As a small country, the UK is relatively easy to navigate in a short space of time, and the ideal destination for a two-week road trip. From historic towns to scenic lakes, charming villages and rolling hills, there are such varied landscapes to explore that you can create an itinerary that appeals to everyone.
If you’re considering your own adventure through the towns, villages and cities of the UK, here’s an itinerary to inspire you.
Days 1-2 in London
Since most people travelling to the UK will start in the capital, we will begin our itinerary in London. The city is packed with comfortable, welcoming hotels to settle in to, or you can make this a self-drive adventure with a campervan that will serve as your home and transport for the next two weeks.
Use this time to take in the sights, from Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus to shopping on Oxford Street.
If you have a little more time to play with, you may enjoy a journey to the royal town of Windsor – home to the famous Windsor Castle, where the Queen rests in peace.
Days 3-5 in Oxford, Bath and Bristol
Just a few hours from London, you’ll find the historic city of Oxford—a place synonymous with knowledge and tradition. Visitors can tour the university and take in the spectacular architecture before going punting along the river.
A short drive from Oxford, the city of Bath represents a perfect fusion of Roman history and Georgian architectural elegance, and is a must for Jane Austen fans.
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, Bath offers photographers a treasure trove of visual delights.
On your fifth day, head to Bristol which is just over an hour from Bath and a vibrant counterpoint to the historic elegance of both Bath and Oxford. A city with a rich maritime history and a reputation for creativity, Bristol offers visitors a dynamic urban landscape mixed with industrial heritage.
Street art enthusiasts will be particularly drawn to this city, famously the hometown of the mysterious artist Banksy. Areas like Stokes Croft and the harbourside are particularly rich in visual storytelling, with a continually evolving landscape.
Days 6-8 in Wales
Wales is one of the most scenic areas in the UK, whether you’re visiting the Pembrokeshire Coast, Vale of Clwyd or Tenby Harbour. Our suggestion would be to start with the Gower Peninsula in Swansea, and then move up the country to Snowdonia National Park.
The first place in Britain to be named a National Landscape, the Gower Peninsula is popular with surfers, hikers, cold water dippers and photographers. It’s a spectacular area, with Langland Bay the most popular (and well-known) beach, so be sure to add this to your list of must-sees.
Snowdonia, meanwhile, is dominated by Mount Snowdon—the tallest peak in Wales—and offers varied terrain for scenic drives. For a quicker and slightly easier mountain hike, head to the equally dramatic Pen y Fan (Pen-uh-Van).
Day 9 in Manchester
Having spent over a week travelling through the south of the UK, spend a day relaxing in Manchester. A lively city with plenty to see and do, it’s a great spot for sightseeing.
Spend the morning wandering the aisles of Chetham’s Library, the oldest public library in the English-speaking world, dating back to 1080. In the evening, book a table at one of the many curry houses along the famous Curry Mile in the south of the city.
Days 10-11 in the Lake District
No road trip through England is complete without a trip to the Lake District. A magnificent destination famed for its fells and lakes, it’s a tranquil spot that’s associated with William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter.
Head to Buttermere, Windermere and Rydal Water, some of the prettiest lakes in the area, before driving Kirkstone Pass—the highest drivable pass in the Lake District.
One of the most picturesque villages in the area is Ambleside, where quaint Victorian cottages are surrounded by the Lakeland fells. It’s a popular choice with tourists, and with good reason.
Day 12 in Edinburgh
It’s time to cross the border from England to Scotland, with a visit to the striking city of Edinburgh.
Visit the Royal Mile for souvenirs, immerse yourself in history with a trip to Edinburgh Castle then take a walk to the top of Arthur’s Seat in the afternoon, for panoramic views overlooking the city.
Days 13-14 in Northern Ireland
Arriving in Belfast, you’ll experience a rich urban environment. The Titanic Quarter, which commemorates the city’s shipbuilding heritage, blends industrial history with contemporary design.
From here, journey along the coast to the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a geological wonder that offers one of the most beautiful driving routes in the world.
The United Kingdom may be small in size, but it boasts a remarkably rich history and an extraordinary array of attractions that make it a truly captivating destination.
From ancient castles steeped in legend to elegant stately homes, meticulously maintained gardens, and breathtaking landscapes classified as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the UK offers something for every kind of traveller.
A two-week visit will provide ample time to experience many of the country’s highlights, However, if you have the flexibility, extending your trip to three weeks or more will allow you to delve deeper into some of the UK’s most enchanting regions such as Cornwall, Devon and more of Northern Ireland.