So, if you’re like me, you’ll enjoy nothing more than a good road trip! A few years back, I started hitting the road to explore more of the UK and was blown away by how many incredible places were right on my doorstep. For me I love nothing more than throwing my things in the back of the camper, whacking on a carefully (or carelessly in most cases) crafted playlist, and setting off to discover breathtaking views on the open road.
I’m all about planning and simplifying travel to make the most out of a road trip, so I’ve pulled together my personal top 5 road trips to do around the UK and Ireland. Now, whether you’re a seasoned road tripper or just starting out, there’s a route here for everyone! Some are a bit more adventurous, perfect for experienced explorers, while others are ideal if you’re new to the road-tripping life. Each route is packed with natural beauty, iconic landmarks, and must-see pitstops.
And just in case any of these should catch your eye, chances are we’ve got a guidebook to make planning even easier! So, here’s the top 5 routes I’d recommend…
Distance: 516 miles
Ideal for: The rugged explorer who craves wild landscapes
My top pick for a reason – the North Coast 500 is a slice of raw Scotland, and it’s nothing short of spectacular. Stretching just over 500 miles (516 if we’re being precise), this route showcases some of the most stunning scenery you’ll find anywhere in the world. From picture-perfect white sandy beaches to towering mountains and mystical landscapes, the NC500 is packed with the best of Scotland’s wild beauty.
Launched in 2015 to encourage visitors to discover Scotland’s northern coast, the NC500 quickly gained fame, even landing a spot in Now Travel Magazine’s “Top 5 Coastal Routes in the World.” And from experience, I can confirm it lives up to every bit of the hype!
Typically starting and ending in the city of Inverness, the route winds its way around the northernmost coastlines, taking you past ancient castles, sweeping beaches, and rugged mountains straight out of a fairy tale. Along the way, you’ll discover gems like the enchanting Smoo Cave and the historic Dunrobin Castle. And don’t forget to keep an eye out for dolphins near the Black Isle or sea eagles soaring overhead.
Whether you’re hiring a car or camper in Inverness or setting out in your own wheels, you’ll find endless adventure waiting on this unforgettable route. Plus, if you’re up for extra exploring, it’s easy to add on stops like the Isle of Skye, Glencoe, and Fort William for even more Scottish magic.
If you want to find out more about where to visit take a look at my Top 10 Must-See Places.
Top Tips:
Distance: 400 miles
Ideal for: Road trip beginners and sea seekers
The Welsh Coast 400 is a road trip that has a little bit of everything that all you road trippers can enjoy. Starting in Cardiff, this 400-mile coastal journey leads you through some of Wales’ most jaw-dropping scenery, from windswept cliffs and medieval castles to quaint seaside villages. As you wind along the coast, you’ll hit iconic stops like Harlech Castle and the breathtaking Pembrokeshire Coast, with plenty of opportunities for tasty fish and chips, enjoyed with an unbeatable view!
Now, Wales might be compact, but trust me, it’s brimming with things to see, do, and experience! The Welsh Coast 400 is your perfect guide to Wales’ highlights, where you’ll uncover dramatic coastlines, charming villages, and an irresistible mix of natural beauty and history. Thanks to well-connected A roads, you can take it slow, soaking in every view without worrying about getting lost (though even if you do, you’ll always find your way to the next incredible stop soon enough).
Whether you’re up for the full 400-mile adventure or just looking for a shorter loop around North or South Wales, this route is ideal for road-trippers of all levels. If you’re interested in seeing more of Wales, you can shop my ‘Road Trip Wales’ guidebook!
Top Tips:
Distance: 250 miles
Ideal for: History lovers and walking wanderers
Often overshadowed by the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales, Northumberland has quietly held its own as one of the UK’s hidden gems. With its proximity to the Scottish border and miles of stunning, untouched landscapes, this region is pure magic. Recently, it’s begun to catch the attention of road trip lovers (like us!), and the Northumberland 250 is your ticket to experiencing some of England’s most breathtaking scenery.
This 250-mile adventure around Northumberland packs in rugged beauty like nowhere else. The route takes you through the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), Northumberland National Park, the rolling Cheviot Hills, and along the dramatic Northumberland Coast. Picture five days of exploring ancient castles, unspoiled beaches, quaint villages, and beautiful waterfalls.
Starting from Durham, the Northumberland 250 leads you to highlights like Sycamore Gap on Hadrian’s Wall, the Roman forts of Vindolanda, and the charming village of Bellingham. You’ll drive along scenic routes through Kielder Forest and up to the Cheviots, then swing east to the coastal treasures of Berwick-upon-Tweed, Holy Island, and Bamburgh Castle. And if you’re up for a bit of hiking, the North Pennines and Cheviot Hills are perfect for it!
No Fuss Tips:
Distance: 100 miles
Ideal for: A leisurely getaway to experience the best of the Lake District
The Lakes 100 route is a dream for nature lovers and weekend explorers, offering a glimpse into the Lake District’s serene landscapes, charming villages, and hiking trails that rank among the best in the country.
Kick off your journey in the lively town of Keswick, a hub for outdoor lovers nestled on the shores of Derwentwater. As you drive through, you’ll catch sight of sweeping valleys and lakes. From Keswick, follow the loop around Derwentwater, heading south toward Windermere, the largest lake in England. Windermere’s shores are dotted with delightful villages like Ambleside and Bowness-on-Windermere, where you can wander and grab a bit to eat at one of the cosy cafes.
From Windermere, continue on to Ullswater, often considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the region. With its glimmering water and rugged backdrop, Ullswater is an ideal spot for a scenic walk, perhaps up to Aira Force, a breathtaking waterfall nestled in the woods. For more adventurous spirits, the surrounding fells offer fantastic hikes, including Helvellyn, a thrilling climb with panoramic views that are well worth the effort.
Top Tips:
The Wild Atlantic Way captures the essence of Ireland’s rugged beauty. This 1,600-mile journey winds from the Inishowen Peninsula in Donegal down to Kinsale in Cork, following Ireland’s dramatic western coastline. Along the way, you’ll encounter towering cliffs, charming villages, and sweeping ocean views.
Starting in Donegal with the stunning cliffs of Slieve League, the route takes you through Connemara’s raw landscapes, the bustling cultural hub of Galway, and the famous Cliffs of Moher in Clare. The Dingle Peninsula and Ring of Kerry offer more breathtaking scenes of Ireland’s iconic green hills meeting the sea.
End in Cork, exploring charming fishing villages and coastal castles. Whether tackling the whole route or savouring a shorter section, the Wild Atlantic Way is Ireland at its wildest and most welcoming.
Top Tips:
Collie dog lover, keen traveler and travel guide writer. In 2022, I launched No Fuss Travel Guides with 'North Coast 500 - The Road Trip of a Lifetime' which became an Amazon best seller. I've since worked with tourism boards including Visit Wales and have been featured in The Guardian 'Best of Travel'.
Hopefully you find some value in my videos & blogs, if there's something you want to ask me, fire away.
Don't forget to follow me on Youtube, Instagram & Facebook for the latest updates.
Rob, Staffordshire, UK
