The UK has an endless amount of fantastic destinations for you and your buddies to visit on a cheap road trip, from quaint snug villages to picturesque coastlines. So pack your bags, fill up your gas tanks, and round up your friends because here are some epic road trip ideas in the UK.
1. The Cotswolds
You will probably not be able to find a place that is more authentically English than the Cotswolds. It is dotted with perfect quiet villages and is recognised as an Area of Outstanding Beauty. To be honest, we couldn’t agree more!
Begin your journey at Burford, where you can discover hidden jewels, historical buildings going back to the nineteenth century, and even get a quick bite to eat by the lake. You can then travel to Cheltenham and Painswick (known as ‘The Queen of the Cotswolds’. The region is beautiful, with several hiking trails and magnificent views of the Severn Valley. End your road trip at the Cotswolds by travelling to Bath, which is famous for its medieval heritage and elegant Georgian architecture.
2. Norfolk
Norfolk is a diverse county that is famous for its coastal beaches and the variety of different landscapes it has on offer. It’s a birdwatcher’s (and animal fanatics) paradise and is the most medieval place in the UK.
If you are thinking about taking a road trip to Norfolk, then why not start off at Norwich. Norwich is the only city in a national park (the Norfolk Broads) and flourishes with art and culture and a medieval heritage for you to explore. From Norwich, you can follow the coast to Blakeney. This part of Norfolk is rich in natural beauty and has wide uninterrupted views of the coastline. You can then head to one of the Queen’s favourite spots – Sandringham.
3. Atlantic Highway
Is it just me, or does the Atlantic Highway look like a road from a romantic movie? The highway is one of the longest roads in South West England and is best known for its very, very long stretch of road (meaning there are no left or right turns). Along the way, you’ll be able to take in (or take a picture of) many breathtaking views as you pass through Camelford, Bude and Wadebridge. Remember to have a movie moment with your pals where you all sing at the top of your lungs whilst the wind blows against your hair!
4. Yorkshire
Good ole’ Yorkshire is one of the best places to have an epic road trip. The Yorkshire roads ribbon between flat-topped hills, wide green fields and cute villages.
Start of the road trip at Malham, which is a beautiful and well-heeled Georgian town in the Pennines. Pay a visit to Malham Tarn, which is the largest natural lake in North Yorkshire. It is home to a number of rare species, some of which are remnants from the late Ice Age. You can also visit Malham Cove, which is a huge curving shaped cliff made of limestone rock. If you know your movies, then you will instantly recognise Malham from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, which was filmed both at Malham Cove and Malham Tarn.
As if Malham wasn’t enough, you can then take a trip down to Wensleydale, which is famous for its rushing waterfalls- Aysgarth Falls and Hardraw Force. To finish the trip, pay a visit to Swaledale, where you can find the cobbled town of Richmond.
5. Black Mountain Pass
The Black Mountain Pass is another brilliant road trip idea for you and your friends to try out. It’s around 23 miles, with lots of climbs, twists and turns and dips. Despite going pretty high (just under 500m above sea level) and turning constantly, the road is in pretty good condition so makes driving easier. It starts in Llandovery in the north and heads down to Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen (or vice versa depending which way you’re travelling). The actual Pass is only about 30-45 minutes’ driving time, but it gives you time to stop along the way and explore the towns at each end. Some of the stops worth seeing along the way include castles like Dinefwr Castle and Carreg Cennen Castle, and the Cuckoo Turn – also known as Tro Gwcw.
6. Northumberland Coast
If you’re looking for an unforgettable road trip with your friends, or you’re a die hard Harry Potter fan, the Northumberland Coast is calling your name! This stunning coastal drive stretches for about 40 miles, packed with breathtaking views, historic castles, and charming villages. The route runs from the lively town of Alnwick in the south to the serene village of Berwick-upon-Tweed in the north.
Start your journey in Alnwick, a town famous for its medieval Alnwick Castle, which served as a filming location for Harry Potter. Don’t miss the Alnwick Garden with its impressive treehouse restaurant. Just a short drive north, you’ll hit Bamburgh, home to the magnificent Bamburgh Castle perched on a rocky hill overlooking the sea. The nearby beach is perfect for a stroll or a picnic with spectacular views. Continue to Seahouses, a harbour town where you can grab some of the best fish and chips around. From here, you can take a boat trip to the Farne Islands, known for spotting puffins and seals. If you have time, you could also visit the mystical Holy Island of Lindisfarne, accessible via a tidal causeway. Make sure to check the tide times to avoid getting stranded! Here you can explore the ruins of Lindisfarne Priory and the charming Lindisfarne Castle. Then drive up to Berwick-upon-Tweed, a town with a fascinating history, where you can see Elizabethan town walls, the iconic Royal Border Bridge, and enjoy a leisurely walk along the River Tweed.
7. Jurassic Coast
If you’re craving a mix of natural wonders and seaside fun, a road trip along the Jurassic Coast is the perfect. This cool coastal drive stretches for about 95 miles from East Devon to Dorset, offering jaw-dropping views, historic sites, and plenty of opportunities for adventure and relaxation. You start the road trip in Exmouth, with beautiful beaches and the start of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. Then head west to Lyme Regis, a picturesque town famous for fossil hunting. Walk along the Cobb, visit the Lyme Regis Museum, and try your hand at finding fossils on the beach. As you continue, you’ll pass West Bay cliffs, Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove (pictured above), and Weymouth. You’ll end up in Swanage, which is a seaside town with a vintage feel complete with a steam railway and nearby Durlston Country Park.
8. Highlands
For those who dream of wild landscapes, majestic mountains, and serene lochs, a road trip through the Highlands is the ultimate escape. This journey takes you through some of Scotland’s most stunning scenery, with plenty of stops for history, adventure, and wildlife. Start your Highland adventure at the top in Inverness , the cultural capital of the Highlands. This is home to Inverness Castle and River Ness. Next you can visit the infamous Loch Ness – make sure to keep your eyes peeled for Nessie! Head to Fort Augustus, then Glencoe and Isle of Skye. Here you’ll find Fairy Pools, the Old Man of Storr, and the Quiraing. If you want to keep going, then drive to Fort William, the gateway to Ben Nevis, and finally Oban. It’s a slightly longer road trip idea, but it’s still one of the best routes on offer.
Our road trip ideas are great if you have a car, but if you don’t and you still want to a day trip – why not take a little steam train adventure? They’re a bit more expensive, but they’re fun and not something you get to do everyday. Plus they have some great sights – all to be seen without having to concentrate on driving! Or head to one of the UK’s hidden gems for some peace and quite to escape uni life for a while.
Last Updated on November 28, 2024
Published on June 25, 2023
