Nationwide Vehicle Contracts recommends picturesque winter road trip routes and provides travel tips for a memorable journey.
Don't waste your winter sitting inside by the fire, get out on the road and explore the beautiful landscape Britain has to offer.
In winter, Britain's landscapes transform into a breathtaking spectacle of charm that is destined to be explored.
This blog explores the picturesque routes and destinations that showcase the beauty of the British countryside in the winter.
The Scottish Highlands
The Scottish Highlands is one of the most picturesque areas in the UK and is perfect for a winter road trip.
Start - Inverness
Finish - Ford William
Time - Two hours
Start in Inverness and head southwest along the A82, which runs parallel to Loch Ness. The views along the road are simply breathtaking, and there are dedicated stop-off places where you can take in the views.
Along the way, ensure you stop off at Urquhart Castle in Drumnadrochit and take in the views of Glencoe and Ben Nevis's peak.
The Lake District
The Lake District is one of the go-to holiday destinations in the UK. As well as having loads of activities to offer, the Lakes is a superb place for a winter road trip.
Start - Windermere
Finish - Keswick
Time - 50 minutes
Start in Windermere and head north up the A591. Before you set off, make sure you've explored Lake Windermere and the town of Bowness-on-Windermere. Once on your way, you'll head around Lake Windermere, cut through Grasmere, and drive alongside Thirlmere. When you arrive in Keswick, take in the beautiful scenery and Derwentwater.
Ensure you stop off in the quaint village of Grasmere and enjoy the view across Thirlmere.
The Cotswolds
If you pictured a typical British countryside scene in your head, you'd likely picture the Cotswolds. Home to some of Britain's most scenic landscapes, it's home to rolling pastures, flowing rivers, and picturesque stone villages.
Start - Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
Finish - Broadway, Worcestershire
Time - One hour
Start in Cheltenham, then head west along the A40 until you reach Northleach. Head left down the A429, and you'll come to the beautiful village of Bourton-on-the-Water, known for its low bridges and traditional stone houses.
Once you've had your fill, head towards Stow-on-the-Wold and up the A424 and A44 until you reach Broadway.
We'd recommend spending some time in both Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold and visiting Broadway Tower.
Snowdonia National Park
Snowdonia in northwestern Wales features all mountains in Wales above 3,000 feet and is home to some awe-inspiring views. Before setting off here, we'd recommend checking the weather, as Snowdonia can get seriously snowy in the winter.
Start - Betws-y-Coed, Conwy
Finish - Llanberis, Gwynedd
Time - 40 minutes
Start in Betws-y-Coed, a picturesque village in the Conwy Valley and known as the gateway to Snowdonia. Head west along the A5 until you come to Capel Curig, then turn left along the A486 and soak up the beautiful scenery until you come to Llanberis.
We'd recommend visiting Swallow Falls along the way, then seeing Snowdonia Mountain Railway and Llyn Padarn when you're at Llanberis.
Northumberland
Our last road trip takes us to the north of England to visit all Northumberland has to offer. Northumberland is perfect for a road trip with its range of castle ruins, beaches, and market towns.
Start - Alnwick
Finish - Bamburgh
Time - 30 minutes
Start in the market town of Alnwick, home to Alnwick Castle, and then head north up the A1 until you reach the B1341. Turn right and carry on until you reach the historic town of Bamburgh. Situated on the coast, Bamburgh Castle has stood above the Northumberland coastline for over 1,400 years and played a central role in the Viking invasion of Britain.
Winter Road Trip Advice
- Weather Check - Stay updated on weather forecasts and road conditions. Winter driving in the UK can be unpredictable, so plan accordingly.
- Cosy Accommodation - Choose accommodations that are cosy and sure to keep you warm during the winter. Why not try a classic British bed and breakfast?
- Festive Events - Check local event calendars for winter festivals, Christmas markets, or other seasonal events along your route.
- Photography Opportunities - Capture the winter magic with your camera, early mornings and late afternoons offer the best lighting.
- Local Cuisine - Explore the towns and villages on your route. Most will have interesting histories and will feature local pubs and restaurants.
Looking for more motoring advice? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts produces a range of blogs, such as Exploring EV's Positive Impact on Mental and Physical Health and Preparing Your Car for Unexpected Weather Events.
We are also one of the UK's largest car leasing brokers, offering a range of leasing deals to suit your every need.
Originally posted: 21st December 2023
