By Chantel Stevenson from Pegasus Caravan Finance
Whether you’re looking for a day trip, long weekend or full fortnight tour of the UK, this compact island boasts beauty wherever you look. Taking to the road grants you the freedom to travel wherever and whenever you please, as well as giving you a free pass to an abundance of stunning scenery.
Whether you’re carpooling, traveling by motorhome or bringing a tourer on your journey, the huge selection of beautiful routes on offer makes road tripping one of the best budget-friendly ways to see Britain. There’s nothing more magical than exploring the UK’s historical roots and soaking up the superb scenery in the comfort of your own vehicle – which is why today, we’re taking a look at the best road trip routes to explore this summer.
There’s a reason why the Tour de France organisers chose Yorkshire for the annual race’s UK-based stage – and that’s the stunning scenery that this region boasts. Thousands of cyclists and spectators will all agree, that the Yorkshire Dales’ outstanding beauty makes it a must-visit for your summer road trip. With quaint villages, natural landmarks and hills of lush green as far as the eye can see, the route across Yorkshire is simply remarkable.
Just 20 miles off the A1, start your journey at the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales – in the spa town of Ilkley. Famous for its song ‘The Ilkley Moor Baht’at’, it’s not hard to see why Ilkley is so well-known. Emerge over the moor road, and the stunning ‘Cow and Calf Rocks’ sit at the forefront of a spectacular view over the valley. Travel further into the Dalesway to the picturesque village of Burnsall, or enjoy 40 miles of unspoilt countryside whilst breaking for a picnic at Brimham Rocks.
The ‘wolds’ of this magnificent region roll through five counties – meaning the Cotswolds is a haven of activities and attractions. Just a two hour journey from London, this rural retreat makes for a breath-taking escape to the country. From quintessential villages to lush nature reserves and rich heritage, the Cotswolds has it all.
Get back in touch with nature with a stop at Dyrham park – this ancient deer park is home to more than just tourists: from fallow deer to grazing cattle, these gardens are a thriving with wildlife. Or why not pay a visit to Worcestershire to see Broadway Tower, the Cotswolds’ highest castle. Here, visitors can journey into the rich history of the Tower and even get the chance to explore a nuclear bunker from the Cold War era! If underground bunkers don’t appeal, the panoramic views from the Tower are guaranteed to delight.
The Isle of Skye
Situated off the west coast of Scotland, The Isle of Skye is easily accessible for road trippers by bridge or ferry. At 1,656 km², the Isle of Skye is the second largest Scottish island – meaning you’ll never be short of somewhere to visit on your tour of the Hebrides. Explore Portree’s quaint boutiques or stop off for a bite to eat in one of the town’s harbourside pubs.
Medieval castles, charming fishing villages and rugged coastline make the Isle of Skye an absolute must-see for any visitor to the region. Explore the enchanting isle whilst staying in an authentic original thatched cottage, or pitch up on the edge of Loch Dunvegan at Kinloch Campsite. A coastline of peninsulas and narrow lochs radiate out from the island’s mountainous terrain making the Isle of Skye one of the prettiest driving destinations in the UK. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing lakeside stop off, or an afternoon of hiking to the summit of The Storr – your road trip is guaranteed to be surrounded by natural beauty.
So what are you waiting for? Whether you’re in the UK for a few days or a few weeks, with so much to see and do, take the scenic route on a Great British driving holiday this summer!
