The United Kingdom is famous for its iconic cities, historic attractions and dramatic scenery. But how best to experience them? If you want the freedom to stop whenever you like and make spontaneous detours, go for a UK road trip.
Take the wheel and you could uncover legends at ancient castles or meander stunning coastal trails. Whether you stay in picturesque villages or vibrant cities, you’ll soak up plenty of old-world charm and captivating heritage along the way.
With so much to see and do, it can be difficult to know where to begin. That’s why our local travel experts have pulled together this round-up of the best road trips in the UK. Read on for 7 wishlist-worthy trip ideas.
Good to know: The UK is made up of 4 countries – England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Devote time to exploring each country individually, or combine a few on a multi-country road trip to remember.
- Let these self-drive tours of the UK inspire your next getaway
1. Scotland’s North Coast 500
Start & end: Inverness
Distance: 516 miles (830 kilometres)
Duration: 5–10 days
Best for: Clan castles, remote mountain landscapes, and deserted white sand beaches.
First up is the North Coast 500, also known as the NC500 or Scotland’s Route 66. This famous 516-mile (830-kilometre) road trip in Great Britain begins and ends in Inverness. From here, it loops around Scotland’s far north.
Leave the Highland city of Inverness and follow Scotland’s east coast towards John O’Groats and Dunnet Head, the northernmost point on the mainland.
As you travel north, stop at the Black Isle Brewing Co. or Glenmorangie Distillery – perfect for trying local beer or whisky. Further along the route, you’ll come to Dunrobin Castle with its chateâu-inspired architecture and manicured gardens. Nearby, you’ll also find the dramatic clifftop ruins of Sinclair Girnigoe Castle.
From the town of Thurso, drive west to arrive in the tiny village of Durness. Here, you could explore the vastness of Smoo Cave. Or stroll along beautiful beaches like Durness Beach and Sango Sands.
Then, venture south towards the seaside town of Ullapool, passing through the mountainous loch-studded landscapes of Assynt and Torridon.
Finally, weave your way up Bealach na Bà, one of Britain’s highest and most scenic roads, before looping east back to Inverness. If you’ve got time, you could take a detour to the legendary Loch Ness.
With so much to experience along the way, you’ll want to split the long drive into a few days of adventure.
While you could do the route in around 5 days, we recommend giving yourself more time. For instance, with a 7 to 10-day trip, you could combine the NC500 with other top destinations like the Isle of Skye and Edinburgh.
Top tip: You can travel the route clockwise or anticlockwise, but if you want to save the striking west coast scenery for last, we recommend the latter.
- Experience highlights of the NC500 and beyond on these Scotland self-drive tours
- Related: Your guide to the North Coast 500
2. The English Lake District
Start & end: Windermere
Distance: 77 miles (124 kilometres)
Duration: 2–3 days
Best for: Postcard-perfect valleys, literary heritage, and sparkling lakes.
Scotland’s heather-clad hills are iconic, but the Highlands aren’t the only place in the UK with impressive landscapes. For example, on a road trip in England, you’ll find the stunning Lake District National Park.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain. The Lake District is also where sticky toffee pudding, a classic British dessert, is thought to have been invented in the 1900s.
Though less remote than northern Scotland, the Lake District has pretty market towns brimming with cosy tearooms and traditional pubs. Imagine this, set against a backdrop of craggy peaks, glittering lakes and fields dotted with fluffy sheep.
Although there’s no official road trip route in the area, this idea takes in the region’s highlights. You can explore from a central base or split your stay between the north and south of the park.
The market town of Windermere, on the shores of the country’s largest lake, is a great place to begin. A leisurely boat tour on the lake is one of the best ways to appreciate your gorgeous surroundings.
Travel to Ambleside and then to Grasmere, where poet William Wordsworth lived. Here, you can visit Dove Cottage and the Wordsworth Museum for a glimpse into the poet's life.
Continue to Keswick, located by Derwentwater, which is known for its arts scene and markets. Drive through the dramatic Honister Pass to reach the village of Buttermere, which is ideal for escaping the hustle and bustle of more popular spots.
Finish your circuit by returning to Windermere via Ullswater. Here, you could take a paddle steamer cruise to get a different perspective of the lake. Or why not head to nearby Hill Top, Beatrix Potter’s idyllic farmhouse, to see where the author got her inspiration?
Hadrian’s Wall detour: If you’re interested in history, this 67-mile (108-kilometre) addition is well worth it. Venture north beyond the Lake District to check out fascinating historic sites along Hadrian's Wall. For instance, at Birdoswald Roman Fort, you can get up close to centuries-old Roman remains and learn about this ancient frontier through interactive exhibits.
