The United Kingdom on a whole is a relatively compact country packed with plenty of attractions within its limited boundaries. In fact, the scenery is so endless and stunning, that it is just waiting to be explored on a family road trip.
No doubt the public transport system in the UK is top notch, but there are many sights that one would otherwise miss if they don’t go by car. A self drive holiday in the UK, will give you and your family the flexibility they need to see as much or as little they may want. It will also give you the time to relax and play some of your favourite slot sites.
While there are many different itineraries and UK Holiday destinations to check out, these following selected road trips will be just about perfect for children to experience the sights and sounds of the country at their own pace and time.
London to the Lake District
No family road trip to the UK can be deemed complete without visiting the Lake District, located in the northwest corner of England in Cumbria county. The region is jam packed with some amazing activities for children of all ages.
This drive into the country of Wordsworth is one of the most picturesque in England that attracts visitors from all over the world. Kids can have a gala time practicing their skills at archery, canoeing or learning circus acts, all free or at a very low cost.
Visit Lake Windermere, and if you have the time, take the family to hike Scafell Pike and relax and enjoy the charm of the quaint villages of the region.
Glastonbury to Cheddar Gorge
Start your trip at the hallowed town of Glastonbury in order to get a complete experience of how living in a medieval England town would feel like. As you drive to the centre of the town, you can get off and explore the connections of the place with the legendary King Arthur. Next head towards Wells, past acres and acres of rich English landscape till you finally reach your destination. The route passes through the quintessential countryside, marked by old cottages and churches. From here the road begins to wind and the kids will love the entertainment as you push your car over the tight bends.
Once you reach Cheddar Gorge, the fun really begins as this place is a haven for car drivers. As you manoeuvre your way along the twists and turns, with limestone cliffs on either side till you descend into the caverns of the gorge, your family will just admire the sights of the subterranean landscape them. Complete your journey by following A371 and A38 till you reach M5 and head back to the Somerset plains.
The Snowdonian Loop Road
Your scenic journey begins from Gwynedd Castles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on the shores of the Seiont River. This is another ideal place to educate the children with some medieval history. Once you have had your fill, take the Constantine road out of town and drive for a few minutes till you see the towering peaks of Snowdonia National Park in the distance. The young ones will just revel in the natural beauty of the park, with its many waterfalls, lakes and moorland.
This road trip is a bit challenging, with narrow roads and tight bends to traverse now and then, but the rewards at the end are worth the effort. The A4085 will take you past some truly remarkable beautiful places till you arrive at Beddgelert. Continue towards Pen-Y-Pass where an unbelievable scene will unfold before your eyes. Slate mines, lakes and incredible panorama await the entire family on this most enjoyable road trip to be had in the whole of the British Isles.
If you are up to it, you can climb to the top of Wales’s highest peak, Snowdon, with the family and enjoy a drink at the highest café in UK. Incredibly, Snowdonia once was a part of the seabed before it rose to its lofty heights. Encourage the children to look for fossils,and even shells, which can be found along the way.
Lochmond to Inverness Road
If you want your family to experience the wilderness and emptiness of the Scottish Highlands, then this trip, just out of Glasgow, is right down your alley. As you drive past the banks of the Fillian river and exit from the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, you will be greeted by miles of barren landscape. Though driving on this route could be a bit tough, the children will enjoy seeing the rugged and interlocking spurs at the famous Glencoe.
As you head eastward, passing one loch after another, you will soon reach the famous trekking spot of Fort William. A good place for the family to stretch their legs and enjoy some quality fish and chips, before you reach the dramatic foothills of Ben Nevis, the highest peak of United Kingdom. After admiring the views, head across Spean Bridge and enter the valley to witness the Loch Ness and feel the mythical glory which surrounds this legendary place. Two things which this trip along A82 are noted for are, surreal scenery and outstanding driving pleasure.
Southwest England’s Atlantic Highway
Steeped in maritime history, this 275 km drive has become a hallmark in the southwest corner of the UK. Begin your journey on the A39 from the town of Bridgewater towards Bude for a magical experience along the Devon coast. Give the family a break at the Exmoor National Park, before driving past Barnstaple to the towns of Bude, Padstow and Newquay for fine food and partying. The trip finally terminates at Land’s End, considered by Cornish sailors at one time to be the end of the world. The kids will love to frolic on the many impressive beaches around Bude and explore the stunning hilltop castle at Tintagel. The plethora of child oriented attractions ensure a fantastic family driving holiday trip.
There are many different ways to travel around the United Kingdom, but one of the most amazing, and surprisingly neglected way is by road. One may find it hard to believe, but car travel can discover hidden gems which other modes of transport cannot. These unforgettable scenic road journeys through England, Scotland and Wales are just perfect not only for a spontaneous holiday but a wallet friendly family trip as well.( If you intend to be on the roads in UK for long, consider becoming a member of the National Trust, which allows access to hundreds of designated sites across the UK for a nominal consideration)
