*Warning: Will most definitely cause serious road trip cravings!*
The best time of the year is here!
The UK weather doesn’t always cooperate but it’s summer, you have the freedom to drive and our country has an endless supply of beautiful scenery.
We picked a few of our team’s favourite routes for the season – but before you spark up the travel inspiration, make sure you check out our top tips for road trips so you’re prepared for the journey.
Now…on to those fab travel plans!
1. North Coast 500 in Scotland
Explore Scotland’s finest coastal scenery by taking the NC500. It’s 516 miles long which will take you 5-7 days, depending on how much you want to explore on the way – there’s a lot to enjoy!
If you’re after a shorter trip, just choose the most attractive location or activity and only drive some of it. Make sure you visit Inverness and decide for yourself if the Loch Ness Monster is real or not!
2. Cotswolds in West Midlands
Not as majestic as Scotland but definitely worth a trip, Cotswolds is a picturesque little place with fairy-like cottages and curvy village roads. Depends where you’re driving from, Cotswolds is easily reached and within 1-2 hours from London, Birmingham or Bristol.
Make your best cuppa for the road and play the Downton Abbey soundtrack while driving from village to village exploring this beautiful area.
3. Cardiff to Llandrillo in Wales
Book a nice stay in Cardiff first to enjoy the city and head north from there. Passing through stunning Welsh scenery, you’ll see Pen y Ran (the highest peak in South Wales) and Elan Valley – both of which are a great hike if you want to make a stop on the way.
You’ll pass through beautiful lakes where you can hire kayaks or dip in for a quick swim, ending your journey in the village of Llandrillo. The drive itself is about 4 hours long but add in some activities and you’ve got a good few days to explore the beauty of Wales.
4. Cheddar Gorge in Somerset, England
You can find Cheddar Gorge in Somerset, not far from Bristol. With beautiful limestone cliffs, twisting turns and hilly roads, this route is 15 miles long which is just a 30 minute drive but you can stop at one of the many farms along the way to enjoy your day – or perhaps you’re a fan of walking and want to take in the nature by foot from and back to your car.
5. Cornwall
The dreamy beaches of Cornwall – a classic! If you’re in for a real trip, take a few days or a week and drive all through from Newquay, through St Ives and Sennen to Falmouth.
If you’re after something smaller, choose the B3306 road from St Ives to Zennor; it’s a beauty! You’ll drive between the magnificent coast view and the rugged moorland. The drive is only about 45 minutes but there are plenty of lighthouses and castles to visit on the way.