How to Prepare for a UK Road Trip
27 May 2025
How to Prepare for a UK Road Trip
27 May 2025
How to Prepare for a UK Road Trip
Dreaming of a family getaway without the hassle of airports or strict itineraries? A UK road trip could be just the thing. With the freedom to explore hidden gems, stop when you like, and travel at your own pace, there’s nothing quite like hitting the road with your loved ones.
From Cornwall’s sandy beaches to the wild beauty of the Scottish Highlands, there’s a whole world to discover right here on your doorstep. But before you bundle everyone into the car, it might be time to ask, is your current ride up to the task?
In this blog, we’ll go through some important steps you should take to get ready for your drive. We’ll also take a look at some family-friendly routes you can take if you’re short on UK road trip ideas!
Step 1: Check your car for any maintenance issues
Long drives, luggage, and bumpy back roads can take a toll on older vehicles. So, before you head off, make sure to perform a few key maintenance checks. You can do these yourself, or take your car to a qualified mechanic to have a look over.
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Oil: Ensure that your oil level is between the minimum and maximum level markers (use the dipstick). Engine lubrication is important for making things run smoothly.
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Tyres: Check the tyre pressure and tread depth, this is especially important if you have a heavy load. Remember that the legal limit is 1.6mm.
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Coolant: Sometimes overlooked on colder days, but this can help prevent water from freezing. On hotter days, it removes excessive heat from the engine.
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Lights: Check all lights, including the back! Walk around the car to check the headlights, or get someone else to help you. For checking brake lights, you might want to use a reflection for help.
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Washer fluid: Keep your levels topped up to help improve your visibility on the road.
Step 2: Pack essentials for the road
Make sure you have everything you need for the drive. That includes the important bits and the entertainment.
Some key essentials to not forget:
-All relevant documents (driving license, insurance details, etc).
-A torch.
-A blanket or warm clothes.
-A physical map (in case your digital one lets you down).
-Some cash.
-Water and food.
-Sunglasses.
It’s probably a good idea to make a list before you go so you can see if you’re missing anything. That gives you a good amount of time to get ready.
Step 3: Check your insurance and breakdown cover
Most insurance policies do not include this, so it’s worth checking if yours does. If you do have breakdown cover in your plan, be sure to carefully read over what is included. If you’re travelling with the kids, this is particularly important as you don’t want to be stuck on the side of the road without WiFi!
If you plan on sharing the driving with someone else, consider whether you need short-term insurance cover. If you’ve left things until the last minute, don’t worry! You can usually get short-term cover quite quickly, in under 15 minutes in some cases.
You should also make sure that your MOT is valid for the entire length of your journey. If it’s been a while, it could be worth getting a service done to make sure there are no nasty surprises.
Step 4: Plan your route
It might seem obvious, but planning your driving route is such a crucial part of the journey. You should consider whether there are any service stations along your route for regular toilet and rest breaks. You’ll want to consider how often you need to stop for fueling up too.
If you’ve planned really far in advance, it’s worth going over your route again to check if there are any planned roadworks. There’s nothing worse than sitting on a motorway for hours with bored kids and no end in sight!
Don’t forget about the weather, too! Check the forecast in advance to see if there’s any extreme weather on the way that could derail your trip.
Family-Friendly Road Trip Ideas in the UK
The UK offers a treasure trove of driveable destinations packed with activities for kids, outdoor exploration, and historic attractions. Plus, with so many stunning regions within a few hours’ drive, there’s no need to fly abroad to have a memorable holiday.
Whether you’ve got toddlers or teens, a road trip lets you travel at your own pace and keep the whole family entertained.
So, we’ve put together our top choices for family-friendly UK road trip ideas that won’t cause an outbreak of yawns.
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The North Coast 500 (Scotland)
Take in dramatic highland views, castles, and lochs. Ideal for older kids who love hiking and wildlife. -
The Jurassic Coast (England)
History meets adventure on this Dorset-to-Devon route. Fossil hunting, beach days, and charming seaside towns await. -
The Lake District Loop (England)
Perfect for outdoor-loving families. Paddle on Windermere, hike up Catbells, and explore Beatrix Potter’s world. -
The Causeway Coastal Route (Northern Ireland)
Uncover Game of Thrones filming locations, the Giant’s Causeway, and world-famous rope bridges.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to hit the road and looking to upgrade your current motor, we can match you with a trusted lender. Our lenders offer solutions to many budgets, and even to those with poor credit history. If you're still browsing, we've put together a guide to reliable family cars so you can see what your potential options could be.
We’re a credit broker, not a lender, working with trusted finance providers to find you a great deal.
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