Planning a winter street journey within the UK? Questioning whether or not it is best to head for the Northern Lights in Scotland, the snow-capped peaks in Wales, or use the time to go to standard places like Cornwall or the Lake District? We’ve lined the perfect routes that will help you select your excellent UK winter street journey.
Don’t overlook to seize your FREE street journey planner beneath to assist hold you organised.
*We work arduous to make this the perfect motorhome journey weblog and street journey web site attainable, filled with useful content material for you. The web site is supported by our readers, so in the event you purchase by hyperlinks on this website we might earn a commission- at no additional price to you. All opinions stay our personal.
In case you discover this submit helpful, you possibly can additionally deal with us to a espresso – we promise to take pleasure in it whereas creating extra helpful content material like this- we’d even bask in a biscuit (or two!)
Why do a winter street journey within the UK?
Most individuals assume that you could’t go winter motorhoming or take pleasure in a street journey throughout a UK winter. Nevertheless it’s really among the finest instances to discover the British Isles- quieter roads, unimaginable surroundings and easy accessibility to lots of the stunning Nationwide Parks we now have on our doorstep.
Even higher, many motorhome websites or camp grounds have lowered costs, as do many high points of interest, so it actually is a superb time to discover.
All you could do is be sure your automobile is appropriate for winter street journeys, costume up warmly after which head out in your winter journey!
The most effective UK winter street journey routes you possibly can’t miss
All of us have completely different priorities. That’s one of many issues I like a lot about street trips- the liberty to benefit from the stuff you like.
Even higher, the UK has LOADS to take pleasure in throughout winter, together with world-class Christmas markets, winter festivals, meals festivals, snow sports activities and implausible strolling over moors and hills.
We’ve chosen quite a lot of winter street journey concepts that will help you select the proper choice for you. In fact, you possibly can decide and select or mix ones to create your excellent winter getaway.
Ideas for driving in winter
In case you’re planning a winter street journey, there’s not a lot distinction from planning a UK street journey at another time of the 12 months, however you do want to verify of some issues.
- Be certain your automobile has been checked/ serviced and is able to coping with colder climate
- In case you’re travelling in a van, be sure your motorhome heating is working.
- Be certain your tyres are secure and appropriate for the roads. Even when there’s no snow, you possibly can anticipate to drive in heavy rain sooner or later in your journey
- Verify windscreen wipers and screenwash ranges
- Carry drink and snacks with you
- In case you’re not planning a motorhome journey, you’ll want to carry a thermos of scorching drink or a range and kettle, simply in case you get caught someplace chilly. Additionally, have a few blankets with you too.
- Be certain your telephones are charged and ideally use a correct sat-nav with visitors updates so you possibly can see if a street turns into blocked or closed.
The most effective winter street journey to see the Northern Lights
Among the finest-kept secrets and techniques in northern UK is that you could usually see the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) from up there.
Positive, they’re not as constant as a few of the different finest locations in Europe to see the Northern Lights, but when they’re in your bucket listing, it’s time to go north throughout winter.
Scotland Northern Lights Winter Street Journey
Whole Distance: 516 miles
Really useful No. of Days: 4-5 days
Finest time to go to: December, January, February
For the perfect likelihood of seeing the Northern Lights in Scotland, you’ll need to go as far north as attainable. The additional north you will get in your winter street journey, the higher.
In case you’re driving a motorhome or campervan, you could need to mix this with a NC500 motorhome tour which works alongside the northern coast.
Cease at locations like Sango Sands or Dunnet Bay close to John O’Groats, however ideally you’ll need to get even additional north. Orkney is definitely accessible on a street journey, even in the event you simply go to for a few days.
The most effective time to see the Northern Lights is between October and March. In case you’re hoping to see them from Scotland or a few of the northern Isles, November to February is your finest wager. Simply be sure to wrap up warmly- the perfect nights to see them are clear and chilly!
In case you’re in a motorhome or campervan, these are the North Coast 500 campsites open all 12 months.
In case you’d wish to discover extra , right here’s the one NC500 itinerary and route planner you want.
In case you’re up in Scotland, it’s also possible to go to the Cairngorms, dwelling to Aviemore- the UK’s finest ski and snowboarding resort
The most effective UK winter street journey concepts for Christmas Markets
We’re fortunate that there’s a first rate Christmas Market in nearly each huge UK city or metropolis.
Reasonably than go to your native one once more, why not make a weekend of it and go to some additional afield?
Almost all have a campsite open all 12 months close by for motorhome holidays or campervan excursions, or there are mattress and breakfasts in each place so that you can keep in your street journey.
Most UK Christmas Markets are open from final November, however some don’t open till mid-December, so you’ll want to test earlier than you begin your winter street journey.
Three UK street journey routes to see Christmas Markets
SOUTH CENTRAL
- Begin in Winchester (the Winchester Christmas Market is among the finest in England) and revel in exploring the town.
