A road trip in the UK means witnessing everything the beautiful country has to offer from the comfort of your car - as you drive from the capital to some stunning locations. Land at one of the major London airports, rent a car and then plan to check out these five places along your route.

Brighton Pier

Brighton Pier

Brighton Pier

Experience the quintessentially British seaside, with a trip down to Brighton. Located two hours away from London, it’s pier and beach is a must-visit on a warm day. Enjoy traditional arcade games and take home fun prizes or spend an afternoon on the beach in a stripy deckchair. Book a ride up in the British Airways i30 observation tower, offering panoramic views of the ocean and city.

Stonehenge

Two hours away from London, this incredible site is something you’ll remember forever more. The mysterious stone monuments hail from prehistoric times and are one of the wonders of the world. While you can’t get up close and personal with these ancient monoliths, you can experience recreations of Neolithic houses, explore the supporting museum or stand in the middle of the stones and experience their size and wonder via an incredible interactive 360° screen room.

The Cotswolds

If you want a taste of the rolling British countryside, to take a walk down quaint streets lined with rustic cottages and sip a real beer from a country pub then plan a drive through the Cotswolds. Stunning landscapes make the winding roads fun to navigate and if you’re a fan of the BBC show Downton Abbey, stop off at Bampton, Swinbrook or Cogges where the show was filmed.

Brecon Beacons

This stunning location in Wales is the perfect choice for nature lovers. Discover limestone caves, bubbling brooks and tumbling waterfalls and revel in the greenery around you. Head to the moorlands and witness the playful groups of Welsh mountain ponies who feed on the local vegetation.

Liverpool

From the Cotswalds, travel up to Liverpool - stopping in Birmingham on the way to check out its popular Bullring shopping centre and Cadbury World, where you can pick up delicious British chocolate to enjoy for the rest of the trip. Once you reach Liverpool - after a couple of hours drive - check out the historical, red brick architecture, pop into the stunning cathedral and plan a trip to The Beatles Story location if you’re a fan of the band.

Edinburgh

The capital of Scotland is a must-visit if you’re planning a road trip around the UK. It’s stunning architecture is a gold mine for history buffs with a stunning castle and 16th century palace to explore. It’s also a hotspot for foodies - with a huge number of restaurants and festivals serving up traditional Scottish cuisine or adventurous dishes from around the world. Plan a road trip up to Loch Ness to spot the elusive water monster or if you have the time take a day out to explore the Isle of Skye, with magical waterfalls and pools to discover.

York

This stunning historic city is another favorite amongst those looking for a taste of all things British. Tiny side streets, cobbled paths and stunning medieval buildings make it a popular location for many. York Minster is a must-visit, a stunning Gothic cathedral it’s well worth paying the entrance fee to take some snaps inside.

Tip: As you travel down to York, take a detour and stop off for a day in Scarborough, a pretty seaside town with a laidback pace to lose yourself in. You could also plan a visit to the North York Moors national park, to experience the moody landscape and enjoy a hike in the fresh air.

Cambridge

On your way back to London on this round trip, stop in Cambridge and enjoy this pretty city where bicycles are one of the most popular choices when it comes to getting around. Take part in punting on the river Cam - there are plenty of punting tours to take part in if you want a history lesson too. Be sure to check out the famous university grounds too, where great minds including John Oliver, Hugh Laurie, Tom Hiddleston and Tilda Swinton all graduated from.

Finally, head back to London where it all started. Drop your car off and then explore the capital itself - taking in all the main sites and booking tickets for attractions such as the London Eye and Madame Tussaud’s. Don’t forget your camera

In total, this epic road trip clocks up to 25 hours of driving and covers 1,122 miles of UK roads - making it the best experience if you have time to spare and want to spend a day or two in each place. Plan your trip today and witness everything this stunning island has to offer.

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