Destinations
Alternative UK road trips for summer 2025
)
Nothing beats a road trip. There’s something undeniably freeing about loading up your van, hitting the road, and moving at your own pace – they offer a rare chance to slow down, take the scenic route, and visit places you might otherwise have missed.
From the North Coast 500 to the Lake District Loop, the UK is home to a host of incredible routes that can fuel your summer adventure. Their appeal is easy to understand – but as their beautiful back roads, charming country lanes, and picture-perfect scenery continue to fill bucket lists, stretches of the route can often see congestion with limited options for parking, pitching, and experiencing the full potential of what life on the road can offer.
At Camplify UK, we’re all about making your road trip dreams a reality. So whether you’re a Van Life veteran looking for some summer inspiration, or a first-timer in search of a starting point, look no further…
Top Road Trips
Our Alternative Road Trip Index is your go-to guide for roads less-travelled, helping you find the route that’s right for you.
Analysing routes that offer the opportunity for a quieter escape, the index scores each on factors that make a road trip one to remember: from the sights and sounds on route, to the number of petrol stations and public toilets along the way (thank us later!)
All corners of the country feature in the list, so look no further for inspiration on where to visit this summer…
Standard branding Map.png 290.7 KB
According to the rankings, The Historic South offers road trippers the best opportunity for a quieter road trip this summer. The 720km jaunt, which takes between seven and ten days to complete, takes drivers through some of the richest heritage England has to offer – from the historic city of Canterbury and its World Heritage-listed cathedral to the historic docks of Portsmouth, with stops at the fascinating sites of Stonehenge and Avebury also included.
The Cambrian Way in Wales, and Clyde Sea Lochs and the Argyll Coast in Scotland complete the top three, both scoring highly for the volume of attractions that feature on the routes, as well as the quantity and quality of campsites that adventure-seekers can stay at overnight. There are plenty of toilet stops too!
Coastal and historic routes dominate the top ten. The picturesque drives along Wales’ Coastal Way , Cornwall’s Coast , and the Jurassic Coast prove a perfect choice for those looking for incredible scenery and spots to swim, whilst the Historic Coastal and historic routes dominate the top ten. The picturesque drives along Wales’ Coastal Way , Cornwall’s Coast , and the Jurassic Coast prove a perfect choice for those looking for incredible scenery and spots to swim, whilst the Historic Northumberland and Borders Historic Route in Scotland great for those hoping to discover some of the UK’s incredible history.
Plan Your Road Trip Today
Ready to get exploring? On our platform you’ll find thousands of vehicles that provide the perfect home-on-wheels for your trip, no matter how long you’re hitting the road for. Don’t wait any longer – start planning your road trip now and discover why more travellers are choosing Camplify to help them unlock the freedom of the open road.
1st Place: The Historic South, England
Perfect for longer adventures, The Historic South road trip route in England has it all: historical locations, scenic stretches, and some of Britain’s best and most-loved landmarks. At 450 miles, you’ll need between seven and ten days to see it all, but it’s well worth it: start the engine and get ready to soak up history and culture, breaking the drive up with stops at Rye, Brighton, Salisbury and Bath.
2nd Place: The Cambrian Way, Wales
Perfect for those looking to get closer to nature, The Cambrian Way takes you through some of the most breathtaking parts of Wales. Starting in Cardiff, the 185-mile drive begins with a culture shot before guiding you through fields, forests, and mountains. You’ll see the Brecon Beacons, Pen-y-Fan and the Cambrian Mountains, with lots of opportunities to park up and explore.
**3rd Place: Clyde Sea Lochs and the Argyll Coast, Scotland
**
Clyde Sea Lochs and the Argyll Coast, Scotland
Winding north and west through the rugged terrain of the Highlands, this 240-mile route can be done over a long weekend. One of the best the UK has to offer for mountains and lochs, you’ll be able to enjoy majestic views, historic towns, and the popular walking country of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs in all their glory. With opportunities for kayaking and whale watching offshore, this one is perfect for the adventurous.