Who doesn't love a road trip?

A family pack of sweets and packed lunch, a route for your set destination and nothing to stop you, but traffic (or maybe a breakdown). It feels like a proper adventure.

Well, now the AA have revealed the UK's top road trips after it was discovered 45% of drivers plan to go on a road trip this year.

They have listed them by region, so you can easily plan your next road trip. We fancy the North Coast 500 ourselves.

South West

Devon to Cornwall

  • Barnstaple to Newquay
  • 77 miles
  • Highlights include Bude, Dartmoor National Park, Tintagel, Newquay

The Atlantic Highway offers breathtaking sea views as you drive from Barnstaple to Newquay. Clocking in at 77 miles, there’s plenty to see and do as you hug the coast on this route.

If the weather's on your side, park up when you get to Bude. Here, you can swap out the pedals for some sand under your toes at a Bude-iful beach.

Bude, in Cornwall, is a surfing hotspot, but if you'd rather catch some rays than a wave, the golden beaches are perfect for sunbathing. Fancy a detour? You can adjust your trip slightly to go via Dartmoor National Park, with its stunning mix of moorland, woodland, coast and rivers. Look out for the native ponies as you drive through the best of British natural beauty.

This detour will add about two hours to your trip. As this is an English road trip, you can’t always rely on the weather. If you’re caught on a rainy day, why not stop off at the village of Tintagel, the rumoured birthplace of King Arthur? 

You'll finish off at the pretty surfing town of Newquay. This is your chance to sit back and relax after the drive - there are plenty of tea shops overlooking the bay where you can enjoy a cuppa and watch the crashing, rolling waves of the Atlantic.

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The South

Dorset

  • Swanage to Lyme Regis
  • 56 miles
  • Highlights include Jurassic coast, Chesil beach, Fleet Lagoon

Looking for stunning clifftop views? If you're in the south, we recommend that you drive the Jurassic Coast, which is a UN World Heritage Site.

The whole site stretches 95 miles from East Devon to Studland Bay in Dorset, and fits in over 185 million years of geological history. Take a trip to Chesil Beach – it's a place that's inspired several works of art. If you've read Ian McEwan's breathtaking novel, or seen the film version with Saoirse Ronan, you'll have an idea of how beautiful Chesil Beach is.

If not, you'll soon understand why so many are in awe of the place as you make your way over the pebbles. But make sure you don’t take any as a keepsake – it’s a crime. Running next to Chesil Beach is an 8-mile stretch of water known as the Fleet Lagoon.

There are lots of marine animals and rare plants that call this lagoon home, including seahorses and seabirds. Further along the trip, (if the weather's nice or you're feeling hardy), you can stop off at West Bay - where Broadchurch was filmed - for a paddle.

Borehamwood Times: Chesil beach

The East

Norfolk

  • Norwich to Hunstanton via Cromer
  • 63 miles
  • Highlights include Norwich, Cromer, Hunstanon

In Norfolk, you can enjoy stunning sea views along roads that are almost empty. Norwich is a fine city to start in, where you'll be treated to plenty of history and architecture.

There's enough to keep you busy for a whole day here. An 11th century cathedral stands in the middle of the city, the medieval Norwich Castle runs lots of workshops and events, and there's also a world-famous outdoor market.

No Norfolk road trip would be complete without a visit to Cromer, arguably one of Britain's best-loved seaside towns. Cromer Pier is full of character (and local characters) and its own unique charm. If you’re salivating over some seafood, Cromer is also famous for its crab.

Next, make your way along the coastal road until you reach the tranquil town of Hunstanton. This is one of the few places on the coast where you can see the sun setting over the sea. It's the perfect place to pause and watch a sunset.

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The West

North Wales

  • Aberystwyth to Llandudno via Snowdonia
  • 85 miles
  • Highlights include Snowdonia, Snowdon, Conwy's medieval castle

If you get the chance, travel from Aberystwyth to Llandudno via Snowdonia in North Wales. Take the trip for the unbeatable mountain views, rivers and quiet villages.

Driving those winding roads will be worth it once you see what Snowdonia has to offer. It's hard to describe how magnificent Snowdonia is. Everywhere you look, there are sweeping valleys, majestic mountains, rolling peaks and historic, crumbling walls. There’s so much beauty - but Snowdon stands head and shoulders above the lot.

As the largest mountain in the country, climbing Snowdon is on many people’s bucket list. If you do decide to tackle the climb, set aside a whole day. The feeling of reaching the top makes it all worth it – whether you’re shrouded in cloud or have a clear view for miles.

Once you carry on your trip you'll make it into the crescent-moon bay of Llandudno. Reward yourself with some fish and chips on the pier or pop over to Conwy's medieval castle.

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The North

The Scottish Highlands

  • North coast 500 (circular route starting and finishing in Inverness)
  • Around 500 miles
  • Highlights include North Coast 500, Loch Ness and Urqhuart Castle

Finally, if you can get up to the Scottish Highlands, just about any driving route makes a great road trip. Why not take several days and do the legendary North Coast 500?

It's a coastal drive starting and finishing in Inverness. There are plenty of places to stop off for a break along the route. For example, Dornoch, on the east coast, is an ideal place to enjoy a seaside walk and a pub lunch. Or why not be adventurous and track down Nessie? You can hop on a RIB speedboat and take a trip around the Loch Ness and Caledonian Canal. You might not spot the mysterious monster but you will spot gorgeous scenery, including Urqhuart Castle.

A helpful tip – the North Coast 500 is growing in popularity year-on-year. So you’d be better off reserving any accommodation in advance. It'll save you driving around tired looking for a place with spaces.

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