Dramatic coasts, peaceful pastoral scenes, and spectacular historic sites: These are just a few things you’ll encounter as you enjoy the best road trips the UK has to offer.
For pleasure-seekers, explorers and travellers we believe the joy of any trip starts with the car.
Whether you have a weekend, a week, or perhaps longer, nothing compares to exploring at your leisure. With scenic views, intriguing cultural experiences, incredible wildlife encounters and more, these road trips offer the ultimate in enjoyment now plus fantastic memories for the future.
Plus with our newly expanded fleet of premium vehicles, what are you waiting for? An unforgettable road trip awaits!
Northern Ireland's Causeway Coastal Route
Astonishing geologic features and breathtaking views await all along the Causeway Coastal Route from Belfast to Derry. There are nine distinct segments so it’s easy to break the journey into smaller drives over the course of your getaway.
Main attractions:
- Gobbin’s Cliff Path
- Giant’s Causeway
- RSPB reserve at Rathlin Island
- Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
- Glens of Antrim
- Dunluce Castle
- Ballintoy Harbour
- Dark Hedges (Also known as the Kingsroad site from Game of Thrones)
Distance and duration: 120 miles, best enjoyed over the course of three to five days
Nearest Hertz Branch: Belfast or Derry
Isles of Scotland Road
All along the winding road that leads from Fort William to Mallaig, you’ll find astonishing scenes – including some landmarks you might recognise from movies including the Harry Potter films and Local Hero. This trip is a fairly short one in terms of mileage but there are loads of stops along the way, making for a fun, leisurely experience with lots of opportunities to stretch your legs and take photos. (And thanks to our free Go-Anywhere Wi-Fi you can upload your photos and make everyone back home jealous too!)
If you do visit Loch Morar or Loch Ness, be sure to look for Morag and Nessie!
Main attractions:
- Ben Nevis Peak
- Glenfinnan Viaduct
- Camusdarach Beach
- Caledonian Canal
- Glenfinnan Monument
- West Highland Line
- Loch Morar
- Loch Ness
- Inverlochy Castle
Distance and duration: 46 miles, best enjoyed over the course of two to three days.
Nearest Hertz Branch: Inverness
Peak District, Derbyshire, and Snake Pass
Travelling with kids? If so, you’ll find lots of fun, fascinating adventures along the route that travels through the Peak District and the Pennines. Hike at Derwent Dam, visit Alton Towers theme park, and consider taking a side trip to Blue John Cavern. There’s astounding scenery everywhere you look, plus lots of family-friendly adventures all throughout the Peak District. If climbing, cycling, or trekking is on your list of things to do, be sure to spend time at Dovedale.
Main attractions:
- Chatsworth
- Haddon Hall
- Renishaw Hall
- Bolsover Castle
- Heights of Abraham
- Poole’s Cavern & Country Park
- Cromford Canal
- Elvaston Castle
Distance and duration: 40 miles at minimum, best enjoyed over the course of two to three days.
Nearest Hertz Branch: Derby
Yorkshire Moors
Encounter amazing wildlife, view historic castles and roam through crumbling, ancient abbey ruins all throughout the Yorkshire Moors. Wild deer, squirrels, and rabbits are often spotted at Rievaulx Abbey, and Mount Grace Priory is famous for its stoats. Winding roads reveal pastoral scenes, with grazing sheep and curious cattle looking on.
Main attractions:
- Harewood House
- Potteric Carr Nature Reserve
- North York Moors National Park
- Ingleton Waterfalls Trails
- Malham Cove
- Dalby Forest
- Mallyan Spout
Distance and duration: Variable, but as short as 42 miles if you opt for a quick trip from Helmsley to Staithes. Best enjoyed over the course of two to three days or even longer – it’s possible to spend more than a week exploring at a leisurely pace.
Nearest Hertz Branch: York
The Cotswolds Villages
Historic sites – some in very good repair – dot the landscape all throughout the Cotswolds. With scenic villages, charming shops, boutique vineyards, and winding country lanes that seem to call your name, this is one road trip that’s not to be missed, particularly if you’re keen to set out from London. With good timing, you’re likely to enjoy a festival or two along the way. Choose a route that travels between Chipping Campden and Bath for pastoral scenes and iconic architecture alike. If you’re travelling with kids, don’t miss the Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens, and do consider a stop at Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park.
Main attractions
- Blenheim Palace
- Broadway Tower
- Sudley Castle & Gardens
- Cogges Manor Farm
- Chedworth Roman Villa
- Batsford Arboretum & Garden Centre
- Dyrham Park
- The Roman Baths and the Temple of Minerva
Distance and duration: Variable, but as short as 70 miles. Best enjoyed over the course of three to four days.
Nearest Hertz Branch: Oxford
What Cars are best for your road trip?
Our newly expanded range of premium vehicles offer a variety of cars for hire to suit any occasion and budget. All of the vehicles on offer are equipped with features that make your road trip even better. For example, you might like the luxurious Mercedes C Class for a romantic drive along the tight, winding roads of The Cotswolds. For family trips, we recommend larger SUVs, like the practical but super-comfy Volvo XC60.
Whether you’re in search of enchanting landscapes, amazing spring colour, or crashing waves on pristine coastlines, you can find it while enjoying the UK’s best road trips.
You've got the keys to a hire car and the open road stretches out ahead of you. What are you waiting for?
