Top road trips and destinations in the UK

Planning a UK road trip? You’re in for a treat. From scenic coastal drives to picturesque mountain stop-offs, the UK is packed with postcodes worth typing into your Sat Nav. We’ve picked out five of the best beauty spots to drive to for an adventure – whether you’re packing your hiking boots, your flip flops, or your picnic blanket in the boot. So, buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable experience exploring some of the UK’s best-looking locations.

As well as being the UK’s biggest national park – twice the size of the Lake District, if you’re counting – The Cairngorms

 also has the highest range of mountains. So if you’re planning an outdoor adventure, this is the place to be.

Nestled in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, this rugged mountain range packs in a quarter of the UK’s rare and endangered species. Take a hike through the mountains and moorlands or follow one of the bike trails that criss-cross their way through the wilderness to get a closer look. You’ll spot everything from native red squirrels to the UK’s only wild roaming herd of reindeer in this unspoilt pocket of Scotland.

While you’re here, pay a visit to Inverness – the city lines up centuries-old sights including a cathedral and castle, and it’s a launchpad for Loch Ness cruises. Got more time to spare? Drive the NC500, better known as Scotland’s Route 66. This scenic route will take you through more than 500 miles of incredible coastal scenery, so you’ll need at least five days to soak it all up.

Stretching from Belfast to Derry, the Causeway Coastal Route

 covers 120 miles of Ireland’s north coast and takes between three and five days to explore. Lined with rugged cliffs on one side and golden beaches on the other, it’s the kind of drive you’ll need to allow plenty of extra time for – on account of all the beauty spots you’ll want to see along the way.

One of those is the Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site made from 40,000 interlocking basalt columns that look like hexagonal stepping stones. The formation dates back almost 60 million years, which explains the UNESCO World Heritage stamp of approval. You can walk right down onto the stones and dodge the crashing waves from the wild North Atlantic.

Want more in the way of adrenaline? Try crossing Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, which is a 15-minute drive down the road. Linking the mainland to a little island, it’s 20 metres long and suspended 30 metres above the rocks below. Crossing the chasm is a rite of passage in these parts, and the views from the bridge are something else.

Scenery doesn’t get much dreamier than the landscapes you’ll find in the Lake District. Cloaked in rugged fells, hidden valleys and leafy forests, England’s biggest national park is a UNESCO World Heritage site for good reason.

As the name suggests, lakes are this area of Cumbria’s biggest draw – and there are officially 16 of them to choose from. Windermere scoops the prize for the largest expanse, and it’s an absolute must-visit. Take a boat trip across the water, paddleboard or kayak your way across, or take in the views from the shoreline. The circular walk from Windermere up to the peak of Orrest Head will give you some of the best bird’s-eye views around. Plus, there are plenty of proper pubs and traditional tearooms dotted around when you need to rest your legs.

While you’re in the area, stop off at Kendal – it’s a 20-minute drive from Windermere. One of the biggest market towns in the Lake District, it’s a foodie’s dream – with an impressive line-up of delis, bakeries and cafés. It’s worth timing your trip with market day on a Wednesday and Friday for more in the way of edible treats, plus there’s a Farmer’s Market on the last Friday of the month.

Cornwall is one of those road-trip destinations that ticks every box going – it’s got a coastline that looks like something straight from a postcard, an interior blanketed in misty moors and leafy forests, and a new town or village to explore around every picturesque corner.

St Ives is top of many visitors’ wish-lists thanks to sandy beaches like Porthmeor, which draws surfers from far and wide. Unroll your picnic blanket on the beach and watch them do their thing while you tuck into a giant scoop of Cornish ice cream from the beachside café. Then pop into the Tate St Ives

 – the light in this area of Cornwall has inspired artists for centuries – and round the day off with a huge plate of net-fresh seafood served with widescreen sea views.

If you’ve got time to switch to Cornwall’s south coast, drive down to Porthcurno – it takes less than an hour from St Ives. The beach here is legendary and it’s home to The Minack Theatre with it’s own history that deserves a play or film of it’s own. The seats of this open-air theatre are hewn into the cliffside, which means every show has the sea as a backdrop.

Two hours from London by car, The Cotswolds is perfect for a road trip that oozes quintessential English charm. This picturesque region in the heart of England boasts rolling hills, riverside walks and honey-coloured villages galore.

One of the most-visited villages is Bourton-on-the-Water, and you’ll soon see why. All traditional stone houses set alongside the idyllic River Windrush – which is crossed by five pretty stone bridges – it’s earned its nickname as the Venice of the Cotswolds. Although it’s busiest in summer, it’s chocolate-box-pretty all year round – with trees that blossom into life in spring, and a huge Christmas tree in the middle of the river in winter.

If Bourton-on-the-Water has whet your appetite, add Burford to your Cotswolds road trip itinerary. This charming medieval town lines up serene river walks, quirky independent shops and inviting country pubs – and it’s only a 20-minute drive away.

When it comes to photo-worthy locations, the UK doesn’t disappoint. From sweeping coastal views to vibrant cityscapes, this is a country built on contrasts, after all. If you’re planning a road trip and want to take in some of the best views around, we’ve whittled down ten incredible destinations to visit. Bring a camera, charge your phone, or just commit these unforgettable views to memory. You might just find your new favourite UK destination while you’re at it. 

The starting point of the Gower Peninsula’s eye-catching huge coastline which wouldn’t look out of place on an Australian postcard, the Mumbles

 is one of many must-visit locations in Swansea Bay. The small, sheltered beach by the Victorian pier is a bit of a hidden gem – mostly because you can only get to this sand and shingle stretch when the tide is out.

