UK Coastal Driving Trips
UK Coast Road Trips
Ultimate Pembrokeshire Coast Trip
Enjoy some of the best UK beaches and coastal walks around harbour towns with plenty of outdoor activities. Your Pembrokeshire...
Causeway Coastal Route
Starting in Belfast City and ending in Derry, this route passing through the nine Glens of Antrim and Giant’s Causeway.
North Coast 500
Scotland’s NC500 goes beyond John O’Groats and covers castles, caves, natures reserves and so much more at mainland Britain’s most...
Cumbrian Coastal Route 200
Cumbria boasts miles upon miles of stunning coastline where you can explore beaches, mountains, medieval manors and lakes. Starting at...
The Atlantic Highway Road Trip
Hug the north coast from Devon into Cornwall to experience amazing views, historic castles, seafood restaurants, idyllic villages and famous...
Planning Your Coastal Drive
Planning a UK coast road trip? From the Scottish Highlands to the Cornish coast, around Welsh harbours or scenic Northern Ireland drives, the UK coastline is wonderfully varied. There’s a lot to think about to make sure your journey is smooth and enjoyable.
From choosing your transport to packing the essentials, we’ve got you covered.
Who’s going and with how many?
When planning your coastal adventure, it’s important to think about who’s coming along. Are you travelling as a couple, with family, or with friends? The size and makeup of your group will influence your accommodation choices, activities, and overall logistics. Here’s a quick guide:
Couples
ACCOMMODATION
Seek out romantic and intimate lodging options like boutique hotels, charming B&Bs, or secluded cottages.
ACTIVITIES
Plan for activities that foster connection and relaxation, such as sunset walks on the beach, dining at cosy seaside restaurants, and spa treatments.
PACE
Allow for a leisurely pace to maximise relaxation and quality time together.
Families
ACCOMMODATION
Look for family-friendly options that offer amenities like larger rooms, kitchen facilities, and recreational areas for children.
SAFETY
Choose destinations with safe environments for children, such as beaches with lifeguards and pedestrian-friendly areas.
ACTIVITIES
Include a variety of activities that appeal to all ages, such as beach games, local attractions, and educational experiences like museums and nature reserves.
LOGISTICS
Consider practical aspects such as proximity to medical facilities, availability of childcare services, and easy access to family-oriented restaurants.
Friends
ACCOMMODATION
Opt for places that can accommodate groups, such as holiday home rentals, hostels or large hotel suites.
ACTIVITIES
Plan a mix of activities that cater to different interests within the group, including water sports, nightlife, local festivals and outdoor adventures.
FLEXIBILITY
Ensure there is flexibility in the itinerary to accommodate varying preferences and spontaneous plans.
Additional Considerations
Transportation
GETTING THERE
Plan the best travel routes and modes of transportation to your starting point in Coastal, considering the group's size and needs.
LOCAL MOBILITY
Ensure there are convenient options for getting around locally, whether through car rentals, public transportation, or bike rentals for short distances.
Dining and Food
DIETARY NEEDS
Consider dietary restrictions and preferences within the group and research local dining options that cater to these needs.
LOCAL CUISINE
Explore opportunities to enjoy fresh seafood and regional specialties, and consider booking reservations at popular local restaurants.
Budget
COST PLANNING
Establish a budget that accounts for accommodation, meals, activities and unexpected expenses.
GROUP DISCOUNTS
Look for group rates or discounts for larger parties, especially for accommodations, tours and attractions.
Seasonal Factors
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Choose the best time of year for the trip, considering weather conditions, peak tourist seasons, and local events or festivals.
PACKING ESSENTIALS
Prepare for seasonal variations by packing appropriate clothing and gear, such as swimwear, warm layers or rain gear.
Health and Safety
PLAN B
Always have a backup plan, a spare battery pack for your phone, a smaller first aid kit to take out with you.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Know the location of local medical facilities and emergency services. Bring along a basic first aid kit and any necessary medications.
INSURANCE
Ensure everyone in the group has adequate travel insurance that covers health, trip cancellations, activities planned and personal property.
How are you travelling?
Choosing how you travel can make a big difference to your trip. Here are some options to consider:
Motorbike
FREEDOM AND FLEXIBILITY
Enjoy the open road and easy parking at scenic spots.
