A UK road trip is the perfect solution if you're watching your pennies this year and swapping your trip abroad for a cheap UK staycation. In this blog, we'll be sharing some wallet-friendly UK road trip suggestions that will have you exploring fascinating British sites, taking in stunning landscapes, and making the most of your hard-earned cash. So, buckle up and let's hit the road for an unforgettable UK road trip that hits all of these top destinations while keeping your costs low.

How to Plan a Scenic UK Road Trip on a Budget

Why Go on a UK Road Trip?

At first you might thinking, a UK trip? Doesn't sound the most exciting holiday I've ever heard of. But actually choosing a UK road trip instead of European city break or a family holiday to Spain could be an extremely smart choice if you're strapped for cash, have used up all your holiday allowance at work and don't have a passport. Not only can you travel to the beat of your own drum, you can also travel in the comfort of your own car, listen to your own music and have a bespoke UK staycation completely curated to your tastes. No more listening to the droning of a boring tour guide or being crammed into a freezing cold tour bus. All you need is your car, a UK road trip map and a full tank of petrol!

How do I plan a road trip in the UK?

Now that we've persuaded you into choosing a cheap and cheerful UK road trip for your next holiday, I bet you're wondering how to plan it. Firstly, we recommend picking a spot in the UK that you've always wanted to explore. Would you rather drive along the coast, head into the hills or cruise through lush meadows? The UK is actually bursting with different landscapes that make exploring by car a joy. Once you've picked the scenery, simply search online for UK road trip maps to help you plan your route. Then decide whether you'd like to book accommodation, pitch a tent or sleep in the car for a truly cheap road trip.

The 8 Best UK Road Trips for Budget Travellers

1. The Scottish Highlands - 5 Days

UK road trip to the scottish highlands

Duration: 5 Days
Notable sites: Edinburgh, Loch Ness, Isle of Skye, Glencoe
Average cost: £400-£500
Our first UK road trip suggestion takes us to the breathtaking Scottish Highlands. Start your adventure in Edinburgh and make your way north to Inverness. Along the way, be sure to visit the mystical Loch Ness, explore the enchanting Isle of Skye, and soak in the dramatic landscapes of Glencoe. Five days should be enough for this famous Scotland road trip to immerse yourself in the magic of the Highlands. It's important to note that a vast majority of this route is incredibly remote, so shops and restaurants are limited. We recommend stocking up at your local supermarket before you head off to make sure you have a comfortable UK road trip with all your creature comforts.

The Best Hotels on this Scotland Road Trip:

  • The Inverness Lochardil House Hotel – A charming hotel with views of Inverness.
  • Sligachan Hotel, Isle of Skye – A traditional stay on the Isle of Skye with stunning mountain views.
  • The Clachaig Inn, Glencoe – Perfect for hikers and nature lovers, with cosy rooms and rustic charm.

2. The Jurassic Coast - 3 Days

the jurassic coast is one of the most scenic road trips in the UK

Duration: 3 Days
Notable sites: Weymouth, Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, Lyme Regis
Average cost: £250-£350
For a scenic UK road trip filled with history and natural wonders, head to the Jurassic Coast in southern England. Start your journey in Weymouth and travel eastward, stopping by iconic landmarks like Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove. Explore the charming seaside towns of Lyme Regis and Sidmouth, and don't forget to indulge in some delicious fresh seafood along the way.

Where to stay along the Jurassic Coast road trip route:

  • The Smuggler's Inn, Weymouth – A historic pub with cosy rooms overlooking the sea.
  • Durdle Door Holiday Park, Lulworth – For those looking to camp near the famous Durdle Door.
  • The Bay Hotel, Lyme Regis – A comfortable stay with stunning views of Lyme Bay.

3. The Lake District - 4 Days

Girl on a UK Road trip to the lake district

Duration: 4 Days
Notable sites: Windermere, Coniston Water, Ullswater, Keswick
Average cost: £350-£450
If stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures are your cup of tea, then the Lake District is a must for your UK road trip. Begin your road trip in the picturesque town of Keswick and spend your days exploring the region's majestic lakes, including Windermere, Coniston Water, and Ullswater. Don't miss out on hiking some of the scenic trails that offer breathtaking views.

Where to stay on route:

  • Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa, Keswick – A luxurious stay with a spa and waterfall views.
  • The Waterhead Hotel, Windermere – A waterfront hotel with panoramic lake views.
  • YHA Patterdale, Ullswater – A budget-friendly hostel with great access to hiking trails.

4. The North Coast 500 - 7 Days

Duration: 7 Days
Notable sites: Inverness, John O'Groats, Durness, Isle of Skye
Average cost: £600-£800
For the ultimate road trip adventure, take on the legendary North Coast 500 in Scotland. This iconic route will lead you through rugged coastlines, charming villages, and stunning mountain ranges. Starting and ending in Inverness, you'll pass through places like John O'Groats, Durness, and the Isle of Skye. Plan for a seven-day journey, giving you enough time to fully appreciate the beauty of this route. Budget-wise, aim for around £600-£800, factoring in accommodation, meals, and fuel. But as with all cheap road trips, you can always camp and buy food from local supermarkets to cut back the costs even more.

