Are you dreaming of a UK winter road trip? The moody skies, the snowcapped peaks, the dreamy Christmas markets…if these things are making you itch to hit the open road, then these itineraries will be perfect for you!
Whether you want to see the northern lights, hit up as many Christmas markets as you can, or crave some castles, I’ve got you covered! Here are 11 of the best road trip itineraries for exploring the United Kingdom in the winter!
11 UK winter road trip itineraries
1. Northern Scotland
Suggested length: 5-6 days
Perfect for: northern lights and adventurous travelers
For those who are itching to see the northern lights, you’ll want to head as far north as you can, which means taking a road trip along the NC500 is a perfect choice.
The NC500 is a spectacular route, traversing along the A9 from Inverness and then hugging the coast all the way around the top part of the country. You can visit places like Tain, Ebenezer Place (the world’s shortest street), John O’Groats (the most northern tip of mainland UK), various castles, and breathtaking views around every turn.
If you’re even more adventurous, you could head even further north to the Orkneys or the Shetland Islands and experience an even more remote part of the country.
The best time to see the northern lights is from November to February, so if this is on your bucket list, make sure you plan this trip during these months. While there’s definitely no guarantee they will make an appearance, you’ll have a much better chance the further north you can get.
2. Scotland Highlands
Suggested length: 7+ days
Perfect for: breathtaking scenery and outdoor activities
The Scottish Highlands are a perfect UK winter road trip destination in every season. From stunning Glencoe to the otherworldly Isle of Skye, to the depths of Loch Ness and the mountains of the Cairngorms, there’s is so much to do that you’ll never experience it all in one trip.
I have two fantastic itinerary options below for you that include the Scottish Highlands. We did our Scotland trip in November and December and we thought it was the perfect time of year to experience this part of the country.
The Best 7-Day Scotland Road Trip For First-Timers
The Ultimate 10-Day Scotland Highlands Road Trip Itinerary
If you are interested in skiing, there are also some great locations in the Highlands. Two options are Glencoe Mountain Resort & Nevis Range.
3. Scotland Cities & Lowlands
Suggested length: 5+ days
Perfect for: Christmas markets and city vibes
If Christmas markets are a big item on your winter wish list, exploring the cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow might be a great choice for you.
The cities are only a little over an hour away from each other, making them easy to reach no matter where you want to base yourself. This road trip is best completed in late November through mid-December when the Christmas markets are open.
The Edinburgh Christmas Market is absolutely fantastic, and the city is beyond charming. In fact, Edinburgh is probably my favorite city! You definitely want to spend several days here to get a good feel of the place. Some can’t-miss places include Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, National Museum of Scotland, and Holyrood Park.
You can also head to Glasgow and check out their Christmas market as well. Make some time to visit some other sites as well if you have the time, like Glasgow Cathedral & Necropolis and the Gallery of Modern Art.
If you want to spend some time outside the cities, check out some attractions to the south, such as Melrose Abbey, Tantallon Castle, and Rosslyn Chapel.
You can also do day trips into the Highlands if desired. In this case, I’d recommend booking a tour so you can see as much as possible in one day. Here’s a great option, or you can check out all the choices on Viator.
4. Southcentral England
Suggested length: 4-5 days
Perfect for: history buffs and architecture lovers
England is an amazing place to take a UK winter road trip. There are so many fantastic places to visit that narrowing down the options is difficult! However, if you really enjoy history and architecture, this southcentral England road trip will be a solid choice.
The Winchester Christmas Market is considered one of the best in the entire country, so if you are visiting from late November to mid-December, you should definitely make a stop here! From there you can head to Salisbury Cathedral, a stunning church that has an original copy of the 1215 Magna Carta.
The Cotswolds are also a great place to spend a few days. Explore the charming villages and just slow down and enjoy the small-town life. You can also take a trip to Bath, and if it’s your thing, enjoy a few hours at the Thermae Bath Spa and take the chill away!
For Downton Abbey fans, Highclere Castle is a must. However, there are limited Christmas and wintertime tours and events, so if this is something you really want to do, check into this ahead of time. And you also can’t forget Stonehenge, one of the most famous English attractions of all time.
5. Cornwall, England
Suggested length: 6+ days
Perfect for: ocean views and unique attractions
Ah, Cornwall. This part of England is definitely one of my favorites, although it really is hard to choose! I spent about 6 days exploring this region and I would have loved to have had more time!
There is so much to do here so you definitely won’t run out of choices. Explore Tintagel Castle, marvel at St. Nectans Glen, wander around the Bodmin Moor, discover the fantastic Eden Project, gaze in awe at St Michael’s Mount, take a hike around Lizard Point, and take a tour around Minack Theatre. There is definitely a little something for everyone in this part of the country.
A fantastic drive to take to/from this area is the Atlantic Highway, which goes from Cornwall to Devon. It hugs the western coastline of the county and offers spectacular views.
6. Jurassic Coast, England
Suggested length: 3-4 days
Perfect for: ocean views and walks
If you love to take walks with spectacular ocean views and scenery, then the Jurassic Coast is the place for you. This whole area is connected by the South West Coast Path, a 630-mile trail across the coast of England. While you probably won’t have time to do the entire path, there are plenty of great areas to section hike and see some of the highlights.
Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove are two such landmarks that are definitely worth the hike. Other popular ones include Butter Rock, Mupe Bay Beach, and Tyneham Cap and Village.
If you want to do more than just hiking, there are lots of choices. Corfe Castle is really neat to see, and the train station reminds me so much of Hogsmeade Station from Harry Potter! If you’ve got a few rainy days, there are a couple of museums in Dorchester that are worth visiting, including The Tutankhamun Exhibition and the Terracotta Warrior Museum.
7. Lake District, England
Suggested length: 3-4 days
Perfect for: landscape views and small villages
The Lake District is one of the most beautiful places in England. Whether you’d rather spend your time relaxing in the various towns and eating all the good pub grub, or if hiking and being outside as much as possible is your cup of tea, the Lake District is a great choice.
Make sure you drive around Windermere, England’s largest lake. Experience all the scenery, take a hike or two in the national park, and just enjoy. You should also spend some time exploring the villages and eating all the good food.
8. Central England
Suggested length: 7+ days
Perfect for: cities & Christmas markets
You could spend months in just the central part of England and not even scratch the surface, but if you want to see as many Christmas markets as possible and would rather experience city life, then Central England is for you.
If there’s one city you cannot miss, it’s Birmingham for their Frankfurt Christmas Market. It’s the biggest German Christmas market outside Germany or Austria, and if you’re traveling in the winter months, this is a bucket list item for sure. While you’re there, you can also check out Symphony Hall, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, and Cadbury World.
From there, some other cities you can consider include Lincoln, Leeds, York, Manchester, and Liverpool. Each city has its own feel and claim to fame. If you make it all the way up to York, take a day trip out to North York Moors National Park. On the way, check out Castle Howard. They put on a tremendous Christmas display for the holidays that is worth seeing if you’re visiting at the right time of year.
9. London
Suggested length: 4+ days
Perfect for: city lovers
Wait, a road trip in London? OK, so maybe London isn’t the best city to explore by car, especially since the public transportation system will get you everywhere you need to go. But even if you want to do a road trip, a few days in London before or after is still worth it, especially if you are flying in and out of the city.
You can also base yourself in the London area and do day trips from there if you feel the need to get out of the city. Places like Brighton, Oxford, Cambridge, Canterbury, or Dover would all be good options if you’re itching to hit the road.
While you’re in the city, there are so many things to see! Some can’t-miss places include the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace. There are also so many museums! Plus if you’re there during Christmastime, the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is supposed to be spectacular!
10. Northern Ireland
Suggested length: 4-5 days
Perfect for: photographers and movie buffs
Northern Ireland is a perfect UK winter road trip destination. The Causeway Coastal Route, which is a 120-mile drive from Belfast to Derry, is a prime road trip route. It’s well maintained in the winter months and has so much to see in such a short distance, including some sites featured in popular movies and TV shows.
Start in Belfast, where you can’t miss the Titanic Museum. Other notable attractions include City Hall, St. Anne’s Cathedral, and Belfast Castle.
As you make your way along the coastal route, there are dozens of places you can stop depending on your interests. Some of the highlights are the Giant’s Causeway, the Dark Hedges (made famous from “Game of Thrones”), Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge, Old Bushmills Distillery, and Gobbins Cliff Path.
You can easily drive the entire route in 2 days, but take your time and see as many of the sights as you can. This whole area of Northern Ireland is jaw-dropping, and once you’re here, you’ll have a hard time leaving!
11. Wales
Suggested length: 5+ days
Perfect for: hiking and fun driving roads
Wales is a country that often gets overlooked for its bigger siblings, Scotland and England. But Wales has SO much to offer, and even though you’ll only get a taste of it on this 5+ day road trip, it will leave you wanting to come back ASAP!
For outdoor lovers, Snowdonia is a paradise. With so many hiking trails and stunning views of Snowdon practically everywhere you go, you could spend days here and never get bored.
If you’re a driving enthusiast, Black Mountain Road in Brecon Beacons National Park is perfect for you. This road was featured in “Top Gear” and is full of twists, turns, and dips. Its official name is A4069, but how boring is that? Just be extra careful in the winter in case there is snow or ice on the road.
Other places in Wales that are worth visiting include Cardiff, St Davids, Tenby, and Portmeirion.
Why should I take a UK winter road trip?
If you’re wondering why you should even consider taking a road trip in the UK during the cold, rainy winter months, I think there are plenty of reasons! My husband and I have visited the UK during the off-season several times, and every trip has been fantastic and well worth it.
Less traffic and fewer tourists
One of the biggest selling points for me is the fact that there are way fewer tourists around. Oftentimes, I would get an entire attraction to myself, or at least only have a few other people around. You’ll experience a much quieter, authentic experience and have very few people in your photos.
Plus, if you aren’t used to driving on the narrow lanes and on the other side of the car and road, having fewer vehicles on the road will be a lot less stressful too.
