Why do a road trip in the United Kingdom? Going on a road trip to the UK is one of the best ways to visit and explore everything the beautiful island nation offers travelers. This country is a mix of beautiful contrasts where centuries-old history meets modern liveliness. And on a road trip, you can visit charming villages, bustling cities, and historic castles at your own pace.
In this comprehensive guide, we will look into everything you need to know as a UK road trip planner.
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Why travel to the United Kingdom?
Even before you ask yourself, “How do I plan a road trip around the UK?” the thing to look into is why you should travel to this beautiful country. The UK is a treasure chest for history lovers where you can see medieval ruins, historic towns, castles, all that will transport you back in time- no need for the TARDIS. The natural beauty is also one of the best in this world and will take your breath away.
The cultural scene of the UK is also quite lively. There are numerous museums, galleries, and theaters you can explore if you enjoy art. Being a UK road trip planner will allow you to catch a show in London’s West End or explore the local art scenes in cities like Glasgow and Liverpool. The quaint villages with thatched cottages and cobbled streets with history sleeping in every corner is another reason to visit this merry-old tea-drinking country. You can have a chat with grannies, visit local pubs, taste freshly baked scones with clotted cream, and have a glimpse into the daily British life on a road trip.
Top routes to drive in the UK
The North Coast 500 (Scotland)
The NC500 features some of the most breathtaking countryside in the United Kingdom. The route, which starts and finishes at Inverness Castle, will take you through scenic villages and towns like Ullapool, Durness, Dornoch, and John O’Groats. It runs about 516 miles or 830 km. You can also enjoy some adventure sports along the route, including surfing, canyoning, diving, mountaineering, and climbing.
The Causeway Coastal Route (Northern Ireland)
This road trip begins in Belfast and ends in Derry and covers around 130 miles or 212 km. There is a Titanic-themed attraction for movie lovers to check out, as well as a lavish nightlife scene. You can visit the Giant’s Causeway, a natural marvel of 40,000 basalt columns. You can also explore numerous spots used as filming locations for famous shows like Game of Thrones and Derry Girls.
Atlantic Highway (England)
If you are taking a road trip as a family vacation, then the route A39 is perfect for you. The route itself doesn’t come all that near to the coastline, but as you drive past Bude, Wadebridge, and Camelford, you’ll get lots of stunning ocean views. It is about 191 miles or 307 km.
The Lake District (England)
This is one of the best UK road trips. Here, you can explore all the places that are said to have inspired the poetic imagination of Wordsworth. Sparkling lakes, rolling mountains, daffodil-filled fields, and perfect little cottages dot the entire panorama. It runs about 129 miles or 207 km.
Top destinations to visit on a UK road trip
Some of the top destinations you can explore include:
- Tower of London
- Buckingham Palace
- British Museum
- Edinburgh Castle
- Inverness Castle
- Giant’s Causeway
- Castle Combe
- Chipping Campden
Driving tips for the UK
Driving in the UK is not too indifferent from the US, aside from the opposite direction of the road. There are certain things that you need to keep in mind when you are a UK road trip planner.
- Brits drive on the left-hand side of the road. Also, the overtaking lane is near the center.
- Red light means stop, green means go, and for a turn, it is a green arrow with the direction indicated.
- Since you will be using a left-hand drive vehicle, check your wing and rearview mirrors when doing maneuvers.
- Pay all congestion charges and road tolls.
- Always adjust the headlamps to avoid blinding approaching drivers.
Driving in London
London has a slightly complicated road system and can often be congested. You should look into the London Congestion Charge zone, where fees apply during specific hours. Parking in central London can also be costly and challenging to find. So, prepare well in advance for these. Also, make sure to pay road tolls.
What do you need on a UK road trip?
Here are some essential things to remember before being an England road trip planner.
- Travel documents like passport, visa, driver’s license, etc., are critical when you are on a trip to the UK. Make sure they are valid for the duration of your stay. You should also check visa requirements based on nationality, as rules may vary.
- If you plan to cross into any location that needs a ferry, like Northern Ireland or the Channel Islands, during the road trip, understand the border regulations for the Republic of Ireland.
- When on a road trip, it is vital to be well within the speed limit. They typically are 30 mph (48 km/h) in towns, 60 mph (97 km/h) on single carriageways, and 70 mph (113 km/h) on dual carriageways and motorways. Always check road signs since these limits can vary depending on the location.
The best time to visit the UK
Mild temperatures and frequent rainfall characterize the UK’s climate. The best time to visit depends on your travel plans and activity preferences.
- Summer (June to August): ideal for outdoor activities, but expect more tourists and higher prices.
- Spring (March to May): fewer crowds than summer.
- Autumn (September to November): colorful foliage and quieter tourist attractions.
- Winter (December to February): Christmas markets and fewer tourists.
Is it safe to travel solo in the United Kingdom?
The UK is considered generally safe for solo travelers. ​The U.S. Department of State, in its Country Security Report, has rated Edinburgh and Belfast as LOW-threat destinations and London as a MEDIUM-threat destination. Also, the Solo Female Travel Safety Index gives the UK a female solo travel score of 1.8 on a scale from 1.0 (safest) to 4.0 (least safe).
Though considerably safe for travel, there are some things you should do to keep yourself from getting into dangerous situations.
- Keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots.
- Always be cautious of scams and avoid standing out in crowded places.
- Always stay aware of your surroundings, particularly at night.
- Familiarize yourself with emergency numbers, including 999 for police, fire, and medical emergencies.
Types of vehicles to consider as a United Kingdom road trip planner
There are plenty of vehicles you can choose from when planning a UK road trip.
Car
You can hire a rental as it is cheaper and more convenient. Some people also return the car to the starting point as the fee is less than a one-way hire.
Campervan or Motorhome
Some people prefer RVs as a UK road trip planner since it offers more freedom and saves on accommodation costs. You can also go camping and take rest stops whenever you want in an RV.
Motorcycle or bicycle
If you are looking for a little thrill on the road trip, a motorcycle or bike is the best bet. Just make sure you have the appropriate license and protective gear.
Cost of traveling in the UK per day
The cost of a road trip in the UK can vary widely depending on your travel style and preferences. On average, it can cost anywhere between 500 and 1500 USD. It is also heavily dependent on your choice of vehicle, accommodation, dining, and activities.
Conclusion
If you want ideas or places to visit on a UK trip or general travel advice, give the Travel-Wise trip planning software a try. You will get valuable information to help you plan your travel. Travel-Wise will help you plan vacations fast, keep them organized, book necessary tickets, journal along the way, and share them with a large community. If you are looking to create travel itineraries for your trip or just wondering about how others planned their itinerary, Travel-Wise can help you.