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The best UK and Ireland road trip ideas for your holiday
From dramatic coastal drives to winding mountain passes, UK road trips are becoming an increasingly popular choice for holidaymakers, with 46% of Brits now choosing a UK staycation as their ideal trip.
Whether you're planning a weekend escape or a week-long adventure, our guide takes a look at which scenic routes are capturing the nation’s attention for the most in-demand UK and Northern Ireland road trip destinations, and how to plan the ultimate road trip holiday.
Key takeaways
- Top road trip destinations. The Scottish Highlands take the crown as the UK's most in-demand road trip destination, with North Wales and Cornwall close behind.
- Most popular routes. Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way tops the charts as the nation's favourite road trip route, followed by Dorset's Jurassic Coast and Scotland's North Coast 500.
- Something for every kind of trip. Fancy a big adventure? The North Coast 500 is the UK's longest continuous route at 516 miles. Short on time? Cheddar Gorge packs in stunning scenery in just 10 miles.
- Unmissable stops along the way. From Durdle Door to the Eden Project and the Cairngorms, the best UK road trips are all about the detours as much as the destination.
- Stay local & convenient. Base your trip at family-friendly or romantic holiday parks near key attractions to rest, recharge, and enjoy more experiences.
- Entertainment on the road. Keep drives fun with playlists, audiobooks, podcasts, road trip games, and scenic detours to break up long journeys.
- Tips for a smooth trip. Pack essentials, plan activities in advance, and leave room for spontaneity to ensure a memorable and stress-free UK and Ireland road trip.
The top road trip routes and destinations in the UK and Ireland
To help you with ideas for your road trip holidays, we’ve analysed search data to assess the most in-demand road trip destinations and routes across the UK and Northern Ireland, so you and the family can have the trip you’ve all been dreaming of.
The top 10 UK road trip destinations
Scenic landscapes continue to drive Britain's staycation choices, with the Scottish Highlands, North Wales and Cornwall emerging as the country's most in-demand road trip destinations.Â
The Scottish Highlands claim the top spot with its rugged landscapes, winding driving routes and remote escapes. North Wales and Cornwall follow closely behind with their breathtaking coastlines, mountains and national parks. The Lake District, Peak District and Cotswolds also rank in the top 10.
| Rank | Destination |
| 1 | Scottish Highlands |
| 2 | North Wales |
| 3 | Cornwall |
| 4 | Lake District |
| 5 | Northumberland |
| 6 | Peak District |
| 7 | South Wales |
| 8 | Cotswolds |
| 9 | Snowdonia |
| 10 | Devon |
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The top UK and Ireland road trip routes
While the UK continues to inspire staycation plans amongst Brits, it’s the country’s iconic driving routes that are encouraging more and more holidaymakers to book UK road trips and touring holidays
| Rank | Route | Location | Typical start | Typical end | Approx. driving time | Approx distance |
| 1 | Wild Atlantic Way | Ireland | Kinsale, County Cork | Malin Head, County Donegal | 35-40 hours | 2,600km (1,600 miles) |
| 2 | Jurassic Coast | Dorset | Exmouth | Studland Bay (or vice versa) | 3.5-4.5 hours | 155km (95 miles) |
| 3 | North Coast 500 | Scottish Highlands | Inverness | Inverness (Circular) | 12-15 hours | 830km (516 miles) |
| 4 | Cambrian Way | Wales | Cardiff | Llandudno | 8-10 hours | 480km (300 miles) |
| 5 | Northumberland 250 | Northumberland | Hexham | Hexham (circular) | 6-7 hours | 402km (250 miles) |
| 6 | Cheddar Gorge | Somerset | Cheddar | Wells | 20-30 minutes (gorge section) | 16km (10 miles) |
| 7 | Pembrokeshire Coast | Pembrokeshire, wales | Amroth | St Davids | 2.5-3.5 hours | 155km (95 miles) |
| 8 | Atlantic Highway | Devon & Cornwall | Barnstaple | Newquay or Land's End | 3.5-4.5 hours | 177km (110 milesBarnstaple-Newqua) |
| 9 | Snake Pass | Peak District | Glossop | Ladybower Reservoir or Sheffield | 45-60 minutes | 32km (20 miles) |
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Taking the number one spot as the best UK and Ireland road trip route is Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland's gorgeous coastal route stretching around 2,600km along the country's western shoreline. Passing through some of Ireland's most spectacular views, the route passes through iconic sights such as the Cliffs of Moher, Connemara National Park, Galway and the dramatic Donegal coastline. The full drive takes around 35 to 40 hours, making it the ultimate road trip route for those with plenty of time (and a great playlist!)Â
Second place goes to Dorset's Jurassic Coast, a 155km route showcasing the UNESCO World Heritage coastline, Lulworth Cove and Corfe Castle. It's full of stunning scenery, fossil beaches and cliffs. At just 3.5 to 4.5 hours to drive, it's the perfect option for a weekend getaway or first road trip with the family.Â
Completing the top three is Scotland's North Coast 500, a Scottish Highlands road trip route covering 830km through iconic stops such as Applecross, Ullapool, Durness, the Highland mountains and white-sand beaches. A true bucket list road trip holiday!
