Summer is the perfect time for an adventure, the weather’s better (usually), the kids are off school, and it’s time to make some memories.
A couple of days on the road, taking in different sights and exploring, is a fab way to organise a break quickly. If you’ve got a camper van, a couple of days away is easy, if you’re in the car, there might be a bit of extra planning with accommodation, etc. (Get our road trip tips here.)
But the most important thing is some inspiration to get started and decide where you want to go.
Luckily, we’ve got some fantastic road trip suggestions for you.
The open road awaits!
North Coast 500
One of the UK’s most popular road trips, the NC500 is a stunning route around the North of Scotland, taking in beautiful coastline, winding roads and picturesque villages, with the start and end of the route being traditionally seen as Inverness Castle.
There’s loads to do along the route, from hiking walks to whisky tasting, you can even go dolphin spotting. The landscape is awe-inspiring, and some stretches of road, like the Bealach na Bà, are famous for being some of the best driving roads in Europe.
Key stops
- Inverness
- Applecross
- Ullapool
- Durness
- John ‘O’Groats
- Wick
Pembrokeshire Coast
From Scotland to Wales, touring around Tenby, Pembroke, St Davids and beyond is an awesome way to take in stunning coastline, fishing towns, seaside and history. Whether the sun’s out or the weather is decidedly more British, Wales is beautiful and well worth a visit.
You’ve got loads of options for things to do. You can get off the road and hike down a coastal path for a day at the beach or explore famous landmarks like Pembroke Castle. Or head into one of the towns and villages and cosy up in a quiet café.
Key stops
- Tenby
- Pembroke
- St Davids
- Barafundle Bay
Cornwall and Devon Coast
The Southwest of the UK is already an incredibly popular holiday destination, and for a lot of people, getting to their destination is a road trip in itself. But whether you’re there for the sleepy coastal villages, exploring fossil-filled beaches, trying your hand at surfing in Newquay, filling up on incredible seafood, or exploring regions famous for smugglers, there’s loads to see and do, with road trips around the area winding along stunning coast and country road, across countryside and through historical towns.
Key stops
- Exeter
- Dartmoor
- Newquay
- St Ives
- Penzance
- Tintagel
- Land’s End
Yorkshire Dales and Moors
From the Pennines to the coast, there’s no shortage of amazing places to visit in Yorkshire. It’s one of those places with so much to take in that you could do multiple road trips and never see the same thing twice. Whether you’re driving up coast roads to Whitby, or taking in the market towns around Harrogate, Skipton and beyond.
Yorkshire is famous for rugged and breathtaking scenery that has inspired artists and writers for centuries. From Whitby Abbey being a huge influence on the story of Dracula, to the impact York had on Harry Potter or the moors which form the backdrop to Wuthering Heights.
From city breaks to chilled spa retreats, Yorkshire has a bit of everything, so if you’re on a road trip with people with varied interests and ideas of a good time, you should be able to find something for everyone.
Key stops
- York
- Harrogate
- Skipton
- Haworth
- Malham
- Whitby
Cotswolds
The quintessential countryside, the Cotswolds is home to villages straight out of a postcard, lovely cafes, quirky shops and plenty of opportunities to explore and relax.
The Cotswolds are a perfect choice for people who like a road trip but would love nothing more than to pull up and get out on their bikes to explore. Pedalling through villages and across rolling hills is a great way to see the world and get some fresh air.
If pedal power isn’t your thing, grab an afternoon tea or spend hours trawling through antique shops looking for bargains.
Key Stops
- Chipping Campden
- Bourton-on-the-Water
- Stow-on-the-Wold
- Bibury
Lake District
Some of the UK’s most breathtaking scenery, driving through and around the Lakes, there’s no shortage of places to stop.
Whether you’re into hiking, climbing, camping, or getting out on the water, there are tonnes of ways to get active. But there are also market towns, incredible places to eat, gorgeous spas and hotels, museums and attractions.
Or, if you still want to enjoy the water, get out on a pleasure cruise or one of the larger boats that sail up and down Windermere.
The Lake District is such a popular tourist attraction that during peak periods, traffic might be heavier than normal, so it’s crucial that you plan your route, or maybe plan your trip for when it isn’t as busy, to truly soak up how peaceful the Lake District can be.
Key Stops
- Windermere
- Ambleside
- Keswick
- Ullswater
- Coniston
Each of these trips can be as long or as short as you like, that’s the beauty of a road trip. You can go for a weekend away or spend longer on a grand tour. There’s nothing like a proper road trip.
Where are you heading this Summer? Pre-booking can give you a clear stop to aim for on your next road trip. Download the Evology Parking app today to find, manage and pay for your parking from the palm of your hand.
Take your first step towards pre-booking today
We make finding and booking your next parking session quick and easy. Get started today by downloading the app or heading to our pre-booking website.
- Open the Evology Parking app
- Search for a car park
- Select the length of your stay
- Pay for your parking
