When discussing idyllic road trips boasting open roads on the horizon and Springsteen on the radio, it’s standard procedure to wax lyrical about the epic routes that can be found in the USA or Australia. But closer to home, we think that the UK is blessed with some equally thrilling scenery and some of the most spectacular drives in the world.
With its rugged mountains, picturesque countryside and long stretches of coastal roads, the UK has countless wonderful road trip destinations just waiting to be discovered. From visiting the quaint, honey hued villages in the Cotswolds and traversing the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland all the way to enjoying everything the Lake District has to offer, here’s a closer look at just four of the UK and Ireland’s best road trips to take this year.
VISIT THE VILLAGES OF THE COTSWOLDS
A cruise around the Cotswolds makes for the most quintessential English road trip destination imaginable. Here, you’ll find mile upon mile of lush green countryside punctuated by winding lanes and untroubled villages that seem like they belong in a fairy tale.
There are many routes to take when journeying through the region; perhaps our favourite uses Chipping Campden as a starting point and then makes its way north. Alternatively, you could start in Oxford, then drive to Stratford Upon Avon, Bourton on the Water, and end up in Bath. Bookending your road trip with two of the UK’s most iconic, historic cities? Sounds pretty ideal to us.
Although the region is beautiful at any time of the year, spring and autumn may be the best times for a road trip, as traffic is significantly lower.
TAKE IN IRELAND’S WILD ATLANTIC WAY
If you’re looking to take a longer road trip instead of a quick weekend break away, consider exploring the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland. The coastal highway stretches all the way from Donegal in the north down to the south coast and County Cork, and comprises around 2’500 km of road. There are countless places worth stopping at, including Sligo (which was one of Yeats’ greatest inspirations), Connemara, Galway, and Kinsale.
Along the way, the local seafood is some of the finest you’ll encounter (and hopefully, eat!) anywhere on the planet, with the local oysters and langoustine particularly revered. You can, in fact, base your whole road trip around eating shellfish, with the experts at The Taste Ireland recommending starting at Fishy Fishy in Kinsale, Cork, a critically acclaimed temple of all things landed from the sea. When finishing up in Donegal, Killybegs Seafood Shack boasts incredible views of the harbour and the freshest fish on the plate.
As you can expect to drive as many as 1,600 miles (the whole thing could take you up to 3 weeks to complete!) you’ll need to ensure your car is in good shape. If you are planning to take frequent trips and your budget allows it, consider investing in a newer model SUV or sedan that will guarantee you many safe and comfortable miles exploring the highways and byways of the UK.
EXPLORE THE LAKE DISTRICT
Another popular road trip destination is England’s Lake District, which also happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Windermere, the largest natural lake in England, is a great spot to start a road trip. From there, you can travel to many nearby locations such as Wastwater, Nether Wasdale, and Ennerdale Water, all of which offer incredible vistas of both mountain and lake, and the opportunity to park up and take a hike, should you fancy a shift from wheels to feet for a while.
Depending on the time you have at your disposal, continue further north to the Lakes Distillery near Bassenthwaite Lake, where you can learn more about the production of fine whiskies and pink-grapefruit gins. Just make sure you’re not the designated driver first!
BLACK MOUNTAIN PASS, WALES
Although it sounds like a treacherous location straight out of the Lord of The Rings, don’t let this put you off as The Black Mountain (A4069) pass is not to be missed for road lovers.
Connecting Llandovery with Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen, it is generally considered to be one of the best roads in Wales, if not the UK. This A-road twists and turns around the Black Mountain, the slaloming continuing through the Brecon Beacons National Park, and features an array of sharp corners, hairpins and switchbacks. One word of warning, though; although you won’t come across any orks or trolls, watch out for livestock (especially sheep) that have strayed onto the road, particularly after blind corners.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Although countries like the USA and Australia are home to world-famous road trip routes, the UK boasts almost countless routes that are definitely worth exploring. Regardless of whether you’re looking to take a quick weekend break or travel for longer, you are bound to find a destination that will blow your mind.
