England is home to stunning road trip destinations, containing everything from landmarks steeped in history to UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A road trip with people you love spending time with is the ultimate getaway, as it allows you to take in multiple sites in one go. Driving with friends can be a fun experience but make sure everyone takes out car insurance for the day before driving the car.
With so much choice of where to visit, it can be tricky to know where to begin. Here are some suggestions to get the ball rolling.
Hadrian’s Wall
Situated on the border between England and Scotland, Hadrian’s Wall is steeped in history, dating back to the time of the Roman Empire. It’s undoubtedly one of the most spectacular features in this part of the UK, spanning 73 miles. It was the north-west frontier and served this purpose for nearly 300 years.
A visit to see this World Heritage Site is a must if you want to pair history with breathtaking natural surroundings that will coax you out of your car. There are several hikes you can do in this area, including a 2.5-mile circular from Chesters Roman Fort, so make sure you remember your walking boots!
Peak District
The Peak District is filled with vast, winding roads made for road trips. The Snake Pass is a famous route in this area – and it sits at around 1,679 feet above sea level, so you can expect enviable views.
During your trip, it’s worth travelling via Site of Special Scientific Interest Winnats Pass, which is a valley made up of limestone that houses fossils and other geologically significant rocks. Meanwhile, for a spot of history, head to Chatsworth House, which is where the likes of Pride and Prejudice and Peaky Blinders were filmed.
Cotswolds
The picturesque villages are what make the Cotswolds feel like such a great escape from everyday life. Set against a backdrop of rolling hills, the villages of Bibury and Castle Combe are ideal places to stop during your trip. Plus, the drive between each destination promises plenty of natural beauty.
Both villages are known to be amongst the prettiest villages in England – plus, Castle Combe in particular is just a 30-minute drive from the historic city of Bath, which offers yet more exploration. During your trip, you can also factor in visits to Sezincote House and Cotswold Wildlife Park.
Yorkshire
God’s Own Country promises the road trip of a lifetime, with equal doses of history and natural wonders to take in. Plan your route through the Yorkshire Dales, before continuing through the North York Moors and finish at the coast to add plenty of variety to your adventure.
Key destinations to visit en route include Harrogate or York if you want to explore more vibrant cities. If you want to opt for historic market towns, head to the likes of Skipton, Grassington, Knaresborough and others.
Lake District
The Lake District is one of the UK’s most popular national parks. Key landmarks include Windermere, which is the largest natural lake in England, as well as Derwent Water and Coniston Water. The World of Beatrix Potter is another great attraction in Bowness-on-Windermere.
Fancy seeking out one of Britain’s favourite views? Head to Wastwater, followed by a trip to the village of Nether Wasdale. Here, you can soak up the mirror-like water, which is surrounded by imposing peaks.