- Then head to Salisbury, the place you’ll discover one other implausible Christmas Market
- From right here, you possibly can head to the Cotswolds, that are a few of the most picturesque villages within the UK, or you possibly can go to Bathtub, which is wonderful at any time however particularly good at Christmas.
MIDLANDS
- Begin on the Christmas Market in Birmingham, which is among the largest Christmas markets within the UK and the most important genuine German market outdoors of Austria or Germany. Don’t overlook your skates so you possibly can ice skate on one of many rinks within the metropolis.
- From right here, proceed your England street journey and head to Stratford upon Avon, Warwick or Royal Leamington Spa for extra conventional Christmas celebrations, or head to Lincoln, dwelling of the oldest Christmas Market within the UK.
NORTHERN
- Edinburgh is among the finest cities to go to round Christmas time- the markets listed here are legendary.
- Though this can be a excellent place to cease on a Scotland street journey, you can additionally use it because the northern level of your winter street journey route, and head south to Newcastle or Durham.
- After exploring these great cities, head to Leeds, Manchester or Liverpool for extra big festivities.
In fact, you can simply spend a weekend street journey simply in London, exploring the Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park and all of the smaller Christmas Markets across the metropolis.
Finest Winter street journeys for mountaineering and open air
The UK has some fabulous Nationwide Parks, that are open all 12 months. Throughout summer season months, they’ll get very crowded, however throughout winter you possibly can usually have locations all to your self!
In case you’re dwelling in a van over winter, don’t overlook that many Nationwide Parks have in a single day parking restrictions, so you’ll want to comply with these. Right here’s how one can discover locations to remain in a single day.
Northern Eire
Northern Eire Winter Street Journey
Whole Distance: 220 miles
Really useful No. of Days: 2-3 days
Finest time to go to: November, December, January, February, March
The Causeway Coastal Route is among the finest winter street journeys in Northern Eire. Highlights embrace:
- Giants Causeway
- Carrick-a-rede rope bridge
- Dunluce Fortress
- Darkish Hedges
Winter street journey route concept
- Begin your Eire street journey by visiting the well-known Giants Causeway. It’s a couple of 90-minute drive from Belfast and attempt to get there as early as attainable.
- Go to close by Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. In summer season the queues might be prolonged, however in winter you shouldn’t have to attend lengthy.
- One other distinctive cease is the clifftop ruins of Dunluce Fortress which grasp above the ocean beneath.
- Don’t miss the Darkish Hedges. This street options in Sport of Thrones and is among the most stunning roads in Eire. It was surprisingly badly signposted after we visited, so don’t miss it. In case you’re motorhoming in Eire you possibly can’t drive down it- I’m not even certain you’ll make it in a campervan!
How lengthy does it take to drive the Causeway coastal route?
You’ll be able to comfortably drive the entire route in a single weekend because it’s fairly a brief route- solely 200 miles. You’ll be able to really do it in a day in the event you actually push. Don’t miss the Titanic museum in Belfast- it’s unimaginable.
Wish to go to southern Eire? See concepts for the perfect winter street journeys in Europe
Yorkshire Moors
Yorkshire is the proper winter street journey vacation spot. The moors look magical lined in snow however there are nonetheless loads of locations open all 12 months.
Highlights of a Yorkshire street journey embrace:
- Hardraw Power- England’s highest single-drop waterfall
- The longest present collapse England- White scar
- Ribblehead Viaduct
- Hogsmeade station (or at the least the station which performed it in Harry Potter!)
- Quite a few castles and ruins
Yorkshire Street Journey Itinerary concepts
Begin your street journey within the stunning Yorkshire Dales. Go to the eleventh century Skipton Fortress or go underground to see the formations in White Scar Caves, the longest present collapse England.
Go to the waterfalls of Ingleton, Aysgarth Falls or Hardraw Power- England’s highest single-drop waterfall. These are much more spectacular in winter with the elevated rainfall.
Earlier than leaving the Dales, go to the unimaginable monastic ruins and landscaped gardens of Fountains Abbey.
Subsequent, head to the town of York. You’ll be able to go to Viking, Roman, Georgian and Victorian websites all in at some point! Don’t miss a stroll alongside the cobbled Shambles, which has usually been voted the ‘Finest Road in Britain.’
Lastly, head out onto the moors. Cease at Goathland practice station (Hogsmeade station within the Harry Potter motion pictures.)
Alternatively, stretch your legs with a hike on the Gap of Horcum, an enormous historical pure amphitheatre.
Snowdonia
In case you’re on the lookout for a weekend UK street journey concept, head to one of many prettiest Nationwide Parks within the UK- Snowdonia in Wales.
Snowdonia is definitely a part of two of the Wales Approach driving routes– North and Cambrian and it’s simple to see why.
