For those who prefer the open road to airport queues, road trips offer full control over travel plans, and they are growing in popularity. Hilton's 2026 Trends Report, released last December, found that the hashtag #RoadTrip had amassed more than 5.9 million tags globally. Whether you are planning to see out 2026 on the road or organising next year's adventure, here are five of the best road trips in the UK and Ireland.
Scotland's North Coast 500
The North Coast 500 in Scotland is a 516-mile circular route that starts and ends at Inverness Castle in the Scottish Highlands. Driving non-stop would take around 13 to 15 hours, but most travellers recommend taking five to seven days to enjoy the scenery and stopovers, which include the village of John o' Groats in the north, Chanonry Point in the east, and Bealach na Bà in the west for views of the Isle of Skye. Achmelvich Beach offers white sand and turquoise waters.
Those tackling the route are advised to drive anti-clockwise to finish with the views of the west coast. For fewer crowds and longer daylight hours, May, June, or September are recommended, while September through to March increases the chances of seeing the Aurora Borealis. Drivers should be aware of single-track roads, which require frequent stops and slower speeds, and overtaking is not permitted.
The Lakes 100 and the Atlantic Highway
The Lakes 100 is a circular road trip through the Lake District, covering 100 miles over three to five days and designed for cars, campervans, and bicycles. The itinerary starts in Bowness-on-Windermere, passes through Grasmere and Ambleside, then heads north to Keswick and Derwentwater, with views of the Helvellyn mountain range. The route continues to Buttermere and the Western Lakes, passing England's deepest lake, Wastwater, and Hawkshead, which has connections to William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter. June through August offers the warmest temperatures, while May or September brings fewer crowds; in winter, mountain roads can become hazardous and icy.
In Devon and Cornwall, the Atlantic Highway is a 70- to 75-mile journey from Barnstaple in North Devon to Newquay in Cornwall, with detours extending the trip over 100 miles to Penzance. Highlights include Hartland Peninsula in Devon, the traditional harbour village of Clovelly, and Tintagel in Cornwall, where clifftop ruins of Tintagel Castle are said by medieval folklore to be where King Arthur was conceived. Padstow offers Rick Stein's restaurants, and Newquay is known for Fistral Beach, the capital of British surfing. Late spring is recommended to avoid congested roads, or October for autumn colours.
The Black Mountain Pass and the Wild Atlantic Way
The Black Mountain Pass in South Wales is a shorter 20-to-23-mile drive, taking about 35 to 45 minutes non-stop, making it ideal for a weekend trip with more time for exploring on foot. At its highest point, the route is around 500 metres above sea level. It starts in the market town of Llandovery and travels south to the village of Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen in Upper Amman Valley. Detours include Carreg Cennen Castle and Llyn y Fan Fach, a glacial mountain lake within the Brecon Beacons National Park. The route features Tro Gwcw (Cuckoo Turn), a steep hairpin bend unofficially known as 'Top Gear road' after Jeremy Clarkson filmed an episode there. Ponies and sheep share the road, and there is a strict 40mph speed limit. May to October typically offers the best conditions.
The Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland is considered the world's longest defined coastal touring route, stretching approximately 1,600 miles along the west coast from Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal to Kinsale in County Cork, passing through nine counties and three provinces. Highlights include the Cliffs of Moher, featuring 320-million-year-old rock layers and a UNESCO Global Geopark that was a Harry Potter filming location, and the Slieve League, home to some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe. The Dingle Peninsula features Conor Pass, Ireland's highest mountain road, and the route also covers Beara, Sheep's Head, and Mizen Head peninsulas. Most travellers book two to three weeks to complete the trip, leaving time for cycling, surfing, and whale-watching. May and June provide the longest daylight hours, while September offers fewer crowds, and travellers should always prepare for rain.
