The UK has an endless amount of fantastic destinations for you and your buddies to visit on a 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 villages rich with history and culture.
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
The Black Mountain Pass is another brilliant road trip idea for you and your friends to embark on. It runs for 19 miles and will put your driving to the test with its steep climbs, twists and turns and dips. In the Brecon Beacons National Park. Go between Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen and Llandovery and passing through the Lower and Upper Brynamman.
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.