Just about the whole lot in Snowdonia entails being open air, so ensure you deliver acceptable clothes for the time of 12 months. In winter, you’re more likely to get rain, chilly and really probably snow.
There are many nice roads with spectacular surroundings and the celebrities at evening are unreal, particularly on a crisp Winter evening.
Planning a visit to Wales?
Seize your FREE information to the Wales Approach street journey routes, together with:
- instructed routes round Wales
- finest locations to see in your journey
- campsites to remain at alongside the way in which
- and different suggestions for touring Wales
The most effective winter street journey routes for standard UK locations
Winter is the proper time to go to locations that are often loopy busy.
Locations like Cornwall, Devon, the Lake District and the Cotswolds are a lot quieter and simpler to discover on the street journey.
Listed below are our favorite street journey concepts:
Cornwall
Cornwall is considered one of our favorite locations to street journey in England. I spent 2 years dwelling there while I used to be within the Navy, and have been again many instances since. There are many issues to do in Cornwall, however there are some essential suggestions you could know earlier than you arrive!
Why is Cornwall among the finest England street journeys?
If you would like cute villages, unimaginable seashores and extra historical past than you possibly can shake a stick at, Cornwall is ideal. Though some locations do shut in winter, lots of the fundamental points of interest stay open all 12 months, and the shortage of crowds makes it even higher.
How lengthy must you spend roadtripping Cornwall?
How lengthy is a bit of string!! However, as you possibly can see on our Cornish street journey itinerary, we suggest 7-10 days minimal to see all the perfect locations.
The place are the perfect locations to go to in Cornwall on a street journey?
A few of my absolute favorite locations in Cornwall embrace:
For a full listing of the perfect locations to go to on a Cornwall street journey, go to our Cornwall Street Journey Itinerary & Information
Devon
Even in Winter, Devon is a implausible street journey vacation spot. It’s nonetheless filled with cute villages, stunning hills and seashores and loads of cafes!
Highlights and finest locations to go to in Devon
My dad and mom reside right here, so I’ve spent lots of time exploring the county. A few of my favorite embrace:
- Dartmouth- among the finest cities within the county. Rent a ship and discover the river.
- Paignton- the seashore with the purple sand
- Exmouth with its stunning painted homes
- Dartmoor
- Saunton Sands
- Fish and Chips from Squires in Braunton
- Salcombe Harbour
- Dulverton- head to the Copper Kettle tea room; you gained’t remorse it!
See the complete listing of my favorite Devon street journey concepts right here.
Lake District
The Lake District Nationwide Park is an ideal UK winter street journey concept. It has a few of the worlds finest scenic drives and a visit alongside the Honister Cross and Kirkstone Cross are a must- though if it’s snowed closely they could be closed.
The Castlerigg stone circle can also be value a cease, as are the beautiful cities of Keswick and Cockermouth.
Within the South Lakes, Grasmere (dwelling of William Wordsworth) is value visiting and in the event you love Beatrix Potter, you possibly can go to her dwelling in Hawkshead. There may be additionally Beatrix Potter World in Bowness- on- Windermere.
Another highlights for winter street journeys embrace:
- The biggest pure lake within the UK, Lake Windermere. Some boat excursions run all 12 months however wrap up warmly
- The Punch Bowl Inn in Crosthwaite.
- Aira Power Waterfall
- The views at Derwentwater
Cotswolds – a magical UK winter street journey
The Cotswolds is the biggest Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence (AONB) in England and Wales and it seems to be SPECTACULAR in winter.
Highlights & Finest locations to go to within the Cotswolds and surrounding space
- The gorgeous stone villages of the Cotswolds (Bourton-on-the-Water is considered one of my private favourites)
- go to the historic metropolis of Bathtub
- marvel on the mysterious historical stones of Stonehenge
- cease on the magnificent Salisbury Cathedral.
Wiltshire & Cotswolds winter street journey itinerary
- Ideally, spend 3-4 days exploring as many beautiful little cities and villages of the Cotswolds as you want to. A number of the prettiest villages embrace Bibury, Stow-on-the-Wold, Decrease Slaughter, Bourton-on-the-Water and Fortress Combe.
- The historic metropolis of Bathtub is just a 30-minute drive from the village of Fortress Combe- effectively value a go to. Don’t miss visiting the Roman baths and having a cream tea within the tea rooms there.
- In case you have time, head East to Stonehenge. In case you’re in a motorhome or camper, you possibly can camp in a single day at Stonehenge (That is the place we noticed probably the most INCREDIBLE dawn we’ve EVER seen. (Severely, watch the video. It’s breathtaking)
- From Stonehenge, it’s solely a 20-minute drive into the medieval city of Salisbury, the place you possibly can discover Salisbury Cathedral which has the tallest spire in all of Britain!
In case you’re planning a UK street journey, you would possibly discover these posts useful:
