TIME FOR A ROADTRIP?
So, you’ve just bought your brand new car (from LMC we hope) and you’re planning to take the whole family away on a roadtrip. But where to? Maybe consider our following suggestions…
THE PEAK DISTRICT
The UK is full of beautiful sights to see and roads to drive on, and The Peak District is the perfect example of this. People often go to see the stunning views on foot, but you should never overlook the beautiful twisting roads that run through it. The most famous road to drive on is the Snake Pass – and, as the name suggests, the snake like road carves through the Pennines (at one point, you’ll be at a vertigo-inducing 1679 feet above sea level.) If you’re thinking of heading to The Peak District, we suggest around 3/4 days should do it. Fill up that tank, book a cosy nearby hotel, and enjoy.
NORTH COAST 500, SCOTLAND
If vast and imposing is what you want on your roadtrip, then look no further than the Scottish Highlands. Stretching a whopping 500 miles from Inverness, you’ll be spoilt with things to see. Driving clockwise through the wild landscape, your visit will kick off with Loch Ness – monster or no monster, this place is a must see. During your drive you’ll also pass through Ullapool, one of the most stunningly beautiful villages in the UK where whitewashed fishermen’s cottages dot the harbour. We recommend at least 5 days for this roadtrip so you can stop off and take in all the sights and sounds.
THE BLACK MOUNTAIN PASS, WALES
One of the shortest roadtrips on our list, but still worth considering, is The Black Mountain Pass. Not only do you get the spectacular Brecon Beacons scenery, but this epic mountain road gives you unrivalled views of the Tywi Valley. Full of hairpin bends, this roadtrip is perfect for those that don’t have too much time on their hands but still want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big cities. Along your way, you’ll see rustic farmhouses, ruddy-faced farmers, and wayward sheep. Even though it is one of the shortest roadtrips on our list, we still recommend going for at least 2 days to take it all in and truly relax.
NORFOLK
Thanks to its sweeping beaches, farmlands, old buildings turned into antique shops and restaurants, Norfolk has always been a popular roadtrip destination. The entire stretch of the north Norfolk shoreline is truly stunning – one of the highlights is Wells-next-the-Sea, a cute seaside looking town with eye-catching candy-coloured beach huts. Making your way from the coast, the landscape changes dramatically – good in any whether, the heath-like landscape of south Norfolk is brilliant for tramping across if you want some time out of the car. Breckland and Thetford Forest are Special Protection Areas where wildlife wanders freely – meaning, you can get some great photos on your visit. You should set aside 2/3 days for this roadtip to take everything in.
COTSWOLDS
The Cotswolds is one of the most beautiful locations in the whole of the UK. For many, it is the go-to escape from the city life. If you’re looking for the prettiest route, you’ve came to the right place – set aside a whole weekend and start your visit at Wiltshire’s Castle Combe, where the streets wind around a stunning low-lying stream, then drive north to Bibury for a brisk walk along the River Coln. On day 2, fuel up and take in the sights of Kingham, then drive through the closely connected towns of Bourton-on-the-Water, Lower and Upper Slaughter and Stow on the Wold. End your roadtrip in Broadway, where you’ll discover some amazing antique shops and plenty of pubs for a proper lunch before heading back to reality.
CAUSEWAY COASTAL ROUTE, NORTHERN IRELAND
If you’re looking for a roadtrip a little further away (depending on where you actually live of course) then the Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland is the perfect spot for you. This road trip covers over 200 miles between Belfast and Derry. Less visited by tourists until recently, Belfast has grown in popularity hugely over the years. The famous Giant’s Causeway is just an hour’s drive north Belfast – meaning, you could be seeing this massive nature-made monument in no time. Heading about 25 minutes inland, you’ll see an avenue of beech trees known as the Dark Hedges – this creepy road has been used for many television and film productions throughout the years, including Game of Thrones. To finish your trip, we suggest taking a drive to Derry, Northern Ireland’s second-largest city, where you can easily find a nice place for a bite to eat and a quick drink.