PACKING LIGHT
Pack the essentials, focusing on compact and multi-purpose items.
Car
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
Perfect for families and groups, offering plenty of space for luggage and comfort on longer drives.
ACCESSIBILITY
Easily get to a variety of coastal destinations and remote spots.
Motorhome
HOME ON WHEELS
Combine accommodation and transport for ultimate flexibility and cost savings.
AMENITIES
Enjoy your own kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping quarters—ideal for extended trips.
Find out how much it’d cost to rent a motorhome
What are you looking to do?
Coastal driving trips offer something for everyone. Here are some ideas to inspire your journey:
Romantic Getaways
The serene and scenic coastal landscapes provide a perfect setting for couples to enjoy a romantic escape. Walks on the beach, stunning sunsets and cosy seaside accommodations add to the romantic atmosphere.
Family Adventures
Coastal trips offer a variety of activities that can be enjoyed by family members of all ages, such as building sandcastles, swimming, visiting amusement parks, and exploring local attractions.
Adventure and Outdoor Pursuits
The UK’s coastline offers numerous opportunities for adventure seekers, including surfing, sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, rock climbing, and hiking along coastal trails.
Cycling Trails and Scenic Routes
The UK coastline offers numerous well-marked cycling trails that cater to all levels of cyclists. Coastal routes often provide stunning views of the sea, cliffs, and countryside.
Relaxation and Wellness
Many coastal destinations have spas, wellness retreats, and tranquil settings ideal for relaxation, rejuvenation, and mental well-being. The sound of the waves and fresh sea air can be very therapeutic.
Photography and Nature
The dramatic cliffs, rugged coastlines, wildlife reserves, and picturesque villages provide excellent opportunities for photography and nature enthusiasts to capture beautiful landscapes and observe diverse wildlife.
Cultural and Historical Exploration
Coastal areas often have rich histories and cultural significance. Visitors can explore historic sites, castles, and maritime museums, and learn about the local heritage and traditions.
Culinary Experiences
Coastal trips offer the chance to enjoy fresh seafood and local cuisine. Many coastal towns have excellent restaurants, seafood markets, and food festivals that showcase regional specialities.
Festivals and Events
Many coastal towns host festivals and events throughout the year, such as music festivals, food festivals, sailing regattas, and cultural celebrations that attract visitors from far and wide.
Wildlife Watching
The UK’s coastal regions are great for wildlife watching, including birdwatching, spotting seals, dolphins, and even whales in certain areas. Nature reserves and guided tours can enhance the experience.
Water Sports
Enthusiasts of various water sports, including windsurfing, jet skiing, and scuba diving, can find excellent facilities and conditions along the UK’s coastline.
Walking and Hiking
The UK’s coastal paths, such as the South West Coast Path, offer extensive trails with breathtaking views, ideal for walking and hiking enthusiasts.
Unique Accommodation
Coastal trips provide opportunities to stay in unique accommodations like castles, lighthouses, beach huts, and charming seaside cottages that offer a distinct and memorable experience.
Resources for Planning Your Route
Planning a coastal driving trip can be an exciting adventure, but it helps to have the right resources at your fingertips. Here’s a list of tools and tips to help you map out the perfect route:
- Google Maps: Great for planning your route, finding scenic detours, and locating nearby attractions.
- Waze: Offers real-time traffic updates, road alerts, and user-reported information.
- Apple Maps: Another reliable option for navigation with integrated local business information.
- VisitBritain: The official tourism website for the UK, offering guides to various coastal destinations.
- Lonely Planet: Known for detailed travel guides, including recommended routes and must-see spots.
- TripAdvisor: Offers reviews and suggestions for places to visit, stay, and eat along the coast.
- Roadtrippers: Helps you plan your route and discover unique stops along the way.
- InRoute: Allows you to plan multi-stop road trips with weather forecasts and elevation data.
- Michelin Travel: Provides route planning with scenic options and tourist attractions.
- Highwood Motorhomes: Your go-to for renting a motorhome, making it easy to explore the coast with all the comforts of home.
- Campervan Hire: Another great option for renting a campervan for your coastal adventure.
- Cornwall Tourism: For exploring the stunning Cornish coastline.
- Visit Norfolk: Offers tips on the best places to visit along the Norfolk coast.
