Perfect Weekend Getaways in the UK for Families

Going on weekend road trips is one of Brits’ favourite pastimes. It’s the ideal way to travel for anyone who loves a change of scenery now and again without putting full-blown summer-holiday-level planning into it.

Just make sure that everyone who plans to drive has the right insurance for the vehicle and you’re good to go. Temporary car insurance can help you share the driving duties legally if you’re not included on the main policy.

Here are a few of our favourite staycation destinations:

North Coast 500

If you have a little more time to spare, follow this loop through the Scottish Highlands and you won’t be disappointed. Most people take about a week to fully take in the sights of this 500-mile coastal route.

The scenery along the west coast is especially dramatic. One highlight is Bealach Na Ba (meaning “Pass of the Cattle” in Gaelic). Here, you’ll make your way up the windy roads of the Applecross Mountains, enjoying panoramic views of the Isles of Skye and Rum.

The Peak District

Most people who visit the Peak District are drawn in by the many hiking trails. However, it’s worth taking a meandering drive along the roads too.

Drive along Winnat’s Pass from Sparrowpit to Castleton and enjoy views of the tall cliff faces that you’ll see on both sides of the road. This valley is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, as it is bursting with evidence of fossils and limestone from when it used to exist under a tropical sea.

Pembrokeshire Coast 200

Located in southwestern Wales, Pembrokeshire is rich in historic sites, golden beaches and quaint seaside towns. You may like to stop off at Britain’s smallest city, St David’s, where you can admire the 12^th-century cathedral and stroll along the coastal paths.

If you visit between April and July, you can take a short ferry to Skomer Island and see puffins nesting on the rocks. You may catch glimpses of the seals, too!

A Pembrokeshire road trip is also rich in opportunities to visit castles. Carew Castle, Cilgerran Castle and Pembroke Castle are among the sites worth visiting.

Atlantic Highway

This route takes you through Somerset, Devon and Cornwall. Follow the A39 through seaside villages and towns. Enjoy the solitude of the long stretches of countryside you’ll pass through, such as Exmoor in Devon.

You can’t pass up the opportunity to visit the unique and mythical Tintagel Castle on Cornwall’s north coast. According to the legend, this was the birthplace of King Arthur. Set amongst rugged coastal landscape, there’s a footbridge connecting the two cliffs of the castle’s ruins. On the beach below, you can venture into Merlin’s cave.

The Atlantic Highway could be one of England’s most impressive coastal drives. Don’t forget to enjoy a traditional Devon cream tea or Cornish cream tea when you take breaks along the road. You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to tearooms!

British road trips help bring you out of the familiar and see how much more there really is to see in your own country.