If it’s your first time here, your gazillionth or you live here, you’ll soon realise that there’s so much more to Great Britain than just London. We are so lucky to have such a huge heap of epic places that make our island so special, which you’ll see if you’re planning one of your very own road trips across Great Britain.
That being said, the huge mix of places can also make it a bamboozling process, especially when planning some road trips in Great Britain.
Do you stay down in the south of England? Head to the lakes? Find the beaches? Or just drive indefinitely?
There’s no real right or wrong answer, (as long as you’ve piled your car with snacks) but one thing I would say is to prioritise some regions you’d like to experience most. That’s why we wanted to show you some of the best road trips in Great Britain that we think you might like.
1.) Cornwall
I often think of Cornwall as the leg of Great Britain! Perched in the south-west, it’s a idyllic area to explore.
Now, Cornwall is and possibly one of the best road trips in Great Britain if you like small seaside towns and nature. It’s just filled with quaint little villages, incredible coastal trails and some of the best beaches in Great Britain.
Make sure to stop off at spots like Watergate Bay, see Lands End and head over to Port Isaac. Oh yeah, and gorge on all the Cornish Pasty’s you can find!
Read more: What to see in Cornwall
2.) Dorset
So, the Dorset and its world-famous coastline is one heck of a place for one of the best road trips in Great Britain.
Once you’re here, make sure to go fossil hunting on the Jurassic Coast, see Durdle Door and explore the 8,000-year-old village of Corfe Castle. It really is very special.
We stayed at the Hix Townhouse in Lyme Regis whilst here. It was gorgeous.
Read more: Visiting Durdle Door and the Jurassic Coast
3.) Scottish Highlands
The Scottish Highlands are unique and unlike anywhere else in Scotland. That’s what makes it one of the best road trips in Great Britain to experience.
Now, the thing with the Scottish Highlands is that your trip can be never-ending. So, it’s best practice to set a timeframe and some key priorities of places you want to see.
Once you’re here, make sure to stop off at the Cairngorms to explore the stunning scenery, head to the west coast visit the tiny towns of Applecross and drive some of the North Coast 500 route.
If you’ve got time, make sure to also see Eilean Donan Castle, Lower Diabaign and Plockton. You can even drive the incredible route that takes in the views at Bealach na Ba Viewpoint.
You can read our whole Scottish Highland Road Trip route
4.) The Lake District
As Great Britain’s newest UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s one road trip you should consider if you love the great outdoors.
Perched a few hours drive (north) from Manchester, the whole region is dotted with lakes, rolling hills and incredible scenery to explore.
Once you’re here, take a road trip between all the lakes (each with its character). One of my favourites has to be Ullswater Lake, which is one of the largest but also one of the quietest lakes to visit.
Once here, make sure to stay at Another Place: The Lake, ramble the mountains at Martindale and paddleboard across the lake itself.
You’ll have the best time exploring all the different lakes.
Read more: Best things to do in the Lake District
5.) Cotswolds
The Cotswolds are only about a 2.5-hour drive from Central London and pretty easy to explore on a road trip around the region.
Based just north of Bath, the area is filled with little chocolate-box villages, charming cottages lovely little tea rooms and indie shops to explore.
It’s one of my favourite areas of Great Britain, with it easily being one of the best road trips in Great Britain. Once here, make sure to explore the Slaughters (upper and lower), visit Tetbury and stop off at Arlington Row.
Read more on pretty villages in Great Britain
6.) Cambridgeshire and Norfolk
So, If you’re looking for a road trip around the easterly region of Great Britain, pop over to Cambridgeshire and Norfolk.
Once in the area, make sure to go punting in Cambridge, see some of the best spots in Norfolk and explore the gorgeous East Anglian coastline.
Don’t forget: There’s some pretty tasty grub at the Fur & Feathers, just outside Norwich. You’ll love it.
Read more: What to do when visiting Cambridge
7.) West Sussex
Around 70 minutes (or so) from London, West Sussex is a gorgeous region for one of the best road trips in Great Britain.
Now, don’t let its proximity to London fool you, the area around South Downs National Park feels like a million miles away.
Once you’re here, make sure to stop off at Arundel Castle (it’s incredible), stay at your own castle at Amberley Castle and explore Petworth House.
It really is a stunning region with so much history.
Read more: Best places to see in South Downs National Park
8.) Wales
Now, a road trip around Wales is a bumper road trip (especially if you’re travelling from south to north Wales).
That being said, don’t feel the pressure to see all of the country in one trip, just choose the regions you feel most appeal to you. Personally, for me, this is the west coast of Wales.
Once here, make sure to stop off at Pembrokeshire National Park, explore the historic fishing town of Aberaeron, visit Devils Bridge and head further north (beyond the Dyfi Estuary) to Snowdonia National Park and Portmeirion.
It’s an idyllic Italian town that’s nestled on the north-west coast.
Read more on what to see in Wales, here
9.) Fife and Edinburgh
If you’ve arrived for a city break in Edinburgh, it’s really easy to partner this up with a road trip around the Kingdom of Fife.
Once here, make sure to stop off at St Andrew’s and explore the castle, abbey ruins and the little-cobbled streets.
If you’re travelling further down the coast, stop off at points like Anstruther (with the best fish and chips), explore Crail and take a boat over to the ruins at Incholm Island.
It is a beautiful area of Scotland to explore.
Read more on what to see in Edinburgh
10.) Yorkshire
Perched in northern England, Yorkshire is a beautiful area of Great Britain to explore.
Once you’re here, make sure to stop off at places like; York, Whitby Abbey and Robin Hood’s Bay (a historic smuggler town from hundreds of years ago).
If you’re looking for some incredible history, pop into Castle Howard. Once here, explore the grounds, ramble through the Yorkshire Dales and stop off at the market town of Malton. It’s known for some of the best local foods you’ll find.
Just remember to arrive hungrily; you’ll be stuffed leaving this town.
Read more: Visiting Whitby for a day trip
11.) North to South of Great Britain
Probably one of the biggest and longest road trips in Great Britain to experience is from the John O’Groats (the north of Scotland) to Land’s End (the south-west of England).
Now, this type of road trip will require a good commitment of time and a few bits of planning but it’s all worth it.
There are some key spots you should visit like the Scottish Highlands (via the NC500), Glasgow, Edinburgh, the Lake District, Manchester, Norwich, Cotswolds, Stratford-upon-Avon, Stonehenge, Bath, Dorset, Watergate Bay and St Ives.
Now, I’m aware I’ve thrown a whole heap of gorgeous spots but pick and choose some of the best that suits your taste. You’ll have the best road trip ever!
Check Out The Very Best Of Great Britain!