The most scenic UK road trips
A huge part of the joys of a UK and Ireland road trip is the journey itself. The coastlines, mountains, countryside and natural landscapes offer some of the most picturesque drives - not to mention fantastic photography opportunities!
Instagram data reveals that Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way is the most photographed road trip route, with 2 million posts! The Jurassic Coast in Devon follows behind with 525,000 posts. Turns out you don’t need to travel abroad to see some amazing views.
| Route | Location | No. Instagram Posts |
| Wild Atlantic Way | Ireland | 2,000,000 |
| Jurassic Coast | Dorset/ Devon | 525,000 |
| North Coast 500 | Scotland | 182,000 |
| Pembrokeshire Coast | Pembrokeshire, wales | 148,000 |
| Cheddar Gorge | Somerset | 110,000 |
| Causeway Coastal Route | Northern Ireland | 83,100 |
| Anglesey Coastal Path | North Wales | 35,200 |
| Northumberland 250 | Northumberland | 5,000 |
| Ceredigion Coast | Wales | 5,000 |
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The best UK road trip ideas for your holiday
There are so many popular UK road trip routes and destinations to pick from - but knowing which is best for you and your fellow travellers isn’t always easy. Here are some of our favourite road trip ideas and stop-off points to help you plan the best route for you.Â
The Jurassic Coast
Best for: 3-5 day road trips for families, fossil hunters and keen photographers.
Stretching for 95 miles along the southern coast of England, one of the best road trip ideas to consider for your break is along the Jurassic Coast. This designated World Heritage Site is a bucket list road trip route for a memorable getaway filled with views, sunshine, and adventure.Â
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Start your journey at the renowned Studland Bay, moving on to the charming town of Swanage before making your way westward. Make sure to stop at iconic landmarks like Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, and Chesil Beach for breathtaking cliff views and ancient rock formations.
Looking for the perfect place to stay on your Dorset road trip? Swanage Bay View Holiday Park is only around 35 minutes away from these landmarks, so you can bunker down in one of our caravans or lodges for a good night of rest before hitting the road again.
Cornwall road trip
Best for: A long weekend road trip for surfers and families with little ones.
If we’re talking about the best UK road trip ideas, then Cornwall definitely has to be on the list. In the southwestern corner of England, it’s a roadtripper’s paradise, with gorgeous coastlines, quaint fishing villages, and rich Celtic heritage.
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If you’re following the famous Atlantic Highway route, start your drive at Barnstaple in Devon, famous for its Pannier Market and independent sellers. Then, make your way along the winding coastal roads, stopping at brilliant destinations like Padstow, Newquay, and even Land’s End for stunning natural coastal views.
And when all that adventure finally catches up to you, rest your weary bones at one of our fantastic Cornwall holiday parks like Retallack Resort or Newperran - both of which offer accommodations for every budget and group size.Â
Yorkshire road trip
Best for: 3-7 day road trips for hikers and history buffs.
