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 2026 Recommended Car: KGM Torres
The newly rebranded KGM (formerly SsangYong) released the Torres, and it is built for the Highlands.
Its rugged, “tough-as-nails” aesthetic isn’t just for show; with a massive 703-litre boot, it swallows camping gear, hiking boots, and supplies for a week in the wilderness without breaking a sweat.
Its high ground clearance and robust build make it the perfect companion for the NC500’s more remote, single-track stretches.
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 2026 Recommended Car: MG3 Hybrid+
The Lake District’s narrow lanes and steep gradients require something punchy yet compact. The MG3 Hybrid+ is a 2026 standout.
With almost 200 hp—nearly double the power of most small hatchbacks—it zips up the Hardknott Pass with surprising ease. Its “Hybrid+” technology means you’ll glide silently through sleepy villages like Coniston on electric power, keeping the tranquil atmosphere exactly as Wordsworth would have wanted it.
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 Cook’s monument on the Cleveland Way hiking trail, making your way for some fish and chips in Whitby has never been more exciting.
Stoneacre’s 2026 Recommended Car: Polestar 4
For a landscape this timeless, you want a car that feels like the future.
The Polestar 4 is a “SUV-coupe” that lacks a traditional rear window, using a high-definition camera system instead. This allows for a panoramic glass roof that stretches right back, giving your passengers an unparalleled view of the Yorkshire skies and moors.
It’s 100% electric, incredibly sleek, and provides a peaceful, high-tech sanctuary for the drive to Whitby.
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 of 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 2026 Recommended Car: BYD Sealion 7
As you head toward the world’s longest-named town, you’ll want a car that’s equally impressive.
The BYD Sealion 7 is a premium electric SUV that features the revolutionary “Blade Battery,” making it one of the safest and most efficient EVs on the road in 2026.
Its spacious, vegan-leather interior is the height of comfort for exploring Snowdonia, and its rapid-charging capabilities mean a quick top-up in Bangor is all you need to reach the South Stack Lighthouse.
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 2026 Recommended Car: Dacia Bigster
The Dacia Bigster is the “big brother” to the famous Duster and is the ultimate value-choice for a family odyssey in Northern Ireland. It offers massive interior space for a fraction of the price of premium rivals.
If you’re travelling with the whole family to see the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, the Bigster’s “no-nonsense” ruggedness and hybrid efficiency make it the most sensible (and stylish) way to tackle the Atlantic weather.
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 2026 Recommended Car: CUPRA Tavascan
The Atlantic Highway is all about style and coastal vibes. The CUPRA Tavascan—the brand’s first all-electric SUV coupe—is a head-turner that matches the trendy energy of Newquay.
With its glowing exterior logos and a futuristic “Y-shaped” interior console, it feels like a concept car brought to life. It handles the winding coastal roads with sporty precision, ensuring the drive is just as exciting as the destination.
