Everyone loves a road trip, especially in the warmer months, there is just something magical about having the wind in your hair and the sun dancing across your face to truly make you feel alive. International travel won’t be an option for quite a while still so the best idea is to pack up your car and hit the open road on an adventure.
The global pandemic has made things difficult for most of us and we are all still trying to make sense of the way things are now but road trips are a safe and fun way to escape your city life. Road tripping in England is no different from road tripping anywhere else in the world; you just need to know the best places to go to. Here are the top 10 destinations to travel to on this side of the pond.
Cotswolds
The Cotwolds region in Gloucestershire in England is well known for its quintessentially British market towns and picturesque stone villages. The Cotswolds are a beautiful range of sprawling hills and make for the perfect destination when you’re planning a road trip. Avid cyclists and walkers are drawn to these luscious rolling hills because of the amazing views you get to experience along the way. Be sure to add a visit to the Gloucester Cathedral to your itinerary to see the amazing stained glass windows. The Cotswolds are filled with beautiful places and things to see so try and plan to spend at least 3 days exploring this gorgeous location.
Norfolk
Norfolk is a quaint county in East Anglia and deserves to be seen in person to be appreciated fully. Norfolk’s sandy beaches make it a popular location for visitors and because they are so vast it is easy to spread out and enjoy your time there with your family in a safe environment. There is a lot more to Norfolk than meets the eye, the undulating countryside and forest landscape make it the perfect destination for a mini-adventure in July or August in the perfect car. Road tripping is much more fun in a spacious vehicle so make sure to read this Ford Kuga review to make sure your car is up to the task.
Yorkshire
This historic place in northern England is packed with exciting cities to visit like York, Leeds, and Scarborough. There are plenty of places for you to take interesting tours and socially distanced walks to ensure you get the full Yorkshire experience. Yorkshire isn’t just famous for its pudding; there is a wide range of fun activities to do whilst you’re driving in the Yorkshire Dales.
Cornwall
Cornwall is considered to be one of the best places to go on a road trip, largely because of its breath-taking stretches of amazing coastline right here in England. The rugged coast is dotted with beautiful locations where you can take in all the beauty of your surroundings and as many pictures and selfies as you like. With over 400 miles of stunning beaches, magical coves, and more English heritage than any one person can handle on their own, Cornwall needs to be at the top of your destinations list.
Devon
Here is a fun fact about Devon, England… it is home to the country’s only 16-sided house. A La Ronde (which is sort of a weird name for a faceted abode) is a National Trust property on the east side of Devon. If that isn’t your cup of tea then you could always try the Devonshire cream tea which Devon is arguably most famous for. If none of the above strikes your fancy then you can just travel around and take in some of the finest scenery England has to offer.
Somerset
If you’re headed to South West England then you need to plan a drive to Somerset. Somerset is home to around 600 000 people and is also home to the Weston Sand Sculpture Festival which is open from April until the end of September. It is a little pricy to attend but it is well worth the cost, all in all, it will take around 2 and half hours of your day and the competition between the carvers and sculptors is something to behold.
Bristol
Bristol has been quiet and largely shut down for the last year or so, but it is finally back in action. The city of Bristol straddles the river Avon and is famous for its harbour, its stunning architecture, and the Clifton Suspension Bridge. This bridge spans across the Avon Gorge and the River Avon, which links Clifton to North Somerset. It is a must-see for any road trippers travelling through or near the area.
Windermere
Windermere is a massive lake in Cumbria’s Lake District National Park, which is situated in northwest England. It is beautifully surrounded by large mountain peaks and picture-perfect villages. The most famous attraction there has to be The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction which has updated displays of some of your favourite childhood memories. You should plan to spend a day strolling around Windermere and you must visit the Lakes Aquarium at Lakeside whilst you are there. If you’re feeling adventurous then you can try your hand at paddleboarding to experience some of the best views across the Lake District.
Cambridge
The city of Cambridge is on the River Cam in eastern England. Home to the prestigious University of Cambridge (which dates back to the early 1200s), this city is a great place for locals and tourists alike. It is mostly all countryside and peaceful riverside walks, so if calm and serene is what you’re after then Cambridge is the place for you.
Corfe Castle
Corfe Castle is one of the most historic places in all of England and deserves a visit on your next road trip. It is a civil parish and lovely little village in the county of Dorset. It is the site of a ruined castle that was also named Corfe. The views are spectacular and the best part is it won’t cost you much money at all to go there. The first stone of Corfe Castle was laid over 1000 years ago so it is a beautiful part of history.