- Discover Scotland: Guides for the beautiful Scottish coastal routes.
- Reddit: Join travel subreddits like r/roadtrip or r/UKTravel for tips and advice from fellow travellers.
- TripAdvisor Forums: Engage with the community to get personalised advice and recommendations.
- Facebook Groups: Search for groups related to UK travel and road trips to connect with other enthusiasts.
- Met Office: Check the weather forecast to ensure you have the best conditions for your trip.
- BBC Weather: Another reliable source for weather updates.
- Tide Times: Stay informed about tide times, especially if you're planning beach activities.
Packing Lists and Travel Tips
Packing for any trip is easy, but what other items are necessary, or nice to have when going on a driving trip? Well, don’t sweat it. Here’s our list to help make sure you’ve thought of everything!
Necessary Items
- Driver’s licence
- Vehicle registration and insurance
- Travel insurance documents
- Maps and/or navigation apps
- Emergency contact information
- Spare Tire, Jack, and Tire Iron: For changing tires in case of a flat.
- Jumper Cables: Useful for battery issues.
- Vehicle Manual: Helpful for any car-specific queries or issues.
- First Aid Kit: Must-have for emergencies.
- Reflective Warning Triangle: Required by law in Coastal.
- High-Visibility Vest: Also a legal requirement.
- Emergency Car Kit: Includes flares, flashlight, and multi-tool.
- ID and Credit/Debit Cards: For identification and transactions.
- Cash in Local Currency: For tolls or small expenses.
- Mobile Phone and Charger: Essential for communication and navigation.
- Medications and Prescriptions: Ensure you have any necessary medications.
- Sunglasses and Sunblock: Protection against sun glare.
- Hat and Waterproof Jacket: For changing weather conditions.
- Comfortable Shoes: For walking and driving.
- Layered Clothing: To adapt to Coastal’s varying weather.
- Swimwear and Beach Towels: If your trip includes visits to lakes or pools.
- Comfortable Outfits: For activities and sightseeing.
- Pyjamas and Comfortable Loungewear: For restful nights.
- Reusable Water Bottles: To stay hydrated.
- Snacks and Non-Perishable Food Items: For on-the-go nourishment.
- Cooler with Drinks and Perishable Snacks: Keep your drinks cold and snacks fresh.
- Picnic Supplies: Blanket, utensils, and napkins for roadside picnics.
- GPS Device or Smartphone with Navigation Apps: To find your way.
- Guidebooks and Maps: Additional resources for planning and navigation.
- Music Playlists or Podcasts: For entertainment on the road.
- Books or E-Readers: For downtime.
- Tent and Camping Gear: If you plan to camp.
- Sleeping Bags and Sleeping Mats: For a comfortable sleep.
- Travel Pillows and Blankets: To make rest more comfortable.
- Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, and soap.
- Hand Sanitizer and Wet Wipes: For cleanliness on the go.
- Tissues and Toilet Paper: Essential for any situation.
- Towels and Washcloths: For personal hygiene.
Nice To Have
- Travel Mug for Hot Drinks: Keep beverages warm.
- Reusable Shopping Bags: For groceries or shopping.
- Portable Power Bank: For charging devices on the go.
- Travel-Sized Laundry Detergent: For washing small items.
- Portable Fan or Heater: Depending on the season.
- Beach Gear: Umbrella, beach chairs, and sand toys for lake visits.
- Sports Equipment: Frisbee, football, or snorkel gear.
- Camera or GoPro: To capture your journey.
- Binoculars: For wildlife watching and sightseeing.
- Portable Grill: For impromptu barbecues.
- Tablet or Laptop: For entertainment or work.
- Travel Adaptor and Power Strip: For charging multiple devices.
- Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot: To stay connected.
- Neck Pillow and Blanket: For passenger comfort.
- Window Shades: To block the sun.
- Car Organiser: To keep small items in place.
- Seat Cushions: For added comfort on long drives.
- Motion Sickness Remedies: For those sensitive to travel.
- Bug Spray and Bite Relief Cream: For outdoor adventures.
- Sunscreen and After-Sun Lotion: To protect your skin.
- Toys and Games: To keep children entertained.
- Baby Supplies: Diapers, wipes, and formula.
- Pet Supplies: Food, water bowl, leash, and waste bags.