There’s no denying that jetting off for a luxurious holiday in sunnier climes holds plenty of appeal, but with such a plethora of natural beauty, historic landmarks and quaint towns and villages to explore right here in the UK, planning a road trip here on home soil can be a rewarding way to spend your next break. Whilst the weather might be a little bit more unpredictable, hitting the road and exploring at your own pace is the ultimate way to become better acquainted with the nation and uncover all of its hidden treasures – and you don’t have to compromise on the opulent experiences you love to do it.
Here are a few tips for planning an itinerary that ticks every box for a thoroughly memorable (and suitably luxurious) road trip.
Research, research, research
The first step to curating the perfect itinerary for your trip is to do your research. The UK is jam-packed with sights and sounds that you won’t want to miss, but there is too much to see in just a few days or even a couple of weeks – so take some time to create a shortlist of the places you consider to be non-negotiable and use them as a guide for planning your route.
As well as ensuring you get the most out of the time you do have, having a rough itinerary will allow you to book plush accommodation in each place well in advance to ensure a comfortable experience. There’s no need to have every single activity planned in advance as you’ll want to allow for some spontaneity along the way – but knowing the route you’ll take from place to place will mean you don’t have to think about the big things and can sit back and enjoy. So fill those travel coffee mugs and prepare for a fun-filled journey.
Avoid M-Roads
While it may be tempting to save on travel time as much as possible, using the motorways is one of the worst ways to see the UK. You’ll barely get to take in any of the countryside and the beautiful scenery on offer, instead spending the majority of your time staring at cars and the same stretch of road.
Instead, opt for A and B roads, as these are quieter and will take you through small villages and hamlets, with the best views along the way, so you stand a much better chance of finding hidden gems as you navigate the journey..
Prioritise
Because there is so much to see and do during your road trip, being able to prioritise is key. When doing this, think about what you want to see or do the most, and try to figure out how long you’d need to spend in each place to get the most out of it.
For example, a stop at an antique store would likely take an hour at the most, whereas a tour of an ancient castle and its grounds, plus some exploration, could take as long as half a day when you include the drive to get there.
Offline maps
While the UK is relatively small and the internet is readily accessible, there are still plenty of “dead” spots around the country, so with this in mind it’s important to have offline or printed maps available for you to use should you lose signal at a pivotal moment in your journey.
There are several very famous road trip routes that have entire maps dedicated just to them, and having the printed version in your car can save you a lot of time and fuel if you get lost.
Plan rest stops and refuelling
Always plan rest stops and refuelling stops in advance, as you can’t be certain you’ll always find somewhere suitable when the need arises. For example, in parts of Scotland, especially in the north, you can drive for many miles without passing a petrol station – so plotting exactly where you plan to take a pause will save you a whole lot of stress if you find your fuel tank running low.
While this is less of a problem in other parts of the UK, you should still be sure you know where these stops are so you can plan accordingly and ensure your entire trip runs smoothly.
Easy road trip itinerary
Unsure where to start with the specifics of your road trip? Here is a simple itinerary for a week-long road trip that’s perfect for first timers and guarantees a touch of luxury.
London
Your point of departure is in the bustling metropolis of English capital, London, in the South East. If you have never visited before, this is the perfect opportunity to spend a day or two exploring everything the city has to offer.
From world-class museums and art galleries, to restaurants, bars, and some of the best shopping and tourist destinations on the planet, this is the best way to start your road trip off with a bang. And with an array of opulent five star hotels to choose from – from the historic to the thoroughly modern – you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation, with many offering fine dining and even Michelin-starred eateries where you can enjoy a decadent dinner and some great wine at the end of a long day’s sight-seeing.
Bath and the Cotswolds
After London, head west to the ancient city of Bath. This spectacular spa town has plenty to offer, including its famous Roman Baths, which are a must see for first timers, and is steeped in rich history, with beautiful architecture that dates back centuries.
You can either spend the night in Bath itself, which is home to a plethora of high-end hotels (many of which offer their own sumptuous spa facilities) or take a trip to the breathtaking Cotswolds. This exquisite area gives you the quintessential British countryside experience, and you’ll definitely want to stay a night or two to make the most of your time here.
Yorkshire
From Bath, take a drive northwards to the beautiful region of Yorkshire, stopping in at the historic city of York. Intriguingly, it’s known for being one of the most haunted destinations in Europe, but it has far more to offer far more than just a few ghost tours and spooky stories.
With its medieval architecture, variety of luxury hotels and a great food and drink scene, York has everything you need for a fulfilling couple of days in the north, plus a few nice surprises that many first-time visitors would never expect.
Northumberland
Just over two hours further north is Northumberland – home to the historic Hadrian’s Wall, and famed for its many historic sites and castles. Spending a day here offers the perfect opportunity to do a few tours of some of the most important castles and fortifications in UK history, and a trip to Bamburgh Castle, which overlooks the sea and is situated just off a beach that is well-worth spending some time on, is sure to be the highlight.
Edinburgh
Finally, after hitting the road again and heading further northwards still, you will find yourself in the spectacular Scottish city of Edinburgh in under two hours. Perfectly combining elements of both the old and new, this vibrant city is awash with trendy cafes, olde world shops and tea rooms and stylish boutiques, as well as being where you’ll find attractions like Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and many more.
The best way to explore Edinburgh is by foot, making your way along the city’s ancient alleys where you’ll stumble upon hidden restaurants and pubs serving up delicious drinks and even better food.
