The A to Z of Road Trip Destinations

The fuel tank in your car is full, and your friends are ready to go on an adventure – but where? If you're planning a road trip but having trouble deciding on where to go, you're in luck. We've put together this handy A to Z guide of road trips across the UK and beyond. Which one will you visit? 

A is for Alton Towers

We all make at least one road trip to Alton Towers during our lifetime (sometimes more if we come back with our kids years later), so turn on the ignition and get yourself down to this iconic theme park. After a smooth drive, test your nerves on Oblivion and The Smiler. 

B is for Blackpool 

Some refer to Blackpool as the Las Vegas of the UK, which might just be a stretch. But you can certainly enjoy a legendary night out in this seaside resort. What happens in Blackpool stays in Blackpool, right? 

C is for the Cotswolds 

If Blackpool's on-the-go lifestyle is a bit too much, soak up the beauty of the Cotswolds with its rolling countryside, stone cottages, and charming villages. From Burford to Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold to Chipping Norton, there are a variety of great places to enjoy in the Cotswolds. 

D is for Devon

Beaches and the countryside – what's not to like? Plan a road trip to Devon to take in quintessential England, then plod yourself on a beach and laze the day away. 

E is for Edinburgh

One of the UK's most beautiful cities, Edinburgh is full of heritage, culture and entertainment. Drive to iconic sites before parking the car up and enjoying a night out in the Old Town. 

F is for France 

Who said you need to stay in the UK on your road trip? Hop on the Eurotunnel and arrive in France in just 30 minutes. The popular seaside town of Le Touquet is just a 45-minute drive from the French end of the Eurotunnel. Just remember to change your reflectors. 

G is for Gatwick

Drive the car to Gatwick car park and fly to somewhere exotic. 

H is for Harrogate

Beautiful architecture, independent shops and a variety of restaurants await you in Harrogate, a charming town in North Yorkshire. Stop by the Turkish Baths after a long drive. 

I is for the Isle of Man

Drive onto a ferry and take your road trip across the water to the Isle of Man. It's the world's first entire country to receive the UNESCO Biosphere status thanks to its natural beauty and projects that give the island its uniqueness. 

J is for Jersey

Small in size but big on personality is how the tourist board describes Jersey, and it's hard to disagree. Another place where you need to hop on the ferry with your car, Jersey is an excellent option for a road trip that really lets you get away from it all. 

K is for Kings Lynn

A popular market town, King's Lynn is the place to stay if you want to visit Norfolk and explore the surrounding countryside. 

L is for London

If you don't live in London, then you should definitely take a road trip to the capital. From iconic sites to some of the best nightlife in the world, London has a little bit of everything. Just try and avoid driving in the Congestion Zone. 

M is for Manchester

If London doesn't float your boat, why not head to the UK's unofficial second city? Manchester is a northern powerhouse with fantastic neighbourhoods like the Northern Quarter and Castlefield. Oh, and did we mention the world-class nightlife that's revered the world over? 

N is for Newcastle

The north really knows how to enjoy itself, and a road trip to Newcastle should be on your agenda. Experience friendly hospitality, fantastic bars and nightclubs that go on until the early hours of the morning. 

O is for Oxford

Home to the first-ever university, Oxford is full of cobbled streets, medieval halls, ornate chapels and stunning architecture wherever you look. It also has a great nightlife scene filled with plenty of bars and clubs.  

P is for the Pennines

The Pennines is one of the most scenic places in the UK and is full of rolling lush greens, high summits and remote moors. Stretch your legs and enjoy hikes and walks galore in the Pennines after a long road trip. 

Q is for Quarrington

We're not sure where it is either. But if you're looking for a wildcard option, take a drive to Quarrington, the village in Lincolnshire. 

R is for Ramsgate

The perfect road trip from London – Ramsgate is located in Kent and enjoys a coastal location. The seaside town is a great place to visit if you want to make the most of the warmer weather on your summer road trip. 

S is for Stonehenge 

One of the UK's most famous landmarks, journey on a road trip to Stonehenge and explore the prehistoric monument. Then head to nearby Salisbury for a spot of afternoon tea. How very British! 

(S is also for Scotland which deserves a blog of it's own - check this out!)

T is for Thame

Just 14 miles from Oxford, Thame is a quiet little market town located away from the hustle and bustle. If you're looking for a relaxing road trip, take a drive to Thame and wander around the peaceful town while admiring its historic architecture. 

U is for Uxbridge

Located in Greater London, Uxbridge makes our list because it is one of the few places beginning with U that doesn't sound like it's made up. 

V is for Ventor, Verwood and Virginia Water

Because these are the only places in the whole of the UK that start with a V. 

W is for Windsor

If it's good enough for the Royals, it's good enough for us. Drive to Windsor and visit Windsor Castle (you might even bump into Queeny). Then round your day off with a stroll around the beautiful town before stopping for a bite to eat. 

X is for…

Nope. Nada. 

Y is for York

Get behind the wheel and visit York. It's one of England's most beautiful areas and features a delightful medieval city with plenty of blissful countrysides to explore on the outskirts. 

Z is for Zoo

Find one of the UK's many zoos and take a road trip there to see lions, tigers and, erm, bears? It's either that or you visit Zeals, wherever that may be. 

Got a recommendation for this list? We're always looking to upgrade... Share your roadtrip suggestions with us and we'll get it updated 🙌

Oh, and need some playlist inspiration? Check out our Summer Roadtrip playlist on Spotify. Or check out our recommended radio stations! You're welcome 😊