Top UK Road Trips for Self-Drive Car Hire Adventures

At Chief Vehicle Rentals, we’ve spent decades helping drivers across the UK get on the road with reliable self-drive car hire. Whether you’re setting off on a short weekend break or embarking on an extended road trip, choosing the right vehicle, from small car hire for nimble touring to large car rental for spacious comfort, can make all the difference. With headquarters in both Birmingham and Torbay, we’re perfectly placed to equip you for unforgettable journeys through Britain’s most scenic landscapes.

This guide explores some of the most iconic UK road trip destinations, explains how long these drives might take from Birmingham and Torbay, and offers practical advice to help you prepare for your adventure, including packing tips, accommodation suggestions, and food ideas. All roads lead to adventure when you’ve got the right car hire behind you.

Snowdonia National Park - Mountains, Valleys and Coast

One of the UK’s most dramatic and beautiful regions, Snowdonia in North Wales, is a classic for anyone seeking rugged scenery and outdoor adventure. From Birmingham, Snowdonia is approximately a 3.5 to 4-hour drive, depending on your exact route and traffic. From Torbay, expect closer to 5 to 5.5 hours, but the coastal and countryside views make the journey part of the experience.

A self-drive car hire from Chief Vehicle Rentals gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, winding roads around Snowdon, charming villages like Betws-y-Coed, and the serene shores of Llyn Tegid are all within reach. Opt for small car hire if you’re travelling light or touring solo, or consider a large car rental if you’re heading up with family, friends and plenty of gear.

Why visit:

• Scenic hiking routes and breathtaking viewpoints

• Quaint cafés and local craft shops

• Outdoor activities like mountain biking and water sports

Top tip: Book accommodation early during summer, and pack layers. Mountain weather can change quickly.

The North Coast 500 - Scotland’s Ultimate Drive

For many road trip enthusiasts, the North Coast 500 (NC500) is the pinnacle of UK drives. This 516-mile route around the northern tip of Scotland showcases rugged coastlines, remote castles, sandy beaches and dramatic highlands.

Although it’s a long haul from both Birmingham and Torbay, around 9 to 10 hours’ drive to Inverness, the recognised starting point,  most people stop overnight along the way. Your vehicle choice matters: a family car hire or large car rental makes sense if you’re travelling with others or carrying camping gear, while small car hire works well for couples or solo travellers seeking fuel efficiency.

Why take this trip:

• Wild and unspoilt scenery

• Perfect for multi-day itineraries

• Ideal for photography, wildlife watching and coastal walks

Top tip: Plan your route and book campsites or B&Bs - popular stops fill up fast in high season.

The Cotswolds - Classic English Countryside

If you prefer rolling hills, honey-coloured stone villages and gentle roads, the Cotswolds is a quintessential British road trip. From Birmingham, it’s just 1.5 to 2 hours, making this perfect for a long weekend with local car hire. From Torbay expect nearer 3.5 to 4 hours.

A self-drive adventure through the Cotswolds is all about stopping often, think Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Broadway. A small car hire is ideal here for easy navigation through narrow village lanes and tight parking spaces. The modern fleet at Chief Vehicle Rentals ensures comfortable handling, whether you’re visiting in spring, summer or autumn.

Why visit:

• Scenic drives and pretty villages

• Artisan boutiques, tea rooms and historic pubs

• Perfect for photography and gentle exploration

Top tip: Pack a picnic and plan a route that lets you enjoy the countryside at your own pace.

The Welsh Coast - Pembrokeshire and Beyond

From Torbay, the stunning Welsh coast, especially around Pembrokeshire,  is an excellent choice for a seaside road trip. Expect an approximate 4.5 to 5 hour drive, with views that reward every mile. From Birmingham, the coast is closer, around 3.5 to 4 hours to reach key destinations like Tenby.

This route works brilliantly with a family car hire, offering room for beach gear, camping supplies, or luggage for longer stays. The coastline is dotted with spectacular beaches, hidden coves and cliff top paths begging to be explored.

Why visit:

• Golden beaches and coastal paths

• Nature reserves and wildlife

• Charming harbour towns

Top tip: Summer weeks are busy, parking and accommodation book up early.

The Lake District - Mountains and Lakes Galore

The Lake District in Cumbria needs little introduction. Famed for its lakes, fells and quaint villages, it’s a classic destination for UK road trips. Birmingham travellers will find it around 3.5 to 4.5 hours’ drive, while those setting off from Torbay should allow 5.5 to 6.5 hours.

Whether you choose a small car hire for an efficient drive through scenic lanes, or a large car rental to bring family or friends, Chief Vehicle Rentals’ modern, fully insured vehicles make the journey comfortable and stress-free. Unlimited mileage on hire cars means you can explore as much as you like without worrying about extra costs.

Why visit:

• World-class hiking and mountain views

• Boat trips on Windermere and Ullswater

• Traditional pubs and cosy B&Bs

Top tip: Bring waterproof gear - Lake District weather can be changeable even in summer.

Preparing for Your UK Road Trip

Before you set off, a little planning goes a long way, especially on longer routes like the North Coast 500 or the Welsh coast. Here are some tips from the team at Chief Vehicle Rentals:

Pick the Right Vehicle

Choosing the right car from our fleet means matching space and comfort to your trip plans. Our local car hire offers everything from fuel-efficient small car hire to spacious large car rental and family car hire options, all maintained to high standards and regularly serviced.

Book Accommodation Early

Popular areas like the Lake District, Snowdonia and the NC500 corridor fill up quickly in summer. Booking places to stay well ahead of your trip ensures you have choices, from cosy inns to scenic campsites.

Pack Essentials

For multi-day journeys, pack:

●      A first-aid kit

●      Snacks and drinks

●      Blankets and extra clothing layers

●      Maps or a reliable sat-nav

Don’t forget chargers and entertainment if you’re travelling with children; long drives can be a lot more enjoyable with the right preparation.

Plan Your Breaks

Regular rest stops are essential for safety and enjoyment. Look out for scenic viewpoints, local cafés and picnic spots that offer a break from driving and a chance to sample local produce.

Check Hire Terms

At Chief Vehicle Rentals, all our cars come with full insurance, unlimited mileage, and the option of flexible pick-up or delivery where available. Always check booking details so you know exactly what’s included.

Why Choose Chief Vehicle Rentals?

With branches in Birmingham and Torbay, Chief Vehicle Rentals has been providing dependable, friendly self-drive car hire for over 30 years. We offer:

●      A modern fleet of vehicles suited for all trips, from small cars to large car rental and spacious family car hire.

●      Competitive pricing and transparent terms.

●      Unlimited mileage on all rentals, so scenic detours are no problem.

●      Delivery and collection options, making hire even more convenient.

Whether you’re heading north to Snowdonia, taking in the wild Scottish Highlands, or enjoying the gentle beauty of the Cotswolds, there’s no better way to explore than from behind the wheel of a well-chosen hire car.

The UK is packed with stunning road trip routes, from coastlines and mountains to rolling countryside and historic towns. With Chief Vehicle Rentals, your journey starts with reliable self-drive car hire, tailored to your needs and ready for adventure. Pick your route, pack smartly, and set off. Your next great road trip awaits.