3. North Wales and Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park
Start & end: Conwy to Llandudno
Distance: 110 miles (177 kilometres)
Duration: 2–3 days
Best for: Jagged peaks, pretty seaside towns, and Welsh culture.
Embark on a captivating journey through North Wales and Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park.
Begin your journey in Conwy, home to one of the most impressive castles in the UK, complete with well-preserved medieval walls. Heading south, make your first stop at Betws-y-Coed, the gateway to Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, surrounded by dense woodland and rushing rivers.
From here, you could challenge yourself with a hike up Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon) or enjoy the views via the Snowdon Mountain Railway. Continue to the storybook village of Beddgelert, known locally for its folklore and beauty. Then, travel through the slate mining town of Blaenau Ffestiniog, where you can go on a fascinating underground tour.
Complete your trip with a journey along the Welsh coast. Head for Portmeirion, a colourful Riviera-inspired village, before returning to the seaside resort town of Llandudno and completing the circuit.
- Related: Best places to visit in the UK
4. Yorkshire Moors to the coast
Start & end: Helmsley to Scarborough
Distance: 107 miles (172 kilometres)
Duration: 3 days
Best for: Atmospheric moors, intriguing history, and the ultimate cup of tea.
Leading you from Helmsley to Scarborough and onto York, this route takes you through the heart of England. Expect the perfect mix of natural beauty, old-world charm, and historical haunts.
Kick off your road trip in Helmsley with a visit to the impressive ruins of Rievaulx Abbey. Then, traverse the North York Moors National Park, where the purple heather blooms from July to September.
From here, follow the coastal road to Robin Hood’s Bay, a fishing village with narrow, winding streets and picturesque cottages.
Next, head to the historic town of Whitby and explore Whitby Abbey, known for its Gothic splendour and connection to Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Drive 30 minutes south of here, and you’ll come to Scarborough, a seaside resort with beautiful beaches and the ruins of a medieval fortress. It’s an excellent spot to try fish and chips, a local favourite.
From here, loop back inland to see Castle Howard, one of the UK’s grandest stately homes. If you’re a fan of Bridgerton, you might recognise the mansion as the Duke of Hasting’s family home.
Finally, no trip to Yorkshire would be complete without time in York. The city is home to the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe and the JORVIK Viking Centre. For souvenirs or window shopping, don’t miss the tiny shopfronts of the city’s famous medieval Shambles.
Top tip: Yorkshire is famous for its tea. Head to Betty’s Café Tea Room in Harrogate or York for an English afternoon tea experience. Think dainty sandwiches, cakes and scones accompanied by plenty of tea.
- Related: Top things to see and do in the UK
5. London, Bath, Stonehenge and Oxford
Start & end: London to Oxford
Distance: 194 miles (312 kilometres)
Duration: 5–6 days
Best for: Soaking up culture, feeling like a royal, and learning about literary icons.
This trip takes you from London's bustling streets to Oxford's literary treasure trove via UNESCO-listed wonders, including Stonehenge and Bath.
Start in London, where you can visit famous landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the Tower of London.
With so much to see and do in the capital of the UK, we recommend at least 2 days here. Spend your days sightseeing and your evenings at the theatre or dining out in style.
Once you’ve had your fill of thrilling London, head west to Bath. Make sure to stop at Windsor Castle and the UNESCO-listed standing stones of Stonehenge on your way.
In Bath, you’ll soon fall for the city’s wide avenues, cobblestone streets and honey-hued townhouses. As well as its Georgian architecture, the city is celebrated for its 2,000-year-old Roman Baths.
Centuries after the Romans left, the renowned author of Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen, lived here for a few years in the 1800s. Visit the city’s Jane Austen Centre for insight into Regency history and the author’s life.
Bring your tour to an end in Oxford, also known as the “city of dreaming spires”. Stroll around the university's historic buildings, marvel at the round Bodleian Library, and take a leisurely punt on the River Cherwell. While here, you can also explore places that inspired literary greats like J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis.
- Experience these must-see cities and more on a trip to England
- Related: Cool facts about England
6. The Peak District
Start & end: Bakewell to Buxton
Distance: 45 miles (72 kilometres)
Duration: 2 days
Best for: Hiking, eating delicious Bakewell tart, and visiting stately homes.
Designated in 1951, the Peak District was the UK’s first national park and is renowned for its moody moorland landscapes.
