Best Road Trips for 2024

No matter the weather, a road trip can always be on the cards. They’re an awesome way to experience the world all at your own pace. Whether you fancy packing up and hitting the road for a while, or just a weekend break to let off some steam – driving around the UK can be both beautiful and exhilarating. From isolated stretches of moorland to scenic coastal drives, the places we’ve chosen will live long in the memory.

Thinking about which car would be best suited though for your next trip? We’ve got you covered, as we have matched each journey with our choice of car to enhance the road for both yourself and your passengers. So drive slowly, stop often, and don’t worry about taking a long way around.

North Coast 500, Scotland

Starting from the top of the UK, the North Coast 500 takes you through the vast and imposing Scottish Highlands on a 500-mile round trip. Snake your way between mammoth hills of weather-beaten grasses, past sand dunes and empty beaches, deep freshwater lochs and some of the most picturesque Scottish wilderness, forming a loop around the entire northern tip of the country. If you’re into spooky ruins of ancient villages, stately castles and grazing Shetland ponies, then this is the trip for you.

Stoneacre’s recommended car: Jeep Wrangler

Scotland is renowned for wild camping (as long as you read up on the rules and regulations), and the Jeep Wrangler is incredibly versatile for this side of life. You can put a camping mattress in the back and camp inside or invest in a roof-top tent, therefore the possibilities are endless. Do a quick Google search for Wrangler camping, and you’ll get countless articles suggesting ways to make your Wrangler provide an accommodating base for the night. Plus, with Jeep’s off-roading heritage built into every model, it can take you wherever you want to go.

The Coniston Loop, Lake District

There are enough roads in the Lake District to almost feel like you’re driving through Switzerland. This route particularly is a 42-mile journey, that takes you through some of the rarely seen parts of the District. Best for driving through the day, you’ll visit Duddon Valley, an area so famed for beauty, poet William Wordsworth wrote The River Duddon, A Series of Sonnets in 1820.

Other high points of this road trip include Stanley Force waterfall, Dalegarth station on the miniature Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, and Hardknott Roman Fort. Every village and hamlet you pass will have coffee shops and pubs – great for stretching your legs and taking in the views.

Stoneacre’s recommended car: Mazda MX-5

On sunny days, wind down the roof and breath in the fresh air. The iconic sports car brings you delightful driving dynamics, so whether you’re whipping around the mountains, or stopping to take in the lake views, you’ll never get tired of driving. What’s more, thanks to Mazda’s innovative Skyactiv engine technology it’s efficient on fuel, so you don’t need to worry about where the next petrol station is just yet.

North York Moors National Park, North Yorkshire

One word – picturesque. With the world’s largest collection of heather moorland, the rough and windswept landscape has a timeless quality to it that you could lose yourself for days. There are several journeys you could take through the moors, but we recommend the 50-mile route from Hemsley to Whitby to really enjoy the rugged views and interesting sites. With pit stops like Rievaulx Abbey, an 11th-century abbey ruins, or Captain Cooks monument on the Cleveland Way hiking trail, making your way for some fish and chips in Whitby has never been more exciting.

Stoneacre’s recommended car: Volvo XC40 Recharge

The compact SUV is perfect to tackle the North York Moors as it has everything you will need – a spacious cabin, incredibly sized boot space and innovative technology (just in case you get lost). Additionally, with its great range of petrol-hybrid engine choices, you can maximise your drive without needing to stop as often along the way, so you can take in the landscape as you travel peacefully through the moorlands.

Snowdonia to Anglesey, West Coast Wales

If you fancy a scenic drive across 26 miles of the Welsh countryside, then Snowdonia to Anglesey is the way to go. The excursion is bursting with things to see and do along the way, including visits to the region’s highest peak, Snowdonia, and Penrhyn Castle and Garden. If you opt to cross the Britannia Bridge onto Anglesey, consider having a visit to the town with the world’s longest name, Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch. There’s not much to do here, but it makes a great photo to send to your mates.

The endpoint to your journey is South Stack Lighthouse on Holy Island, which is great in summer as you can climb the lighthouse for fantastic ocean views out towards Ireland.

Stoneacre’s recommended car: Renault Arkana E-Tech

The Renault Arkana would be an excellent choice for a road trip from Snowdonia to Anglesey on the West Coast of Wales. Its sleek and stylish design captures attention wherever it goes, adding to the excitement of your journey. The Arkana’s spacious interior provides ample room for both passengers and luggage, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable trip. With its advanced technology features and driver-assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, you can navigate scenic routes with ease and peace of mind.

The Arkana’s efficient engine options, including hybrid powertrains, offer excellent fuel economy, minimising the need for frequent stops at the pump. Additionally, the Arkana’s versatile nature allows for easy storage of outdoor gear and equipment, making it ideal for exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Snowdonia and the beautiful coastal scenery of Anglesey.

Causeway Coastal Route, Ireland

Jump on a ferry and head over to Ireland for the longest road trip on the list, so make sure to book some hotels or B&Bs on the way. The Causeway Coastal Route is a 130-mile road trip linking Northern Ireland’s 2 largest cities – Belfast and Derry. One of the UK’s most celebrated seaside routes, you will pass a collection of famous landmarks along the way so you should expect to stop often on this journey.

The town of Ballycastle marks the halfway point of the route – it’s just a few miles from Northern Ireland’s most famous tourist attraction, the Giant’s Causeway. Factor in some time to stop and gaze at this geological peculiarity but be ready for some extreme weather conditions. Other highlights along the way include Dunluce Castle and the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge.

Stoneacre’s recommended car: Toyota Corolla Sports Touring

The Toyota Corolla Sports Touring is an excellent choice for a road trip down the Causeway Coastal Route. Its sporty and dynamic design adds a touch of excitement to your journey, perfectly complementing the stunning landscapes along the way.

The Corolla Sports Touring offers a comfortable and spacious interior, providing ample legroom for both driver and passengers. Its ergonomic seats ensure a relaxing and enjoyable ride, even during long hours on the road.

Additionally, the estate car is also equipped with a fuel-efficient engine, allowing you to maximise your mileage and minimise the need for frequent refuelling stops. Its generous luggage space ensures you have enough room for all your belongings, whether it’s camping gear or souvenirs collected along the route.

Atlantic Highway, South West England

The Atlantic Highways is a 70-mile section of the A39 that runs from Barnstaple in North Devon down to the seaside town of Newquay in Cornwall. This drive takes around 1.5 hours and presents many beautiful coastal views on one side with hilly landscapes on the other.

Highlights on the Atlantic Highway include many beautiful beaches, such as Westward Ho! in Devon and Summerleaze Beach in Bude on Cornwall’s northern shore. If you have time, take a short detour along the toll road to the lighthouse at Trevose Head near Padstow.

Stoneacre’s recommended car: Fiat 500c Hybrid

For a quiet drive, the Fiat 500c Hybrid is an ideal choice for driving down the Atlantic Highway. Its iconic and compact design perfectly suits the winding coastal roads and picturesque landscapes along the way. The 500c Hybrid offers a fun and enjoyable driving experience, with its convertible top allowing you to soak in the sun and fresh ocean breeze as you cruise along the scenic route.

The car’s fuel-efficient hybrid engine ensures you can go the distance without worrying about frequent refuelling stops, making it an economical choice for your journey. The Fiat 500c Hybrid also features a comfortable and stylish interior, with ample space for both driver and passengers. Its advanced technology and connectivity features, such as a touchscreen infotainment system and smartphone integration, keep you entertained and connected throughout your trip.

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Planning on heading out on one of our best road trips this year? Let us know in the comments!