2021 is the year to get out and explore the UK. With holidays abroad looking unlikely, what better time than to get out and about across the UK and visit places a little closer to home? The UK has lots to offer and can compete with any other country for beauty, history and cuisine (but maybe not weather). And, with social distancing relaxing all the time, you can get out and enjoy what the UK has to offer.

So where should you be taking a road trip to this summer? Here are our picks for the Best UK road trips you can take this summer.

Bournemouth

Take a trip south to Bournemouth and you’ll get as close to Mediterranean weather as you can find in the UK. Long stretches of golden sand make for one of the best beaches in the world, not just the UK. And if you make Bournemouth your base, you can visit the nearby New Forest or go west to the Jurassic Coast and hunt for fossils!

Blackpool

The quintessential seaside experience, Blackpool has so much to enjoy. You might not even have considered it as a destination, but now is the time to find out what makes it so popular. Climb Blackpool Tower for fantastic views of the beautiful north-west beaches, or take a trip to Blackpool Pleasure Beach and a ride on The Big One – one of the best rollercoasters in the world.

Whitby

You don’t have to be a goth to enjoy a trip to Whitby. In fact, this north-eastern resort has something to offer all year round. Fancy some good cuisine? You’ll find some of the best fish and chips you’ll ever taste on the seafront here. Want some culture? Find the locations that inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Even on a rainy day, the landscape and surrounds are beautiful to behold.

The Highlands

You might associate Scotland with winter and cold, but a trip in the summer allows you to really enjoy the stunning landscapes. While the lochs are certainly beautiful, our pick is a trip to The Highlands. Not just for the incredible drive on roads that weave around the landscape. The views are breath-takingly beautiful. And what’s more, if you like camping, you can pitch up anywhere, thanks to the country’s right to roam rules. (But we still recommend finding a campsite with some toilets and a shower!).

Lake District

If Scotland is too far, then the Lake District has everything you could want from a summer road trip. If you want amazing hikes, then this is the spot. Fancy trying out some kayaking or watersports? Then there’s plenty of activities for the adventurous to take advantage of.

Portmeirion

Wales has plenty to offer too, and we think a trip to Portmeirion ticks a lot of the top road trip boxes. Once famous as the surreal location for the TV series ‘The Prisoner’, Portmeirion was designed to resemble an Italian village. Now there’s great views of the Afon Dwyryd river, a luxury spa for some R and R, and plenty of rather out of place buildings and landmarks to liven up your Instagram.

Giant’s Causeway

The Giant’s Causeway is one of those iconic places that you may never have got round to visiting. So now’s the time to take a trip across the Irish Sea and explore this stunning, one of a kind landmark. Tick one of the UK’s most famous locations off your ‘to-see’ list with a visit this summer.