Planning a road trip this year? You might be tempted by legendary drives, like Route 66 in the US, or the outback in Australia. But the UK, too, is home to some incredible places to drive through. If you’re planning a road trip, it’s worth considering a few of the routes we’ll discuss here, in this roundup of amazing British road-trip destinations.
To get the most from your trip, you’ll want to take a few like-minded friends. Take out the right temporary car insurance policy, and you’ll be able to share driving duties throughout the trip, ensuring that everyone gets a chance to share in the fun!
Peak District
The Peak District is undoubtedly best known for its hiking trails. But the roads winding through the area are amazing, too. Of these, the most famous is arguably Snake Pass, which winds its way through the Pennines, providing motorists with peerless views of the landscape on either side. Travel during spring, and you’ll be treated to amazing views of the wildflowers growing on either side of the river Ashop.
Causeway Coastal Route
The Giant’s Causeway is among the most popular attractions in Northern Ireland. It’s made up of tens of thousands of basalt columns, and was formed millions of years ago. The route itself stretches between Belfast and Derry, and presents a chance to visit this incredible UNESCO World Heritage site, as well as the wider coast. This part of the world tends to be at its most imposing during winter – though you’ll need to be sure that your car is fit for the road at this time of year.
North Coast 500
This coastal route runs along the north coast of Scotland. It covers around 500 miles (hence the name), in a large circle starting from Inverness. It covers an array of amazing landmarks, including the famous Loch Ness, as well as a number of charming little villages, imposing castles, and soaring highland scenery at every turn. You might even make a detour into the Isle of Skye along the way.
This is the longest route on the list, and should ideally be covered over at least five days. Plan your stops accordingly!
The Dragon’s Spine
This route runs along the coast of Wales, taking you from the capital, Cardiff, right up to Conwy, via a pair of stunning national parks. You’ll be able to stop at the Brecon Beacons for a hill walk or two, and drive through a road that’s beloved by producers of motoring television: the “Black Mountain” pass. Along the way, you’ll also get a chance to glimpse two of the country’s most impressive castles: Carreg Cennen and Dinefwr castles.