ONE of the funnest parts of road trips is discovering places you’ve never been before and sampling new experiences.
Two Scottish cities have been named among the best places to get lost in by car.
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Edinburgh has been named as the best city in the UK to get lost in while drivingCredit: Alamy
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Car rental firm Sixt has listed the best places in the UK to get lost in by carCredit: Sixt
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Glasgow has been named as the third-best place in the UK to get lost in during a road tripCredit: Alamy
A list of cities and towns across the UK has been created following a study of detour destinations.
Edinburgh has been named the best place for road trippers due to its abundance of things to do.
The research by vehicle rental firm Sixt analysed data on the number of things to do, average temperatures, food and drink events, number of bodies of water, and the amount of EV chargers and petrol stations.
The capital is home to more than 65 museums and there are over 240 things to do in and around the city.
Popular attractions for visitors include the Royal Yacht Britannia, the World of Illusions, and the National Galleries.
Edinburgh has been included in around 750 ‘good staycation’ articles on Google in the last six months and searches for ‘wild swimming Scotland’ have increased by 22 per cent over the past year.
Auld Reekie has more than 37 bodies of water, including Portobello Beach and Wardie Bay at Granton.
The city also has 101 charging spots per 100,000 people and 43 filling stations.
Glasgow was named as the third best city in the UK for a detour, behind York.
Scotland’s most populated city has been included in around 260 ‘good staycation’ articles on Google over the past six months.
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There are 22 bodies of water in and around Glasgow, including iconic Loch Lomond and Finnich Glen, also known as the Devil’s Pulpit.
The city has around 48 points of interest, including the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) and Glasgow Cathedral.
Glasgow also has 102 EV chargers per 100,000 people and 66 filling stations.
Jamie Holt, operations director at SIXT, said: “Our findings from this study have created a go-to index for those who love to wander off the beaten path. Road trips are a staple in the UK during the spring and summer months, but often the most popular destinations can be crowded, so we’ve uncovered the best locations to visit to help inspire travel decisions this year.
“Here at SIXT, we’re encouraging people to embrace the art of ‘getting lost’, enjoying the detour and not just the destination.
“Although you may be thinking that Edinburgh and Glasgow are major cities that are well-travelled and have plenty to do, the sheer volume and range of activities made these cities superior to others in the study.
“Edinburgh is full of detour spots, whether you choose to drive around the buzzing city centre or quieter spots such as Portobello Beach and Pentland Hills. It outshone other cities when it came to activities, boasting more than 65 museums and landmarks, 12 local food markets and five National Trust sites, as well as being incredibly car-friendly, allowing you to recharge and refuel. In Edinburgh, most of the best spots aren’t on the main streets, and wandering down the winding alleys of the Old Town will uncover plenty of historic charm.
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“Glasgow also claimed a spot for itself in the top three due to its ability to offer a diverse and exciting detour. It has a great variety of activities and excursions with almost 50 museums and heritage sites, and over 240 things to do.
“Glasgow can cater to families, couples and even friend trips this spring and summer. Adults can enjoy Ashton Lane, a cobbled backstreet with cool bars, restaurants and a tiny cinema, whereas families can visit Pollok Country Park, home to Highland cows, or Glasgow Science Centre with a planetarium – the kids definitely won’t be bored in this city.”