It’s takes you through beautiful villages and and gorgeous countrysideThe route takes you along the A591 road in the Lake District The route takes you along the A591 road in the Lake District (Image: DAVID ILIFF /Wikimedia Commons)

Summer is the perfect time for a road trip and exploring some of the incredible landscapes we have right on our doorstep – and one of the best ones in the UK is right here in the North West.

The top five road trips in the UK have been revealed and a stunning route in the Lake District has been ranked in third place, beaten only by the North Coast 500 in Scotland and a coast-to-coast loop in Cornwall.

Carmoola, a digital car finance lender, has partnered up with leading travel expert Gemma Logan of The Brighton Bucket List to share the best road trips in the UK.

The gorgeous Lake District route takes in some of the national park’s most beautiful villages, as well as passing by the region’s magnificent fells and gorgeous lakes.

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Spanning roughly 80-100 miles depending on the route you take, it starts in Windermere and takes you to Grasmere, Keswick, Coniston and Borrowdale before looping back to Windermere.

The route takes you through Ambleside The route takes you through Ambleside (Image: Getty Images)

It can take you around three to four hours of continuous driving, but it’s best experienced over two to three days, allowing you to fully explore the area.

The road trip is excellent for those who are into outdoor activities and hiking, but it;s alos a great way for people to take in the beauty of the Lake District from the comfort of their car.

Gemma said: “We’ve seen a major shift towards slower, more meaningful travel.

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“Road trips offer freedom, flexibility, and the chance to uncover hidden gems along the way – all while travelling on your own terms. They’re no longer a backup plan – they’re the way people want to travel.”

It’s not the only road trip within easy reach of Greater Manchester to make the top five; ranking in fourth place was a route which takes you through the gorgeous Yorkshire Dales and Moors.

The 120 mile route starts in Skipton and passes through Grassington, Malham, Hawes, Helmsley and Skipton.

The top five UK road trips for summer 2025

  1. North Coast 500, Scotland
  2. Cornwall coast-to-coast
  3. Lake District
  4. Yorkshire Dales and Moors
  5. Wale’s Coastal Way

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