Time it right and you can walk across to the lighthouse on the headland for some seriously good photo ops. And when the tide is in, you’ve got a clutch of shops and galleries to explore, as well as a selection of seafood restaurants to watch the world go by from.

Edinburgh’s big-name sights are no secret, but the ones hiding just below street level are. The Edinburgh Vaults are a series of underground chambers originally built in the late 18th century to house taverns and workshops. Venture down these days and you can join tours and ghost walks to get a glimpse into Edinburgh’s past.

If you’re staying above ground, head to the historic heart of the city – the Royal Mile. It runs through the Old Town all the way from Edinburgh Castle

 – which is well worth a trip for the incredible views – to the palace of Holyroodhouse. Pop in and out of indie shops along the route, re-fuelling at one of Edinburgh’s hipster coffee haunts.

Nature lovers are in heaven in the Peak District. This area of central England packs in limestone valleys, thundering waterfalls and lofty peaks, so it’s a dream destination for cyclists and hikers. Throw in a collection of ridiculously picturesque villages like Bakewell

 – birthplace of the Bakewell tart, no less – and you’ve found your next road trip destination.

Hike to the top of Mam Tor, near Castleton, for sunrise or sunset views to fill your Instagram feed with. It’s known as the shivering mountain thanks to the number of landslips that have created smaller hills below the main peak. And it’s the starting point for the Peak District's famous Great Ridge walk if you fancy even more sweeping views.

The Seven Sisters cliffs in East Sussex are the place to head for a postcard-perfect coastal escape. These mighty chalk cliffs rise dramatically from the sea on the Sussex Heritage Coast, with panoramic views that stretch for miles beyond the coastline.

The area that frames the cliffs – the South Downs National Park

 – is known for its pitch-black skyscape and was awarded Dark Sky Reserve status in May 2016. Pitch up here on a clear night from October to March, just before a full moon for the best star-gazing conditions. And don’t forget to pack a blanket and a thermos of hot chocolate in the boot.

Every Sunday from 8AM until about 3PM, an unassuming slice of Bethnal Green comes to life in a burst of colour and scent. Columbia Road Flower Market

 has been transforming this East London neighbourhood since the 1800s, with stalls overflowing with plants, bunches of flowers, fragrant herbs, bulbs and shrubs.

Come early to see the market at its quietest, or late to barter for some last-minute bargains. And once your arms are filled with flowers (or plants) all at a bargain price, you can explore the local area, which is bursting with proper East London pubs and ‘caffs’. If you fancy trying some of the East End’s speciality foods, get your hands on some jellied eels or cockles. And if you’re more partial to a curry, wander over to Brick Lane instead – it’s about a ten-minute walk away.

Wandering York’s medieval streets is like stepping back in time, with timber-framed buildings and cobbled alleys that look like something from a picture book. The Shambles

 – one of the best-preserved medieval shopping streets in Europe – is widely considered the prettiest of them all. Head here for a spot of retail therapy with a camera or your phone at the ready.

York Minster is another of the city’s medieval relics that’s well worth adding to your itinerary. This ornate Gothic cathedral stands proudly over the streets below and you’ll soon see why it took 250 years to build. If you want an easy way to see it all, follow York’s city walls. They circle the city’s best bits in one giant loop, and take about two hours to walk round.

Cornwall has no shortage of well-known towns to explore, from Penzance to St Ives and Newquay. But save some time to explore the plethora of smaller coastal towns and you might just find a new favourite.

Port Isaac, for example, is a small fishing village that’s big on maritime history. It’s been thriving since the 14^th century and more recently became the backdrop for the Martin Clunes drama, Doc Martin. Wander along the harbour, get a snap of the fishing boats bobbing on the water, and stop for a pint(for your passenger) at the Golden Lion. This watering hole has been serving thirsty villagers since the 18^th century. 

Nestled on the banks of the River Wye and known as the Town of Books, Hay-on-Wye crams in over 20 independent bookshops – and plenty of welcoming cafés to sit and read in. It also hosts the Hay Festival

, one of the world's most celebrated literary gatherings. That means every year from the end of May and into June, the town buzzes with book lovers and authors.

Set in the Brecon Beacons National Park, Hay-on-Wye also makes a great base to explore the surrounding countryside. Follow a hiking trail or set off on a guided tour to discover hills and valleys dotted with ancient stones and sculptures. Or find yourself the perfect picnic spot along the banks of the River Wye – it follows the route along the border between England and Wales.

Windsor Castle

, the oldest inhabited castle in the world, dominates the skyline of this regal town and provides a pretty amazing photo backdrop. Home to British kings and queens for almost 1,000 years, the castle is open to the public and an essential stop-off on any Windsor road trip. Look out for the Royal Standard flag being flown which means the King is home!

It’s also part of a vast royal estate that includes Windsor Great Park – a huge green expanse that covers more than 2,000 hectares and is free to enter. Don’t miss The Long Walk, a picturesque avenue lined with trees that runs for 2.5 miles all the way to the gates of Windsor Castle. The best views are from the other end though, at the copper horse statue. On a clear day you can see as far as Eton College, Windsor Castle and the arch at Wembley stadium from here.

There’s nature reserves, and then there’s Pensthorpe

 nature reserve – a 700-acre wilderness in Norfolk that’s ripe for adventure. Indoor and outdoor playgrounds make this place a big hit with families, and there are four gloriously big gardens for green-fingered visitors to explore.

The millennium garden packs in no end of shrubs, grasses and climbers, while the glade sculpture garden hides fairies and mosaics under a canopy of shady trees. There’s also a wildlife habitat garden buzzing with bees, bats and beetles. All in all, this is the perfect place to go off-grid and get back to nature – and to practise your wildlife photography skills.