There is no better holiday than a classic road trip. You get to drive along endless roads, listen to your favourite songs and gaze out at stunning views. It’s the perfect way to tick multiple places off your bucket list in one trip and to uncover the real feeling of a place.
There are plenty of incredible road trips in Europe, but in this blog, we'll serve you up with the best road trips in the UK to tackle in 2024! We’ve included some popular road trips as well as some lesser-known routes, to ensure there is truly something for everyone. So start your engines and prepare for another excellent year full of adventures on the road.
1. Isle of Skye, Scotland
Length: 50 miles
Duration: 3-4 days
If you’ve come to this list looking for the famous North Coast 500, you’ll be disappointed to find that it isn’t included in this list of UK road trip ideas. It gets enough attention and is far too busy, so we’re going to focus on all the other incredible road trips in Scotland, some of which might be even better than the NC500; like this itinerary for exploring the Isle of Skye.
The Isle of Skye is known for its picturesque landscapes, rich history, rugged ruins and breathtaking coastline. It’s beloved by honeymooners and family alike, with something for everyone.
Things to do:
- If we’re recommending a road trip in Scotland, we need to include at least one whisky distillery. For this route, we recommend stopping at Talisker Distillery in Carbost, which is the island’s oldest working distillery. You can take a tour of the facilities to learn all about how their whisky is made and taste their award-winning Talisker Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
- Travel back in time at the Skye Museum of Life. This museum gives you a glimpse of the past of this island, showing you how the inhabitants of the island used to live. You’ll get to walk through traditionally thatched cottages and read historical archives, with the stories of individuals who once lived here.
- The Isle of Skye is one of the few places in the UK where you can see the Northern Lights. Head to Rubha Hunish’s most northern point, which ensures you’re not obstructed by any mountains, and you should be able to see the lights reflected along the ocean. Alternatively, you can try to spot them at Glendale, near the renowned Fairy Pools.
Check out the full itinerary for the Isle of Skye road trip!
Photo by Daniel Tonks on Unsplash
2. Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland
Length: 195 miles
Duration: 4-5 days
We can’t cover the best road trip destinations in the UK without heading over to Northern Ireland, and for that, we’ll be tackling the magnificent Causeway Coastal Route. This route takes you from Belfast to Derry, along the northern coast. It can easily be extended through nine additional scenic loop drives, or you can keep to the original route if you’re tight on time.
Things to do:
- No trip to Northern Ireland is complete without a visit to the mystical Giant’s Causeway. This natural phenomenon consists of about 40,000 interlocking perfectly hexagonal basalt columns, which were the result of an ancient volcanic fissure eruption. You can walk around this site or take a longer route along the coast.
- Take a boat trip to Rathlin Island. It features a spectacular array of wildlife and scenery. You can walk along the limestone and basalt cliffs, and try your luck at birdwatching.
- Spend an afternoon at Portstewart Crescent. There is plenty to do on the promenade, including shops, restaurants, cafes, go-karting and more. Round it off with a stroll along the beach, which can be quite romantic if you’re travelling with your partner.
Photo by zeynep elif ozdemir on Unsplash
3. Isle of Wight, England
Length: 71 miles
Duration: 2-3 days
It’s a classic, maybe even a bit of a cliche, but it deserves a spot on our list of the best road trips in the UK for 2024 nonetheless. It turns out the huge number of visitors flocking to the Isle of Wight each year have the right idea: this is a phenomenal place to go! Over the decades, these visitors have included some famous names, such as Lord Alfred Tennyson, Charles Dickens, and Queen Victoria, all of whom cherished their time spent on this gorgeous island.
But don’t be fooled into thinking that this beachy paradise is just for summer holidays, as we actually prefer visiting the Isle of Wight in winter or spring.
Things to do:
- Situated on the most southern tip of the island, Catherine’s Lighthouse is definitely worth visiting. This lighthouse is surrounded by spooky legends, including ghostly animal sightings, unexplained footsteps and vanishing items… scary! If you need a walk to calm down afterwards, head to Steephill Cove, a hidden beach that is only accessible by foot.
- If the weather permits, head to the water. The Isle of Wight is the perfect place to try your hand at various water sports, including surfing, kayaking, windsurfing and diving. Or you could stay dry and take a boat tour through the caves instead.
- The Isle of Wight is known as the ‘Dinosaur Capital of Britain’. It was the perfect habitat for dinosaurs, and almost every type of dinosaur fossil has been found there. You can see all of these fossils and findings at the Dinosaur Isle Museum. Don’t forget to go digging yourself, as new fossils are still being found each year.
Check out the full itinerary for a road trip on the Isle of Wight!
