Top 8 City Road Trips!
Looking for some inspiration for your summer? Check out our top 8 city road trips!
By Charlie Seconde
Updated on May 25th, 2021
Summer is almost here and Covid-19 restrictions are being lifted, which can only mean one thing... ROAD TRIP!
We recently asked some of our customers what amazing road trips they’ve been on and what their dream road trip would be. After receiving over 1800 responses*, we’ve put together some of the best to give you some summer road trip inspiration.
This list is packed out with different cities you should visit, spread across the country as 61% of our respondents said they were planning on a city break this summer.
1
London
“Me and a few friends are planning on going to London pride (if it’s on) this year (if I pass my test on time)"
No matter what your interests, London can deliver what you need! With dozens of museums and galleries, most of which are free, you can widen your knowledge. The Shard has one of the city’s greatest views at 244m above the ground, more than twice the height of any other viewing platform in London. London also has lots of different green spaces and Primrose Hill, just north of regents park, provides a great panoramic view of the city.
Food in the city also leaves you spoilt for choice, and sometimes there are too many options! If it’s a curry you’re looking for, Brick Lane has some of the cities best curry houses. If you want a nice steak, Paternoster Chop House next to St. Pauls could be for you, but make sure to book in advance in case they are filming ‘First Dates’!
Where to park: When it comes to parking in London, one of the best options is to park and ride from the outskirts of the city as it is more cost-effective than trying to park in the city centre. You can use the website Park and Ride London to help plan your arrival.
No matter what your interests, London can deliver what you need! With dozens of museums and galleries, most of which are free, you can widen your knowledge. The Shard has one of the city’s greatest views at 244m above the ground, more than twice the height of any other viewing platform in London. London also has lots of different green spaces and Primrose Hill, just north of regents park, provides a great panoramic view of the city.
Food in the city also leaves you spoilt for choice, and sometimes there are too many options! If it’s a curry you’re looking for, Brick Lane has some of the cities best curry houses. If you want a nice steak, Paternoster Chop House next to St. Pauls could be for you, but make sure to book in advance in case they are filming ‘First Dates’!
Where to park: When it comes to parking in London, one of the best options is to park and ride from the outskirts of the city as it is more cost-effective than trying to park in the city centre. You can use the website Park and Ride London to help plan your arrival.
2
Edinburgh
“As I can’t drive on my own yet, when I get my licence and restrictions lift I'd like to drive to Scotland, specifically Edinburgh zoo with my nieces for a family day out.”
It’s fair to say that Edinburgh is a city that has it all! A bustling city centre, countryside walks up Arthur’s Seat and only around 3 miles to the beach at Portabello, it really is the perfect road trip destination.
If you want to do a bit of shopping, Princes Street has everything you need. The Castle is at the centre of the city and provides views for miles around. For those who are a bit more adventurous, Arthurs Seat in Hollyrood Park can be walked up in only around 60 minutes.
Where to park: The City of Edinburgh Council has a list of parking and park and ride options. This can help you pick the best option for you depending on budget, timings and vehicle choice.
It’s fair to say that Edinburgh is a city that has it all! A bustling city centre, countryside walks up Arthur’s Seat and only around 3 miles to the beach at Portabello, it really is the perfect road trip destination.
If you want to do a bit of shopping, Princes Street has everything you need. The Castle is at the centre of the city and provides views for miles around. For those who are a bit more adventurous, Arthurs Seat in Hollyrood Park can be walked up in only around 60 minutes.
Where to park: The City of Edinburgh Council has a list of parking and park and ride options. This can help you pick the best option for you depending on budget, timings and vehicle choice.
3
Liverpool
“My next trip will be to Liverpool to reunite with my best friend”
Liverpool was the first English City to get the title of ‘City of Culture' and it’s easy to see why! If music is your passion, why not visit ‘The Beatles Story’ museum, located on the historic Royal Albert Dock. Alternatively, if live music is more what you are looking for, the ‘Cavern Club’ has hosted some of Liverpool’s biggest bands since it opened in 1957.
