10 Scenic Routes for your Perfect UK Road Trip
- Apr 22
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 30
When it comes to road travel in the UK, many of us default to the quickest option—straight down the motorway. But what if the real magic lies in taking the long way round?
Scenic routes offer a more immersive kind of travel. From rolling hills and ancient castles to charming coastal towns, the UK is made for slow, scenic road trips that let you savour the journey as much as the destination.
Why Scenic Routes Matter for UK Road Trips
Choosing a scenic route isn't just about beautiful views—it's about creating an experience. Whether you’re on a romantic getaway, a family road trip in the UK, or a solo escape, these drives offer connection, discovery, and unforgettable moments.
Benefits of Scenic Road Travel:
Perfect for UK countryside getaways
Great for driving holidays with kids or friends
Ideal for photography, picnics, and spontaneous detours
Supports local tourism and small businesses
Encourages eco-friendly, slow travel in the UK
Top Scenic Drives in the UK
These are some of the best road trip routes in the UK, perfect for exploring by car.
1. North Coast 500 – Scotland
Scotland’s answer to Route 66, this iconic 516-mile loop takes you through dramatic landscapes, ancient ruins, and seaside villages.
Best for: Wild scenery, castle spotting, and coastal stops
2. Causeway Coastal Route – Northern Ireland
One of the most scenic coastal road trips in the UK, featuring highlights like the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede, and Dunluce Castle.
Best for: Rugged coastline views and Game of Thrones filming locations
3. The Cotswolds Romantic Road – England
A gentle drive through honey-hued villages, rolling fields, and charming market towns—perfect for a romantic road trip.
Best for: Countryside lovers, couples, and historic homes
4. Llanberis Pass – Wales
Tucked inside Snowdonia National Park, this scenic drive is framed by mountains and dramatic valleys.
Best for: Nature lovers and adventurous hikers
5. The Lake District Circular Route – England
Drive through the UK’s favourite national park, past lakes like Windermere and Derwentwater, with plenty of walks and pubs along the way.
Best for: National park fans and scenic UK staycations
Hidden Scenic Drives You May Not Know
Want to explore off-the-beaten-path driving routes in the UK? These hidden gems are just as stunning:
6. Elan Valley – Wales
Peaceful reservoirs, winding roads, and Victorian engineering in the heart of mid-Wales.
7. The Black Mountain Pass (A4069) – Wales
Known as one of the best driving roads in the UK, this exhilarating mountain route is a favourite for road trip enthusiasts.
8. Suffolk Coast Scenic Drive – England
A gentle seaside escape through places like Southwold, Dunwich, and Aldeburgh. Perfect for a UK coastal road trip.
9. Bealach na Bà – Scottish Highlands
Not for the faint-hearted, this single-track road climbs to over 2,000 feet, offering jaw-dropping views and one unforgettable drive.
10. The Yorkshire Dales Loop – England
Rolling green hills, dry stone walls, and villages like Grassington and Reeth make this one of the most charming road trips in the country.
How to Plan a Scenic UK Road Trip
Whether you’re heading out for a weekend or a full driving holiday, planning helps—but don’t forget to leave room for spontaneity.
🗺️ Pick the Perfect Region
The Lake District for lakes, hikes, and country pubs
The Cotswolds for picturesque villages
North Wales for castles and coast
Scotland for lochs and landscapes
Northern Ireland for coastal drama
🧳 Pack the Essentials
Satnav or offline maps (rural areas = patchy signal!)
Snacks and drinks for roadside picnics
Camera or phone for road trip photography
Boots, waterproofs, and layers (this is Britain)
Playlist or audiobook for the long stretches
⛽ Don’t Forget the Basics
Check your vehicle before heading out
Make sure you have breakdown cover
Book accommodation in advance—or be ready to go spontaneous!
Tips for Embracing the Open Road (UK Style)
Avoid Motorways: Use B-roads and back routes where possible
Talk to Locals: They’ll always have the best tips
Stop Often: That quirky tea shop or scenic layby might just make your day
Stay Flexible: Weather changes and detours are part of the adventure
Capture the Journey: Some of your best memories will be between stops
The Road is the Destination
The UK is packed with scenic routes that make road trips more than just a way to get from place to place—they become adventures in their own right.
So next time you head out, skip the satnav’s fastest route and take the scenic way. You’ll find stories, landscapes, and experiences you didn’t even know you were looking for.
The Joy of the Open Road (UK Style)
While “open road” might sound like something out of a Route 66 movie, the UK has its own version—quiet B-roads winding through hills and hedgerows, coastal stretches where the sea sparkles beside you, and forest drives dappled with sunlight.
A 2023 RAC survey found that 68% of UK drivers say road trips help them feel more present and relaxed—especially when they avoid congested motorways.
Expect the Unexpected
The best road trip stories usually come from the unexpected—whether it’s a flat tyre that led to meeting a lovely local or an unplanned detour that revealed a perfect view.
Here’s how to stay ready:
Check the Weather & Roads: Use apps like Met Office and Traffic Scotland for updates.
Flexible Accommodation: Use Airbnb, Booking.com, or CoolStays for last-minute stays with character.
Embrace the Local Vibe: Say yes to pub quizzes, farm shops, and tiny heritage museums—they’re often the highlights.
Road Trips are About Connection
It’s not just about the places—it’s about the people you’re with and those you meet. Long drives lead to deep conversations. Small-town chats often spark surprising insights. Shared playlists, silly games, and late-night pit stops turn into lifelong memories.
It’s Not Just About the Destination
Taking the scenic route invites you to rediscover the joy of travel—not just arriving, but wandering. It’s a chance to reconnect with the beauty of the UK, with the people around you, and even with yourself.
So, next time you plan a trip, take the long way round. You might just find that the road itself is the best part of the adventure.
Ready to hit the road?
Let us know where you're headed and we’ll share our favourite stops, hidden gems, and scenic detours. Happy driving!
Quest Drive™ A Driving based Treasure Hunt. Find the locations to get the next instruction and go the correct route. Answer timed, route themed quiz questions correctly to score the highest points. The quicker you answer, the more points you get! Who will be the most observant, find the correct route and have the highest score on the leaderboard?
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