How to Plan a UK Road Trip with Flight Connections

Buckle up, UK travel enthusiasts! A UK road trip is your pass to the great outdoors, where emerald hills, scenic castles, and charming villages make up the fabric of nature, and where you dictate the pace of your holiday. From the windswept Scottish Highlands to the rolling Cotswolds, the UK’s diminutive size combined with epic scenery make it a dream destination for the road tripper. And if you’re an international adventurer on a mission or a Brit abroad, then flying into a UK hub and hitting the road is the ideal combo. With EaseMyTrip by your side (or as your “travel wingman”), booking flights to prime destinations in England, such as Liverpool, is a cinch. This guide lays out everything you need to know to plan the best road trip in the UK – including how to pick your starting point and what to include in your itinerary, as well as how to get around like a local. Time to fire up for our tour of the UK in 2025!

1. Choosing Your UK Hub

The UK has several well-connected airports that make excellent starting points for a road trip. Here are four popular hubs and what they offer:

London

• Airports: Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Stansted

• Highlights: Cotswolds, Cornwall, Stonehenge, Oxford

• Why start here: London is a major international gateway, offering numerous flight connections and access to southern England’s most iconic destinations.

Manchester

• Airport: Manchester Airport (MAN)

• Highlights: Lake District, Peak District, Yorkshire Dales

• Why start here: Centrally located in northern England, it’s ideal for exploring the countryside, historic towns, and scenic national parks.

Edinburgh

• Airport: Edinburgh Airport (EDI)

• Highlights: Scottish Borders, Stirling, Loch Lomond

• Why start here: A cultural gem with easy access to both city life and nature, Edinburgh is a top choice for Scotland-bound road trippers.

Inverness

• Airport: Inverness Airport (INV)

• Highlights: Scottish Highlands, NC500 route, Isle of Skye

• Why start here: For dramatic landscapes and a wilder adventure, Inverness is the perfect base for a Highland escape.

2. Flight Connections: Getting There with EaseMyTrip

EaseMyTrip makes it simple to fly into these UK hubs with a wide range of options and competitive fares. Whether you're arriving from within Europe or overseas, here’s how to make the most of your flight bookings:

Tips for Booking Flights

• Book early: For the best prices, book at least 3-4 weeks in advance.

• Fly midweek: Tuesdays and Wednesdays often offer the lowest fares.

• Use flight alerts: Set up fare alerts on EaseMyTrip to track price drops.

• Consider nearby airports: For example, flying into Luton or Gatwick might be cheaper than Heathrow.

No matter where you land, EaseMyTrip can help you connect the dots between your flight and your road adventure.

Itinerary Suggestions

Ready to hit the road? Here are four sample UK road trip itineraries, starting from each hub, packed with must-see spots and driving times:

1. Inverness to the Highlands (5–7 Days)

• Day 1–2: Inverness (0 miles): Explore Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle. Stay at Kingsmills Hotel (~£100/night).

• Day 3–4: Isle of Skye (120 miles, 3 hours): Drive via Eilean Donan Castle. Hike the Quiraing and visit Portree. Stay at Cuillin Hills Hotel (~£120).

• Day 5–6: North Coast 500 Loop (200 miles, 5 hours): Stop at Ullapool and Applecross for coastal views. Overnight in Torridon (~£80).

• Day 7: Return to Inverness (100 miles, 2.5 hours): Visit Glen Affric en route.

• Total Distance: ~420 miles.

2. Edinburgh to the East Coast (4–6 Days)

• Day 1–2: Edinburgh (0 miles): Tour Edinburgh Castle and Calton Hill. Stay at The Balmoral (~£150/night).

• Day 3: St Andrews (50 miles, 1.5 hours): Play golf or visit the cathedral. Stay at Rusacks Hotel (~£100).

• Day 4–5: East Neuk (30 miles, 1 hour): Explore fishing villages like Anstruther and Crail. Overnight in Pittenweem (~£70).

• Day 6: Return to Edinburgh (50 miles, 1.5 hours): Stop at North Berwick for seaside charm.

• Total Distance: ~130 miles.

3. London to the Cotswolds (3–5 Days)

• Day 1: London (0 miles): See Tower Bridge and Covent Garden. Stay at The Z Hotel (~£90/night).

• Day 2–3: Cotswolds (100 miles, 2 hours): Visit Bourton-on-the-Water and Bibury. Stay at The Slaughters Manor (~£130).

• Day 4: Bath (50 miles, 1.5 hours): Tour Roman Baths and Jane Austen sites. Overnight at The Gainsborough (~£110).

• Day 5: Return to London (120 miles, 2.5 hours): Stop at Stonehenge (entry ~£20).

• Total Distance: ~270 miles.

4. Manchester to the Lake District (5–7 Days)

• Day 1–2: Manchester (0 miles): Explore Northern Quarter and John Rylands Library. Stay at King Street Townhouse (~£100/night).

• Day 3–4: Windermere (80 miles, 2 hours): Cruise Lake Windermere and hike Orrest Head. Stay at The Samling (~£120).

• Day 5–6: Keswick (30 miles, 1 hour): Visit Derwentwater and Castlerigg Stone Circle. Overnight at Inn on the Square (~£90).

• Day 7: Return to Manchester (90 miles, 2 hours): Stop at Lancaster Castle.

• Total Distance: ~200 miles.

Pro Tip: Use Google Maps or Waze for real-time routes, and book accommodations via EaseMyTrip for seamless planning.

Travel Tips

Renting a Car

• Where to Rent: Book at airports (Inverness, Edinburgh, etc.). Expect ~£30–£50/day for a compact car.

• Requirements: UK drivers need a valid licence; international travellers require an International Driving Permit (IDP) with their licence.

• Tips: Opt for automatic cars if unfamiliar with manual (UK’s default). Check for unlimited mileage to avoid extra fees.

UK Driving Laws

• Drive on the Left: Stay left, especially at roundabouts (yield to the right).

• Speed Limits: 30 mph in cities, 60 mph on single carriageways, 70 mph on motorways.

• Rules: No mobile phone use while driving (hands-free only). Seatbelts are mandatory.

• Fuel: Petrol/diesel costs ~£1.40/litre. Stations are common, but rural Highlands may have gaps.

Navigation and Safety

• Navigation: Download offline maps (Google Maps) for rural areas with spotty signal. Sat-nav rentals cost ~£10/day approx.

• Safety: Watch for narrow Highland roads and wildlife (e.g., deer). Park in designated areas to avoid fines.

• Rest Stops: Plan breaks every 2 hours. Services like Welcome Break offer food and fuel (e.g., M6 near Manchester).

• Accommodations: Book B&Bs or inns for charm (e.g., Cotswolds’ The Wheatsheaf, ~£80). Use EaseMyTrip for deals.

Pro Tip: Carry a paper map as backup and check GOV.UK for driving regulations.

Conclusion

A road trip is your opportunity to pursue adventure, whether that means exploring the misty Highlands or the postcard-perfect Cotswolds. With flights connecting via hubs such as Inverness, Edinburgh, London, or Manchester, the journey starts as soon as you land. Whether you’re navigating the rugged coasts of Scotland or the cozy English countryside, EaseMyTrip has you covered with cheap flights, car rentals, and vacation packages to fit any itinerary. Ready to hit the open road? Soar over the English Channel and plan your own epic UK travel adventure when you book your flights at EaseMyTrip. Let’s turn the UK’s wait into a ride to remember!

*Note: All prices mentioned are approximate and subject to change based on season, demand, and booking time; check EaseMyTrip or call us 24/7 at 0330 043 0043 for the latest rates.

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