Leaving and arriving, getting from A to B, setting off and settling down…all good stuff, but it’s that part in between that matters the most. When you’re embarking on an adventure, it’s not so much about the destination, but the journey, after all.
And whilst today we’re talking about the thrill of the open road, that sentiment could equally be applied to watching your kids grow up, don’t you think? So often, the memories you truly grow to cherish as a family are those formed on the road – both metaphorical and physical – before you reach your destination and before the little ones are brave enough to fly the nest and explore the world themselves.
With that in mind, here are the best UK road trips to do with the kids before they grow up.
THE JURASSIC COAST, DORSET, ENGLAND
If your kids love collecting fossils and being able to glimpse 200 million years back in time, then a road trip to the Jurassic Coast in Dorset will be right up their street.
And should you be concerned about whether this is actually allowed, interestingly, this beautiful, often mystical part of England actively encourages fossil collection.
As the Smithsonian Magazine explain, and contrary to regulations in other geologically rich parts of the world, ‘’On the Jurassic Coast, fossils can be revealed one day and destroyed by pounding waves or swept out to sea the next…This means the involvement of the general public is key to ensuring the maximum number of fossils are collected for scientific research and public viewing.’’
Because of this, you’ll find keen fossil hunters young and old along the coast, and there’s a wonderful sense of community on the beaches as visitors explore the area’s rich history.
Though the whole 100 mile, World Heritage listed drive from Exmouth, East Devon, to Studland Bay, Dorset, is worthwhile, it’s imperative you stop off at Lulworth Cove along the way. The area around the cove boasts a fascinating fossil forest which the kids will just love.
The whole family will also love the Jurassic Coast’s most easterly destination, Swanage. From this seaside town, you can take a historic steam train ride to Corfe Castle, one of the UK’s most resplendent medieval ruins. All in all, the kids are going to enjoy this one!
Read: 5 IDEAL things to do in Swanage, Dorset
THE CAUSEWAY COASTAL ROUTE, BALLINTOY, NORTHERN IRELAND
The Causeway Coastal Route, along Northern Ireland’s stunning North Antrim coast, is 200 miles of spectacular natural wonder that will thrill kids and grown-ups alike.
Beginning in Belfast City and ending in Derry, the whole adventure can be done in a day or two if you put your pedal to the metal, but that’s not what this is all about, right? This thing is for savouring the journey, and along the way, you should make time to stop off at the Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge. Linking the mainland and the tiny island of Carrick-a-rede, and swinging 30 feet above the Irish Sea, this perilous feeling but totally safe rope bridge certainly isn’t for the faint hearted – the kids will either love it or hate it, we’d wager!
Just another 8 miles drive along from the rope bridge (providing no one’s ended up in the sea) is the Giant’s Causeway, a mystical, mystical site worthy of that chorus of ”are we there yet?” you’ve been fending off in the car. Access to the visitor centre, and more importantly its parking, is £32.50 for the family, but it’s well worth it.
Finally, along the Causeway Coastal Route (sometimes referred to as the Antrim Coastal Route), you’ll find several castles, some diligently preserved and others in ruins. Carrickfergus Castle, recently featured in an Ed Sheeran song no less, stands tall and proud, and is one of the UK’s most famous castles. You should also check out Kinbane, Dunluce, Dunserverick and Glenarm.
Back in Belfast, at the end of your adventure, there’s plenty to do, too…
Read: 7 IDEAL things to do in Northern Ireland’s capital
ATLANTIC HIGHWAY BETWEEN BARNSTAPLE, DEVON & NEWQUAY, CORNWALL, ENGLAND
England’s Atlantic Highway (A39) actually stretches from Bath in Somerset all the way to Falmouth in Cornwall, traversing over 200 miles of road in the process. But today, we’re making things a little more manageable for you and the kids, and driving the 77 miles between Barnstaple, Devon and Newquay, Cornwall.
This is the most scenic stretch of the rather grandly named highway, with wild hills and rugged terrain on one side and sprawling coastline on the other. No wonder the Rough Guide once named this stretch of the Atlantic Highway among its best road trips in the world.
Kids will just love the aptly named Adventure Coast, just outside of Barnstaple at the start of the road trip. Here, walking and cycling routes reveal incredible vistas of the sea and sand below, and if the little ones want to surf or kayak, then there are plenty of surf schools and kayaks for hire around Croyde Beach.
Once you hit the highway, you’ll pass through the towns of Bude, Camelford and Wadebridge. In Bude, there’s loads to keep the kids entertained, with a pirate play park on Crooklets Beach as well as a partially man made tidal lido, Bude Seapool, just outside of the town proper. And if it’s raining, the Splash Leisure Centre has slides and a wave pool. Five miles south of the town, there’s even a cinema.
If you’re planning to bring your boogie boards, windshields and portable barbeques along with you for your Atlantic Highway adventure, then consider renting something a little larger than your family car. We spoke to the guys at Southern Van Hire who provide van rental in the South of England and they suggested renting a minibus. Not only does one offer plenty of room for the whole family to stretch out, but you can also add a roof rack for all your beach gear, too.
Read: The best hidden beaches in the UK
BLACK MOUNTAIN PASS, BRECON BEACONS, WALES
Although it sounds like a treacherous set straight out of the Lord of The Rings (hey, you could tell the kids it was), don’t let this put you off, as The Black Mountain Pass (A4069) is a fantastic drive for all the family.
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 fun corners, hairpins and switchbacks.
In the national park, you’ll find some amazing horse and pony riding opportunities, owing to its network of bridleways that stretch for over 600 miles, helping you steer well clear of any busy roads. Here, there are three dedicated centres offering bespoke, tailor-made trips, so whether you’re after a gallop or trot, you’ll be covered.
You also shouldn’t miss the Llangorse Multi Activity Centre, which is also within Brecon Beacons National Park. In the centre, you can enjoy rock climbing, rope bridges and even a zipliner! Expect the kids to be sleeping peacefully in the back of the car after this one.
SNOW ROADS, CAIRNGORMS NATIONAL PARK, SCOTLAND
For the wildlife lovers in the family, Scotland’s Snow Roads are the ideal UK road trip. Cairngorms National Park, and the 100 mile stretch of Snow Road from Grantown-on-Spey to Blairgowrie, boasts some incredible wildlife spotting opportunities, much of which is most abundant in the coming months.
This route is filled with twisting hairpins, rollercoaster-like ups and downs and steep gradients, with views that are pretty spectacular, too. Keep your eyes peeled for roaming herds of deer, snow rabbits, grouse and curlew in the moorlands, all of which are in peak season during the autumn months.
For bird watchers, Discover Glenshee recommend that in October, ‘’golden eagle and other birds of prey soar and hunt over the upland areas’’. Don’t forget to pack your binoculars, and get ready for some pretty competitive games of I Spy.
Now you’ve got your itinerary ideas sorted, it’s time to check out these 5 IDEAL tips for a stress free road trip with the kids. You won’t regret it!