Travel & Touring

UK road trips are a great way to explore new destinations without travelling far from home. Whether you're planning a short weekend escape or a longer adventure, we've rounded up five of the best road trip routes across the UK. Before setting off, it's worth checking that your vehicle is ready for the journey ahead. Carrying out a few simple maintenance checks can help reduce the risk of breakdowns and ensure your trip is as safe and stress-free as possible. 7 Essential Vehicle Checks Before a Road Trip Tip One - Check Your Oil Level As your engine relies on oil for lubrication, driving with low oil levels can increase engine wear and may lead to costly repairs or breakdowns. This is why it’s one of the most important checks before any long journey. Park your vehicle on level ground and allow the engine to cool. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it fully and then remove it again to check the oil level. The oil should sit between the minimum and maximum markers. Tip Two - Check Your Coolant Coolant helps regulate your engine temperature throughout the year. During warmer months, it prevents overheating, while in colder conditions, it helps stop the cooling system from freezing. Locate the coolant reservoir under the bonnet and check that the fluid level sits between the minimum and maximum markers. Never remove the cap while the engine is hot. Tip Three - Check Your Tyre Pressure and Tread Depth Tyres play a vital role in vehicle safety, particularly when your car is carrying extra weight from passengers and luggage. Check your tyre pressure, using a pressure gauge, against the manufacturer's recommendations, which can usually be found inside the fuel filler flap, on the driver's door frame or in the vehicle handbook. You should also inspect your tyre tread depth. A quick way to do this is by inserting a 20p coin into the main tread grooves. If the outer band of the coin remains visible, your tread may be below the legal minimum of 1.6mm, and the tyre should be replaced. Tip Four - Check Your Lights Working lights are essential for visibility and road safety. So, before travelling, check that your headlights, brake lights, indicators and reversing lights are all functioning correctly. It can be helpful to ask a family member or friend to assist with this check. If you plan on driving in Europe, make sure you are aware of any additional lighting requirements that may apply. Tip Five - Check Your Washer Fluid A clean windscreen helps maintain visibility and allows you to react quickly to hazards on the road. Before your journey, top up your washer fluid reservoir and ensure you're using the correct screen wash mixture for the weather conditions. During colder months, the correct dilution can help prevent the fluid from freezing. Tip Six - Check Your Brakes Your brakes are one of the most important safety systems on your vehicle, especially when travelling with extra passengers, luggage or towing equipment. Check that your brake fluid level sits between the minimum and maximum markers and pay attention to how your brakes feel when driving. If you notice any unusual noises, vibrations, pulling or reduced braking performance, it's worth having them inspected before setting off. Tip Seven - Check Your Electrics A healthy battery and functioning electrical system can help prevent unexpected issues during your journey. Before travelling, make sure your battery is fully charged and free from signs of damage or corrosion. It's also a good idea to check that essential electrical components, including your lights, indicators and horn, are all working correctly before you leave. Other Things to Check Before Travelling In addition to these basic maintenance checks, it's worth ensuring that any existing vehicle faults have been addressed before your trip. If you're due a service, booking one before travelling can provide extra peace of mind. You should also make sure your MOT remains valid for the duration of your journey. How to Pack Your Car Efficiently Packing your vehicle correctly can improve both comfort and safety during a road trip. Try to distribute luggage evenly throughout the vehicle and avoid overloading the boot. Heavier items should be placed low down and secured where possible to prevent movement while driving. If additional storage is needed, a roof box can provide extra space for lighter items such as bedding, towels and sleeping bags. Once your trip is complete, it’s worth removing the roof box to improve your fuel efficiency by reducing aerodynamic drag. The 5 Best UK Road Trip Destinations Once your vehicle is ready, it's time to start planning your route. Here are five of our top UK road trip destinations to inspire your next getaway. Rank Road Trip Route 1 Yorkshire York, Harrogate, Skipton and Whitby 2 The Cotswolds Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Worcestershire 3 Atlantic Highway Somerset, Devon and Cornwall 4 Peak District Bakewell, Buxton, Matlock, Castleton, Manchester and Sheffield 5 Lake District Kendal, Windermere, Ambleside and Keswick 1. Yorkshire Covering York, Harrogate, Skipton and Whitby, Yorkshire offers excellent access to petrol stations, EV charging points and motorway links, making it one of the most practical and scenic road trips in the UK. 2. The Cotswolds Stretching across Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Worcestershire, the Cotswolds combines rolling countryside, historic villages and strong infrastructure for both petrol and electric vehicle drivers. 3. Atlantic Highway Running through Somerset, Devon and Cornwall, the Atlantic Highway is one of the UK's most scenic coastal drives, offering beautiful sea views alongside good fuel and charging coverage. 4. Peak District With easy access from Manchester and Sheffield, the Peak District blends dramatic landscapes with strong accessibility, making it a popular choice for weekend road trips. 5. Lake District The Lake District remains one of the UK's most iconic driving destinations, offering spectacular scenery, relaxed traffic conditions and plenty of opportunities to explore the national park. FAQs What Should I Check on My Car Before a Long Journey? Before a long journey, you should check your oil level, coolant, tyre pressure, tyre tread depth, lights and washer fluid. It's also worth making sure your MOT is valid and that any existing faults have been repaired. How Often Should I Check My Tyre Pressure? Tyre pressure should be checked at least once a month and before any long journey, especially if you're carrying additional passengers or luggage. Is It Safe to Drive with Low Coolant? No, it is not safe to drive with low coolant. Low coolant levels can cause your engine to overheat, potentially leading to serious mechanical damage and expensive repairs. Can a Roof Box Reduce Fuel Efficiency? Yes, roof boxes create additional drag, which can increase fuel consumption. Removing the roof box when it's not in use can help improve efficiency.