Love it or hate it, winter in the UK can make travelling difficult. With shorter days, biting weather and a whole load of rain (or maybe even snow!) winter road trips in the Uk might not be the first thing that comes to mind.
But thanks to the UK’s great infrastructure, some of the best road trips UK has to offer can also be completed in the winter months too.
Whether you’re looking for winter day trips from London, the best places to drive in UK winters, or just some UK in winter travel inspiration, we’ve asked travel bloggers to contribute their best winter road trips in the UK to help you decide.
A quick safety note: Being properly prepared is essential for any winter driving. You should always have your recovery and breakdown details to hand should you become stranded. Carry snow chains if necessary. Always carry extra layers, food and water. Always let someone know where you’re going and make sure your car is in good condition to travel.
Read on to discover the best road trips for winter travel in the UK.
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Winter road trips in England
North Yorkshire road trip
North Yorkshire is a seriously underrated option if you’re looking for fun winter road trips in the UK.
With well-maintained roads connecting major towns and the A171 connecting the coast from Scarborough to Whitby and beyond, this is a great option for seeing the delights of the North Yorkshire Coast and Moors without the summer crowds!
Start in Scarborough where you can enjoy this traditional seaside town. Although it’s a bit too cold for the beach and swimming in the sea, the coast is still beautiful and there’s plenty of family friendly indoor activities like arcades, Luna Park and Scarborough Castle.
Head up the coast and stop by the famous smuggler’s village, Robin Hoods Bay. Enjoy hot tea and scones in a cafe, or brave some fresh fish and chips by the beach which is great for a stroll when the tide is low.
From here, it’s just a short drive to Whitby, the famous inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula! The ruins of Whitby Abbey are open all year round but even if you don’t pay to go inside, the eerie silhouette at the top of the hill is spooky to see in the short winter days! Don’t miss the 199 steps, colourful beach huts and fantastic array of shops and restaurants in Whitby too.
Further up the coast you’ll also find the charming coastal town of Staithes. Or you can choose to head inland and drive through the dramatic Yorkshire Moors. Although roads are generally kept clear here, please take precautions, have car recovery options and take extra food, drinks and layers!
In the Moors you could visit Goathland Station, famous as the station from the Harry Potter movies. Or explore the charming villages in North Yorkshire too.
If you’re looking for a city base to explore the area more, or if you’re planning another stop on your journey, consider Leeds, York or Harrogate. Alternatively Durham is a beautiful stop if you continue your journey north.
Helena of Discover More UK
Dorset Jurassic Coast road trip
Known to be one of the best winter road trips in Europe thanks to its easy accessibility, dramatic coastline and variety of attractions, the Jurassic Coast is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in England in winter.
The beauty of Dorset for UK winter road trips is how easy it is to explore. Choose a base such as Swanage, Wareham, West Lulworth, Dorchester or Weymouth, and discover the many amazing Dorset day trips you can take.
Explore the Isle of Portland, enjoy fresh crab at the Crab House cafe and head to Portland Bill. Or enjoy famous spots like Durdle Door, Man O’War Beach, Lulworth Cove or Old Harry Rocks without the summer crowds.
Take shelter in the charming coastal towns of Weymouth or Swanage to enjoy great restaurants, bars or cafes.
Or if the weather is too bad, head to the world famous Tank Museum for a day out the whole family can enjoy. With spectacular displays, interactive exhibitions and plenty of history.
Helena from Discover More UK
Bath to Glastonbury road trip and the Somerset Levels
This road trip starts in the Georgian city of Bath and takes you across the stunning Mendip Hills and down Cheddar Gorge.
The route then follows the edge of the Somerset Levels to the smallest city in England of Wells before ending in Glastonbury.
It is then possible to return to Bath or continue to explore Somerset and further west.
The route can be completed in a day but is much better spread over two days with a night in Wells.
It is ideal for a winter road trip as it starts in an easily accessible city and while the Mendip Hills are wild and remote it is easy to adjust the route to miss any difficult road conditions.
The Mendips can be very icy in the winter and very foggy, but there are main roads to Cheddar, Wells and Glastonbury from Bath.
Along the route you will drive down Cheddar Gorge with its high cliffs and deep caves. Just a little further along from Cheddar is the Wookey Hole caves complex which is deeper than the caves at Cheddar.
Wells is a beautiful small city with the Cathedral and adjacent Bishop’s Palace. Even in the winter months the Palace gardens are worth exploring.
Glastonbury has an eclectic mix of shops and cafes as well as the well known Tor which is a good walk whatever the weather although it can be windy at the tower in the winter.
Glastonbury also has haunting abbey ruins which are believed to be the resting place of King Arthur and Guinevere.
Suzanne from Meandering Wild
Brighton winter day trip
If you’re eager to plan a winter day trip from London, then look no further than Brighton. Which is just a short, easy drive by car or easily reached by train in just 1 hour, definitely one of the best day trips from London in winter.
With plenty of indoor and outdoor activities to suit whatever the weather, don’t miss the Brighton Pier, fish & chips on the beach (a must for any time of year!), the Royal Pavilion and the independent shops and boutiques in Brighton Lanes.
