The Best Driving Road Trips in the UK

For some people, driving is the bit you do before a holiday. But if you love to drive, or love to indulge in motorcycle touring holidays, then here are some locations where the journey is as fun as the destination.

The Lake District, Cumbria

When the sun shines in the Lake District you could mistake your surroundings for a summer’s day in the Alps. There are glistening waters, sandy lakeside beaches, and rocky mountains to adore. There are also plenty of activities, like:

• Canyoning
• Hiking
• Cycling
• Climbing
• Horse riding

Of course, if you would prefer to take in views from the car window with quaint little café stops along the way, there are plenty of those to enjoy too.

You can piece together a trip to and from any town in the Lakes and find yourself on some of the best driving roads in the country.

Best drives in the Lake District 

• For the truly adventurous drivers, you can hop off the M6 motorway and begin a big loop from Kendal to Buttermere and back. Kendal will start the journey on the edge of the Lakes in a historic and vibrant town.
• After that, move to Ambleside so you can stop at Lake Windermere and admire the boats.
• Continue to Ullswater to drive over Kirkstone Pass, then on to Keswick for a glimpse of Derwentwater Lake and the Castlerigg Stone Circle.
• Visit the waterfall in Buttermere, then head back to the M6 via Kendal and you will pass over Honister Pass and skirt around Helvelyn Mountain.
• Finally, grab yourself some homemade gingerbread from Grasmere and visit Dove Cottage (the historic Wordsworth house and museum) to complete your loop back to Kendal in around 100 miles.

Honister Pass, the Lake District

Fort William, Scotland

With Scotland on our doorstep, British drivers are spoiled for choice when it comes to scenic drives.

Often referred to as 'the Outdoor Capital of the UK', Fort William is a must for anyone looking to see our island's landscapes at their best. It is the largest town in the Highlands and borders the beautiful shores of Loch Linnhe.

There's also a wealth of history steeped in the stones of Fort William. You'll find grand ruins, old castles, and plenty of tidbits about Jacobite life in the region's museums. You can either drive up for a weekend or do a grand tour and stay a whole week. 

Best drives in the Fort William

• The classic route would be to go from Glasgow to Fort William. This route takes you northbound on the A82 where you will drive along the edges of Loch Lomond and past Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the UK. You’ll also drive through Glen Coe, a stunning set of black mountains that reflect in a myriad of mini lochs and rock pools either side of the road.
• Fort William is not the prettiest of places to stop, but it is easy for accommodation. Alternatively, lap up rural life in nearby Kinlochleven to take in sea loch views from the nearby hills.
• For the really adventurous road tripper a visit to Torridon is a must. There you will find an abundance of quaint country roads that meander around the coast. Torridon Hotel often has vintage car rallies that you could plan your trip around. The Highlands are also awash with mountains to climb and national parks to explore.
• If you’ve got all week, be sure to take a detour from Tornapress to Applecross. The journey will treat you to the Bealach na Ba pass, with hairpin corners that’ll make you think you’ve accidentally driven to a European mountain range. 

Bealach na Ba, Scotland

Snowdonia, Wales

A driving enthusiast may already be familiar with the EVO Triangle, three roads comprising of the A5, the A543, and the B4501. These three roads are popular amongst car and motorbike drivers alike, made famous as regular test circuits for motoring magazines.

Alongside fantastic driving, Snowdonia has plenty more to offer. There's a range of mountains to explore, including Snowdon itself, as well as Carneddau and Glyderau. Not to mention a whole host of Welsh pubs, restaurants, and cafes to kick back in, once you've had your taste of the grand outdoors.

Best drives in the Snowdonia

• If you link Rhydlydan with Llan Festiniog, then back north via From-Goch, you create a 100 mile loop to take in a number of reservoirs and winding, mountainous roads. You will also be an hour's drive from Snowdon, Wales' highest mountain, if a 1,085m high walk is on the bucket list.
• You can stay at a local bunkhouse or park up just off the A470 to take a walk around Llyn Trawsfynydd Lake for stunning views of the mountains from the water.
• Add another 30 mins to your drive (or a day to your trip) and head to the coast to enjoy the sandy Harlech beach, sea views from the road and a touch of history in Harlech Castle.

Snowdonia National Park

Dartmoor National Park, Devon

Dartmoor National Park is situated in the heart of Devon with easy access from the M5 motorway.

Dartmoor is ideal for an out-and-back day trip, and those who want to pack in even more might venture to experience the city life in Plymouth, too. Alternatively, Dartmouth is nearby and will provide coastal cliff walks, streets lined with ice cream shops, and lots of opportunities for a cracking fish supper before heading home.

Best drives in Devon 

• If you take the B3212 from the cathedral city of Exeter, the road will guide you right through the middle of Dartmoor via Moretonhampstead.
• Switch to the B3357 at Two Bridges and then follow the signs to Tavistock to lengthen the drive through open countryside with views for miles either side of the road.
• Two Bridges is as charming as it sounds, and the local hotel can provide accommodation to weary drivers. You can then head into Dartmoor National Park and enjoy all the treats it has on offer. 
• Create a unique loop back to Exeter with a ferry ride in your car. Crossing the Dartmouth channel by ferry will allow you to absorb quintessentially English seaside views at a relaxed pace from the water.

Sunset Dartmoor

The Peak District, Derbyshire

If your journey is as important as your destination, then the Peak District holds some of the most famous and challenging routes in England.

As the first national park in England and Wales, there's plenty to enjoy on and off the road. There are historic halls, dams, museums and visitor centres scattered around this national park, as well as grand manor houses, some of which you might just recognise from the big screen. 

In fact, The Peak District has featured heavily in Hollywood films - the most romantic being the 2005 Pride and Prejudice adaptation. While out on a drive, keep your eyes peeled for some of these famous locations. 

Best drives in The Peak District

• The road from Buxton to Macclesfield is about 12 miles long and takes less than 30 minutes, but it features a series of dramatic mountain bends with stunning scenery on either side. The views of open moorlands are particularly stunning from Goyt's Moss.
• You'll then be faced with the difficult choice of whether to stop off for lunch at the Cat and Fiddle Inn (the second highest pub in England) or wait until you get to the café culture of Macclesfield.
• If you’re sticking around the Peaks for other activities, there are endless hills to climb, unusual rock formations to explore, and historic towns to wander around. Bakewell is a beautiful little town that you can’t pass without picking up a coffee and a Bakewell tart.
• Having a sweet treat in Bakewell, swing over to Bolsover Castle, which is one of many fairy-tale mansions to investigate with superb views over Derbyshire.
• Finally, turn your sights to The Heights of Abraham in Matlock. This stunning location offers a hilltop park above a limestone gorge, a cable car to fly above 60 acres of hillside woodland, and guided tours underground in caverns and showcaves. 

Winats Pass

For more driving tips and advice, make sure you check out the rest of our Useful Articles.