What makes for a better summer adventure than a road trip? The staycation trend might have dwindled slightly since the lockdown-induced hysteria, within a car, ferry or one-hour flight‘s worth of time is access to some of the most dramatic and beautiful scenery in the world – plus it’s more sustainable and affordable.

From the North Coast 500 and Lake District in Britain, to the Wild Atlantic Way and Coastal Causeway in Ireland, we’ve rounded up a list of the best road trips close by. Pack a car full of walking gear, optimistic swimming togs and friends and family and set off.

North Coast 500, Scotland

The ultimate Scottish Highlands route, this 500-mile (hence the name) loop around the northernmost part of Scotland was officially launched as a dedicated route in 2015. Begin at Loch Ness, where you might just get lucky, before continuing on to complete the entire loop, or break away to visit islands like Skye or the Hebrides.

The picturesque village of  Ullapool makes for a great stopover, meanwhile John O’Groats sits right on the Northeastern tip and is the furthest possible village on mainland Britain from Land’s End in Cornwall. 

northcoast500.com

Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

Back in 2014, Fáilte Ireland had a lightbulb moment when they decided to market essentially the country’s entire west coast as one big long tourism trail. Right from the northernmost point at Malin Head down to the Southerly Mizen Head, it encompasses 2,500 miles of coastline.

Better done in stages than all in one go – unless you’re due a sabbatical – the route features the beautiful national parks of Connemara and Killarney, beaches of Donegal and Mayo, the dramatic Cliffs of Moher and Slieve Leige, as well as a host of charming seaside villages and towns.

ireland.com

Lake District, England

There’s a reason the Lake District is England’s most visited national park. A UNESCO heritage site, there’s a range of wonderful, winding routes around the dramatic peaks and freshwater lakes, like the Keswick loop. Recommended stop-offs include the quaint town of Windermere and, for the more hardcore hillwalkers out there, Scaffold Pike, England’s tallest mountain. 

lakedistrict.gov.uk

Atlantic Highway, England

Road trips in Scotland and Ireland might be more dramatic, but if its sun you’re after, the Atlantic Highway stretching from Devon down to Cornwall is the one. So-called the English Riviera, the sandy beaches and white cliffs of the Jurassic coast await, as well as seaside towns St.Ives, Penzance and Torquay.

Admittedly, the Atlantic Highway (a romantic renaming of A39) does cover a lot of farmland, but when it hits the coast it’s worth it. Don’t know where to stay or eat? Check out our handy guide on the best hotels in Cornwall and the UK’s best coastal restaurants.

visitcornwall.com

Coastal Causeway, Northern Ireland

Some road trips, like the Wild Atlantic Way and the North Coast 500, are too big to do in one go (unless you’re really dedicated) so picking off a piece is advised. However, some like the Coastal Causeway in Northern Ireland are measured to work perfectly as a week-long trip. 

Bookended on either end by Belfast and Derry, this route across the Northern coast of Ireland ticks off iconic sights like The Giant’s Causeway, the Carrick-a-rede suspension bridge, the Bushmills whiskey distillery and some filming locations from Game of Thrones.

discovernorthernireland.com

Yorkshire Dales, England

Spooky, moody, and atmospheric, the Yorkshire Dales is the ultimate best place in Northern England for a road trip. Full of walking routes, Norman castles and Viking settlements, some of England’s most beautiful sights are in Yorkshire. 

York is steeped in history and is a great, walkable city, meanwhile the seaside towns of Whitby and Scarborough offer fresh fish and chips, dramatic coastline views and ancient cultural sites aplenty.

yorkshire.com

Pembrokeshire, Wales

Home to some of the most underrated beaches in the UK – with a fraction of the crowds of some more popular options – Pembrokeshire in Wales makes for a great road trip option.

Stop over at either Newgale Beach or Barafundle Bay for some surfing lessons and conquer the beach of Pen y Fan while driving around the lush countryside.

visitpembrokeshire.com

Peak District, England

The name gives a clue – the Peak District is very high up, and should be as high up in your list. Hiking is the main reason for most tourist visits, but the meandering drives in between can be just as majestic – especially the brilliantly named Snake Pass, which carves its way through the Penines, and the dive into Hope Valley. 

visitpeakdistrict.com


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