For indoor activities, don’t miss Sealife, the i360 tower’s epic views, Brighton Museum and Art Gallery and the House of Illusions.
Speaking of illusions, don’t forget to look out for the famous Brighton Upsidedown house!
If you do plan to stay in Brighton longer, it’s also a great base to see other beautiful areas of the south coast, including the Seven Sisters Cliffs, South Downs National Park, Arundel Castle, Hastings or Camber Sands.
Helena from Discover More UK
Winter road trips in Wales
North Wales Expressway road trip
If you are looking for an amazing coastal road trip in winter, there is no better option than driving North Wales Expressway. It connects Cheshire with North Wales and offers incredible views of the beaches and surrounding mountains.
The North Wales Expressway stretches for over 80 miles and the final destination at Holy Island will take your breath away. The impressive lighthouse Goleudy Ynys Lawd looks so dramatic during winter on the Welsh coast.
This road trip is abundant not only in many natural attractions but also in historic buildings. You can visit the historic castle in Conwy or explore medieval Conwy Town Walls. There are also many other amazing castles nearby such as Penrhyn Castle & Garden.
However, a road trip in Wales without stopping at one of the most beautiful waterfalls cannot be complete. Aber Falls is just a short drive from North Wales Expressway. It is also a perfect place to visit during winter due to the easy and flat walk.
Driving this route from Chester takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, but with so many areas to explore, it is recommended to plan a longer trip. One of the best places to stay is in Conwy or Llandudno. The next day, head off to Anglesey Island where you can find cheaper accommodations during the off-season. It is a very popular destination in summer, so a UK winter road trip will allow you to save money and avoid the crowds.
If you fancy, on your way back stop at one of the beaches to admire beautiful sunsets. Whether it is Conwy Morfa Beach or Colwyn Bay Beach, both of them are set in beautiful scenery.
Paulina from UK Every Day
Pembrokeshire Coast road trip
While your instinct might be to say that this is a summer road trip, the dramatic and beautiful coastline of Pembrokeshire is just as beautiful all year round, plus it remains accessible throughout the year.
An added bonus is that you can see famous spots like St Davids, Tenby or Saundersfoot without the crowds.
Enjoy the colourful town of Tenby with its beautiful beaches and array of restaurants and independent shops and boutiques. Discover South Wales hidden gems such as St Govans Chapel or the Blue Lagoon, both easily accessible from car parks off the coastal roads.
You could choose to start in Cardiff for a longer route and include the stunning Gower Peninsula, or base yourself in Tenby to take a few day trips in the area.
Although roads in Pembrokeshire are narrow and windy, most are well-maintained for local access throughout the year.
The Wales coast path is a brilliant easy option for winter walks in Wales and the winter weather means it’s the perfect opportunity to stop by a cosy country pub for a warm meal and a drink by the fire.
Helena from Discover More UK
Snowdonia road trip
Snowdonia National Park in North Wales is an inspiring UK destination that attracts adventure lovers, hikers and those who generally just enjoy the outdoors.
If you’re planning a Wales winter road trip around Snowdonia then choosing the right base is essential. While there are many places to choose from, one of the most popular areas is Betws-y-Coed. This start/finish point is a small village but it has trendy and traditional restaurants, bars and boutiques with ample accommodation.
A short drive away is Mount Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales offering several challenging hiking trails. If you tackle this in winter, then you must be prepared. Take the edge of the hike with the Mountain train from Clogwyn station which will take you ¾ of the distance to the summit. Even if you don’t make it to the top, you still have stunning landscapes and viewpoints, and you can explore one of the 100 lakes or hidden waterfalls.
Next up on your road trip is the Italian-inspired village of Portmeirion. Entrance is not free but the architecture and uniqueness of this location is worth the small fee. Expect scenic walks, a visit to the estuary and lots of quirky shops. A short drive north and you can also stop in Porthmadog, a beautiful coastal town.
However, if you want a big dose of adrenaline, then enjoy the thrills of the Snowdonia Zip Wire or mountain go-karts located in Penrhyn Quarry in Bethesda. Or if conditions aren’t the best then head to Blaeneufestiniag to experience the underground Zip World Llechwedd or ‘bounce below’ in an underground cave. If you have your family with you, the Zip Forest has other adventurous activities that are suitable for all ages. Best of all, they’re all within 30 minutes or so of your base.
Give yourself at least 3 days to do this road trip and enjoy what Wales has to offer.
Kerry Hanson from Adrenaline Junkiez
South Wales road trip
If you are looking for a safe and scenic road trip to do in the Winter in the UK, South Wales is a fantastic option.
Thanks to the M4 corridor connecting the whole of South Wales, you can see so many places, in only a few hours. To see the very best of South Wales, the Cardiff to Carmathern road trip is the best. From ancient castles to rustic pubs to escape the cold, this winter road trip offers something for everyone.
