Driving Around the UK: The Most Popular Road Trip Routes According to Google

With unpredictable British weather — swinging from scorching heat to sudden thunderstorms — more and more drivers are hitting the road to explore what the UK has to offer. Road trips have surged in popularity, and the search data proves it.

In June and July alone, Google searches containing phrases like “road trip around the UK” and “on vacation by car” surpassed 32,690 queries — a clear sign that Brits are embracing the open road.

To find out which destinations are topping the wish lists, we analysed search volume across hundreds of UK cities, coastal resorts, and rural getaways. By comparing June–July search data against the same period the previous year, we compiled the top 10 most popular car trip destinations in the UK.

The Most Popular Car Trip Destinations in the UK

Whether you’re chasing sandy beaches, rugged highlands, or historic city centres, there’s a UK road trip for every type of traveller. Here are the destinations that Brits are searching for the most.

1. Woolacombe, North Devon — The Top Seaside Road Trip Destination

Woolacombe, the iconic seaside resort nestled on the North Devon coast, ranks as the most searched road trip destination in the UK. Search queries mentioning Woolacombe topped 1,500 in a single month — a massive 154% increase compared to the same period the previous year. With its sweeping sandy beach and surf-friendly waves, it’s easy to see why drivers are making the journey.

2. Cornwall and Newquay — Britain’s Favourite Coastal Road Trip

Coming in close behind is Cornwall, home to some of England’s most stunning beaches and dramatic coastline. The phrase “Cornwall road trip” alone generated 6,100 searches — a 125% rise on the previous year. Highlights along the route include:

• Newquay — the UK’s surf capital, perfect for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts
• St Ives — a picturesque fishing town with world-class art galleries and golden sands
• Land’s End — the dramatic southwestern tip of England, ideal for a scenic stop
• Perranporth — a quieter gem with miles of unspoilt beach

3. The Lake District — Best UK Road Trip for Nature Lovers

For those who prefer stunning landscapes over sandy shores, the Lake District is the go-to destination. Search interest in this direction doubled — up 100% compared to the previous summer. The region is celebrated for its dramatic mountain peaks, tranquil lakes, and cosy traditional pubs. Must-visit villages along the route include:

• Windermere — the largest natural lake in England, perfect for boat trips and lakeside walks
• Grasmere — famously associated with poet William Wordsworth and home to the original Grasmere Gingerbread shop
• Keswick — a bustling market town with access to Derwentwater and Skiddaw mountain

4. The Scottish Highlands — The Ultimate UK Scenic Drive

Just to the north, the Scottish Highlands draw over 3,020 searches from UK residents dreaming of wide open glens, remote lochs, and dramatic mountain scenery. It remains one of the most breathtaking road trip routes in all of Europe. Key draws include:

• The iconic North Coast 500 route, often called Scotland’s answer to Route 66
• The legendary Buachaille Etive Mòr mountain range in Glencoe
• Historic castles, whisky distilleries, and vast, unspoilt wilderness

5. Isle of Wight — A Ferry-Hopping Road Trip Adventure

Interest in the Isle of Wight has grown by 22% year-on-year — impressive given that drivers need to take a ferry to reach it. The island rewards the extra effort with sandy beaches, cycling trails, and a relaxed pace of life that feels miles away from the mainland.

6. Blackpool and Brighton — Classic British Seaside Road Trips

For classic seaside charm, both Blackpool and Brighton continue to attract significant interest from 22% of road-tripping Brits. These iconic coastal cities offer a fantastic mix of attractions, making them ideal for both families and groups of friends:

• Blackpool — famous for its illuminations, the Pleasure Beach, and its legendary rock candy
• Brighton — known for the Royal Pavilion, the vibrant Lanes shopping district, and a buzzing nightlife scene

7. York — The Best UK Weekend Road Trip

For a short break packed with history, York is the clear frontrunner — with demand for trips to this city rising by 11%. Founded during the Roman era and later shaped by Viking settlers, York offers a fascinating journey through British history. Top attractions for road trippers include:

• Walking the ancient city walls — some of the best-preserved in England
• Visiting York Minster, one of the largest and most spectacular Gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe
• Exploring the Shambles, a medieval street lined with timber-framed buildings
• Discovering the city’s rich Viking heritage at the JORVIK Viking Centre

Essential Road Trip Safety Tips for UK Drivers

No matter where your UK road trip takes you, preparation is key to a safe and enjoyable journey. Florence Codjoe, a car insurance expert at Uswitch, recommends the following checklist before you set off:

• ✅ Check tyre pressure — ensure all four tyres (plus the spare) are inflated to the correct level
• ✅ Top up all fluids — including engine oil, coolant, and windscreen washer fluid
• ✅ Don’t overload the car — keep weight evenly distributed to maintain safe handling
• ✅ Take regular breaks — stop at least every two hours to rest and stay alert
• ✅ Pack snacks and water — especially important on longer routes through rural areas
• ✅ Plan your route in advance — download offline maps in case of poor signal in remote areas

With the right preparation and one of these incredible destinations on your radar, your UK road trip is sure to be one to remember. Start planning, hit the road, and enjoy everything Britain has to offer.