From winding mountain roads and mirror-like lakes to dramatic cliff-top drives and charming market towns, Britain’s best road trips have been crowned in a new study, as more Brits than ever look to closer to home for their annual getaways.
Topping the list is the Lake District Scenic Loop, crowned the UK’s favourite driving route thanks to its breathtaking lakes, rolling fells and postcard-perfect market towns. The route offers some of England’s most spectacular scenery, taking in winding country roads, waterside villages and iconic viewpoints that have inspired visitors for generations.
Scotland’s legendary North Coast 500 came second, with its sweeping coastal landscapes, ancient castles and abundant wildlife making it one of Europe’s most celebrated road trips. Meanwhile, the Atlantic Highway in South West England claimed third place, offering miles of dramatic coastline, golden beaches, rugged cliffs and some of the country’s finest seafood.
For those planning to hit the road this summer, Santander is making staycations even more appealing with a £150 hotel voucher for new customers aged 18-73 who open or switch to its Edge Explorer current account. The voucher can be redeemed against hotel bookings in destinations around the world, including across the UK.
The offer comes alongside the launch of Santander UK’s new Rewards Credit Card, which gives customers 3 per cent cashback for the first 12 months on everyday travel, eating out and takeaways, including spending on trains, buses, TfL, petrol and diesel, EV charging, taxis, restaurants and cafés. Cardholders also receive 0.25 per cent cashback on all other spending, with no monthly fee or cashback cap.
The research found Britain is firmly embracing the staycation, with more than two-thirds (68 per cent) planning to holiday closer to home this year. Rising overseas travel costs (35 per cent), easier planning (31 per cent) and less stressful journeys (30 per cent) are among the biggest reasons behind the trend.
Holidaymakers expect to spend an average of £433.20 per person on a UK break this year, or £1,732.80 for a family of four. Accommodation remains the biggest expense at £281 on average, followed by dining out (£148.60), groceries (£108.60), fuel (£91) and EV charging (£51).
The staycation trend has continued to gather momentum since the pandemic, with more than half (52 per cent) saying they have explored more of the UK since 2020 than during the previous decade.
Despite Britain’s famously unpredictable weather, almost three in five (59 per cent) say it would not put them off a domestic holiday. Seven in ten (69 per cent) also believe the UK’s scenery rivals destinations overseas, with coastlines, national parks and countryside proving just as enticing as foreign hotspots.
Among the landmarks inspiring people to pack the car are St Michael’s Mount, the White Cliffs of Dover and Loch Ness, while the ideal road trip combines coastal views (66 per cent), great pubs and food stops (54 per cent) and beaches (49 per cent). Essential road trip companions include snacks, carefully curated playlists and portable phone chargers.
Britain’s Top 10 Road Trips
- Lake District Scenic Loop, England
- North Coast 500, Scotland
- Atlantic Highway, South West England
- Snowdonia Coast Way, Wales
- Yorkshire Dales Scenic Drive, England
- Jurassic Coast Road Trip, South Coast England
- Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland
- Dartmoor Explorer Route, Devon
- Pembrokeshire Coastal Drive, Wales
- Hadrian’s Wall Route, Northumberland
Gerry Davies, Payments Commercial Director at Santander UK, said:
“Our research shows that more Brits are choosing to explore closer to home this year, with many opting to enjoy summer on the open road creating memorable experiences across the UK. From dramatic coastal routes and national parks to charming market towns and hidden gems, there’s a huge appetite for discovering what’s on our doorstep.
“Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a longer summer adventure, customers are increasingly seeking value and flexibility when they travel. That’s why we’ve launched our Rewards Credit Card to help customers get more from their everyday spending, including 3 per cent cashback on many of the things we all buy throughout the summer.”