Ghetto Golf is an adults-only indoor mini-golf course located in the city centre. With a cocktail bar, live DJ and BBQ restaurant, it definitely provides a fun-packed afternoon or evening of entertainment! If you fancy something a bit more relaxed, the World Museum Aquarium is perfect for a chilled afternoon, or perfect for a young family!
Where to park: Liverpool has lots of different parking options. You can find a list of different parking options on the Liverpool City Council website
Liverpool was the first English City to get the title of ‘City of Culture' and it’s easy to see why! If music is your passion, why not visit ‘The Beatles Story’ museum, located on the historic Royal Albert Dock. Alternatively, if live music is more what you are looking for, the ‘Cavern Club’ has hosted some of Liverpool’s biggest bands since it opened in 1957.
Ghetto Golf is an adults-only indoor mini-golf course located in the city centre. With a cocktail bar, live DJ and BBQ restaurant, it definitely provides a fun-packed afternoon or evening of entertainment! If you fancy something a bit more relaxed, the World Museum Aquarium is perfect for a chilled afternoon, or perfect for a young family!
Where to park: Liverpool has lots of different parking options. You can find a list of different parking options on the Liverpool City Council website
4
York
“Looking forward to driving to my first festival once I pass my test and be able to drive to a camping holiday with my friends. I also would love to drive to York to see my sister who is at York University.”
If New York is a bit too far away for you, why not visit (old) York? One of the oldest cities in England, York is full of historic landmarks such as York Minster, The Shambles and the York Dungeons. York is also the home of the National Railway Museum which houses the Mallard train which holds the world speed record for steam locomotives at 126 mph!
If you want to take things at a slower pace, you can take a ride down the River Ouse and soak in the views from a boat. After that, you can have a walk along the city's historic walls before grabbing a warm cup of Yorkshire Tea at Betty’s Tea Room!
Where to park: If you need somewhere to park your car, there are both council and private run options across the city. You can find a list of car parks in York on the York City Counsel website.
If New York is a bit too far away for you, why not visit (old) York? One of the oldest cities in England, York is full of historic landmarks such as York Minster, The Shambles and the York Dungeons. York is also the home of the National Railway Museum which houses the Mallard train which holds the world speed record for steam locomotives at 126 mph!
If you want to take things at a slower pace, you can take a ride down the River Ouse and soak in the views from a boat. After that, you can have a walk along the city's historic walls before grabbing a warm cup of Yorkshire Tea at Betty’s Tea Room!
Where to park: If you need somewhere to park your car, there are both council and private run options across the city. You can find a list of car parks in York on the York City Counsel website.
5
Oxford
Oxford is home to the oldest university in the English speaking world. It is about 925 years old! If you're a fan of Harry Potter, then these old buildings might be of interest as a number of these were used as filming locations for part of Hogwarts!
With Oxford being such an old city, not all of its history can be pleasant! You can get guided ghost tours to learn more about some of the city's darker past. If you have a green thumb, the Oxford Botanic Gardens and Arboretum, the oldest in the UK, could be for you. Founded in 1612, its 4 ½ acres contain over 5000 different plant species.
Where to park: Oxford has several different parking and park and rides options across the city. You can find information about these on the Oxford City Council website.
With Oxford being such an old city, not all of its history can be pleasant! You can get guided ghost tours to learn more about some of the city's darker past. If you have a green thumb, the Oxford Botanic Gardens and Arboretum, the oldest in the UK, could be for you. Founded in 1612, its 4 ½ acres contain over 5000 different plant species.
Where to park: Oxford has several different parking and park and rides options across the city. You can find information about these on the Oxford City Council website.
6
Bristol
Legend has it that America got its name from a Bristolian named Richard Amerike who was responsible for a large amount of the funding for John Cabot’s voyage to America!
The Clifton Suspension Bridge is one of Bristol's most iconic landmarks and took 33 years to complete in 1831. If you don’t do well with heights, you can visit another of Brunell’s greatest achievements, the SS Great Britain, which is in dry dock in Bristol Harbour. Bristol Zoo Gardens is also a great day out for all ages.
If you enjoy being on two wheels as opposed to four, Bristol is the UK’s first cycling city. With lots of cycling routes around the city, it is one of the best ways to take it all in. Do bear in mind though that it is quite hilly, so don’t expect to be in for an easy ride!