Photo by Amir Azimi on Unsplash
4. Snow Roads Scenic Route, Scotland
Length: 90 miles
Duration: 4-5 days
The Snow Roads Scenic Route is one of the most stunning drives through the Cairngorms National Park, combining small villages, stunning mountain ranges and woodlands into one easy route. This is one of our favourite road trip destinations in the UK for autumn, as the landscape is completely transformed during this time. But whatever time of year you drive the Snow Roads Scenic Route, you’re guaranteed a breathtaking view at every twist and turn.
Things to do:
- This is another destination in Scotland where you might be able to spot the Northern Lights. For the best chance of spotting the aurora, aim to pitch your motorhome north of the Cairngorm Mountain parking lot, away from trees and mountains. Or you can visit one of the many dark-sky events hosted monthly at the Glenlivet Estate.
- Spend an afternoon in Grantown-on-Spey. This delightful town is filled with independent shops and cafes and gives you a taste of the local culture. If this town is a little too small for you, head to nearby Aviemore, which is larger and has more places to visit.
- Cairngorms National Park is popular with hill walkers, so why not embark on a trek while there? For a short and easy hike, embark on the Falls of Bruar route, which takes you between two waterfalls over one and a half miles. For a real challenge, tackle the four trails of Muir of Dinnet, which total eight miles.
Check out the full itinerary for the Snow Roads Scenic Route!
5. The Cambrian Way, Wales
Length: 185 miles
Duration: 3-4 days
There are plenty of coastline routes covered on this list, so let’s turn our attention to one of the best UK road trip ideas through the mountains. The Cambrian Way cuts through the heart of Wales, taking you from the north to the south over 185 miles of incredible scenery.
You mainly follow the A470, watching as the route grows increasingly wild and rugged as you go. You can easily combine this route with a stop in the capital city of Cardiff, or extend it with a stay in Snowdonia National Park.
Things to do:
- Elan Valley is considered to be a stargazer’s paradise. It’s often called the ‘Welsh Lake District’, and is known for its huge dams and flowing rivers. It’s been inhabited since the Stone Age, so be sure to hike around this stunning area.
- Plan a stop at Blaenau Ffestiniog. This town and surrounding region were granted World Heritage Status in 2021 to recognise its mining legacy. You can take a tour of the nearby Llechwedd Mine to learn more about the history of this area.
- There are plenty of excellent biking trails along this road trip, so be sure to bring your bike and gear with you. Some of the best mountain biking routes are at Coed Y Brenin Forest in Snowdonia National Park.
Photo by Joseph Reeder on Unsplash
6. The Cotswolds, England
Length: 183 miles
Duration: 3-4 days
The Cotswolds is considered to be one of the most romantic road trips in the UK. It looks like it’s been taken right out of the pages of a fairytale. As you stroll along cobblestoned streets, past thatched cottages with ivy creeping up the walls, all of your worries will just melt away. There’s no place for the stress of daily life in your personal ‘Happily Ever After’ road trip.
There are plenty of delightful destinations in the Cotswolds, including Burford, Bourton-on-the-Water, Stroud and Cirencester.
Things to do:
- If you’ve ever watched the extended edition of Lord of the Rings, you’re enough of a fan to seek out St Edward’s Church. J.R.R. Tolkien frequently visited the Cotswolds, and people believe that the Doors of Durin were based on this church. If nothing else, it’s a stunning sight to behold!
- This region also carries a lot of Roman history. Head to the nearby city of Bath to visit the magnificent Roman Baths. These remains date back to 60 AD and were part of a small Roman urban settlement known as Aquae Sulis.
- If you manage to catch a sunny day during your trip, we recommend taking a stroll through the impressive Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens. It is home to over 260 different species of wildlife across 160 acres of landscaped parkland and gardens.
7. South West 660, England
Length: 660 miles
Duration: 6-7 days
This is one of the newest road trips on our list, and that’s why it is perfect for 2024! It’s also one of the longest routes, at a whopping 660 miles (hence the name!). So this is perfect for a half-term holiday, a summer getaway or when you’ve got a week of holiday time left to use up.
It is split into 12 sections, covering four counties (Poole, Dorset, Watchet and Somerset). It will include plenty of stunning beaches and lively pubs, a road trip for every type of traveller!
Things to do:
- If you’re a fan of history, you’ll love all of the majestic castles along this route. One of our favourites is Tintagel Castle, the legendary birthplace of King Arthur. It also happens to be a great place to spot seals.
- Head to the Fossil Forest, which is an area that was once a prehistoric forest, back when dinosaurs roamed around this region rather than surfers. Afterwards, take a dip in Lulworth Cove.
