There’s no better time than now to escape the ‘everyday’ and take a road trip this summer. Get behind the wheel and experience your own sense of freedom and adventure.
Here are 4 stunning journeys for you to explore:
The Top 4 Summer Road Trips
The Atlantic Highway
The A39 is one of the longest roads in Southwest England. We're looking at the picturesque stretch between Barnstaple in Devon and the Cornish town of Newquay. Although the road itself does not always get close to the coast, there are stunning views of the Atlantic as you pass through Bude, Camelford and Wadebridge.
As you wind your way along the rugged coastline, the Atlantic Highway offers a perfect escape into the heart of the Southwest.
With each turn revealing postcard-worthy vistas of dramatic cliffs and golden beaches, this journey captures the essence of a British coastal adventure. The road rises and falls with the landscape, offering tantalising glimpses of the wild Atlantic waves crashing against the shore.
Pull over at charming fishing villages where time seems to stand still, sample the freshest seafood caught that morning, and feel the stress of everyday life melt away with each passing mile.
The salty sea breeze through your open windows is nature's own aromatherapy, leaving the ordinary behind.
Take a Break
- For a cream tea in Bideford.
- King Arthur at Tintagel Castle.
- Picnic on Bedruthan Steps Beach.
Distance and Ideal Duration.
77 miles, 1-2 day
The Black Mountain Pass
While some journeys may be long and extensive, the Black Mountain Pass provides an unforgettable experience.
Located in the Brecon Beacons area, it is renowned for its unrivalled views of the Tywi Valley, stunning scenery, and challenging hairpin bends. Travel from the north to the south from Llandovery to Gwuan-Cae-Gurwen.
Known affectionately as the "Top Gear road," this Welsh wonder offers the thrill-seeker's perfect playground.
As you navigate the serpentine twists and hairpin bends, each corner reveals a new breathtaking panorama of rolling hills stretching to the horizon. The road climbs and dips through some of Wales’s most dramatic scenery, with sheep often your only companions on the journey.
This is driving at its purest. Just you, your vehicle, and the open road ahead.
Feel the exhilaration as you conquer each bend, mastering the challenge of this legendary route.
Stop at the summit to breathe in the clean mountain air and gaze across the patchwork fields of the valley below, knowing you're experiencing one of Britain's most spectacular driving roads.
Get Ready for
- Jaw dropping viewpoints.
- Challenging twists and turns.
- Authentic rustic farmhouses.
- A 'Top Gear' rated adventure.
Distance and Ideal Duration.
22 miles, 1 day
Consider extending your trip by 48 hours to take in the A470 Brecon Beacons National Park.
North Coast 500 (NC500)
This is a jaw-droppingly beautiful route.
Starting in Inverness, the route weaves along the west coast to Applecross, then up to some of the most northerly coastal points in Scotland passing by Caithness and John o' Groats before heading south again through Dingwall and finally back to Inverness.
The NC500 isn't just a road trip. It's an epic adventure through Scotland's wild soul.
As you traverse this 516-mile odyssey, you'll discover landscapes that defy imagination: Ancient castles standing sentinel over misty lochs, pristine beaches where you can walk for miles without seeing another soul, and majestic mountains that have watched over the land since time immemorial.
The road itself becomes part of the story. Sometimes a narrow single track with passing places, other times sweeping gloriously along clifftops with the vast North Sea stretching to the horizon.
Each day brings new wonders. Perhaps a pod of dolphins playing in a bay, a golden eagle soaring overhead, or the warm welcome of a remote Highland pub where tales are shared by the fireside.
This is Scotland at its most raw and beautiful, a journey that will stay with you long after the final mile.
Be Prepared
- For stunning, deserted beaches, artisan distilleries, and delicious seafood.
- By stocking up on drinks and snacks.
- Signposts and maps are better than GPS.
Distance and Ideal Duration
516 miles, 5-7 days.
The Coastal Circuit, Northern Ireland
One of the most varied road trips in the UK, this trip from Belfast to Derry also has a range of smaller villages in easy reach along the way.
Rathlin, Northern Ireland's only inhabited offshore island, sits around halfway along the route and is home to a RSPB reserve. Its resident guillemots, razorbills and puffins are a must-see for birdwatchers.
Northern Ireland's coastal circuit takes you on a journey through landscapes that seem born from myth and legend.
As you follow the winding coast road, you'll be treated to an ever-changing tapestry of dramatic seascapes on one side and lush, emerald countryside on the other.
This is a land where history and fantasy intertwine, where ancient ruins stand alongside Game of Thrones filming locations.
The Antrim Coast Road hugs the shoreline so closely that at times, you'll feel the sea spray on your face through open windows.
Each village along the way offers its own unique character and warm Irish welcome, inviting you to linger just a little longer.
As dusk falls, find a cosy pub with traditional music, where stories flow as freely as the Guinness, and tomorrow's adventure is just a sunrise away.
“Pull Over" Experiences
- Gobbins Cliff Path.
- Dark hedges, a tree-lined road used in Game of Thrones.
- The Giant's Causeway.
- The Old Bushmills Distillery.
Distance and Ideal Duration.
195 miles, 3-5 day
Why not roll down your window and carry on into the south? Whatever you decide, adventure awaits you.
Our experts have chosen their top three pull-overs that are worth seeing on your summer road trips.
Motorfinity: Exclusive Discounts for you
At Motorfinity, we pride ourselves in offering exclusive discounts across all makes and models for our eligible audience.*
Whether you're looking for efficiency, style, or cutting-edge technology, our selection is designed to meet every need.
We offer flexible financing options, including Personal Contract Purchase (PCP), Hire Purchase (HP), and leasing deals. These plans are tailored to suit different driving habits and budgets.
Are you eligible?
*Our nations Armed Forces, Veterans, Emergency Services, NHS, Police and Prison Services, the Education and Social Care sectors and more form our eligible audience.
Related Car Reviews and Articles
Why Buy New? 5 Benefits of Buying a New Car
Estimated Read Time: 3 minutes
Whether you've just passed your test, are starting a new job or have welcomed a new family member, purchasing a new car is always an exciting time. It's also a big investment, so you want to know that you're making the right choice before you pick up the keys.
Read More
Do Electric Cars Need an MOT?
Estimated Read Time: 3 minutes
Established by the Department of Transport in the 1960s, the MOT has been a mainstay in assessing vehicle safety for decades. The MOT test is a yearly examination for vehicles older than three years conducted in the UK. It is designed to ensure that cars, motorcycles, and other road vehicles meet environmental and road safety standards.
Read More
The Difference between Plug-in, Mild, and Hybrid Vehicle Technologies: A Detailed Guide
Estimated Read Time: 3 minutes
If you've recently started learning about hybrid cars, but are confused by the many types, you're not alone. In this easy-to-understand guide, we will carefully go through the differences. We will look at why hybrids exist, what makes each one different, and what special features make each one stand out. Table of Contents
Read More