Where to stay on route:

  • Royal Highland Hotel, Inverness – A historic hotel right in the heart of Inverness.
  • The Seaview Hotel, John O'Groats – A coastal hotel near the famous signpost.
  • The Tongue Hotel, Durness – A traditional Highland stay with stunning coastal views.

5. The Cotswolds - 2 Days

uk road trip to the cotswolds

Duration: 2 Days
Notable sites: Chipping Campden, Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold
Average cost: £200-£300
If you're in the mood for quaint villages, rolling hills, and picture-perfect landscapes, head to the Cotswolds. Begin your adventure in Chipping Campden and explore the charming towns of:

  • Bourton-on-the-Water
  • Stow-on-the-Wold
  • Moreton-in-Marsh

Along this scenic route, you can admire the idyllic countryside scenery and tuck into some traditional English cream tea along the way. A two-day trip with a budget of around £200-£300 should be sufficient to cover your expenses making it a fairly cheap UK road trip. Of course, you can save even more money by buying snacks and food supplies at local supermarkets rather than dining out.

Where to stay on route:

  • The Kings Hotel, Chipping Campden – A boutique hotel with an elegant country house feel.
  • The Dial House, Bourton-on-the-Water – A charming riverside stay in the heart of the village.
  • The Porch House, Stow-on-the-Wold – The oldest inn in England, offering historical charm and modern comforts.

5. The Yorkshire Dales - 3 Days

a stone house in the yorkshire dales - one of the best uk honeymoon destinations

Duration: 2 Days
Notable sites: Chipping Campden, Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold
Average cost: £200-£300
For a cheap UK road trip that combines stunning natural beauty with charming villages, set your course for the Yorkshire Dales. Begin your journey in the historic city of York, where you can wander its medieval streets and historic city walls. Then, make your way into the heart of the Dales, where you'll be greeted by rolling hills, picturesque stone walls, and serene countryside. Be sure to stop by Malham Cove and Aysgarth Falls for some breathtaking scenery.

Where to stay on route:

    • The Grand Hotel & Spa, York – A luxurious 5-star hotel perfect for a relaxing stay.
    • Beck Hall, Malham – A dog-friendly riverside retreat with easy access to hiking trails.
    • Aysgarth Falls Hotel – A cosy inn located near the stunning waterfalls.

6. The Welsh Valleys and the Brecon Beacons - 4 Days

Duration: 4 Days
Notable sites: Cardiff, Brecon Beacons National Park, Waterfall Country
Average cost: £350-£450
Discover the rugged beauty of Wales on a UK road trip through the Welsh Valleys and the Brecon Beacons National Park. Your journey begins in the vibrant city of Cardiff, where you can explore its rich history and culture. From there, venture into the stunning valleys, where you'll encounter quaint villages, cascading waterfalls, and lush green landscapes. Don't miss the opportunity to hike in the Brecon Beacons for panoramic views and tuck into some tasty Welsh food like Glamorgan sausage and Welsh cakes.

Where to stay on route:

    • The Angel Hotel, Cardiff – A stylish and affordable stay near Cardiff Castle.
    • The Bear Hotel, Crickhowell – A traditional Welsh inn with great access to Brecon Beacons hikes.
    • Llangoed Hall, Brecon – A luxury country house offering stunning views of the Welsh countryside.

7. Discover Northern Ireland - 4 Days

one of the best uk road trips is to northern ireland

Duration: 3 Days
Notable sites: Hornsea, Bridlington, Filey, North York Moors
Average cost: £250-£350
Northern Ireland is a gem that awaits your exploration on your cheap UK road trip and easily accessible with the frequent ferry. Start your journey in Belfast, then head north towards the mesmerising Causeway Coast. Your first stop should be the legendary Giant's Causeway. From Belfast, take the M2 motorway north to Ballymena, and then follow the signs to the Causeway Coastal Route.

Where to stay on route:

    • The Hornsea Burton House – A cosy guesthouse with views of Hornsea’s stunning coastline.
    • The Expanse Hotel, Bridlington – A seaside hotel offering panoramic views of Bridlington Bay.
    • Wrangham House Hotel, Filey – A quaint Georgian hotel surrounded by gardens and countryside.

8. Route YC

Bridlington is on one of the best UK road trips
Duration: 3 Days
Notable sites: Hornsea, Bridlington, Filey, North York Moors
Average cost: £250-£350
Route YC connects some of Yorkshire’s most picturesque coastal towns and stunning countryside locations. Start in the seaside town of Hornsea, then make your way through Bridlington and Filey before exploring the North York Moors. With breathtaking cliffside views and charming villages, Route YC offers a perfect balance of coastal and countryside beauty.

  • Where to stay on route:
    • The Hornsea Burton House – A cosy guesthouse with views of Hornsea’s stunning coastline.
    • The Expanse Hotel, Bridlington – A seaside hotel offering panoramic views of Bridlington Bay.
    • Wrangham House Hotel, Filey – A quaint Georgian hotel surrounded by gardens and countryside.

Where will you go on your UK road trip?

a car on a uk road trip
We hope we've inspired you with our list of the best road trips in the UK and proven that you don't need to spend a ton to add some adventure to your life. Remember to take the time to enjoy the scenery, stop at local cafes and shops, and soak in every place you visit. With these cheap UK road trip suggestions, you'll be able to create unforgettable memories without breaking the bank or even leaving the country. So grab your UK road trip map, put on your favourite road trip playlist, and hit the road.