United Kingdom Road Trip Destinations  United Kingdom Road Trip Destinations 

1. North Coast 500, Scotland 

A circular route of just over 500 miles (516 to be exact), the North Coast 500 is Scotland’s ultimate road trip. Start your journey in Inverness, about a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Edinburgh, before setting off to discover some of the most spectacular scenery in the UK.

Highlights along the route include Achmelvich Beach, which has been voted one of the 50 best beaches in the world, and Smoo Cave, the largest sea cave in the United Kingdom. Make sure to also call in at John O’Groats, the most northerly inhabited point on the UK mainland, to get a photo next to the iconic sign.

All in all, to enjoy the North Coast 500 route in all its glory, it’s recommended you take at least five to seven days to complete the journey.

2. Lake District, England

The dramatic landscape of the Lake District National Park, in the north-west of England, has been a muse for everyone from William Wordsworth to Taylor Swift over the years. Visit for yourself and prepare to be inspired by the lofty mountains and brooding lakes.

Pick up your Avis rental car from Manchester Airport or Manchester city centre, then take the M61 followed by the M6 north for about an hour and a half to reach Windermere, the most popular town in the region. It sits on the banks of its namesake lake, Lake Windermere, which is just over 10 miles long.

From here, you can make the most of having your own vehicle and head deeper into the park to the more remote North Lakes: Buttermere, Crummock and Loweswater (about an hour’s drive from Windermere). Motorboats are banned on these lakes, so you can enjoy a serene paddle in a canoe or a peaceful walk around the shores.

3. Pembrokeshire Coast, Wales 

Wales might be better known for its rolling hills and hundreds of castles, but did you know it’s also home to some of the most scenic beaches in the UK? You’ll find the best of the best in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, in the south-west corner of the country – about a two-hour drive from the capital city, Cardiff.

The seaside town of Tenby, just outside the park, is a great place to base yourself. From here, you can enjoy a host of beaches and amenities on your doorstep and take day trips to more remote swathes of coast, like Marloes Sands and Musslewick Beach.

If you want to extend your road trip, make the two-hour drive inland to another of Wales’ National Parks – Brecon Beacons. As well as endless hiking opportunities, you can enjoy adventure activities including caving, zip-lining and abseiling. Or, for something more relaxed, sit back and enjoy the views on the Brecon Mountain Railway.

4. Oxford and the Cotswolds, England

If you’re looking for an easy day trip or weekend break from London, Oxford and the Cotswolds are ideal. The historic city of Oxford, just over an hour’s drive from Heathrow Airport, showcases the best of British culture. Wander the grounds of the world-famous university, check out the thriving arts and music scene, or admire the city from the water with a cruise along the River Thames.

Drive about an hour west, and you’ll find yourself in the heart of the Cotswolds. This area of outstanding beauty covers almost 800 square miles and runs through five counties. Take your time exploring the quintessentially English towns and villages, admiring the pretty buildings made from honey-coloured limestone. Popular stops include Bourton-on-the-Water, Chipping Campden and Stow-on-the-Wold.

The Cotswolds is also home to the impressive Blenheim Palace. This World Heritage Site boasts one of the biggest and best-preserved palaces in the UK, as well as over 150 acres of formal gardens to explore. Check out the action-packed calendar of events and exhibitions before you visit to see what’s on.

5. England’s northern cities: Liverpool, Manchester and Sheffield

If you’re in the mood for big city lights, you’re in luck – three of northern England’s major metropolises are all situated within a short drive of each other.

Liverpool is known for its legendary music scene and has even been declared an official UNESCO City of Music. Don’t miss the Beatles Story – an interactive museum that recreates key moments from the band’s heyday.

Drive an hour and 15 minutes east to Manchester to discover excellent shopping and fantastic museums. Sports fans won’t want to miss the opportunity to take a tour of the iconic Old Trafford football stadium.

An hour and a half’s journey further west, through the beautiful Peak District National Park, will take you to Sheffield, a great base for exploring Yorkshire. The city itself is known for its industrial roots, but these days it’s the greenest in the UK.