5 family road trips to discover the beauty of the UK

The cinematic glamour of the Amalfi Coast, the vast stretches of Australia’s Great Ocean Road, the nostalgic Americana of Route 66 and the Blue Ridge Parkway. The world’s most famous road trips still feel like a fantasy incarnate, calling to mind wide open vistas and a sense of unbridled flexibility – plus all-important privacy.

But as well as those immediately recognisable routes, there are plenty of scenic journeys to be taken closer to home, with the UK road trip now a popular minibreak option. From the bracing north coast of Scotland to the wild, salt-sprayed lanes of south-west England, there are a host of routes that take in some of the nation’s most striking scenery and idyllic staycation spots.

The right car is a crucial element of any perfect road trip and there’s no better place to explore from than the spacious surrounds of a Discovery or Discovery Sport. Everything about this luxury car brand guarantees the smoothest ride possible, plus that all-important sense of adventure – embodying the mantra ‘never stop discovering’, whether you’re driving to new lands with family or friends, or taking an everyday journey.

One of the best things about travelling in a Discovery is that every drive captures the uninhibited freedom of a road trip. To fully embrace that spirit, we’ve rounded up five of the best routes to take in the UK, which include striking natural scenery, fascinating historical sites, picture-perfect towns and thriving restaurant scenes.

The Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland

Perhaps the most famous drive in Northern Ireland, this route hugs the Antrim coast between Belfast and Londonderry, offering dramatic cliffs and sea views. There are some must-see stops along the way, too, including the Giant’s Causeway, whose remarkable formation of interlocking rock columns has earned it UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Another memorable sight is the haunting outline of Dunluce Castle, a medieval ruin perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the wild Atlantic below. Leaving the car behind, you can take a walk along the restored Edwardian-era Gobbins Cliff Path, with its meandering tunnels and trails, or stroll along Portstewart Strand beach and stop for a lunch of fresh seafood.

The Atlantic Highway, south-west England

This scenic trip along England’s south-west peninsula stretches between two of the country’s most idyllic counties: Devon and Cornwall. Running from the Devon border to Newquay in Cornwall's north-eastern corner, the Atlantic Highway takes you through quaint villages and along exciting coastlines with ocean views. Drinking in the scenery is entertainment enough, but on the rugged clifftops of north Cornwall, between Padstow and Bude, you’ll find Tintagel Castle, a magical place steeped in Arthurian legend (Merlin’s Cave can also be found nearby). Other highlights include walks on salty stretches of the South West Coast Path, exploring charming fishing villages such as Port Isaac and discovering foodie gems like Padstow, which has put the region on the culinary map.

North Coast 500, Scotland

Expect landscapes as varied as they are spectacular, defined by rugged mountains, mist-shrouded lochs and remote villages. Fairytale castles and sprawling golf courses abound in Sutherland, which makes up a large part of the route, or venture slightly off the track to visit the Black Isle peninsula, which is known for its rich farmland, thriving food and drinks scene, and ample dolphin-spotting opportunities. You can also spot seals on the shoreline of Easter Ross before taking in the views from the Fyrish monument or learning how whisky is made at a local distillery. En route to the final destination – the lively Highlands capital of Inverness – you might even catch sight of the Loch Ness monster…

The Yorkshire Dales, England

There are many routes through the Dales to feed your sense of adventure. A drive might begin in the ancient walled city of York, a historic haven with plenty of buzzy restaurants and boutique hotels, including No.1 York and The Grand. From there, you could head for the hills and stop off in Pateley Bridge, a market town in the heart of Nidderdale, an area of outstanding natural beauty. Then, discover Malham Cove, an amphitheatre-shaped cliff formation made from limestone, before heading north to Buttertubs Pass, a famous road that crosses the high moorland between Wensleydale and Swaledale, which featured as the second King of the Mountains climb of the 2014 Tour de France

The Cambria Way, Wales

This road trip will take you through the heart of Wales. It might start in the bustling capital city of Cardiff, before heading north to Merthyr, where you can wander Cyfarthfa Castle or take a detour to the Penderyn Distillery to learn about – and taste – Welsh whisky. Merthyr is also the gateway to the Brecon Beacons National Park, whose soaring peaks and glassy lakes form the ultimate road trip backdrop, with plenty of scenic paths for those all-important leg-stretching walks. Winding through valleys and lake-dotted countryside, you’ll then reach the dramatic scenery of Snowdonia National Park and can continue up to the north coast, with plenty of fascinating stops to be discovered along the way.

Wherever you’re heading, each Discovery model offers the reassurance of all-terrain capabilities and industry-leading versatility, while the design remains timeless. The exterior is unmistakable and the interiors are just as distinctively designed, resembling a first-class cabin with deeply cushioned seating and exceptional stowage. Personal space is another key element, with flexible seating arrangements setting the standard for families, or anyone taking longer journeys. Meanwhile, the latest touchscreen technology ensures drivers stay connected and informed, while passengers are effortlessly entertained.

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