8 best road trips from Birmingham

Road trips from Birmingham are some of the easiest sorted in the country. Britain’s second biggest city is brilliantly placed in the Midlands and close to the centre of England, so it’s ideal for setting off on road trips in all directions! From destinations within an hour to those further afield, it’s a breeze to road trip from Brum.

Overnight trips, nearby areas of outstanding natural beauty, theme park breaks and longer holidays… Birmingham road trips have the lot. Below, we share 8 of the best routes to take for the ultimate adventure!

Best road trips from Birmingham: 8 routes you can’t miss!

1. Malvern Hills

Total distance: about 60 miles | Recommended days: 1-2 | Best time to drive the route: sprint, summer |Route on Google Maps

If you only have time for a day trip from Birmingham (followed by an overnight!), no probs – there’s absolutely loads of choice within an hour or an hour and a half’s drive of the city. One of our favourite near-Birmingham destinations is the Malvern Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) with spectacular views over Worcestershire,Herefordshire, northern Gloucestershire and as far as the Bristol Channel.

Reach the AONB just 40 miles south of Birmingham, with an optional stop at the cathedral city of Worcester. Our route goes through the Malverns to Raggedstone Hill, one of its best-known destinations and viewpoints. Make for the Hollybush Pass at the small village of the same name; from there, it’s a 15- to 20-minute hike to the summit. Climb the hill in spring or summer for the best chance of a clear day.

2. Warwickshire – Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick Castle

Total distance: about 50 miles | Recommended days: 2 days | Best time to drive the route: autumn | Route on Google Maps

Also coming in at around an hour’s drive from Birmingham, the famous Warwickshire destination of Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare, is one of the most visited towns in the UK. Spend a full day there to soak up the main Shakespearean sights such as Shakespeare’s Birthplace, New Place Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, take a boat ride on the River Avon, or catch an evening show by the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC).

Day 2 of the trip is for Warwick Castle, the mighty medieval castle built by William the Conqueror during 1068. It’s managed these days by Merlin Entertainment, who runs a regular programme of events and shows for all ages – you’ll definitely find something to suit.

Alternatively, spend a morning at Warwick Castle and the afternoon at Stratford, then take a second day to explore Worcester on the way back to Birmingham New Street (total distance: 97 miles).

3. The Cotswolds

Total distance: about 115 miles | Recommended days : 3 days | Best time to drive the route: spring, autumn |Route on Google Maps

Another of the most beautiful road trips from Birmingham brings you to the Cotswolds AONB, one of Britain’s most visited regions. A landscape of traditional English cottages and characteristic yellow sandstone, its centre is under 70 miles from Birmingham and perfect for a weekend trip. Aim to visit in spring or autumn when it’s less busy.

Our Birmingham to Cotswolds road trip takes in the main villages and towns of the area, known for their rich history, country charm and pub grub: Bourton-on-the-Water, Stroud, Chipping Norton, Chipping Campden, Stow-on-the-Wold and Cirencester. Spa and Regency town Cheltenham is also a must-see for the final day.

4. Ironbridge Gorge

Total distance: about 55 miles | Recommended days: 3 days | Best time to drive the route: spring, summer | Route on Google Maps

Engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel designed the “Iron Bridge'' near Telford in the 19th century, the world’s first ever iron bridge and a crucial development in Britain’s industrial revolution. Ironbridge in the 21st century is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the multi-visit attraction Ironbridge Gorge, made up of several museums and attractions including the open-air Blists Hill Victorian Town with its canal and the family-centred science attraction Enginuity - as well as the bridge itself, of course.

Ironbridge is on the River Severn, which as the UK’s longest river (220 miles) has loads of opportunities for further adventures. Fishing, cycling, mountain biking and the long-distance path the Severn Way are a few options, while the Slimbridge Wildfowl Trust and the Severn Estuary are top options for wildlife watching. Our trip visits Shrewsbury after Ironbridge Gorge, for a river cruise from Victoria Quay.

5. Shropshire Hills & Ludlow

Total distance: 92 miles | Recommended days: 2 days | Best time to drive the route: summer |Route on Google Maps

Another AONB within easy reach of Birmingham, the Shropshire Hills is the region of southern Shropshire stretching westwards to the Welsh Marches and border with Wales. This route includes two scenic hills in the AONB, Long Mynd and Titterstone Clee Hill at Ludlow and Brown Clee Hill on the Long Mynd heathland. It also stops at the Shropshire market town of Ludlow as the county town of Shrewsbury.

Have a morning in Shrewsbury before driving to the Shropshire Hills and climbing Long Mynd on Day 1, then climb Titterstone Clee Hill and spend a few hours in Ludlow, just outside the AONB, on Day 2.

6. Peak District National Park/Chatsworth House

Total distance: about 115 miles | Recommended days: 5 days | Best time to drive the route: spring, summer, autumn | Route on Google Maps

The beautiful Peak District is just one of the country’s national parks suitable for a road trip from Birmingham. Its many highlights include Chatsworth House, the stately home used as several filming locations including in the BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice.

Elsewhere in the Peak District, walk the Monsal Trail or stroll around Ladybower Reservoir, climb Kinder Scout, the highest peak in the area, explore villages like Bakewell and Buxton, or delve into the district’s underground history at Poole's Cavern and Speedwell Cavern. There are plenty more historic houses and stately homes too: our picks are Haddon Hall, Peveril Castle and Calke Abbey.

7. Theme park thrills

Total distance: about 65 miles | Recommended days: 4 to 5 days | Best time to drive the route: spring |Route on Google Maps

Get ready for a family trip – it’s theme park time! Again this is an easy option for trips from New Street, as play centres and theme parks near Birmingham include chocolate heaven at Cadbury World, Drayton Manor and the country’s biggest, Alton Towers. All three are on our road trip, set around a day of calm roaming around the peaceful setting of the Cannock Chase AONB.

If your kids are more into animal adventures, that’s easily sorted from Birmingham too. Twycross Zoo, the West Midlands Safari Park and Trentham Monkey Forest are easily doable on a four-day holiday, again allowing for a day mid-trip in Cannock Chase. (135 miles; route map.)

8. Cheddar Gorge and Somerset

Total distance: about 165 miles | Recommended days: 5 days | Best time to drive the route: summer | Route on Google Maps

One of the most magnificent sights in the country, ancient Cheddar Gorge has drawn travellers for centuries. Britain’s biggest gorge has cliffs over 450ft tall, the largest underground river system in Britain, and stunning caves stuffed with stalactites and stalagmites. It’s part of the Cheddar Complex Site of Special Scientific Interest and the Cheddar Gorge Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Underground boat trips, sporting activities, an escape room and the Museum of Prehistory are all available at the site. (As with all attractions, check opening times and details before setting out.)

Although you can see the gorge and its surrounds in a couple of days, we’ve made this last holiday a five-day trip to add in some spectacular attractions nearby. Head south to Glastonbury and Wells on Day 3, then have a day each on the way back north at both Bristol and Bath.

Want a week-long trip? Have a day in Weston-super-Mare on the way to Cheddar Gorge, then a day in the Cotswolds on the way back.

Organising your Birmingham road trip

Now that you know the best road trips from Birmingham to take, it’s time to pick your favourite, sortcampervan hire in Birmingham and hit the road. Our van rental listings offer a wide range of choices for your holiday, filterable by price, features and more. You can also opt for delivery, where one of our owners deliver and set up their van at a location of your choice – perfect for non-Brummies who can then get the train from Birmingham back home after their trip!

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