There are a few things relatively boundless and full of possibilities, such as the open road, and when you think of a road trip, you probably envisage Route 66 or Cape Cairo. They’re great, but you can take many fantastic road trips to the UK. This small country has everything from jaw-dropping national parks and picture-perfect seaside towns to towering cities – and our road network makes it ideal for a multi-day driving tour

Expect various landscapes and scenes across the four nations of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. You’ll find vast beaches, emerald lochs, clattering waterfalls and snow-capped peaks. So plan the route, prep that playlist of drivetime bangers, and prepare yourself for the open road. According to us, here are the seven best road trips in the UK

North Coast 500, Scotland

What is it? A super-scenic route taking in just over 500 miles of stunning Scottish landscapes, the NC500 is one of the best road trips on the planet

Where does it go? It’s a loop through the Scottish Highlands. You start and end at Inverness Castle and the route takes in incredible deserted beaches, glassy lochs and heather-covered peaks, as well as castles, whisky distilleries and roadside eateries

How long should it take? Most people do it in seven to nine days. Find out more here

Pembrokeshire Coast 200, Wales

What is it? This 200-mile route shows off the best of Pembrokeshire’s under-explored coastline. The trip was designed by keen caravanners, so expect plenty of campsites for a welcome break along the way

Where does it go? Starting at the postcard-perfect village of Amroth, it takes in miles of craggy coastline before ending at the riverside village of St Dogmaels. Sights include the Blue Lagoon at Abereiddi and Britain’s smallest city, St Davids

How long should it take? Three to five days. Find out more here

Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland

What is it? The Causeway Coastal Route road is not only stunningly beautiful, it also takes in a number of Northern Ireland’s must-see sights

Where does it go? It runs along the coast from Belfast to Derry-Londonderry. You can hit Belfast’s high-tech Titanic museum, Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and the Giant’s Causeway along this route, not forgetting a host of snappable ‘Game of Thrones’ locations too, like Cushendun Caves and Ballintoy Harbour

How long should it take? Three to five days.  Find out more here

Lake District, England

What is it? England’s largest National Park, the Lake District, is an awe-inspiring landscape of serene water, mighty fells and pretty pubs

Where does it go? There are many routes to choose from, but why not start with a scenic drive in the north from Penrith to Whitehaven, stopping at Ullswater, Keswick and Buttermere? On your trip, you’ll pass the iconic diesel-powered Ullswater steamboats, the bustling market town of Keswick and – if you time it right – swathes of Wordsworth’s daffodils

How long should it take? Allow three days for some hikes along the way. Find out more here

Road to the Isles, Scotland

What is it? Another striking Scottish drive, the Road to the Isles (A830), takes travellers from Fort William to Mallaig via lochs, the coast, incredible scenery and the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which you’ll probably recognise, thanks to the Harry Potter movies

Where does it go? Start at Fort William in the shadow of Ben Nevis and head west. The road ends where it meets the sea in Mallaig, but that’s not where your journey ends. Jump on a car ferry to the Isle of Skye to explore the otherworldly island by road

How long should it take? Three days, more if you want to properly explore Skye too. Find out more here

The Cambrian Way, Wales

What is it? A route which runs from the south of Wales to the north via incredible countryside

Where does it go? You’ll mainly be sticking to the A470. Starting in Cardiff, the route finishes in the seaside town of Llandudno. You’ll pass through the beautiful Brecon Beacons National Park, the Elan Valley and Snowdonia

How long should it take? Allow five days. Find out more here

Norfolk Coast, England

What is it? Following roads that hug in close to the Norfolk coastline, you can see many of the county’s incredible sights

Where does it go? Start in King’s Lynn and keep the coast on your left the whole way to Great Yarmouth. Stop off, and you’ll see the best of the Norfolk Coast AONB, parts of the Norfolk Broads National Park, and seaside towns like Hunstanton, Blakeney and Cromer

How long should it take? Four days full of stops. Find out more here