Cheaper prices
The off-season also means cheaper prices. If you’re on a tighter budget, your money will go a heck of a lot farther in the winter than in the busy summer months. This includes accommodations, food, ticket prices, and even airfare.
The only exception to this is the holidays – prices over Christmas and New Year can be pretty expensive, so keep that in mind when deciding when you want to visit.
Stunning snow-covered scenery
While snow isn’t always guaranteed, how beautiful does everything look under a coating of white? To me, it makes everything seem just a bit more magical, and if you’re looking for a way to get into the Christmas spirit, what better way than a drive through a magical winter wonderland?
Christmas markets
And of course, who can resist a good Christmas market? These markets usually only run from late November up through Christmas and sometimes into January, but every one is different. So if you plan to visit the UK in the winter but after Christmas, you may miss these events. Do some research before you plan your trip if this is something you really want to experience.
How long should my UK winter road trip be?
The short answer: however long you’d like!
Just like with any road trip, there are a few factors when considering how long your road trip should be. But ultimately, you can do any of these road trips in any time frame you’d like as long as you make a good plan and know how much you can really see in that amount of time.
You could even string several of these road trips together to create your perfect itinerary if you’ve got a longer period of time. I mean, that’s the dream, right?
How do you plan a UK winter road trip?
Planning any road trip takes a bit of time, but here are the basics you’ll need to consider.
- Pick an area or the type of road trip you’d like to do. Would you rather spend more time outside, or does seeing the city sights excite you more? Have you been dying to see a particular part of the UK? Check out all the options above to find the road trip that appeals to you.
- Figure out your desired length of time. Do you have an entire week at your disposal, or can you only manage 4-5 days? Know exactly how many days you’ll have to explore so you can continue planning.
- Determine your budget. You can’t continue planning your road trip if you don’t know how much money you have to spend. This will help you figure out the rest of your plans, like where you can stay and how many attraction tickets you can realistically afford.
- Research, research, research! I personally think this is the best part of the trip-planning phase. You get to figure out what you want to see and it will get you really excited to actually experience these places for yourself! This is also where you will find out what places are open at the time of year you are visiting. However, if researching all the things to do is too overwhelming for you, have someone else do it!
- Pick your major points of interest. Once you’ve figured out your options, now you can narrow down and determine what your top choices are. You probably can’t fit everything in, so decide what are the top priorities and filter down from there.
- Plan your route. Once you know what you want to see, determine the route you’ll take to get to each place. I’m not saying you have to plan everything out to a T, but knowing the approximate route can help you see as much as possible in the time frame you have. This will also help you with the next step in finding places to stay.
- Start booking! Accommodations, car rental, flights, you name it – this is the time when you’ll start committing to your plan. Also, see if it’s worth buying certain attraction tickets ahead of time as the prices are sometimes cheaper if you book in advance.
- Pack appropriately. Winters in the UK are pretty cold and rainy, so make sure you’ve got everything you need, including warm clothing, lots of layers, rain gear, and waterproof shoes. Here’s a list of everything to consider packing for a road trip!
- Have a fantastic trip! Enjoy every minute of it and take lots of photos!
What will the weather be like on my UK winter road trip?
Just like most of the year, winter weather in the UK will be unpredictable. However, you can expect it to be cold, cloudy, and rainy most days. You may experience some snow, with it being more likely in the higher elevations and the further north you go.
Ultimately, plan for everything and you’ll be set!
UK winter road trip tips & tricks
- Make sure the vehicle’s tires are in good condition and suitable for winter driving. If you are renting the car, give them a good inspection before leaving.
- Make sure the windshield wipers are in good shape.
- Have blankets, extra warm clothing, food, and water with you in case you get stuck somewhere. It’s better to be extra prepared than not prepared enough!
- Consider upgrading to a 4WD vehicle if your budget allows – if not, make sure you have some experience driving in winter conditions with a 2WD vehicle. The majority of the time, any car should be fine to drive in the winter in the UK, but if you are uncomfortable with winter driving, a 4WD will give you better piece of mind.
- Check the weather and be flexible if you need to adjust your plans. Safety should be the #1 priority. Don’t continue your trip if the roads are dangerous.
- There will be some attractions and restaurants that are closed this time of year. Make sure you do your research so you aren’t disappointed.
- The days will be shorter than you may be used to if you live further south in the hemisphere. You may only get about 7-8 hours of daylight depending on when and where you are visiting (you can check sunrise and sunset times for your destination here). Keep this in mind for outdoor activities and make sure you are mindful of when the sun goes down if you plan to be out hiking and exploring.
UK winter road trip car rentals
If you are not local and are coming into the UK from another country, you’ll need to rent a vehicle. I highly recommend using Discovercars.com to book your car rental.
It’s very easy to use and search for what you want, the customer service is fantastic and available 24/7, and you’ll always get free cancellations. Plus, they have the best prices, so you really can’t go wrong.
Conclusion: UK winter road trip itineraries
A UK winter road trip will be a vacation you won’t soon forget. I hope these 11 itinerary options were helpful in helping you decide and plan your next road trip!
Your turn: which of these road trips do you plan on taking next? Let me know in the comments!