Where to park: If you are looking to park in Bristol, there are plenty of different options available. There is a list of different car parking and park and ride sites on the Bristol City Council website.
The Clifton Suspension Bridge is one of Bristol's most iconic landmarks and took 33 years to complete in 1831. If you don’t do well with heights, you can visit another of Brunell’s greatest achievements, the SS Great Britain, which is in dry dock in Bristol Harbour. Bristol Zoo Gardens is also a great day out for all ages.
If you enjoy being on two wheels as opposed to four, Bristol is the UK’s first cycling city. With lots of cycling routes around the city, it is one of the best ways to take it all in. Do bear in mind though that it is quite hilly, so don’t expect to be in for an easy ride!
Where to park: If you are looking to park in Bristol, there are plenty of different options available. There is a list of different car parking and park and ride sites on the Bristol City Council website.
7
Birmingham
Were you hoping to go to Venice this past year, but Covid-19 put a stop to it? Well, why not visit Birmingham! With more canals than Venice, it’s basically the same thing (sort of).
Birmingham is Europe’s youngest city with almost 40% of the population aged under 25! This lends itself to Birmingham being an eccentric city with an electric nightlife scene. Star City is a one-stop-shop for a day of activities. Bowling, minigolf, escape rooms, a cinema, multiple food options, the list goes on!
When looking for other places to eat, you’re spoilt for choice! As the home of the Balti, Birmingham is home to over 100 Balti houses, and for dessert, you can always head to Cadbury World! Your evening entertainment could include visiting the Birmingham Hippodrome, the UK’s busiest theatre with over 520,000 visitors each year!
Where to park: As a big city, there are parking options in the city centre, as well as further out if you prefer not to drive into the centre, You can find a list of different parking options on the Birming City Council website.
Birmingham is Europe’s youngest city with almost 40% of the population aged under 25! This lends itself to Birmingham being an eccentric city with an electric nightlife scene. Star City is a one-stop-shop for a day of activities. Bowling, minigolf, escape rooms, a cinema, multiple food options, the list goes on!
When looking for other places to eat, you’re spoilt for choice! As the home of the Balti, Birmingham is home to over 100 Balti houses, and for dessert, you can always head to Cadbury World! Your evening entertainment could include visiting the Birmingham Hippodrome, the UK’s busiest theatre with over 520,000 visitors each year!
Where to park: As a big city, there are parking options in the city centre, as well as further out if you prefer not to drive into the centre, You can find a list of different parking options on the Birming City Council website.
8
Newcastle
“One of my favourite road trips was with 2 of my best friends when we went to visit our friend at Newcastle University. It was a long drive but we enjoyed it so much as we had all our favourite music on in the drive and we chatted away about football, nights out and funny stories. It was a memorable road trip as it is a scenic journey and I had great company!”
Newcastle, or the ‘Toon’ as it is affectionately known by its locals, is a city full of character. Northumberland Street lies at the heart of the city and is great for a spot for shopping. If you really want to hit the shops hard, the Metro Centre in neighbouring Gates head is the place to be as it is Europes biggest shopping centre with over 340 shops!
If you like live music and food you can head to ‘Stack’. Made out of old shipping containers, the venue has multiple food outlets and a stage in the centre for live music! If you fancy heading out of the city, you can jump on the metro or drive out to the coast at Tynemouth for some fish and chips by the sea.
Where to park: Newcastle offers multiple parking options in the city centre. You can find information on parking in Newcastle on the Newcastle City Council website.
Newcastle, or the ‘Toon’ as it is affectionately known by its locals, is a city full of character. Northumberland Street lies at the heart of the city and is great for a spot for shopping. If you really want to hit the shops hard, the Metro Centre in neighbouring Gates head is the place to be as it is Europes biggest shopping centre with over 340 shops!
If you like live music and food you can head to ‘Stack’. Made out of old shipping containers, the venue has multiple food outlets and a stage in the centre for live music! If you fancy heading out of the city, you can jump on the metro or drive out to the coast at Tynemouth for some fish and chips by the sea.
Where to park: Newcastle offers multiple parking options in the city centre. You can find information on parking in Newcastle on the Newcastle City Council website.
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