Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature about 3 UK road trip ideas for 2024.
There’s nothing better than the sense of exploration you get with a road trip, and where better to travel than the United Kingdom? With long drives through rolling hills and rugged mountains, while listening to your favourite anthems, it’s the best way to cross several things off your bucket list in the space of one trip.
If you’re travelling as a family with lots of luggage, it’s recommended that you invest in a larger car. SUVs like the Hyundai Tucson are great for road trips due to their versatility and ability to travel on rocky terrain with ease. However, this will depend on where you decide to go and how long you plan to travel.
The UK is inundated with glorious destinations and iconic attractions but we’ve decided to cover just three of the very best. From the coastal seaside towns of Cornwall to the natural beauty of the lake district, here are our favourite road trip ideas for 2024.
3 UK road trip ideas for 2024
1. Cornwall
England’s southernmost county has always been a firm favourite among holidaymakers thanks to its long stretches of coastline, rich Celtic heritage, and delightful villages. Combining these with awe-inspiring views surrounded by the sea makes Cornwall one of the top UK road trip locations.
The region can be explored within around four days, but to truly experience Cornwall you should allow up to ten days. A must-visit in the region is St. Ives, known for its selection of beaches and boutique shops.
Other gems include Padstow, famed for its culinary experiences, and Tintagel, the birthplace of King Arthur – and home to medieval ruins and dramatic cliffs. If you have time, head to Prot Isaac, a small fishing village where Doc Martin is filmed.
2. North Wales
When referring to outdoor adventures and diverse landscapes, North Wales shouldn’t be missed from your itinerary. The highlight of the region is most definitely Snowdonia.
If your road trip starts at Chester, however, consider stopping off at Denbigh first. It’s a great place to break up the drive and offers visitors an eclectic mix of historic buildings, stunning architecture, and ancient attractions – including Denbigh Castle.
Home to the highest peak in Wales, Mount Snowdon, you’re blessed with a hiking experience that’ll reward you with incredible panoramic views. There is the Snowdon Mountain Railway should you not feel up to the two-hour trek.
Travelling north from Snowdonia, you’ll come to Penrhyn Castle, a 19th-century fortress with industrial and colonial foundations. Shortly after, you’ll arrive in Anglesey, an island on the edge of North Wales. Boasting crescent beaches and mighty lighthouses, what’s not to like?
3. The Lake District
A place of natural beauty situated in the heart of northwestern England, The Lake District is characterised by spectacular hiking routes, picturesque lakes, and friendly locals. It’s therefore no surprise to see it being named one of the best places to drive in the UK.
There are countless areas to visit in the Lake District but we recommend Derwentwater, Windermere, and Keswick. If you fancy a challenge, Scafell Pike is England’s highest mountain and makes for a great hiking experience.
Alternatively, Buttermere offers a much more gentle walking route, mostly consisting of flat valley floors and also a small cave to pass through. It’s great for cyclists as well and you can celebrate at the end in a pub with a log fire.
Final words on 3 UK road trip ideas for 2024
From the natural beauty of the Lake District to the beautiful coastline of Cornwall and the rugged mountains of North Wales, each destination offers a unique experience and if you’re looking for another road trip close to home, you might want to consider a road trip around Southern Ireland.
I hope you enjoyed this feature about 3 UK road trip ideas for 2024 and you can also have a look more of our travel features.
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