Exploring the Countryside in Your Van

The UK is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world. From the rugged Scottish Highlands to the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, there’s no shortage of stunning scenery to see and explore—and what better way to see it all than by taking a road trip in a van? I certainly don’t need to tell you this, but being mobile in a van gives you the freedom to go wherever you please and explore at your own pace. You can stop whenever you want to take in the views or explore a charming town. Plus, you don’t have to worry about booking accommodations in advance or sticking to a strict itinerary. The only plan we have is to not have a plan!

In this post, we’ll highlight some of the best road trips around the UK. These adventures will take you through some of the most picturesque landscapes and charming towns in the country. You’ll have the opportunity to explore everything from rugged coastlines to serene lakes, to ancient castles and quaint villages. Whether you’re an adventure seeker looking to hike and climb mountains, an aspiring influencer looking to get an unbelievable backdrop, or a culture buff wanting to soak up some history, there’s a magical place for everyone just waiting to be discovered and explored. So pack up your van, hit the road, and get ready for the adVANture of a lifetime!

North Coast 500, Scotland

The North Coast 500 is a 500-mile route that takes you through some of the most stunning scenery Scotland has to offer. Starting and ending in Inverness, this route takes you through the Highlands and along the coast, passing by beautiful beaches, postcard villages, and spectacular castles such as Dunrobin. Other highlights from the North Coast 500 trip include the precarious Bealach na Bà pass and the picturesque Torridon Mountains.

Lake District, England

The Lake District in northwest England is one of the most breathtaking regions in the UK. A road trip through the Lake District area will take you past serene lakes, rolling hills, and charming villages. Make sure to stop by Windermere, the largest lake in England, and take a stroll through the quaint village of Grasmere, adorned with stone buildings, picture-perfect cottages, Victorian villas, and the world’s first gingerbread shop, circa 1854.

Snowdonia, Wales

Snowdonia in North Wales is a stunning national park that looks like something from Lord of the Rings, with rugged mountains, deep valleys, and vibrant green hills contrasting bright blue lakes. A road trip through the park will take you past Mount Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales, as well as numerous lakes, rivers, and waterfalls. Be sure to stop by the fairy-tale town of Betws-y-Coed for a taste of traditional Welsh culture and cuisine!

The Cotswolds, England

The Cotswolds is a region of rolling hills, quaint villages, and scenic countryside nestled in central England. A road trip through the area will take you past charming towns like Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold, as well as witnessing stunning landscapes like the Chedworth Roman Villa and the Cotswold Water Park. For animal lovers, be sure to check out Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens where over 250 species roam, including giraffes, lemurs, and even rhinos which can be seen grazing in front of an Instagram-worthy Gothic manor house.

Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland

The Causeway Coastal Route is a 120-mile route along the north coast of Northern Ireland. The route takes you past out-of-this-world landscapes like the Giant’s Causeway and the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, as well as delightful towns like Bushmills and Ballycastle. Be sure to stop by the Dark Hedges, an exceptional avenue surrounded by beech trees, made famous by the ever-popular Game of Thrones.

Taking a road trip in a van is an incredible way to experience the country’s natural beauty and historical charm. With so much to see and so much to do, it’s nearly impossible to experience everything in one trip. But with your trusty van and spontaneous plan, you have the freedom and flexibility to create your own itinerary and explore at your own pace—no alarm clocks required!

So whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, a culture buff, an avid photographer, or simply looking to get away from it all, there’s a road trip that’s perfect for everyone just waiting to be discovered in the United Kingdom. Now that we’ve made it to the end of this blog, it’s time to pack up your bags, hit the road, and start exploring the stunning countryside of your UK road trip today!