In this blog, we’ll explore three unmissable road trips that showcase the best of the UK, each filled with scenic routes, hidden gems, and memories you’ll cherish forever.

So, buckle up and get ready to hit the road!

 

1 - North Coast 500 (NC500)

The North Coast 500, commonly called the NC500, is a 516-mile route on Scotland's West Coast. It begins and ends in Inverness and passes rough towns like Torridon, Caithness, and Dingwall.

Trip itinerary:

    1. Begin the route in Inverness
    2. Travel along the West Coast to Applecross
    3. Head North towards the towns of Torridon and Ullapool
    4. Pass through the coastal points of Caithness and John O’Goats
    5. Travel south through Dingwall
    6. Return to Inverness

 

Trip details:

  • 5 - 7 days recommend time frame
  • Suitable for cars, motorcycles, bikes and walkers
  • It can be enjoyed clockwise or anti-clockwise
  • May - September is the best months to travel
  • The route has five public toilets (50p charge), two showers and an Elsan point for motorhome waste

Trip Highlights

This unmissable driving route - The North Coast 500 can be accessed directly off the route, which is why this trip is ideal if you are short on time. If you're looking for spectacular views, the Bealach na ba is a thrilling section of road on the route. This single-track road, dating back to 1822, winds steeply up and over the Applecross mountains. On a clear day, you can see across to Skye and enjoy incredible 360-degree views!

Discover the Torridon region, offering remote wilderness and a paradise for outdoor lovers. The Torridon coastline is part of the Scottish Sea Kayak Trail, with abundant wildlife and plenty of hidden coves to explore. It is famed for its crystal-clear waters, coves, beaches, and sea inlets. 

Gairloch is a typical highland village that is not to be missed. It is an excellent location with superb natural beauty, a peaceful retreat with sandy beaches, and a heritage museum. A boat trip to Gairloch is ideal for spotting seals, dolphins, and other wildlife. 

Corriesshalloch Gorge, Ardvreck Castle, Balnekeil Beach, and Faraid Head are other destinations that deserve a mention.

 

2 - The Cotswolds

For an incredible British drive, consider driving to the Cotswolds. You can enjoy the honey-coloured houses, beautiful countryside, and a spot of afternoon tea! This route begins and ends in Cheltenham.

Trip Itinerary:

  1. Begin the route in Cheltenham
  2. Travel to Winchcombe past Cleeve Hill
  3. Head towards Broadway, stopping at Stanton
  4. Carry on to Chipping Camden
  5. Drive South to Moreton-in-Marsh
  6. Discover Stow-on-the-wold and Lower Slaughter
  7. Backtrack to Bourton-on-the-water
  8. Pass through the village of Naunton 
  9. Return to Cheltenham

Trip Details:

  • It can be completed in 2 days
  • Suitable for cars, motorcycles, bikes and hikers
  • Parking can be problematic in the busiest Cotswold towns during high season
  • Consider bringing a physical map, as the phone signal can be patchy
  • If renting a car, opt for a small car as streets are narrow and single-track lanes

 

Trip Highlights

If you're looking for a romantic road trip, the Cotswolds should be on your bucket list! Discover the many charming Cotswold villages, including Bourton on the water, chipping Camden and the chocolate box houses of Winchcombe. 

The Cotswold Lavender fields are open to the public in summer and are a must-see when in the Cotswolds. In the same area, you can check out Broadway Tower. This 18th-century tower, built with limestone and four storeys high, is located in the village of Broadway. Whether you hike to the tower or drive, one thing is sure - the view from the is fantastic! 

Stow-on-the-wold is the highest of the Cotswold towns and is a delightful way to spend time. With an abundance of Cotswold-style pubs, cafes and independent shops selling local fayre and homemade goodies. 

A trip to the Cotswolds wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Bourton on the water. Straddling the river of Windrush, this village is something straight out of a postcard. Visit the Cotswold Motoring Museum or Birdland, or simply stroll the idyllic paths with an ice cream; there is something for everyone!

Other places that deserve mentioning for this unmissable driving routes are Diddly Squat Farm shop, Cotswold Farm Park, Corinium Museum, Sudeley Castle, and Daylesford Farm.

 

3 - Causeway Coastal Route

The Causeway Coastal Route is a popular driving route in Northern Ireland. It covers 115 miles and is famed for its striking sea cliff views and lockout points. The route starts in Belfast and ends in Derry. 

Trip Itinerary:

  1. Start this route in Belfast
  2. Drive towards Carrickfergus 
  3. Check out the Gobbins 
  4. Carry on to Glenarm
  5. Stop at Cushendall and Cushendun
  6. Discover the scenic route of Torr's head
  7. Take in the views at Rathlin Island
  8. Head on to Carrick-a-rede
  9. Stop at Ballintoy, Bay Beach and Dunseverick
  10. Take a trip to the Giants Causeway
  11. Continue to Portstewart and Portrush
  12. Pass through Benone Beach
  13. Go off-road to Magilligan Point
  14. Finish this route in Derry

Trip Details:

  • The trip length is 185km and can be enjoyed all at once or broken up
  • Can be completed in 2-3 days
  • Suitable for cars, motorcycles, bikes and hikers
  • It can be driven clockwise and anticlockwise

 

Trip Highlights:

The Gobbins cliff path is one of Northern Islands' hidden gems! The Gobbins is a cliff face running from Whitehead to Portmuck Harbour along the Eastern coast of Islandmagee. The cliff path runs across bridges, caves, tunnels and the cliff edge, offering stunning views of the coastline and getting up close and personal with birds and sea creatures!

If you're a Game of Thrones fan, check out Rathlin Island via the Dark Hedges. This area is an iconic location for the show and takes a detour to Torr's head for the stunning views of Scotland and beyond. The rugged landscapes are simply inspiring. 

Don’t miss Dunluce Castle, located in Derry-Londonderry. It is Ireland's only remaining walled city with a rich history. Perched on the edge of a cliff, this castle offers terrific photo opportunities and stunning views of the coastline making it an unmissable driving route!

Other places to see that deserve mention are Blackhead Lighthouse, which has colourful houses, Carnnock Country Park, Slemmish Mountain, Cranny Fall and The Giants Causeway.

 

A final note from us

Whether you're craving rugged coastal beauty, charming countryside escapes, or dramatic cliffside drives, these three unmissable driving routes—Scotland’s North Coast 500, the Cotswold Villages, and Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coastal Path—offer some of the most breath-taking journeys in the UK.

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Header Image from UnSplash by John Higgett