Sometimes, the journey preceding the main destination on your road trip can taint the entire adventure. Certainly, most of us will have gone through the horror of looking out of the windscreen, and realising that the journey to idyllic southern Europe is going to be a little more bracing than we hoped.
One way to combat this is staying relatively close to home, so we’ve complied some of the very best road trip destinations that are within 500 miles of the UK. Typically you can get to these destinations within a day, depending on ferry crossings and how long you’re willing to drive without stopping.
The other benefit is seeing some great destinations and roads without breaking the bank on fuel or risking taking a potentially classic or less reliable car far from home. If you’re looking for an affordable road trip that easy to achieve – these are a great place to start.
This list isn’t exhaustive either and the distance will vary depending on where you start in theUK! It’s just some the locations we think you should be hitting when you’re next thinking about driving away.
The Ring of Kerry, Republic of Ireland
The entirety of the emerald isle is gifted with some wonderful roads, but very few can much this 111-mile loop.
The Ring of Kerry takes in some of the very best views in south-western Ireland, such as the Gap of Dunloe, the Torc Waterfall and the panoramic views of Ladies View. As the entirety of this loop is situated within Killarney National Park, you can guarantee some exciting stretches of road and photogenic locales, no matter which attractions you choose to take in.
Schwarzwaldhochstrasse, Germany
Firstly, let’s make this easier – call it the Black Forest High Road!
The B500 is one of the finest roads Germany has to offer, taking in mountainous terrain, valleys and meadows. Running between Buden-Buden and Freudenstadt. As the road itself is only 60km (37 miles) in length, we recommend bringing some walking boots for a quick stroll around the gorgeous Mummelsee lake, situated at one of many car parks adjacent to beauty spots.
Houffalize-Boullion-Dinant, Belgium
Set aside Spa-Francorchamps, and Belgium is probably not going to be at the top end of many motoring-inclined travel guides. But that is perhaps unjust, especially when it comes to the Ardennes region.
A trip between Houffalize and Dinant, via Bouillon, will reveal some true gems. The latter is a truly gorgeous village which is well worth a stop, a wander and an extended lunch break. Your starting point Houffalize is home to plenty of mountain bike trails and active pursuits, with some fun roads to be found en-route to Bouillon.
Dinant’s gorgeous historic buildings, sat alongside the Meuse river, with the imposing Citadel fortress on the cliffs above, is quaint and spectacular in equal measure, and makes a wonderful end point for a calming, rewarding journey.
Alsace Wine Route, France
While we could have included many of the entries from our list of road trips in northern France, we restricted ourselves to just one overlap.
This 170km stretch of road from Thann to Marlenheim includes some of the very best of France’s north-west, including delightful market villages which – as implied in the name – offer an impressive array of local wines among other products.
While there a huge number of wonderful potential checkpoints to choose from, make sure you spend time in Colmar, one of the largest villages on the route, complete with a network of canals dubbed “la Petite Venise”.
Nürburgring, Germany
If it’s driving thrills you’re after, the inclusion of the 13-mile Nordschleife is a no-brainer.
The infamous former Grand Prix venue is a mecca for almost anyone with an interest in cars or bikes. This is thanks in no small part to the fact you can drive your own vehicle on the hallowed tarmac, on pretty much any day that it isn’t hosting a motor race or a manufacturer’s private test.
If you don’t wish to test your own mettle, there are various options to be taken on a high-speed taxi ride with a professional driver; strap in tight!
