
• Byward Street: 7.30am to 8.30pm
• Upper Thames Street: 7.30am to 8.30pm
• Victoria Embankment: 7.30am to 8.30pm
• Birdcage Walk (westbound): 6am on April 21 to May 18
• Birdcage Walk (eastbound): 7.30am on April 22 to May 18

There will be closures right across the route of the London Marathon occurring at separate times throughout the day.

For more information on road closures, download the official guide from the  TCS London Marathon website .

London Underground on marathon day

The  London Underground , London Overground and Docklands Light Railway are running extra services throughout marathon day and are recommended as the best way to get around to keep up with the race action.

Due to the nature of the day, expect services to be busy with crowds of spectators along the route.

Stops near the Marathon route are likely to be very busy, especially the Jubilee, Circle and District lines, and the DLR.

Latest London news

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• Map reveals the worst London boroughs for phone thefts as cases rise

To get the latest news from the capital visit Metro.co.uk's London news hub .

Transport for London is encouraging everyone to plan their journeys in advance and check the  TfL website  or TfL Go app for the latest travel information.

London Marathon 2024

• Record number of people take part with millions raised for charity
• Alexander Munyao claims victory as Briton Emile Cairess secures third
• Joel Dommett amongst the big name stars taking part in this year's race
• How to apply for London Marathon 2025 registration as ballot opens
• Ukrainian band of brothers will return to fight after marathon finish line

Buses on marathon day

Bus routes along the route of the marathon will either be diverted or will not run the length of their usual journey until the roads are back open.

If travelling by bus on the day, visit  tfl.gov.uk/bus/status  to see if your bus route is affected.

What time does the London Marathon start?

The race will kick off at around 8.30am with professional athletes leading the way.

The rest of the runners will then set off in waves from rom 10am to 11.30am, with gaps in between to allow the course ahead to clear. All start lines will be closed by 11.30am. 

Start waves and times are allocated based on runners’ predicted finish time, which will have been given to organisers ahead of time.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected] .

For more stories like this, check our news page .

MORE : Alexander Munyao wins London Marathon as Briton Emile Cairess secures third spot

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20mph speed limits on Welsh roads may return to 30mph by end of the year

Former first minister Mark Drakeford, who stepped down last month after five years, had said the reduced limits would "save lives".

Wales reporter @TomosGruffydd

Tuesday 23 April 2024 18:42, UK

Speed limits of 20mph on residential roads in Wales could start going back up to 30mph by the end of this year, the country's government has said.

Ministers have urged the public to have their say on which roads should be returned to the higher limit.

The default limit in Wales 's built-up areas was lowered in September last year to 20mph - a pledge that was part of the Labour Party's manifesto for the 2021 Senedd [parliament] election.

The policy proved controversial after a call for the limit to be scrapped broke Senedd records for the most-signed petition on its website.

Former deputy climate change minister Lee Waters, who spearheaded the rollout, announced last month he would quit the role and delete his X account after receiving abuse .

Now, newly-appointed transport secretary Ken Skates has announced the government in Cardiff Bay will be revising its guidance to councils on which roads can be exempted from the new lower 20mph speed limit.

The move could see councils able to return limits to their previous speeds by the end of the year.

Mr Skates said the government will "listen to the people of Wales" on the default 20mph limit.

Speaking in the Senedd on Tuesday, Mr Skates outlined a three-point plan to implement targeted changes to the policy.

He said the government would embark on a "genuine programme of listening to people" between now and July.

The government will work with councils to revise the exceptions guidance and is urging the public to get in touch with their local authorities to tell them which roads they think should be targeted with 20mph limits.

Once the new guidance is finalised, the government expects highway authorities will begin adjusting the speed limits on relevant roads.

The government says it expects that process to begin in September - exactly a year since the rollout.

The Welsh Conservatives - the largest opposition group in the Senedd - have said they believe the announcement is "another example of Labour ministers paying lip service".

"Ministers might be making all of the right noises on 20mph, but if the cabinet secretary is serious about listening to the people of Wales, then he will accept that this law was a terrible mistake and repeal it," added shadow transport secretary Natasha Asghar.

Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth said he supported the "principle of widespread 20mph zones" but that it had been implemented "very poorly and inconsistently".

"Welsh government must push ahead now and sort it out, working with local authorities and communities to ensure that limits are properly reviewed, and unreasonable 20mphs are removed," he added.

Campaign group 20's Plenty for Us said a review should aim to make guidance "clearer" rather than "diluting" it.

Read more: Politicians receive 'threatening messages' over 20mph 'Mind-boggling' two-mile stretch with eight speed changes

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Despite the changes, transport secretary Ken Skates said the government continues to believe 20mph is "the right speed limit" in places such as near schools, hospitals, nurseries, community centres, play areas and residential areas.

"What I am doing now is listening to what people want for the roads in their communities, and pressing ahead with refining the policy and getting the right speed on the right roads," he said.

Mr Skates added that the degree of speed limit changes in each of Wales's 22 local authority areas will be determined by the public and by individual councils.

As recently as February, the Welsh government was saying that behaviour and attitudes towards 20mph were "beginning to change" .

Former first minister Mark Drakeford , who stepped down last month after five years, had said the reduced limits would "save lives".

Yet his successor Vaughan Gething , as well as the other leadership contender Jeremy Miles, had both committed to a review.