Begin your journey just outside the national park in Matlock Bath. Stroll the picture-perfect streets of this riverside town. Or take a cable car up the Heights of Abraham, where you can enjoy short hikes and venture underground on a cavern tour.
From Matlock Bath, drive north to Chatsworth House. Austen fans won’t want to miss this famous stately home – it starred as Mr Darcy’s home, Pemberley, in the 2005 film Pride and Prejudice. There’s plenty to admire here, including extensive gardens, a significant art collection, and lavish interiors.
Chatsworth House has cafés and restaurants, but we recommend leaving room for dessert at your next stop. Why? Because it’ll be the charming town of Bakewell, home of the famous Bakewell tart – a mouth-watering cherry and almond flavoured treat.
Travel north to Castleton to explore the 12th-century ruins of Peveril Castle and perhaps even check out Blue John Cavern. If you’d rather stay above ground, head to nearby Stanage Edge and Mam Tor for hikes with amazing views across the Peak District.
Finally, make your way to Buxton, a town celebrated for its natural spring water and the elegantly restored Buxton Opera House.
- Check out these top UK vacation packages
7. Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coastal Route
Start & end: Belfast to Derry
Distance: Approximately 115 miles (185 kilometres)
Duration: 2–3 days
Best for: Epic coastal scenery, compelling history, and Game of Thrones filming locations.
A short hop across the Irish Sea by ferry or plane from the UK mainland will bring you to Northern Ireland. Once here, set out on the Causeway Coastal Route and prepare to be captivated by Northern Ireland’s rugged landscapes and storied past.
Begin in Belfast, delving into the city’s maritime heritage at the Titanic Quarter. Then, head north along the scenic Antrim Coast, where quaint villages and dramatic coastline await.
Must-visit spots include the Giant’s Causeway, known for its impressive basalt columns. Don't miss the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge with its stunning ocean views or Dunluce Castle's hauntingly beautiful clifftop ruins. And, if you watched Game of Thrones, keep an eye out for the Dark Hedges, a filming location from season 2 of the TV series.
End your adventure in Derry, the only completely walled city in Ireland. Walk the historic Derry City Walls and immerse yourself in this city's vibrant culture and lively atmosphere.
- Uncover the highlights of the Emerald Isle on these Irish self-drive tours
- Related: Best Irish road trips – A local expert’s view
Bonus route: Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way
Start & end: Donegal to Cork
Distance: 1,500 miles (2,400 kilometres)
Duration: 7–14 days
Best for: Emerald-green hills, welcoming cities, and toe-tapping folk music.
Although the Republic of Ireland isn’t in the UK, this neighbouring nation is well worth a visit. Plus, with excellent plane and ferry connections from Scotland and England, adding time on the Emerald Isle to your UK getaway is easy.
When it comes to Ireland road trip ideas, the Wild Atlantic Way is a great place to begin. It traverses the country’s west coast from north to south. But, at around 1,500 miles (2,400 kilometres), you might prefer to select a few of the highlights rather than driving the entire route.
The route starts in Country Donegal, where you’ll find the majestic Slieve League cliffs, some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe. From here, continue to Galway and soak up the city’s vibrant art and music scene. Then, in County Clare, check out the Cliffs of Moher, a popular stop with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean.
You’ll come to County Kerry and County Cork as you venture further south. This region is home to historic castles like Blarney and Ross, not to mention the striking landscapes of Killarney National Park and the Ring of Kerry.
The route comes to an end in colourful Kinsale in County Cork. Pause here to enjoy the town’s renowned foodie scene, or head inland to spend time in the university city of Cork.
- Experience the best of this route on a self-drive tour of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way
- Related: Reasons you should visit Ireland
Take a UK road trip with Nordic Visitor
Our UK-based experts know how to combine all the best spots, so you’ll have an unforgettable time exploring the UK by car. So why not leave the details to us?
Book a self-drive tour of the UK with Nordic Visitor, and we'll handle the logistics. You’ll get a dedicated travel consultant who’ll use their local knowledge to secure your accommodation, arrange your rental car, and design your ideal itinerary.
Plus, you’ll get a hand-marked route map and a travel guide packed with recommended attractions and tips for exploring the UK. And, if you need assistance during your trip, you'll have access to our 24/7 helpline.
Hitting the road yourself isn’t the only way to experience the best of the UK. Opt for a small group tour of the UK or Ireland, and leave the driving to a professional local guide.
Ready to kick-start your next adventure? Get in touch with our UK-based experts, and they’ll take care of the details for you.
