ROAD TRIPPING IN THE UK
Ah, is there anything that screams adventure more than the classic road trip? Now, you may think of more obvious destinations when road trips come to mind, like the sunshine-filled open roads of coastal California or the dramatic landscape of Canada’s rocky mountains, but let me tell you that despite being tiny, the UK offers up some pretty epic road trips. I may be biased, but the UK has it all. Rolling countryside, a wild coastline and forests fit for faeries are just some of the highlights of what this little land has to offer. Here are some road trips that you should take around the UK!
THE NC500, SCOTLAND
The NC500 takes in 500 miles of Scotland's beautiful coastline. The roads are long and winding, with mountain views, magnificent wildlife, crumbling castles and quaint fishing villages around every bend. With more people than ever taking on vanlife, this route is becoming a bit of a hotspot, so if you want a true taste of how wild the outer edges of Northern Scotland are, ditch the summer plans and instead visit in the winter like we did. We felt like we had the whole edge of the world to ourselves.
THE NORTHUMBERLAND 250
Sitting quietly in the North East, Northumberland is totally set up for an adventurous journey, with a crazy gorgeous coastline, an incredible national park and near-empty roads which make for the perfect road trip. Recently, The Northumberland 250 has been created to help you discover all the best bits of this forgotten corner of the UK. Should you choose the NLand 250 as your next adventure, you’ll discover remarkable beaches, rolling hills, magical forests and roads empty enough to feel like you’re the only one out exploring.
SOMERSET
Somerset is a beautiful part of the UK that is perfect for a road trip and offers so much more than just Glastonbury! Everyone needs to experience a town-hopping road trip through the mythical Mendip hills on a sunny afternoon. We adore Frome for its independent shops and quirky Sunday market and Wells is beautiful for its grand cathedral and adorable Vicar’s Close. The star of the show of course is Cheddar Gorge. Drive through for otherworldly views that feel like you’re on the set of Jurassic Park. We suggest climbing up to the top off the gorge to do the clifftop walk and really immersing yourself in the area. Somerset is particularly wonderful in summer when the rolling hills are at their greenest.
THE CEREDIGION COAST, WALES
A magical birthday trip a few years back saw us explore the Ceredigion coast. We traveled in the middle of summer and yet still saw ourselves on secluded beaches, barbecue lit,watching the sun set over a campfire with no one else around. We adore the stretch of coast along West Wales and our frequent visits have only enhanced our love for the area, including a super fun trip in a vintage campervan as well as an epic road trip in our own campervan. If you are planning a summer getaway, we couldn’t recommend this part of the UK enough. It’s the wildness here that captures us most, from the vastness of the golden beaches to wildflower-adorned rolling hills, there’s a reason we always return to the roads of the Ceredigion coast time and time again.
THE COTSWOLDS
As the Cotswolds are on our doorstep, we love to village-hop whenever we’ve got the day free. Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water and Castle Combe are particular favourites of ours. You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to finding the perfect afternoon tea spot and The Cotswolds is also home to some of the quaintest pubs the UK has to offer. Stop a while to walk some of The Cotswold Way, a 100-mile hiking route that shows off the beautiful countryside that surrounds the chocolate-box villages.
THE BRECON BEACONS, WALES
Mountains, forests, lakes and valleys lie around every bend in the Brecon Beacons and just an hour from home, it’s always our go-to when we have a weekend spare. An autumnal trip is always our favourite, when this ancient land glows red and orange. Climb up Pen-Y-Fan this time of year and you’ll be blessed with autumnal views of the moody landscape paired with the peaceful silence that comes with opting to climb Wales’ most popular mountain out of season. Town-hopping is also a must on your road trip around the Brecon Beacons. Crickhowell, Abergavenny and Hay-on-Wye have all the charm and community feels that Wales is renowned for.
CORNWALL
A road trip down south is always a good idea and Cornwall has a magnetic pull for good reason. Travel to Cornwall in peak season and you’ll be rewarded with warm seas, blue skies and the carefree feeling of summer on the Cornish coast. Travel out of season and you’ll skip the crowds and have the mist-covered beaches all to yourself. White-washed fishing villages, mythical folklore, endless coastal hiking trails and the an epic foodie scene all combine to make Cornwall one of the UK’s most cherished holiday destinations. Town-hopping and coastal cruising awaits on this southern road trip.
THE NORFOLK COAST
The land of Norfolk is unlike anywhere else in the UK. The dramatic scenery of the flat landscapes, nature reserves, salt-crusted marshes and seaside villages is just the tip of what Norfolk has in-store for road trippers. The rugged charm is endless along the salty shores of Norfolk’s coast. The epic foodie scene is defined by local delicacies and seasonal produce, and artists and makers are in abundance, selling unique goods inspired by the area. Choose to road trip here and you’ll find a land whose community focus is just as impressive as its golden beaches and giant skies.
THE GIANT’S CAUSEWAY COAST
With crumbling castles, interesting cities and a rugged coastline shrouded by mystery and folklore, Northern Ireland is a truly enchanting part of the world. Visiting the city of Belfast for good old-fashioned Irish fun is a must, but it’s the Giants Causeway coast that keeps us dreaming of returning. Legend tells a tale of two giants, one Irish, one Scottish and how their war of words created the causeway. Driving along the rugged coastline up to Giant’s Causeway, the wind beating against the windows, waves crashing against the shore, the dramatic tale of the giants certainly seems to match the landscape.
THE LAKE DISTRICT
Drive along the roads of the lake district and you’ll have glassy lakes, incredible fells, valleys and lush forests waiting for you. This north-western land has been a source of inspiration for writers, artists and adventurers alike which reassures any road tripper that the views out of the window will be exceptionally scenic. The lure of the lakes is no secret and it’s a total summer hotspot, but the area is stunning throughout every season. Visit in autumn for the dreamy colours reflected in the lakes or head there in spring to see the landscape decorated in wildflowers. Whatever time you visit, you’ll always be guaranteed an epic road trip.
SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK, WALES
North Wales’ craggy jewel, Snowdonia, is a adventure-lovers heaven on earth. The roads weave between ancient forests, deep valleys, slate villages and jagged mountains, which makes this most dramatic part of Wales the perfect option for your next road trip. Stop to hike some of the amazing mountain trails, hop into tiny towns with mighty Welsh spirit and park up by lakes to get some of the best views in Wales. Don’t forget to look up at night - Snowdonia has some of the clearest star-dusted skies in the UK!
Will you be taking on any of these UK road trips?
