Millions plan summer road trips, but Britain's iconic routes remain undiscovered

• Millions expected to head off on staycations and summer driving adventures

• More than four in five drivers have never driven Scotland's famous North Coast 500

• Britain's coastline remains the nation's favourite road trip destination

• "The joy of a road trip is discovering parts of the country you may never have visited before" - AA President

While millions of drivers are expected to head off on road trips and staycations this summer, many of Britain's most celebrated driving routes remain undiscovered by the vast majority of motorists, according to new AA research*.

The survey of more than 10,000 drivers found that some of the UK's best-known road trip routes have yet to be experienced by most motorists.

The findings come after previous AA research showed one in five drivers were considering a road trip of more than 100 miles during the school holidays. 

Britain's most famous road trip routes remain unexplored

More than four in five (82%) drivers said they have never driven Scotland's iconic North Coast 500.

Often described as Britain's answer to Route 66, the Highland circuit has become one of the country's best-known driving routes, yet just 18% of motorists said they had experienced it.

Meanwhile, almost nine in 10 (87%) drivers have never travelled Northern Ireland's Giant's Causeway coastal route, making it the least-travelled road trip featured in the survey.

The Northumberland 250 also remains largely unexplored, with more than three-quarters (77%) of drivers saying they have never travelled the route through some of England's most remote and scenic landscapes.

The findings suggest that while many drivers recognise Britain's most famous road trip routes, relatively few have experienced them first-hand.

Coastal routes prove Britain's favourite road trip destinations

While some of Britain's most famous road trip routes remain relatively untravelled, the survey suggests drivers are more likely to have explored shorter coastal routes closer to home.

A third of drivers (33%) said they have travelled the route between Swanage and Lyme Regis along Dorset's Jurassic Coast, making it the most travelled route in the survey. Close behind was the Atlantic Highway through Devon and Cornwall (32%), while 30% have explored Wales' Gower Peninsula.

Further down the list, a quarter of drivers have travelled between Thetford and King's Lynn in Norfolk (26%) or crossed the Yorkshire Moors between Danby and York (25%).

Route	Drivers who have travelled the route
Swanage to Lyme Regis (Jurassic Coast, Dorset)	33%
Atlantic Highway, Barnstaple to Newquay (Devon and Cornwall)	32%
The Gower Peninsula, Wales	30%
Thetford to King's Lynn (Norfolk)	26%
Danby to York across the Yorkshire Moors	25%
Northumberland 250	23%
North Coast 500 (Scottish Highlands)	18%
Bishop's Waltham to Winchester (Hampshire)	14%
Giant's Causeway coastal route (Northern Ireland)	11%

Edmund King, AA President, said: "Road trips have always been a popular part of the British holiday experience because they offer a real sense of freedom and adventure.

"What's interesting about these findings is the stark contrast between how famous some routes have become and how relatively few people have actually driven them. The North Coast 500, for example, has built a huge reputation over the past decade, yet more than eight in ten drivers have never experienced it.

"At the same time, the popularity of coastal routes highlights the enduring appeal of the British seaside, with coastal drives continuing to attract motorists looking to make the most of a staycation.

"The joy of a road trip is discovering parts of the country you may never have visited before. The UK has an incredible variety of landscapes and driving routes, and many motorists may find their next favourite destination is closer to home than they think.

"With millions expected to travel by car over the summer, there is a great opportunity for families to explore somewhere new while enjoying the flexibility that only a road trip can provide."

Preparing for a summer road trip

For those planning a road trip this summer, the AA is reminding drivers to prepare both themselves and their vehicles before setting off. Drivers can find more advice on route planning, packing and preparing for longer journeys in The AA's road trip planning guide.

Lee Morley, AA expert patrol, said: "Road trips can be one of the most enjoyable ways to travel, but longer journeys place extra demands on both drivers and vehicles.

"Before heading off, drivers should check tyres, oil, coolant and fuel or battery charge levels, particularly if the car will be carrying passengers, luggage or holiday equipment.

"It's also worth planning your route in advance, allowing plenty of time for rest breaks and checking for any delays before you leave.

"A few minutes spent preparing before departure can help prevent breakdowns and ensure the journey is remembered for the right reasons."

Drivers who are unsure about their vehicle's condition before a long journey can book an AA Mobile Mechanics inspection at home or on private property, with checks available for tyres, brakes, oil, coolant and other key components.

The AA is encouraging drivers to use FLOWER check before setting off:

F – Fuel: Make sure you have enough fuel or battery charge for your journey. If travelling a long distance, plan where you will stop to refuel or recharge.

L – Lights: Check all lights are clean and working, including headlights, brake lights, indicators and fog lights.

O – Oil: Check your oil level before a long journey and top up if needed.

W – Water: Top up screenwash and check coolant levels to help avoid overheating, especially if the car is heavily loaded.

E – Electrics: Make sure the battery is in good condition and check essential electrics such as wipers, windows and phone chargers.

R – Rubber: Check tyre pressures, tread depth and overall condition, including the spare if your car has one. Cars carrying extra passengers, luggage, bikes, roof boxes or camping gear may need tyre pressures adjusted for the heavier load, so check the vehicle handbook before setting off.

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* Yonder received 10,611 responses from AA members to its online poll between the 18th and 24th June 2026. Yonder is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.