The UK has some of the most dramatic and stunning scenery you’ll ever see. From coastlines to mountain ranges, hills to valleys, the best UK road trips have it all. We’ve collated the UK’s top 50 road trips and analysed all the Instagram hashtags of images taken as people enjoy getting out on the open road this summer. Below we’ve drilled down into the top ten. Enjoy!
1. The Great West Way, England – 157,415,253 hashtags
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Stretching from the west of England to the east, this 125-mile road bisects the country and offers a direct route from Bristol to London. Of course, there are plenty of picturesque places to stop along the way, including Calne, Chippenham and Hungerford. The route itself is based on an ancient horse track that became one of King Charles’ Great Roads. As such, what’s now known as the A4 Great West Way gives you a chance to see English tourist spots such as the Bluebell woods in south Gloucester, Clivedon House and the Saxon town Royal Wootton Bassett.
2. Mourne Coastal Route, Northern Ireland – 9,635,388 hashtags
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The Mourne Coastal Route is regarded as one of Ireland’s most scenic drives. Taking you from Belfast via North Down to the city of Newry, this 102-mile stretch of road will see you flanked by the Irish sea on one side and rolling green hills on the other. Then, as you move through its three zones, you’ll pass beaches and areas of outstanding natural beauty as the coastal road sweeps round to the Mourne Mountain range, the biggest in the country.
3. South Downs, England – 8,957,465 hashtags
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South Downs National Park is unique in that you almost feel cocooned in its beauty. The distance from Eastbourne to Winchester is 90 miles if you go via the A27. This route takes you through the heart of the South Downs where you can drive to the area’s highest point, Black Down, enjoy Butser Ancient Farm and visit the Iron Age fort at Trundle.
4. The Yorkshire Dales, England – 7,887,456 hashtags
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If rolling green hills and quaint northern villages are your thing, then you have to drive the 65-mile route from Airedale to Wensleydale. Going via the A59 means you’ll go through Nidderdale and, therefore, hit three of the most popular dales. You’ll also see spectacular sights such as Gouthwaite reservoir, Ripley Castle and the River Ure. Stop for a picnic and enjoy a local delicacy, Wensleydale Cheese.
5. The Cambrian Way, Wales – 7,520,262 hashtags
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Drive 185 miles from coast to coast along the mountainous spine of Wales and you’ll see some special sights. The Cambrian Way is packed with so many potential stops that people often turn it into a three or four-day road trip. Doing that allows you to see things like the Rhondda Heritage Park’s Black Gold Experience, Cyfarthfa Castle, the Brecon Beacons and Gwydir Castle in the Conwy Valley.
6. Yorkshire Moors and Coast, England – 6,513,429 hashtags
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It might only be a 26-mile strip of coastline but the Yorkshire Moors Coast is a place you have to visit. Aside from its Jurassic era rocks evoking images of prehistoric dinosaurs, this Great British drive allows you to snake through windy streets, stop off in fishing villages and breathe in some of the finest sea air England has to offer.
7. Oxford to the Wye Valley, England – 4,951,778 hashtags
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The 140-mile drive via the A40 from Oxford to Wye Valley takes you from the academic heart of England to one of its most underrated scenic beauties. Wye Valley isn’t an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty but it’s just as idyllic. Medieval castles hide among the rolling green hills, while the river Wye splits England and Wales. Of course, before you get there, you’ll want to stop off in all the chocolate-box villages of the Cotswolds.
8. The Dragon’s Spine, Wales – 4,477,039 hashtags
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Another fantastic coast to coast road trip in Wales, this route takes you along the A470 from Cardiff to Conwy and encompasses two national parks. You’ll need to block off around four days to get the most out of this 186-mile route, but it’s worth it. From the heights of the Brecon Beacons and the peaks of Snowdonia to the reservoir of Llyn Clywedog and the coastline of Conwy, this is a drive of epic proportions.
9. Causeway Coast, Northern Ireland – 4,447,365 hashtags
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Park up almost anywhere along the Causeway Coast in Northern Ireland and the dramatic scenery will take your breath away. Regardless of whether you’re sitting on a clifftop looking down at Giant’s Causeway or soaking up the beauty of Waterfall Walkway in Glenariff Forest Park, this is Northern Ireland at its best. Most experts suggest taking the 195-mile scenic route from Londonderry to Belfast and doing it in six days to get maximum value.
10. Snake Pass, Peak District, England – 3,968,707 hashtags
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It might only be a single hill pass known officially as the A57, but this route provides one of the most dramatic drives in England. Thomas Telford designed this road in 1821 and it’s been taking travellers from the Derbyshire section of the Peak District across the Pennines ever since. The best thing to do on this 20-ish-mile stretch of road is to drive up to the peak and marvel at how green and beautiful England really is.
Buckle up and enjoy the best road trips in the UK
So, there you have it. That’s the ten most picturesque road trips in the UK. From the highs, lows and midlands in between, you can see some truly special sights if you choose the right routes. If you’re planning a long trip and are sharing the drive, make sure you are sufficiently covered with temporary car insurance. Policies last anywhere from 1 hour to 28 days and it takes just 90 seconds to get a quote.
Looking to go off the beaten track? Check out the top 50 list for inspiration.
