Top 5 best summer UK road trips

Summer has arrived. The best way to enjoy the hot weather, long nights, and glorious sunshine is with one of these awesome UK road trips. If you are unsure where to go, fret not, we are about to show you 5 of the most incredible locations from across the UK. 

Take your adventure up a gear with the addition of a stylish convertible. We have compiled a list of the best convertibles available to get you started. Imagine the summer breeze in your hair as you take in the stunning scenery.

The UK offers some of the most picturesque views in the world that can be taken in by car. So pump up the air con, wack down the roof, and get on the road.

1. The North Coast 500

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First up is one of the most popular UK road trips – the North Coast 500. If you only drive one on our list, this must be it. Around 500 miles long, this road trip stretches across the UK’s most northerly coastal points, including Caithness and John O’Groats. The full trip will take around 4-7 days, but you can choose to start the route wherever you want. 

Along the way of Scotland’s ultimate road trip, you will experience some of the most breathtaking scenery in the UK. Driving through Inverness, John O’Groats, Durness, Lochinvar, and Ullapool, you will visit a range of white sandy beaches, incredible mountain views, and crystal-clear waters. Whether you are from Scotland, visit often, or it is your first time. The North Coast 500 is a must for summer road trip enthusiasts. 

Key places to visit: Inverness castle, Rogie Falls, Loch Ness, and Hermit’s Castle

Loch Ness

2. The Lake District

Next, we have the world-famous Lake District. A fantastic destination for families and romantic getaways alike. The Lake District is the most visited national park in the UK. With 16 lakes and 200 fells, you can enjoy a range of outdoor sports such as walking, hiking, cycling, kayaking, and paddleboarding. All in all, a fabulous summer road trip destination. 

You could spend a week in the Lake District, but if time is a little short, you can visit some of the most famous sights in around 2-3 days. The most popular destinations include the Lake District National Park, Lake Windemere, Derwentwater, Helvellyn, Ullswater, and the Catbells high ridge hike.

Key places to visit: Scafell Pike, Beatrix Potter’s Farm (Near Sawry), Wray Castle, Honister Pass, and Aira Force Waterfall

Aira Force

3. The Atlantic Highway

Moving further down the country, we have the Atlantic Highway, also known as the A39. One of the longest roads in South West England, it showcases the beauty of stunning seaside towns such as Devon and Cornwall. A perfect summer road trip destination that allows you to experience some of the best beaches in the UK.

The route connects Bath to Falmouth and takes just 1-2 days. However, many families can stay in and around Devon and Cornwall for a week of family fun. The stretch between Barnstaple and Fraddon is named the Atlantic Highway due to the almost constant views of the Atlantic Ocean you can spy from the tarmac.

Key places to visit: The Eden Project, Newquay beach, experience a Devon cream tea, and a real Cornish pasty along the way

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Cornish Cream Tea

4. The Cotswolds

One of the prettiest and quintessentially British locations is The Cotswolds. Full of miles and miles of beautiful countryside, winding lanes, and beautiful villages. Spend a week in the Cotswolds and use your time to village hop between Burford, Cheltenham, Painswick, and Bath.

The Cotswolds is an area of ‘outstanding natural beauty’, and it’s easy to see why! You can experience many wildlife encounters and bird-watching opportunities. If you’re also looking for something with more activity you can also go paddle boarding, kayaking, hiking, and walking.

Key places to visit: Stonehenge, The Roman Baths, The National Arboretum, and Castlecombe village.

The National Arboretum

5. Yorkshire Dales

Yorkshire and its surrounding dales should never be overlooked for a picturesque roadtrip. Even though Yorkshire is Britain’s largest county there are many attractions and sights to see that are close by. You can experience the beauty of the Yorkshire dales in just a couple of days, but it is recommended that you take a full week to explore what it has to offer.

Start in the gorgeous town of Harrogate and visit Malham, Hawes, and Richmond. Experience beautiful valleys, patchwork fields, flat-topped hills, and pretty villages with quaint pubs. Yorkshire was also once host to the War of the Roses, the famous struggle between the royal houses of Lancaster and York.

Key places to visit: Malham Cove, Aysgarth Falls, Richmond castle, and Mallyan Spout (the tallest waterfall in the Moors)

Richmond Castle