Lake District Scenic Loop named UK's best road trip in survey

The Lake District Scenic Loop has been named Britain's most popular road trip, beating the North Coast 500 and the Atlantic Highway to the top spot in a new survey. The mountainous region secured 63% of the vote, thanks to its stunning lakes, undulating countryside and quaint market towns.

Top three road trips

Scotland's North Coast 500 came second with 54%, renowned for its striking coastal landscapes, ancient castles and abundant wildlife. Rounding off the top three is the Southwest Atlantic Highway at 48%, providing visitors with a blend of pristine beaches, dramatic clifftops and fresh seafood.

Staycation trends

The results, published following the introduction of the Santander Rewards Credit Card, also revealed that over two thirds of Britons (68%) are planning to take holidays closer to home this year. This follows increasing travel expenses (35%), simplicity of organisation (31%) and more relaxed travel experiences (30%) which are fuelling the domestic holiday movement.

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Britons anticipate spending an average of £433.20 per person on a UK break this year, totalling £1732.80 on average for a family of four. Additional financial factors for those holidaying domestically include petrol and diesel (£91), EV charging (£51), accommodation (£281), groceries (£108.60) and eating out (£148.60).

Growing interest in UK travel

The staycation surge has accelerated since the pandemic, with over half (52%) of the 2,000 Britons surveyed stating they've discovered more of the UK since 2020 than during the preceding decade. While the recent heatwave has delivered temperatures more reminiscent of overseas destinations, Britain's unpredictable seasons do little to discourage those opting for a staycation. Of those polled, nearly three fifths (59%) say uncertain weather fails to put them off.

Although the climate cannot always measure up, 69% believe the UK's landscapes are a match for foreign destinations. Britain's coastlines, countryside and national parks are increasingly regarded as every bit as appealing as traditional overseas hotspots.

Popular attractions and road trip essentials

Widely photographed beauty spots and landmarks such as St Michael's Mount (48%), the White Cliffs (48%) and Loch Ness (42%) are amongst the leading locations encouraging Britons to get behind the wheel. When selecting a road trip, the most sought-after features include coastal views (66%), beaches (49%) and great pubs and food stops (54%). Further essentials for the ideal journey include car snacks (24%), road trip playlists (19%), and a portable phone charger (18%).

Comment from Santander UK

Gerry Davies, Payments Commercial Director at Santander UK, said: "The research shows that more Brits are choosing to explore closer to home this year - with many opting to enjoy summer on the open road creating memorable experiences across the UK."

"From national parks and dramatic coastal routes to charming market towns and hidden gems, there's a huge appetite for discovering what's on our doorstep."

"Whether it's a weekend getaway or a longer summer adventure, customers are increasingly seeking value and flexibility when they travel."

"That's why we've launched our Rewards Credit Card to help customers get more from their everyday spending, including 3% cashback on many of the things we buy throughout the summer."