While it may not rank as one of the most popular UK road trip destinations, Yorkshire is another fantastic - and quite frankly, underrated - UK road trip idea. Steeped in history and natural beauty, it’s not just known for Yorkshire tea!Â
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Start your journey in the vibrant city of York, where you can explore the iconic York Minster, the Shambles, and the city's rich Viking heritage. From there, drive into the stunning Yorkshire Dales National Park, where you'll be greeted by rolling hills, quaint villages, and some of the best hiking trails in the country. So, make sure you pack your walking boots if you want to trade the road for a footpath for the day!
Top off your Yorkshire road trip at The Bay Filey - with a wide range of accommodation options and on-site amenities to enjoy, you and your fellow roadtrippers will be thankful for the extra R&R!Â
Snowdonia, North Wales road trip
Best for: 3-5 day road trips for adventurers and mountain hikers.
Snowdonia is a true outdoor enthusiast's paradise, and the perfect addition to our list of the top UK and Ireland road trip ideas. Offering some of the most spectacular scenery in the UK, this region is home to the highest mountain in Wales – Snowdon. To even just drive past this landmark is an experience in itself, let alone if you wanted to park up and brave the hike! Â
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On your route, you’ll also see numerous lakes, waterfalls, and ancient castles. Start your North Wales road trip in the charming town of Betws-y-Coed, often referred to as the "Gateway to Snowdonia". From there, explore the winding roads through the park, stopping at destinations like Llanberis, Beddgelert, and the picturesque village of Portmeirion.
If you want a base to rest, recharge, and find new adventures, you can always stay at the Golden Sands Holiday Park, only around 45 minutes away from Snowdon.
North Coast 500, Scotland road trip
Best for: 7+ day road trips for confident drivers and outdoor enthusiasts.
You may have already heard of the North Coast 500, since it’s one of the most epic UK road trip destinations, and has been for some time. This 516-mile route will take you on a stunning journey through the Scottish Highlands, winding along the northern coast of Scotland.
Start and end your Scottish road trip in Inverness, passing stunning views of lochs, mountains, and historic castles, including Dunrobin Castle. On route, make sure to stop at iconic destinations like the Cairngorms National Park, the Isle of Skye, and the charming fishing villages of the East Coast.
The North Coast 500 is renowned for being a long road trip, taking 12-15 hours to complete the full route. Make sure to stop off somewhere along the way for a few nights to balance your adventure with a little relaxation - Piperdam Leisure Resort is just a short detour and makes a fantastic base to recharge.Â
The East Coast road trip
Best for: 5-7 day road trips for travellers who prefer a mix of vibrant cities and landscapes.Â
The East Coast is another underrated gem for UK road trip ideas, offering a unique and diverse experience for the whole family. Enjoy a mix of historic cities, picturesque villages, and stunning coastal scenery.Â
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There are many different options for which route you can take. The best ones will ensure you hit some great spots like Lincolnshire, Essex, Hampshire, and more. With such a variety of spots to see and things to do, the East Coast is a great choice for a family-friendly road trip.Â
Start your journey in the vibrant city of Lincolnshire, where you can explore iconic landmarks like the great Lincoln Cathedral. From there, head down to Essex, where you can explore the enchanting Mersea Island. After that, a drive down to Hampshire is perfect, where you can rejuvenate and recharge in the beautiful New Forest.
Wales road trip
Best for: 4-5 day road trips for families and travellers that are budget-conscious.
We’ve covered North Wales, but Wales as a whole is a stunning country within the UK. It offers a wealth of opportunities for road trippers of all ages. Experience its full beauty by taking on the Cambrian Way road trip route, or stick to the south coast with a road trip around Pembrokeshire Coast.Â
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Start your Wales road trip in the vibrant capital city of Cardiff, where you can explore the iconic Cardiff Castle and the Welsh National Museum. Of course, you can still combine this with a North Wales road trip and head into the beautiful region of Snowdonia if you wish!
