A road trip can be a great way to create happy memories alongside the people closest to you. The best trips tend to rely on a good selection of destinations, as well as a car that’s in good shape. You can obtain the latter even if you have a poor credit history, with the help of a rental, or with bad credit car finance. The former requires just a little bit of research.
Let’s consider some of the more appealing destinations for UK-based road-trippers.
The Jurassic Coast, Dorset
Does your family have a passing interest in the natural world, and how it came to be? If that’s the case, then a visit to the Jurassic Coast, with its endless fossil-hunting opportunities, is sure to appeal. You might build sandcastles and hunt for trilobites in Lyme Regis, or marvel at rock formations, like Durdle Door. A wealth of campsites and caravan sites make this an excellent place to be.
The Scottish Highlands and the North Coast 500
The northernmost tip of Scotland’s mainland is encircled by a five-hundred mile route, known as the North Coast 500. Tackling the entire route in a single trip might be over-ambitious. But even a small portion of the distance might take you to memorable distilleries, beautiful lochs, and imposing castles. It’s a perfect way to get acquainted with what this part of the country has to offer.
The Lake District, Cumbria
Arguably the most famous and popular national parks in the country, the Lake District owes its name to famous bodies of water like Windermere and Ullswater. But its appeal lies in other places, too. You might spend a day or two on the water, with the help of a paddleboard or a kayak. Or, you might simply potter around the local towns, or enjoy one of the many different hiking trails available. There’s also the World of Beatrix Potter exhibit to consider, which is perfect for young fans of Peter Rabbit and his woodland friends.
It’s worth noting that the major settlements, like Bowness-on-Windermere, will tend to be especially busy during school holidays. If you want the best possible combination of low prices, thin crowds, and hospitable weather, it’s worth planning your trip for May or September.
The Cotswolds, Gloucestershire
The Cotswolds offer a more tranquil, relaxed setting. You might spend your time here ambling along canals, and inspecting the various grade-II listed buildings in famously quaint villages like Bourton-on-the-Water. A road trip here might take you to zoos, parks, farms, and other family-friendly places that are perfect for those with younger children, too. It’s a place so appealing that the American vice president recently paid it a visit!

