Wrap up warm and prepare to be wowed by these winter road trips!
Why you should embark on a winter adventure…
Winter road trips offer something extra special for anyone bitten by wanderlust. When you head out on a winter road trip, there’s no greater sense of freedom. The roads are much quieter for starters – and you’ll have the main attractions and stop-offs to yourself.
Some people may be a little wary of travelling at this time of year, when the weather is unpredictable and the days are shorter. However, there’s no reason not to head out on the open road. All you have to do is make sure you’re well prepared!
Top tips for winter road trips
Book ahead
Many campsites close over the winter so do your research before travelling. Thankfully, the availability of hotels and B&Bs is generally good. What’s more, you should be able to get some great deals at this time of year. Be sure to check in advance and you can’t go wrong!
Download Google Maps
Take your smartphone (and charging cable) and don’t forget to download Google Maps for offline use. Some roads can become impassable due to snow or ice – be mindful that you might need to look for alternative routes! Check the route for any single-track lanes, which can be difficult to negotiate at the best of times but are even more challenging in the winter months!
Check opening times and availability of attractions
Many museums, castles and other tourist attractions close for the winter or operate on reduced hours. Some outdoor activities and pursuits (such as kayaking) may not be running. Do a quick search online to avoid any disappointment.
Get a heater
If you’re travelling in a campervan or motorhome, consider getting a diesel heater if you don’t already have a gas combi heater fitted. Failing that, you can stay at any campsites that are open and take a fan heater or oil heater.
Pack plenty of warm clothing
Your winter travel wardrobe should including a warm coat, waterproof jacket and trousers, scarf, woolly hat, gloves, and thick fleeces or jumpers for layering up. You might want to bring a hot water bottle as well!
Stock up on supplies
Make sure you’ve stocked up on fuel, water and essential supplies before you travel. Don’t forget to pack a flask.
Check your vehicle
This one’s obvious – but ensure your vehicle is winter-ready and can handle a long journey. You don’t want to break down in the middle of nowhere in a clapped-out old van!
Winter road trip: The North Coast 500
This is the road trip of a lifetime, an unforgettable adventure in the Scottish Highlands. Spanning 516 miles, the NC500 features some awe-inspiring sights, from epic mountains to picture-perfect beaches. It’s often described as one of the world’s most beautiful road trips – and with good reason!
Although the days are shorter in winter, you’ll get stunning sunsets and sunrises if the weather holds up. On a clear night, you might even get to see the Northern Lights!
The NC500 road trip starts in Inverness, and from here it’s best to tackle the route in an anti-clockwise direction. This way, the route reveals its magic with increasingly beautiful scenery. Take the East Coast to John O’Groats, then head to the northern and western coast, where the landscapes, mountains and beaches will take your breath away! Finally, the route loops back to Inverness.
You’ll need at least five full days to get the best out of this road trip. You can order our guidebook, North Coast 500, for all the information you need to enjoy an epic adventure across this beautiful part of Scotland!
Winter road trip: The South West of England
The South West may seem like an obvious choice for a summer holiday destination. However, it’s also perfect for a winter road trip!
The counties of Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset offer something for everyone, whether you’re an adventurous rambler, a foodie, or simply enjoy relaxing!
You’ll travel along miles of breathtaking coastline and idyllic countryside, visit pretty towns and villages, and best of all, you’ll have those fabulous beaches to yourself!
Another great thing about this beautiful corner of England is that it’s a particularly versatile option for winter road trips. You can spend a simple weekend exploring Devon, or go the whole hog with an epic 10-day adventure taking in all four counties!
Check out our Road Trip South West guidebook for more tips!
Winter road trip: Wales
Next on our list is Wales, which is a wonderful destination for a winter road trip. The lush landscapes are glorious to behold, whatever the weather is doing!
Whether you fancy hiking through unspoilt countryside, meandering along beautiful, tranquil beaches, or getting nice and cosy in a welcoming pub, Wales has got it all and more.
In addition, the castles and other tourist attractions will be quieter at this time of year, so you can take your time and soak it all up.
Don’t forget your camera as you’ll be able to enjoy some beautiful sunsets earlier in the day during the winter, weather permitting!
If you have a week to spare, we recommend doing the 400-mile North to South coastal trip. Starting at Llandudno and ending at the Brecon Beacons, it covers all the best bits of Wales, from mind-blowing mountains to picturesque beaches! You’ll get to experience the magic of Snowdonia, Aberystwyth, St Davids, Tenby, and much more. See our video here for more details about this route!
Winter road trip: Yorkshire
Yorkshire is another fabulous choice for a winter road trip. It has the advantage of being relatively compact – almost half the size of Wales. This means less time behind the wheel and more time for exploring!
There are loads of options to consider but for a short and sweet break, why not do the Yorkshire coast? You can easily cover the Yorkshire coast in just three days, exploring charming seaside towns and sandy beaches along the way.
This route begins at Saltburn-by-the-Sea and finishes up at Tunstall Beach. Highlights include the characterful town of Whitby, where you’ll find the atmospheric Whitby Abbey, the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula!
The route also passes through the beautiful Robin Hood’s Bay and the lovely seaside towns of Scarborough and Bridlington, so you’ll be covering a lot of bases in just three days!
If you want to discover more Yorkshire road trips, check out our Road Trip Yorkshire guidebook here. It covers the whole county and will give you loads more ideas for your winter road trip!
Winter road trip: The Lake District
The scenery in the Lake District is breathtaking all year round, but there’s something so magical about this part of the country in the winter time. Enchanting forests, crystalline lakes, dramatic mountains, and charming towns and villages all add up to a brilliant road trip destination.
For just a taster, you can explore the South Lakes area in a long weekend, taking in the stunning Lake Windermere, the quaint town of Ambleside and the delightful village of Grasmere. Be sure to visit the World of Beatrix Potter museum to see why the Peter Rabbit author and illustrator was so inspired by the Lakes!
If you have a couple more days to spare, it’s well worth extending the trip to take in Penrith, Keswick, and Cockermouth.
As well as being famed for its picturesque lakes and mountains, Cumbria is also home to miles of captivating coastline.
The Cumbrian Coastal Route, from Morecambe Bay to Carlisle, is another great winter road trip and can be done in just four days.
Check out our Road Trip Lake District guidebook here for more tips and itineraries for your winter road trip!
Have a great trip!
These are just a few of our top picks for winter road trips to give you some inspiration for your next UK adventure.
Wherever you choose to go, remember to drive safely, wrap up warm, and always plan ahead! Happy travelling!
