Few things are more romantisced in the travel space than ~The Road Trip ~. Rightly so in my opinion, for there is nothing I love more than being on the road. For the last five years we have been taking our campervan on some epic adventures, exploring the UK and beyond in our Volkswagen T4. We have seen some incredible sights and have built up a pretty impressive list of places we’ve fallen in love with along the way. I’ve tried to narrow down why my travel style of choice will always be the road trip and I think it’s the feeling of freedom it provides. You can’t beat that windows down, music blasted up high, endless road stretched out before you vibe. With the promise of lockdown ending soon, we are finding ourselves dreaming harder than ever of all the places we cannot wait to revisit here in the UK. Considering embarking on your own road trip post-lockdown? I have put together a list of places you’d be foolish not to visit on your next road trip around the UK!
SOMERSET
Somerset is a beautiful part of the UK that is perfect for a road trip. Everyone needs to experience driving through the mythical Mendip hills on a sunny afternoon and dipping into the many towns in Somerset. We adore Frome for its independent shops and quirky Sunday market and Wells is beautiful for its grand cathedral and adorable Vicar’s Close. Driving through cheddar gorge is a must for otherworldly views and we suggest climbing up to the top to do the clifftop walk and really immersing yourself in the area. Somerset is particularly wonderful in summer when the hills are a lush green and can be appreciated from one of countless country beer gardens dotted around the area, somerset cider in hand (obviously…)
Exploring Frome
Frome, Somerset
SNOWDONIA
We’ve been on many trips to Snowdonia over the years, both in our own campervan and on a trip with a dreamy vintage bus. We’re obsessed with the area for the wild landscapes, mountains and lakes. If you’re feeling brave, head up Mount Snowdon to feel like you’re on top of the world. If you want a taste of the landscape without such a hairy climb up, hike around Lake Ogwen, where you’ll be nestled within the majestic mountains. When you’ve worked up an appetite rambling around Snowdonia’s natural playground, check out the adorable town of Betws-y-coed and fill up at Caffi caban-y-pair for the best coffee and Welsh rarebit around!
Lakes in Snowdonia
Dinorwic Quarry, Snowdonia
WEST COAST OF WALES
A magical birthday trip a few years back saw us explore the west coast of Wales for the first time, particularly the Cardigan 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. It was one of those trips where the sun kept coming and we had no plans other than to be on the beach as much as possible. When I think of summer, this trip always springs to mind. We love the west coast of wales so much that it’s actually on our list of places we could see ourselves living one day. Further road trips that way have only enhanced our love for the area, including a super fun trip in a vintage campervan last summer as well as an epic road trip in our own campervan If you are planning a getaway this summer, take a road trip to the west coast of Wales and explore what we believe is one of the most underrated parts of the UK. Must-visits are Ynyslas sand dunes, Borth-y-Gest and Cymtydu Cove.
Ynyslas Beach
Ynyslas Beach
Cwmtydu Cove
SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS
The highlands are a no-brainer and is somewhere every road trip enthusiast should visit in their life. We’ve been on numerous occasions and experienced absolute magic each time we visit. Scotland is a land of myth and folklore and taking to the road to explore this hidden part of the world is a dreamers must. If you want an epic road trip of a lifetime, opt for the NC500 , a bucket-list worthy route. The roads in the highlands are long and winding, with mountain views, magnificent wildlife, crumbling castles and quaint fishing villages around every bend. A visit in the summer will no doubt be wonderful, but visit in the Winter like we did, when other travelers are few and far between and you’ll really get a feel for this mysterious part of the world.
Whaligoe Steps
THE COTWOLDS
We’re Cheltenham-based and so The Cotswolds are just on our doorstep. We love to village-hop when we’ve got the day free. We recently introduced a vintage VW beetle into our lives and so have been loving day road trips! There is nowhere cuter to drive a classic than around then rolling hills and the quaint historic towns of the Cotswolds! 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. If you are feeling fancy rent a classic car and go all-out!
Winchcombe
Stow-on-the-Wold
Bourton-on-the-Water
NORTHERN IRELAND
A few years ago we headed over to Northern Ireland and rented a car. With crumbling castles, interesting cities and a rugged coastline shrouded by mystery and folklore, it’s a truly enchanting part of the world. We first visited the city of Belfast which we instantly fell in love with. Great bars, restaurants and museums are around every corner and I couldn’t recommend a stop in the capital of Northern Ireland more. Next we drove up the coast to Giants Causeway, which may well be one of the most unique places I have ever visited. It is no surprise that the area is a UNESCO world heritage site and one not to be missed when touring Northern Ireland. We also explored County Antrim, taking in the views of the stunning coastline and even visited the famous Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. If you’re looking for a road trip you won’t ever forget, Northern Ireland has it all.
Belfast
The coast of Northern Ireland
Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge
BRECON BEACONS
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. With our vintage beetle or campervan in tow, we always have the best time road tripping within some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world An autumnal trip is always our favourite., when the colours of the trees and hills glow bright red and orange. If you are feeling adventurous, stop to climb Pen-Y-Fan, the areas highest peak, or if you’re after a more relaxing day, head to some of the charming towns dotted around the area, such as Crickhowell and Abergavenny.
YORKSHIRE
Yorkshire has it all. From York itself to the picturesque dales, magical waterfalls and stunning castles, Yorkshire is a dreamy part of the UK to explore. Experience the city of York by climbing to the top of York Minster, wander the tight alleyways of the shambles and don’t leave without trying the famous Yorkshire pudding! Driving through the Dales is enough to guarantee scenic views, but stop at Malham Cove to truly immerse yourself in the beauty of the area. Another spot not to be missed is the Ribblehead Viaduct, where you can lace up your hiking boots and spend an afternoon rambling around the area. Yorkshire is also home to some of the quaintest seaside towns and aren’t to be missed. We can’t wait to head back and see more of Yorkshire one day!
Malham Tarn
Snowy scene in Yorkshire
Ribblehead Viaduct
CORNWALL
A road trip down south is always a good idea. 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. We are always drawn down to Cornwall for the teeny towns, dreamy coves and for the really good food. You can choose to explore the popular towns, such as Falmouth and St Ives (they are popular for a reason!) or do what we do and travel without any prior planning, drive from beach to beach, hike along the coastal paths and swim as much as possible! If you do only one thing in Cornwall, make sure you seek out a Cornish Pasty! Cornwall can get very busy in the Summer, so we will always recommend travelling out of season. Need somewhere to stay? Log Jam Cabin is the perfect place to base yourself.
Who else is excited to get back out there? We cannot wait to jump in the van and head out on the road once more.