- There are plenty of great cities along this route, one of which is Plymouth. This city is filled with a fascinating maritime history, a historic harbour, lively pubs and excellent Plymouth Gin!
Check out the full itinerary for the South West Coastal 660!
8. Anglesey, Wales
Length: 120 miles
Duration: 3 - 4 days
Can you drive around Anglesey in less than three days? Yeah, sure you could drive it in about two hours if you never touched your brakes. But the real question is should you drive around Anglesey in less than three days? Absolutely not! There is so much to explore on this incredible island, so give it the time that it deserves and explore Anglesey properly.
Anglesey earned a spot on our list of the best road trips in the UK for 2024 because of its gorgeous beaches, amazing hiking trails, and incredible coastline. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Ireland! It’s tucked away in Northern Wales, and yet feels like a completely different world to the rest of the UK, more suited to a backdrop for Lord of the Rings.
Things to do:
- You can only access St. Cwyfans Church during the low tide, so make sure to time your visit. There is something truly magical about this remote place, and you’ll have to make sure you leave before the tide rises once more. Follow this with a picnic on Aberffraw Bay while you enjoy the gently rolling waves and salty air.
- Little ones and adults alike will adore visiting Puffin Island. This dedicated bird sanctuary is located on a little island, less than an hour from the bustling town of Beaumaris. There are many boat tours that can take you up close, and you’ll likely spot some grey seals on the way as well.
- Don’t leave Anglesey without visiting the South Stack Lighthouse. Perched on the summit of a small island, this lighthouse was built in 1809 to warn sailors of the rocky waters below. With over 400 steps the walk to the top is tough, but the view is definitely worth it.
Check out the full itinerary for the Anglesey road trip!
Photo by Bradley Pritchard Jones on Unsplash
9. The Pembrokeshire Coast, Wales
Length: 186 miles
Duration: 3-4 days
There is no better way to explore the stunning Welsh coastline than by going on a road trip. Drive along a backdrop of turquoise waters, sandy beaches, colourful houses and castles set upon hilltops. This is one of the best UK road trip ideas for hillwalkers, as the Pembrokeshire Coast Path is one for the bucket list!
Things to do:
- The Pembrokeshire Coast is filled with incredible beaches to visit, like Barafundle Bay Beach, Saundersfoot Beach and Broadhaven Beach. Nothing beats a classic day on the beach, followed by a whippy cone, of course.
- Spend a day in the lovely seaside town of Tenby. It looks like it was pulled straight out of a postcard. It’s home to Castle Beach, which was awarded ‘Britain’s Best Beach’ in 2019. While here, take a short boat ride to the monastery on Caldey Island, which is an incredible sight.
- There are many impressive castles along the route, but the one you’ve certainly got to visit is the namesake castle, Pembroke Castle. Pembroke Castle was built in 1090 AD and is best known as the birthplace of King Henry VII in 1457.
Not afraid of the Welsh winter weather? Pembrokeshire is one of the best places to visit in the UK in winter!
10. Argyll Coastal Route, Scotland
Length: 129 miles
Duration: 4-5 days
Stretching from Tarbet to Fort William, the Argyll Coastal Route will take you through some of the most awe-inspiring scenery that Scotland has to offer. This route has a lot of competition with all of the other incredible road trips in Scotland, but it’s definitely worth adding to your travel plans in 2024.
The Argyll Coastal Route is particularly loved by history buffs and movie fans! It is filled with majestic castles and ruins, and was the backdrop for numerous award-winning films, including Harry Potter and Skyfall.
Things to do:
- This is a great region for hill walking, so be sure to bring your boots and waterproof gear. Fort William is a popular base for climbing Ben Nevis, which is the highest mountain in the UK.
- There are a lot of conservation projects in this region of Scotland, and a particularly impressive one is the Scottish Beaver Trial, which is working to repopulate the beaver population. While in Argyll, you can also spot red deer, red squirrels, harbour seals and golden eagles, to name a few.
- Plan a stop at Loch Lomond. It might not be as famous as the Loch Ness, but it’s considered to be one of the most beautiful lochs in Scotland. You can take a boat trip over its waters (without fear of a mythical creature lurking in its depths), or you could climb the 31 steps to the top of the Inveruglas Pyramid and enjoy incredible views of the surrounding area.
Check out the full itinerary for the Argyll Coastal Route!
Which of these road trip destinations in the UK will you tackle first? Maybe you’ll head north to see more of Scotland, or explore the stunning Welsh coastline. Or with the right planning, you could even do several of these UK road trip ideas in 2024.
Travelling by motorhome will ensure you can spend as much time as possible on the road, and spend your nights in the stunning nature these destinations have to offer.
If you need a ride for your road trip, you can hire a motorhome directly from a private owner at Goboony.
