The springtime is a great time to hit the open road and explore the UK. The weather is getting warmer and the days are getting longer, making it the perfect time to take a road trip. There are plenty of great places to visit in the UK, so we've put together a list of our top five road trips for this spring.
In today's blog post we are primarily going to go through the best areas and then dive a little deeper and give you some hidden gems in each area. Before we start with the blog, if you are thinking about taking a road trip anywhere, you'll want a car that you can rely on. Your current motor might not fill you with confidence, and if that is the case, then make sure you download the Carmoola app. We help thousands of Brits every single year to finance their cars. We look forward to finding you the best deal possible as well!
Starting in the south, our first road trip takes us through the picturesque Cotswolds. This region is full of rolling hills, pretty villages and idyllic countryside scenery. It's the perfect place to relax and enjoy some of England's finest countryside. The Cotswolds is also home to some great food and drink, so be sure to stop off at a pub or two along the way.
Heading north, our next road trip takes us to the stunning Lake District. This region is famous for its beautiful lakes and mountains, and it's a great place to get away from it all. There are plenty of walks and hikes to enjoy, as well as plenty of pubs and cafes to refuel in. The Lake District is also a great place for some serious shopping, so be sure to stop by Kendal for some retail therapy!
Next on our list is Scotland's stunning Highlands. This region is home to some of the UK's most breathtaking scenery, including lochs, glens and castles. The Highlands is also a great place to enjoy some outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and camping. Be sure to stop off at Fort William for some fantastic views of Ben Nevis, the UK's highest mountain.
Our fourth road trip takes us to Wales, home to some of the UK's most beautiful coastline and mountain roads. This region is perfect for a springtime road trip, with plenty of sandy beaches and pretty seaside towns to explore. Be sure to stop by Tenby for some stunning coastal views, or head inland to Snowdonia National Park for some walking and hiking.
Last but not least on our list is Northern Ireland. This region is home to some of the UK's most stunning scenery, including the Giant's Causeway and the Mourne Mountains. Northern Ireland is also a great place for a spot of golf, so be sure to stop by Royal County Down for a round or two.
The Cotswolds
- Bibury: Nestled on the banks of the River Coln, Bibury is a gorgeous little village that has one of the most famous streets in all of the Cotswolds, Arlington Row.
- Naunton: Based on the River Windrush, Naunton is a sleepy little village that’s a perfect stop-off point as you venture further towards Stow-on-the-World.
- The Slaughters: The Slaughters (upper and lower) are two tiny twin villages that are totally picturesque and some of the best places in the Cotswolds to experience a quieter way of life.
The Lake District
- Windermere: The best known and busiest of the lakes, Windermere is about 16 kilometers long, and you can explore it with Windermere Lake Cruises, which also serves as a ferry between points.
- Beatrix Potter's House: Bought in 1905 with proceeds from her first book, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, the 17th-century farmhouse at Hill Top, and the surrounding countryside inspired many of Beatrix Potter's books.
- Castlerigg Stone Circle: Of the more than 300 stone circles in England, Castlerigg is not only among the oldest, it is one of the most atmospheric. It is dramatically sited, with 38 stones aligned with the tallest of the surrounding fells, and the scene is uncluttered by admissions offices or souvenir stands. Your car might be the only one there.
The Highlands
- Loch Ness: Let’s start with the Loch Ness, one of the most famous lakes in the world and a must-see in the Highlands. To explore the Loch and try to see its famous monster, you should go for a day trip through the different villages around the lake.
- Ben Nevis: Ben Nevis is the highest point in Great Britain and one of the best places to visit in the Highlands. This mountain is a Scottish skier's favourite destination in winter and a hikers' paradise during spring/summer.
- Glenfinnan Viaduct: Close to Glencoe, Glenfinnan is a charming village that attracts many Harry Potter fans for a good reason: there, you can see the Hogwarts Express on a splendid viaduct! The Jacobite Express is a steam train that was used multiple times in Harry Potter movies. It goes across the viaduct every morning around 10:30 and in the afternoon around 3PM
Wales
- Snowdonia National Park: Think of Wales, and you'll likely think of Snowdonia (Eryri), the beautiful range of mountains and hills located in the county of Gwynedd. The region remains one of the most popular holiday destinations in the UK, attracting some four million visitors a year.
- Devil's Bridge: Located 12 miles from the seaside town of Aberystwyth, Devil's Bridge is actually three bridges spectacularly stacked atop each other. They span the Rheidol Gorge, where the River Mynach plunges 300 feet into the valley far below.
- Caernarfon Castle: Built by King Edward I in the 13th century as a seat for the first Prince of Wales, Caernarfon Castle is one of the largest such fortifications in the country. With its 13 towers and two gates, this massive castle is recognized as one of the most impressive and the best-preserved medieval fortresses in Europe.
Northern Ireland
- The Giant's Causeway: Famed around the world for its columns of layered basalt, the Giant's Causeway is Northern Ireland's only UNESCO World Heritage Site. These polygonal-shaped natural features were created by a volcanic eruption 60 million years ago.
- Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge: An easterly drive from the Giant's Causeway of around 15 minutes brings you to another of Ulster's must-sees, the vertigo-inducing Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. Located near the beautiful coastal village of Ballintoy, this spectacular attraction, though, is not one for the faint-hearted.
- Carrickfergus Castle: Around 20 minutes' drive from Belfast is the substantial town and port of Carrickfergus, home to imposing Carrickfergus Castle. One of the best-preserved medieval structures in Ireland, this Norman castle has seen off foes over eight centuries.
Takeaways
There are many wonderful road trip destinations in the UK, no matter what your interests are. From the stunning scenery of the Highlands to the fascinating history of Wales, there is something for everyone. So get out there and explore in your dream car. Let Carmoola help make your road trip dreams a reality. We can help you get the best financing deal on your new car so you can hit the open road without worry. Contact us today and let's talk about your options. 👍🚘
