Summer’s here — the perfect time for a holiday with family, friends or your partner. While flying abroad is tempting, there’s so much to see right here in the UK, all from the comfort of your car. From Dorset’s Jurassic Coast to Scotland’s NC500, discover the best UK road trips with our guide — ideal for couples, families or solo adventurers looking to map the perfect getaway.
Planning a getaway with kids or simply want more space for long drives? Check out these best family cars for 2025 to make sure your next UK road trip is as comfortable as it is memorable.
Why Plan a UK Road Trip This Year?
You don’t have to fly or sail abroad to have a wonderful holiday this year. Here in the UK, we’re lucky to have some of the most beautiful, breathtaking, and fascinating scenery in the world.
Britain is a land full of mystery and romance — and much of it can be discovered by car. Coastlines, lakesides, mountain ranges, charming towns, and peaceful villages: whatever you’re searching for, Britain likely has it (even balmy, Mediterranean weather on occasion).
The real joy is getting out there and finding it yourself. We have some brilliant roads to help you do just that, leading to hotels, resorts, campsites, hostels, or even canal boats and yachts if you fancy sleeping on water.
Whatever you choose to see, you can be sure there’s a stunning route waiting to take you there. So, which one should you pick? Here are MotorCheck’s top six choices of the best that the UK has to offer when it comes to planning a road trip to remember.
1. Jurassic Coast, Dorset: A Stunning Coastal Drive
It’s millions of years old, yet every visit reveals something new. The Jurassic Coast, named for its cliffs that hide countless fossils from the Jurassic period (170 million years ago), is one of Britain’s true natural wonders. At 95 miles, it’s not the UK’s longest drive, but it’s certainly one of the most captivating.
Start in Bournemouth and pick your highlights: Sandbanks for its beaches and clear water, Swanage for classic fish and chips, Corfe Castle if you love ancient ruins and quaint villages, or Lulworth Cove with its famous cliff walk to Durdle Door. Weymouth, Charmouth, and Lyme Regis also feature along this coastal adventure, full of dinosaur museums and historic sights.
Why try this drive? Experience fossil-studded beaches, dramatic cliffs, and charming seaside towns on one of England’s most iconic coastal routes.
2. Yorkshire Dales Way: A Scenic Countryside Route
Known as the Dales Way, this 80-mile route offers some of Britain’s most beautiful scenery. It begins in Ilkley, West Yorkshire — an historic spa town — and meanders through riverside roads and lush valleys in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, ending at Lake Windermere in the Lake District.
The dramatic landscape has featured in countless films and TV shows, from All Creatures Great and Small to The Railway Children. Stop in Harrogate, explore the rugged limestone gorges around Malham, and wander through market towns like Skipton, Ingleton, and Richmond, complete with castle ruins.
Why try this drive? Rolling green hills, stone villages, and classic market towns create a peaceful escape through England’s heartland.
3. Snowdonia, Wales: Epic Mountain Roads and Views
Think Snowdonia and one landmark stands out — Mount Snowdon. But this rugged region offers far more than a single mountain. With winding roads, sharp dips, and sweeping curves, it’s a driver’s delight.
There are several choices of road route to enjoy and each of them is quite easy and manageable. One of them actually circles the mountain to give a view from multiple angles. Try the ‘Circle of Snowdon’, starting in Caernarfon, rising through Rhyd-Ddu, along the Llanberis Pass, and back. Or begin in Llangollen to approach from the east. Betws-y-Coed also makes a perfect base, letting you explore dense forests, steep hills, and valleys before heading south-west to Porthmadog.
Why try this drive? Twisting roads, sweeping valleys, and towering peaks make this perfect for adventurers chasing unforgettable mountain scenery.
4. Scotland’s North Coast 500: The Ultimate Driving Route
It’s called Scotland’s ultimate road trip and for good reason – broad beaches, mountainsides, quaint villages and wonderful scenery all await. Its 500 miles (516 exactly) include some of the greatest roads available. Hugging the coastline all the way, the route is made up of six regions, each boasting its own unique attractions. Inverness-shire presents the start and finish of the NC500 road route. There’s Black Isle, which isn’t an island at all but a peninsula full of grassland, bracing fresh air and exciting sea views. Then there’s Caithness for quiet, coastal beauty. Easter Ross offers villages and whisky distilleries, while in Sutherland you’ll find castles, small harbours and dramatic mountain to coastline landscapes. Wester Ross’ twisting and dramatic roads hide quiet and mysterious lochs and foggy mountain peaks lost from the view of the road, while also offering inviting beaches.
Why try this drive? From rugged coastlines to hidden lochs, it’s Scotland’s answer to a bucket-list driving route — ideal for longer journeys.
5. Route 66, Peak District: A Classic English Adventure
It’s not just the USA who has a Route 66 – you’ll find one in Derbyshire too. Some people call Scotland’s NC500 a ‘Route 66’ too, but as far as England is concerned, there’s only one. Passing through the district’s National Park, the road trip takes in twisting and turning hillside passes, valleys, towns and villages. There are several places to start, from the city of Sheffield or market town of Chesterfield to popular Matlock Bath or pretty Bakewell, home of the tart or pudding.
Long, winding roads reveal Surprise View — a sudden, breathtaking glimpse of Hope Valley and Mam Tor, the ‘Shivering Mountain’. Along the way, discover historic towns like Hathersage and Castleton, drive Winnats Pass’ striking climb, and uncover castles, forts, and waterfalls.
Why try this drive? Winding passes, surprise viewpoints, and historic villages serve up a slice of classic English countryside adventure.
6. Causeway Coastal Route, N.I.: Dramatic Scenery and Castles
As coastal landmarks go, the Giant’s Causeway in County Antrim, is arguably the most famous in the UK. Volcanic fissures give the place a unique and remarkable appearance and indeed the attraction is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and national nature reserve. It’s also a great spot for road trip lovers and offers several scenic roads on which to drive, complete with coastal views. The ‘Causeway Coastal Route’ runs from Belfast to Londonderry (Derry). Heading out of Belfast you’ll find Carrickfergus Castle and the Gobbins Cliff Path to explore. The route also takes you through the Glens of Antrim, steep sided valleys hiding villages such as Cushendall, Glenariff and Ballycastle. The Causeway Coast also features Bushmills, the home of the famous whiskey distillery, Coleraine and several coastal villages, plus Kinbane and Dunseverick Castles. The road trip finishes in Derry, a small but bustling city, well known for the TV show ‘Derry Girls’.
Why try this drive? This coastal gem offers castle ruins, whiskey stops, and jaw-dropping views of the Atlantic — all packed into one scenic route
Essential Items to Pack for Your UK Road Trip
Wherever you’re heading, bring key documents: your driving licence, insurance papers, MOT certificate, and V5C logbook. Have a spare tyre, spare bulbs, and a roadside kit with a warning triangle, reflective vests, jump leads, tyre inflator, torch, and a whistle. A first aid kit is essential too.
Don’t rely solely on your satnav or phone — pack a road atlas for areas with weak signals. Keep a notebook and some cash for small village shops, and even in summer, stash a waterproof jacket.
It’s also wise to review these eroad safety tips for drivers to make sure you’re ready for anything the journey might bring.
Ready to Hit the Road?
These UK trips are calling. Plan your route, check your essentials, and set off to explore stunning landscapes and hidden gems across the country. Safe travels and happy driving!
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