Us Brits are proud of our not-so-little island! From the beauty of the Cotswolds, the magnificence of Edinburgh to the quaint charm of Tenby in stunning Wales, there are loads of spots to explore. This is no more true when looking at places to visit on a British road trip.
Honestly, there are so many iconic and easily some of the places to visit on a British road trip that you’ll be spoilt for choice. That it can be hard to single out which ones you absolutely have to see.
This is exactly why I wanted to share some of the places to visit on a British road trip that you can visit on your journey across the country.
Some are easy to get to, others a little more difficult but all make for the perfect place way to explore the uniqueness of our wonderful island.
Whatever the case, take a little gander at places to visit on a British road trip. Have the best time.
1.) London
London has to be included.. from its many delicious food markets, epic coffee spots, and gorgeous palaces to it’s well-kept secret spots, London has it all.
You’re gonna be spoilt for choice when it comes to London. Just make sure to spend a few days exploring the best areas of London as the different neighbourhoods are so different.
Oh yeah, and, I’d always suggest parking up your car or starting your road trip to London.
You don’t really need a car in the city (and it can be quite a burden). Stick to public transport, stroll and explore the city by foot. Then, afterwards, head out to explore the other best places to visit on a British road trip.
Read more: Best areas of London to explore
2.) Stonehenge
This world-famous site is a must-see whilst driving west from London and is easily one of the best places to visit on a British road trip.
Only 2 hours from the city centre, Stonehenge is a perfect place to learn about our long and rich history.
Weekends can get very busy, so consider heading to Stonehenge early in the morning or an hour before closing.
3.) Bath
Nestled in the South West of England, Bath is one of Britain’s most picturesque cities to visit.
Take a day out of your road trip to explore its Roman baths, the natural springs and the Royal Crescent. Still, to this day, Bath is one of my favourite English cities and I hope you love it, too.
Just make sure to try some of those yummy Sally Lunn’s buns, too!
Read more: Best things to do in Bath
4.) Brighton
One of Britain’s most iconic south coast places, Brighton is a brilliant city to explore; especially on a sunny day. It’s easily one of the places to visit on a British road trip if you’re exploring the south of England.
Only 2-hours from Central London, Brighton’s Royal Pavilion, its quaint lanes and its Victorian Pier make for a perfect day of exploring a unique English seaside city. Grab a deck chair and a “99” whilst enjoying a little British Sunshine!
Read more: Best things to do in Brighton
5.) Windsor
Windsor is home to one of the most iconic Royal residences after Buckingham Palace! Windsor Castle is a must-see sight when exploring Britain.
Only 30 minutes from Heathrow Airport, it can even be a perfect place to explore on a long stopover between flights.
You see, if you’re heading west from London, it’s likely that Windsor will be your first port of call as it’s only a little beyond Heathrow Airport.
Read more: Things to know before visiting Windsor Castle
6.) The Cotswolds
The rolling hills, picturesque town and beautiful history make this area of outstanding natural beauty a perfect place to explore over a day or two.
Whilst visiting the Cotswolds, don’t forget to include these impressive places and perhaps even stay in a historic Royal home. It really is one of the best places to visit on a British road trip and is perfectly suited to exploring by car.
Read more: Best things to do in the Cotswolds
7.) Edinburgh
The capital city of Scotland, Edinburgh, is one of my favourite cities to explore in Britain!
Spend a few days discovering the old town as well as its new town that’s totally different. Oh, and of course, try some haggis, too!
Take some time to go for a jaunt along Princes Street and visit its world-famous castle that sits on an extinct volcano.
There’s so much to see and do whilst in the city.
Take a look at some of the best experiences to have in Edinburgh and its unique bars and restaurants to visit. They’re so much fun and you can really soak up the atmosphere of Edinburgh, here.
Read more: Best things to do in Edinburgh
8.) Bristol
Bristol has a thriving art scene, with one of its most (in)famous artists being Banksy, who recently created Dismaland close by.
Although this was a temporary exhibition, you can still see so many of Banksy’s famous works dotted around Bristol.