If you want to explore the whole country, you can even head all the way up to Llandudno, where there are plenty of great landmarks and experiences to try – as well as a splendid beach or two
Tips for having the best UK and Ireland road trip
Road trip ideas aren’t just about the route. Start planning different ideas for how you and your loved ones can have the best time on your trip. Here are some of our top tips to get you started:
Choose the best type of road trip
When planning your UK road trip, it's essential you choose one that’s right for you and your fellow travellers. Do you prefer exploring bustling cities and historic sites, or immersing yourself in the great outdoors? Is it coastal bliss you seek, or a peaceful trip among nature? Determine your priorities and tailor your road trip accordingly. UK and Ireland road trips for families will likely look very different (and a lot shorter!) than a road trip with friends.Â
Pack all the necessary gear
Proper preparation is key for a successful UK road trip.To ensure a smooth and enjoyable road trip, make sure to pack essential items like a physical map or GPS device – or, a phone can suffice – a first-aid kit, snacks and water. Also, some other handy things could be a car charger for your devices, and comfortable clothing that’s suitable for the weather and activities you’ve planned.
Plan out road tripactivities beforehand
While spontaneity can be part of the fun, it's also wise to plan out your top road trip activities and attractions beforehand. Research the must-see destinations and top things to do along your route, and be sure to book any necessary tickets or reservations. Also, try and allocate enough time to explore each location without feeling rushed, since there’s so much to see on UK road trips.
Keep things interesting while on the road
Long drives can risk becoming tiresome. But fear not, because we’ve got some road trip ideas for your UK journeys that should keep things interesting. Why not try:
- Creating a playlist of your favourite tunes (a nominated DJ is a good idea!)
- Listening to audiobooks or podcasts
- Playing road trip games to keep the little ones entertained
- Taking breaks to stretch your legs and explore interesting roadside attractions
Start planning your dream UK and Ireland road trip
It’s time to put all those UK road trip ideas to good use! Whether you choose to explore the rugged coastlines of Dorset, historic cities in Yorkshire, or the vast and breathtaking Scottish Highlands, the UK offers endless experiences for road trippers of all ages.Â
Away Resorts has a whole host of holiday parks for you to enjoy on your travels. Reconnect with nature at one of our camping sites, or rest in true luxury with one of our lodge holidays. Book now to secure your spot and make your UK road trip even more memorable.
FAQs
What is the best road trip in the UK?
The best road trip in the UK depends on your personal preferences, but some of the most popular and highly regarded road trips include the North Coast 500 in Scotland, the Jurassic Coast in southern England, and the scenic routes through the Scottish Highlands and the Lake District.
How do I plan a UK and Ireland road trip around the UK?
To plan a road trip around the UK, start by determining your starting and ending points. Then, find the regions or destinations you want to visit along this route. Research the best spots, attractions, and accommodations along the way. Create a rough itinerary, but leave room for flexibility and spontaneity.Â
What is the longest road trip in the UK?
The longest continuous road trip in the UK is the North Coast 500 in Scotland, spanning approximately 516 miles.
How long should my UK road trip be?
Some UK road trip routes make for a fantastic weekend break, with a 2-3 day road trip that stops off at all the must-see spots of your destination. Others, like the North Coast 500, will likely require a 7-9 day road trip to see everything on the hit list. The length of your road trip will likely depend on the region you choose and the travellers you go with - UK road trips for families might need to be a little shorter for the little ones.Â
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Kate Watts
Kate has been part of Away Resorts for many years, beginning her journey as a Holiday Home Advisor at Whitecliff Bay Holiday Park. She’s passionate about sharing authentic experiences that show what makes Away Resorts so special, whether that’s alpaca walks, surfing on the FlowRider, or simply enjoying time together in beautiful locations. Outside of work, Kate loves spending time by the coast and countryside. Her favourite spots include the beaches at St Ives Bay, wandering around Padstow, and exploring the stunning New Forest countryside around Sandy Balls Holiday Village.
Follow Kate Watts for thoughtful takes, fresh ideas, and inspiring reads.