Take an Easter road trip adventure with these beautiful drives from five of Britain’s biggest cities
The car journeys, which leave from London, Birmingham, Sheffield, Manchester and Glasgow, can all be done in a day
It’s easy to turn to cheap flights to Europe when you need a break from city life, but there are plenty of places you can visit in the UK that don’t need quite so much planning.
As a small island that can be comfortably covered by car, the UK offers easy access to a whole host of places that are rich in history, dripping with culture and boasting stunning views of nature.
To help you embrace your spontaneous side, have pulled together the best road trips that depart from five of the UK’s major cities.
Whether it’s a case of grabbing the SatNav, filling up the petrol tank and hitting the open road, or perhaps even hiring a car for a day, there’s adventure waiting for you a lot closer to home than you might think.
Manchester: Snake Pass
Drive on the A57: Around 2.5 hours round trip
The A57, a road that – if followed between Manchester and Sheffield – is better known as Snake Pass, is famed for its spectacular scenery.
As you descend into Snake Pass, each and every twist and turn (be warned, there are plenty) will reveal a new perspective of the breathtaking valley that surrounds you.
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In the heart of it lies Ladybower Reservoir, which is perfect for a picnic and even a dip if the weather permits.
Returning from the Sheffield side on a clear day, the entire city of Manchester can be admired in the distance.
Sheffield: Bakewell
Drive on the A625: Around 3.5 hours round trip
Not too far from the Snake Pass, Bakewell sits towards the south of the Peak District National Park and is a real hidden gem.
In fact, if you live in any northern city, Bakewell makes for a road trip that’s not too far away.
If you fancy something a little bit more strenuous than a straight-up road trip, Bakewell is also popular with walkers.
However you spend your time in the area, make sure to schedule a pit stop for a Bakewell Tart before heading home though.
Birmingham: Warwick
Drive on the A425: Around 1.5 hours round trip
Warwickshire is known as Shakespeare’s county, and with Roman settlements and quaint thatched housing it’s a lovely way to escape the bustle of Birmingham.
Within less than an hour’s drive, you can find yourself exploring the classic British countryside, steeped in history.
Whether you want a quick day out or have time to stay a while to explore the likes of Warwick Castle and the birthplace of William Shakespeare, Warwickshire is close enough to offer you both.
London: Brighton and the South Downs
Drive on the A23: Around 2.5 hours round trip
Just a stone's throw from the capital lies the South Downs National Park, home to enough picturesque English countryside to fill your Instagram twice over.
The cosmopolitan seaside city of Brighton and Hove sits amongst the Downs, an hour’s drive from London, making for a vibrant and relaxing break without having to head out too far.
After a beautiful drive toward the coast, enjoy a walk along the cliffs at Seven Sisters, fish and chips on the pebbles at Brighton Beach and a spot of retail therapy in The Lanes.
London: Lyndhurst
Drive on the A337: Around 5 hours round trip
Nestled in the heart of the New Forest in Hampshire sits Lyndhurst, a beautiful town that makes for the perfect end to a road trip through the timeless beauty of the New Forest.
A unique corner of England where ponies and deer roam free, the New Forest has road trip written all over it.
The town’s independent shops and cafes also make for the perfect pit stop before you venture back to the Big Smoke.
Glasgow to Glencoe
Drive on the A82: Around 4.5 hours round trip
The beautiful Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park provides a picturesque setting for this road trip, right on Glasgow’s doorstep.
You’ll find Balloch Castle at the southern tip of the Loch, or if golf is your game, treat yourself to a few rounds at the Loch Lomond Golf Club.
Leaving activities aside, the journey is beautiful enough to keep you occupied, and at approximately 4.5 hours for the total trip, very doable in one day.