Summer’s here. Winding roads, the wind in your hair and beautiful scenery. There’s nothing quite like a road trip to make the most of the UK, especially when the sun finally comes out. Fortunately, the UK is brimming with scenic drives and plenty of interesting stops along the way.
Here at Day’s Leasing, we’ve put together 5 of our favourite UK road trips to help you make the most of the weather.
- The Gower Peninsula
Distance: Around 30–40 miles full loop, depending on your stops
Starting Point: Swansea
Being based in Swansea, we might be a bit biased, but the Gower Peninsula packs a lot into a short drive. Officially the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it’s filled with sweeping beaches, limestone cliffs and villages that feel a world away from the city.
Head towards Mumbles first, then follow the coast road to Rhossili Bay, regularly rated one of the best beaches in Britain. Along the way you’ll pass Three Cliffs Bay, Oxwich and Port Eynon, all worth a visit if time allows. It’s an easy, flexible route which is perfect for an afternoon or full day out, with stops for food and a walk on the sand.
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The North Coast 500
Distance: 516 miles, circular loop
Starting Point: Inverness
This is the big one, often called Scotland’s answer to Route 66. The North Coast 500 loops around the top of the Scottish Highlands, taking in highland beaches, mountain passes, remote coastline and more than a few historic castles along the way. It’s not a route to rush; most people take five to seven days to do it justice. Expect long stretches of single-track road, remote sections with limited fuel stops, and busy conditions in peak summer.
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Snowdonia, North Wales
Distance: Roughly 100-150 miles depending on route
Starting Point: Betws-y-Coed or Llanberis
Beautiful coastlines are hard to beat, but can anything top a drive surrounded by mountain scenery, vast lakes and cascading rivers?
Dramatic peaks, glacial lakes and winding roads that wind through a spectacular landscape make Snowdonia a fantastic destination for a road trip. A good loop takes in Llanberis at the foot of Snowdon itself, the Llanberis Pass and on to the coast at Conwy, home to one of the finest medieval castles in Wales.
If you have an extra day, the Ffestiniog stretch further south adds even more mountain driving to the trip.
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The Jurassic Coast
Distance: Around 95 miles end to end
Starting Point: Studland, Dorset
England’s south coast offers one of the most varied stretches of coastline in the country. The Jurassic Coast starts with chalk cliffs and sandy beaches around Studland, before the scenery turns rugged around Old Harry Rocks and Lulworth Cove.
Then there is Durdle Door, busy in summer but it’s the postcard shot everyone’s after. Further along, Weymouth makes for a good lunch spot, before the cliffs pick up again around West Bay and the route rolls into Lyme Regis.
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The Lake District
Distance: Flexible, 60-100 miles for a good loop
Starting Point: Windermere or Keswick
For something a little softer than the other four, the Lake District offers classic English countryside driving mixed with plenty of dramatic scenery of its own.
A loop from Windermere or Keswick takes in Ambleside and Grasmere, before climbing over the Honister Pass, one of the steepest and most scenic roads in the country.
It’s an easy route to slow down on, with plenty of spots to stop for a lakeside walk, wild swim or a picnic with a view.
Ready For the Road?
From a quick trip around the Gower, to a week chasing the North Coast 500, the right car makes all the difference.
If you’re planning a summer road trip, get in touch with the team at Day’s and we’ll help you find a lease that fits the journey ahead.