The top road trips to try in Britain

Summer is the perfect season for a road trip, to explore all that Britain has to offer. Pack your bags – don’t forget your map! – and hit the open road, to discover glorious countryside, quaint towns and villages, buzzing cities and scenic seasides. From the north of Scotland, west to Wales and south to the Jurassic Coast, there’s so much to encounter. Here’s our pick of the top road trips to try in Scotland, Wales and England this summer.

North Coast 500, Scotland
Distance: 516 miles
Explore hundreds of miles of the North Highlands as you drive the famous North Coast 500. From towering Munros, to beautiful beaches and the ‘capital of the Highlands’, this route has it all. Often dubbed Scotland’s Route 66, it offers all the adventure of its American counterpart, with a uniquely Scottish character. The route starts and ends in Inverness and travels through the Black Isle, Easter Ross, Caithness, Sutherland and Wester Ross. Check out #mync500adventure on socials for plenty of North Coast 500 inspiration.

Not to be missed…

Inverness
Take some time to explore Inverness at the start (or end) of your journey. It’s often overlooked for Scotland’s other cities, but it has plenty to offer. Visit Inverness Museum & Art Gallery to discover the history and art of the region, one of the city’s whisky bars for a wee dram and the impressive Inverness Cathedral to admire the architecture. Enjoy a relaxing walk through Inverness Botanic Gardens, by the banks of the River Ness or along the Caledonian Canal.

Loch Ness
No visit to the area would be complete without a stop at Loch Ness. Visit Scotland suggests canoeing on the loch or exploring the trails around the water by bike or on foot. There are plenty of cruises you can book too – don’t forget to look out for Nessie if you go on one!

Fairy Glen Nature Reserve
This delightfully-named nature reserve certainly feels mystical. The hidden glen is the perfect spot for a woodland walk. Take in the broadleaf trees, venture to the crashing waterfalls and listen out for plenty of birdsong on the short stroll around the reserve.

Dunnet Head
Dunnet Head is less well known than its famous neighbour John O’Groat’s but it’s a worthy geographical marker to tick off the bucket list. While many visit the village of John O’Groat’s for its far north location, it’s the wild and windswept Dunnet Head that’s the most northerly point of the Scottish mainland. If it’s stunning scenery you’re after, it’s worth a look. Check out the Dunnet Head Lighthouse, gaze across to the Orkney Islands – which are visible on a clear day – and look out for puffins in the nature reserve.

Achmelvich Bay
With its aquamarine waters and soft white sands, Achmelvich Bay will transport you to the Caribbean, albeit a colder version! One Tripadvisor review calls it “a little bit of paradise in Scotland” and we’re inclined to agree. Take a break from driving to enjoy a picnic on the beach, a bracing dip or to explore the rock pools before you hit the road again.

The Cambrian Way, Wales
Distance: Approx 185 miles
Travel the length of Wales north to south (or vice versa) on the Cambrian Way. This epic route starts in the capital city of Cardiff and follows the mountainous ‘spine’ of the country to the far north.

Not to be missed…

Cardiff
The country’s capital is packed with plenty of options to appeal to all tastes and budgets. Head to the National Museum Cardiff or the Museum of Cardiff (both are free to visit) for a culture hit. Grab lunch from a food stall at the charming Cardiff Market – we recommend the Welsh cakes! – then enjoy a stroll through Bute Park or Roath Park. The Cardiff Bay Trail is another fabulous place for a walk. If you’re feeling fit, you can venture all the way to the picturesque seaside town of Penarth.

Castell Coch
Immerse yourself in Welsh history at Castell Coch. The castle could have come straight from the pages of a fairytale; its towers standing majestically among the trees of Fforest Fawr. Its interiors are just as impressive, with Cadw.gov.wales saying, “The highly decorated interiors and rich furnishings of Castell Coch make it a dazzling masterpiece of the High Victorian era”. The Castell is a must visit on your Cambrian Way road trip.

Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park
Bannau Brycheiniog is one of two national parks – the other being Eryri – that the Cambrian Way passes through. The park is home to Pen y Fan, South Wales’s highest peak and a great choice for a hike. There are several routes up to the summit, with an easier option being the path from the Pont ar Daf car park. If the sky’s clear, stay in the park after dark for a spot of stargazing. It’s an International Dark Sky Reserve, recognised for its exceptional starry skies.

Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park
Further north, The Cambrian Way passes through Eryri National Park, home to Wales’s tallest peak – the majestic Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon). It’s certainly a more challenging hike than Pen y Fan, but there are six routes to choose from to reach the top, so it still caters for a range of abilities. There’s even a train to take you up the mountain, if you fancy a more relaxing journey to the summit.

Llandudno
This seaside town boasts two beaches, a Grade II listed pier and a pretty promenade, for a slow stroll after an epic drive. Alternatively, sit back and relax on the Great Orme Tramway, a historic funicular tram that travels from Llandudno up to the Great Orme, a headland with awe-inspiring views on a clear day.

Jurassic Coast, England
Distance: Approx 95 miles (for the whole Jurassic Coast, although driving routes vary)
A recent survey from the AA has named the Jurassic Coast the most popular road trip in the UK. According to UNESCO, the coast – which is England’s only Natural World Heritage Site – is “a hugely diverse and beautiful landscape on England’s south coast, underpinned by incredible geology of global importance.” The area, stretching from East Devon to Dorset, is rightly famed for its fossils, which give us a tantalising glimpse into 185 million years of natural history. Fossils aside, it’s a drive that covers a pretty patchwork of landscapes, including dramatic coastline and rolling hills.

Corfe Castle
Corfe Castle may be a ruin but it still stands proudly over Corfe Castle village, an iconic feature of the landscape. It draws visitors from near and far, who come to experience over 1,000 years of history at the site. Over the summer, the National Trust is holding a variety of family-friendly events there, including the chance for kids to design their own castles, and outdoor cinema screenings.

Durdle Door
Gracing many a postcard, Durdle Door is an iconic feature of the Jurassic Coast landscape. This limestone arch rises dramatically from the sea, providing the perfect backdrop to your holiday pictures. It’s worth taking the 143 steps to get to the beach for the views alone. Don’t forget to search for fossils while you’re there! You can also walk along the coast from Durdle Door to Lulworth Cove, a pretty bay that’s popular with swimmers and snorkellers.

Weymouth
This year is Reveal Portland & Weymouth Towns of Culture 2025, a celebration of culture in Weymouth and nearby Portland. It’s a great time to visit, with a range of events, from an art trail to a poetry festival, being held throughout the summer. For history fans, Weymouth is home to Nothe Fort. Meanwhile, kids are catered for at Sandworld Sculpture Park, Weymouth SEA LIFE and Weymouth Beach (for donkey rides and ice cream by the sea).

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