Explore its wonderful history and take in Bristol’s thriving art scene. It’s easily one of the places to visit on a British road trip.
Read more: Best things to do in Bristol
9.) Glasgow
There’s always a lot of competition around which is the ‘best’ Scottish city, especially between Glaswegians and Edinburghians (is that correct)?
Take a wander around its many beautiful sights whilst exploring the best places to visit on a British road trip. Also, this is a good gateway city to start your wider adventure into the Scottish Highlands, too.
Read more: Best things to do in Glasgow
10.) York
The ancient city of York is steeped in a rich history. Head to the Jorvik Viking Centre, York Castle and York Minster to see some of its most impressive sights.
We loved our time in York and there’s so much to ramble and wander around. You can even rent your own little boat and explore the city by the riverfront, too.
It really is one of the places to visit on a British road trip.
Read more: Best things to do in York
11.) Cambridge
The college rivalry between Oxford and Cambridge is, well, unrivalled!
Take a wander around the beautiful grounds of the University (King’s College chapel is a must-see) whilst exploring the charm of Cambridge.
Don’t forget to try your hands at punting too. It’s pretty hard work but better if you can get someone else to do the punting. It’s one of the places to visit on a British road trip when exploring the East of England.
Read more: Best things to do in Cambridge
12.) Liverpool
Liverpool is famed for its musical heritage and beautiful city centre.
Take a tour of some of the main sights but save some energy for the night – that’s when the city comes alive.
Enjoy the thousands of live music venues, bars and buskers that line the city’s streets. Plus, you can easily partner this up with a trip to Manchester, too.
Read more: Best things to do in Liverpool
13.) Newcastle
This northern city is one of Britain’s best-kept secrets to visit! Once an industrial powerhouse, Newcastle has been redeveloped into one of the country’s most fun cities to visit.
Take a wander through its bustling city streets and make notes to stop to see the Angel of the North. It’s easily one of the best places to visit on a British road trip and a perfect starting point to visit Northumberland and all its castles.
Read more: Best things to do in Newcastle
14.) White Cliffs of Dover
Not too far from Brighton, the White Cliffs of Dover are a perfect place to explore the natural beauty of our island.
Take a wander across the many coastal paths that crisscross this area of outstanding natural beauty.
15.) Durham
Not too far from Newcastle, Durham is the perfect stop on your journey through the North of England.
Don’t forget to explore Durham Castle and Cathedral that’s so iconic and imposing in the city.
16.) The Lake District
The Lake District is one of Britain’s most stunning areas to see. For me, the Lake District is easiest to get around by car. This makes it one of the places to visit on a British road trip that you can explore at your own pace and see all the different lakes.
Rolling hills and vast lakes have created a landscape that’ll leave you impressed and inspired to keep exploring.
Once you’ve visited the charming town of Windermere, head into the hills and enjoy the beauty of this region.
Read more: Best things to do in the Lake District
17.) Rye
This small town in East Sussex is the perfect place for a relaxing stop, especially after a long drive.
18.) St. Ives
No visit to Cornwall would be complete without a visit to St. Ives.
This beautiful Cornish gem is a great place to relax, surf or even eat your weight in delicious Cornish Pasties. Yum.
Honestly, the whole coast of Cornwall is gorgeous and easily one of the places to visit on a British road trip if you love natural beauty and little fishing villages.
Read more: Best things to do in Cornwall
19.) Scilly Isles
Although you won’t be able to drive here, you can jump on a ferry direct from Cornwall.
Spend a day or two exploring one of the most unique set of islands in England.
Bathed in its own micro-climate, the Scilly Isles are a true little paradise.
Read more: 1-week itinerary for the Isles of Scilly
20.) Tenby
This pretty little fishing town is one of the quaintest in all of Wales.
Tenby is a historic fishing village that’s relatively easy to get to by car, too. This all makes it one of the best places to visit on a British road trip.
Explore its windy streets and colourful houses and grab yourself some local fish and chips.
It’s a true sea-side favourite.
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