1. North Coast 500, Scotland

Distance: 516 miles

Best time to visit: May to September

Often referred to as Scotland’s answer to Route 66, the North Coast 500 showcases some of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes. The circular route begins and ends in Inverness, taking travellers through the dramatic Scottish Highlands, along rugged coastlines, and past remote beaches that feel worlds away from everyday life.

Must-see stops:

• Bealach na Bà
• Applecross
• Durness
• Smoo Cave
• Dunrobin Castle
• Achmelvich Beach

Family friendly?

Yes. Children will enjoy beach visits, wildlife spotting, castle exploration, and outdoor activities throughout the route.

2. The Atlantic Highway, Devon and Cornwall

Distance: Around 275 miles

Best time to visit: April to June or September to October

Stretching through some of the South West’s most picturesque coastal scenery, the Atlantic Highway follows much of the A39 through Devon and Cornwall. The route combines dramatic sea views with charming harbour towns, sandy beaches, and historic landmarks.

Must-see stops:

• Bude
• Tintagel Castle
• Boscastle
• Padstow
• Newquay
• Clovelly

Family friendly?

Very much so. Families can enjoy beaches, coastal walks, rock pooling, and traditional seaside attractions along the route.

3. Lake District Scenic Loop, Cumbria

Distance: Approximately 100 miles

Best time to visit: Spring and autumn

The Lake District offers some of England’s most rewarding driving routes. Winding roads weave through towering fells, tranquil lakes, and historic villages, creating stunning views around almost every corner.

While the route itself can be completed in a day, many visitors choose to spread the journey across several days to fully experience the national park.

Must-see stops:

• Windermere
• Ambleside
• Ullswater
• Keswick
• Grasmere
• Kirkstone Pass

Family friendly?

Yes. The area offers boat trips, easy walking trails, wildlife attractions, and plenty of family friendly cafés and visitor centres.

4. Snowdonia Scenic Route, Wales

Distance: Approximately 120 miles

Best time to visit: Late spring to early autumn

Snowdonia National Park delivers some of the UK’s most dramatic mountain scenery. Travellers can enjoy winding roads through valleys, lakes, forests, and traditional Welsh villages while taking in spectacular views of the surrounding peaks.

Must-see stops:

• Betws-y-Coed
• Beddgelert
• Bala Lake
• Harlech Castle
• Llanberis
• Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)

Family friendly?

Yes. Families can enjoy heritage railways, lake activities, castles, and scenic walks suitable for all ages.

5. Yorkshire Dales Drive

Distance: Approximately 130 miles

Best time to visit: Spring and summer

The Yorkshire Dales offers a slower paced road trip through some of England’s most beautiful countryside. Rolling green hills, stone-built villages, waterfalls, and winding country roads create an unforgettable driving experience.

Must-see stops:

• Grassington
• Hawes
• Malham Cove
• Aysgarth Falls
• Ribblehead Viaduct
• Bolton Abbey

Family friendly?

Yes. The route offers plenty of opportunities for walking, cycling, and exploring nature.

6. Peak District Scenic Drive

Distance: Around 90 miles

Best time to visit: Spring and autumn

As Britain’s first national park, the Peak District remains one of the country’s most popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. The route combines dramatic landscapes with historic towns and villages.

Travellers can enjoy open moorland, limestone valleys, and panoramic viewpoints while stopping off at some of Derbyshire’s best-loved attractions.

Must-see stops:

• Bakewell
• Castleton
• Ladybower Reservoir
• Monsal Head
• Chatsworth House
• Mam Tor

Family friendly?

Very much so. Attractions range from caves and reservoirs to family friendly walking routes.

7. Norfolk Coast Road

Distance: Approximately 85 miles

Best time to visit: Spring and summer

For those seeking a more relaxed coastal adventure, the Norfolk Coast Road offers a gentler pace. The route passes through charming seaside towns, nature reserves, sandy beaches, and traditional fishing villages.

It is particularly popular with wildlife enthusiasts thanks to the area’s thriving seal colonies and birdwatching opportunities.

Must-see stops

• Cromer
• Blakeney
• Wells-next-the-Sea
• Holkham Beach
• Hunstanton
• Cley Marshes

Family friendly?

Yes. Wide sandy beaches and nature reserves make this route particularly appealing for families with younger children.

Road trip planning tips

A spokesperson from Wandahome said: “Some of the UK’s most memorable destinations are often found away from major tourist hotspots. Travelling by motorhome or caravan allows holidaymakers to explore at their own pace, enjoy greater flexibility, and discover places that many visitors overlook.”

Before setting off, travellers should consider:

• Planning fuel and rest stops in advance, particularly in remote areas.
• Checking road restrictions if travelling with a larger motorhome or caravan.
• Booking campsites or overnight accommodation early during peak travel periods.
• Allowing extra time for scenic detours and unexpected discoveries.

Where will you go on your next adventure?

From Scotland’s rugged Highlands to Northern Ireland’s dramatic coastline and the rolling countryside of Yorkshire, the UK offers road trips to suit every type of traveller.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer touring holiday, these scenic routes prove that some of Britain’s most memorable adventures begin the moment you hit the road.

Top photo by Tomasz Tomal on Unsplash