Taking a road trip in Winter can be overwhelming, especially in the harsher, icy and darker conditions. This is why driving this route is great for all driving abilities. Not only is this road well maintained and well lit throughout the year but is one of the easiest routes to drive in all winter conditions.
The best way to complete this South Wales road trip is to start in Cardiff and drive along the M4 until you reach Carmarthen. There are lots of stops along the way so you can pick as many or as little as you like.
There are some great things to do on this road trip to get a taste of Wales. Cardiff itself is full of amazing things to do for every type of visitor. One great thing to do here is visit the Castle in the city centre.
As you drive from Cardiff you will have plenty of options to visit some incredible landscapes. For great beaches, you should stop off at Bridgend. If you want to see waterfalls surrounded by snow, Neath has plenty of options. Not far from Neath you will find the Black Mountain road which offers the most amazing views when it has been snowing. And for bespoke gifts and great food options, you have to visit Carmarthen town centre.
If you are looking to do a road trip in little time, this is one of the best in Wales. You could do this Wales road trip in one day or over a few if you choose to spend the night in a few places. No matter your time and budget, this UK Winter road trip is for everyone.
Lowri from Many Other Roads
Winter road trips in Scotland
Scottish Highlands road trip
The Scottish highlands are beautiful all year round. But in winter, the low sun, snow-capped peaks and chill in the air really add a magical touch.
For those of you who love to make the most of your annual leave allowance, travelling around the new year is a great way to maximise leave. With the possibility of snow, Scotland is the best road trip for Christmas in the UK. And, nowhere celebrates harder than Scotland for Hogmanay (or New Year’s Eve to most of us). It’s then that these sleepy villages in the highlands come alive with street parties. Think live music, dancing, drinking and a heart-warming atmosphere.
And, for most of us Brits, the best way to get to Scotland is a good ol’ road trip. While technically this roughly 1-week Scotland road trip route starts wherever you are, Stirling and Falkirk are good first stops for history and unique sights, such as the Kelpies and Wallace Monument.
From there, continue north into the Cairngorms National Park to bear witness to the best of natural Scottish beauty. Pristine lochs, endless countryside and beautiful views.
Grantown-on-Spey is a good base here and hosts a street party on the main road for Hogmanay, although nearby Aviemore is also popular with more shops, hotels and restaurants (and tourists). Be sure to visit Loch Garten just after sunrise for a majestic view over the still water and snow-capped mountains.
When returning south, Glenfinnan is quite out of the way but is worth the visit, especially for fans of Harry Potter. Alternatively, a night or two in the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park is worthwhile for the cool walks, natural beauty and slow pace of life.
Even with the limited hours of daylight, you can still see and experience so much. The roads are well maintained making for easy driving even in less than ideal conditions, although breakdown cover should be considered an essential just in case!
Zoe from Zoe Goes Places
Isle of Skye road trip
One of the best road trips in December has got to be to Scotland and the Scottish islands. With the magical landscape even more transformed by the good chance of snow.
Although bad weather means unreliable (or even unreachable!) crossing conditions to reach the islands, the Isle of Skye is fortunate enough to be the only island connected to the mainland in Scotland by a bridge, making it perfect for road trips in winter.
Take the Skye Bridge from Kyle of Lochalsh and explore this stunning island without the summer crowds.
Don’t miss colourful Portree, drive the Trotternish Loop, see the Fairy Glen and the famous Old Man of Storr (although don’t attempt to climb it in poor weather conditions unless you’re very well-prepared).
While it is possible to do an Isle of Skye day trip in the summer when the days are longer, in the winter it’s suggested that you stay overnight on the Isle of Skye and make the most of the quieter and cheaper accommodation!
Helena from Discover More UK
Winter road trips in Northern Ireland
Causeway Coast road trip
The Causeway Coast driving route is one of the best road trips for winter, whether you’re planning for the best road trips in February or November, this popular road is well-maintained and well-travelled throughout the year.
Being well connected to Belfast, Londonderry and many other coastal towns and villages in between, this is the perfect easygoing winter road trip UK countries have to offer!
Of course you can’t miss Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO Heritage site, the Giant’s Causeway, there’s also plenty more North Ireland attractions. Don’t miss Downhill Beach, Mussenden Temple, Portrush, Dunluce Castle ruins and the famous Dark Hedges.
You need at least a couple of days on the Causeway route, depending on how many stops you do. There are plenty of places to stay along the way, or you could base yourself in Belfast and take day trips to some of the main coastal attractions.
Helena from Discover More UK
Summary: Winter road trips in UK
As you can see, there are plenty of good winter road trips in the UK and hopefully this guide has given you some inspiration for your UK winter trips this year as well as some ideas for places to visit in the UK in winter.
Despite the shorter days, travelling in the winter also comes with cheaper accommodation prices, less crowds and an opportunity to see landscapes in a completely new way – maybe even with snow!
Of course being properly prepared is essential for any winter driving. Make sure you have your recovery details to hand should you breakdown, always carry extra layers, food and water. Always let someone know where you’re going, carry snow chains if necessary and make sure your car is in good condition to travel.
Pin for later to plan your future trip!