Related Topics

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More From Forbes

Mother’s day gift guide 2024: the best travel gadgets and gear for smoother travel.

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Make Mom's life easier when she travels.

Show Mom your love and consideration for her frequent travel with these clever and convenient travel gadgets and gear that can make her time on the road easier. From health and wellness to traveling more efficiently, these are some great Mother’s Day gifts for the regularly traveling moms you know.

Wireless ChargeCard pocket-sized phone charger

Charge your phone anywhere without a power outlet.

As small as a credit card, this thin power bank now comes in a wireless version that sticks magnetically to the back of your phone and charges it without any power outlet needed. It can power up both iPhone, Android, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel or other Qi-enabled smartphones, which means you don’t need to carry cables with you. To recharge the device itself, it has its own USB cable to charge it up when you need to get it ready for the next use. The $80 Wireless Magnetic ChargeCard , the original version of which debuted on ABC’s “Shark Tank,” comes in three colors and can fit easily into your pocket. There is also a built-in phone grip so that it doesn’t fall off easily. It is powerful enough to give your phone between a 30%- 100% emergency boost anywhere you are.

SparkBox surprise mystery gift boxes

The Joy gift box retails for $60 each.

These small mystery gift boxes are curated based on personal mood or preferences. In each one is something to spark a new curiosity or hobby as well as find a way to “declutter” the mind and unwind. They have an artistic focus so that after opening and using the contents, there is a special keepsake to enjoy. This is a great gift for Moms to take on the road with them or to enjoy back at home with their kids or partner. SparkBox comes as a one-time ($25) gift or as a subscription (just over $22 per box with the ability to control the frequency and timing of it) where the anticipation of what is going to arrive next is part of the gift itself. Other themed boxes are more expensive, but include more products for hobbies or entertaining.

FlatPak Toiletry Bottle

This is an excellent solution to the frustrating TSA restriction on carrying a limited number of ... [+] liquids.

Stuffing TSA-friendly liquid bottles into a small plastic bag does is like a game of Tetris, and it can limit the number of toiletries people take when traveling with a carry-on bag. Matador has a solution to that problem with the TSA-approved FlatPak Toiletry Bottle that lays flat while holding 3oz of liquid each. They come in different colors and are made with a flex fabric that can easily be refilled. They are more lightweight than a plastic bottle. Plus, being malleable and flat, traveling moms can stuff more toiletries into the plastic bag without wasting space inside of it. The bottles are BPA and PVC-free; a pack of three costs $38. What a brilliant solution to a frustrating problem!

Oura Smart Ring sleep tracker

The Oura smart ring is made of titanium and extra durable.

Whether you’re a new mother or one that travels regularly, tracking sleep is key to understanding how to get the most deep and REM sleep for maximum rest and recovery. The titanium Oura smart ring monitors 20 biometric signals and health sensors to track various patterns and provide a summary of your daily activity and rest. This includes deep or light sleep, heart rate variability, oxygen saturation and even your skin temperature. The synced app can help make suggestions for how to improve health and wellness. The rings come in various colors, including gold and rose, and different textures including matte and glossy. The company will send a ring sizing kit first to determine the best ring for each person.

WhatsApp Brand New iPhone Feature Just Launched That s Much Easier To Use

New apple id password reset issue hitting iphone ipad and macbook users, apple’s iphone ai plans confirmed with new software upgrade, luxsb - official luxury scent box subscription.

This spring, there are several new fragrances exclusive to Luxury Scent Box.

Luxury Scent Box (LUXSB) is a subscription-based fragrance shipment that sends TSA-friendly, travel-sized spray bottles with different scents according to your personal preferences. You can receive a variety of options each month or order full bottles directly from the company. It is an entertaining way to sample new perfumes without investing in a full bottle, and you never have to worry about taking large bottles and having to check a bag due to liquid restrictions. When you find a favorite, the small .30oz/9ml spray dispensers can hold about 150 sprays before refilling them. There are over 700 designer or niche fragrance brands for each type of scent profile available for a monthly fragrance supply. Some of the latest are Icelandic Andrea Maack JEST (fruity notes of plum and apple with back notes of chocolate, rum and vanilla and Juliette Has A Gun with scents of dark cherry, pink pepper and jasmine. Another option is Michel Germain's orange blossom and French vanilla or French pear and lilac parfum.

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The life and music of Amy Winehouse, through the journey of adolescence to adulthood and the creation of one of the best-selling albums of our time. The life and music of Amy Winehouse, through the journey of adolescence to adulthood and the creation of one of the best-selling albums of our time. The life and music of Amy Winehouse, through the journey of adolescence to adulthood and the creation of one of the best-selling albums of our time.

• Sam Taylor-Johnson
• Matt Greenhalgh
• Marisa Abela
• Eddie Marsan
• Jack O'Connell
• 54 User reviews
• 62 Critic reviews
• 49 Metascore

• Amy Winehouse

• Mitch Winehouse

• Blake Fielder-Civil

• Cynthia Winehouse

• Joey the dealer

• Nick Shymansky

• Janis Winehouse

• Raye Cosbert

• Chris Taylor

• Artist Development Man
• Aunt Melody

• Perfume Paul

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Did you know

• Trivia Marisa Abela had done most of the singing in this film herself. She trained extensively to mimic Amy Winehouse 's vocals.

Technical specs

• Runtime 2 hours 2 minutes

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