Pack Your Boots: Peak District Road Trip Guide

Peak District

From rugged limestone valleys and heather-strewn plateaus to stately mansions and chocolate-box villages, there’s so much to discover on a Peak District road trip. A car is the best way to explore Peak District though be sure to pack your boots and plan a few walks and hikes – this is the best way to immerse yourself in the beautiful scenery.

Ready to hit the road? Read on for our complete guide to planning a Peak District road trip, including information on when to go, where to stay and what to see.

When to plan a Peak District road trip

Many locals say August is the best time to visit the Peak District. The days are long, there’s lots of sunshine and the purple heather is in full bloom. It usually lasts until early September, which can also be a lovely time to plan a Peak District road trip.

October sees shoulder season arrive and can be a great time to visit. The days remain long, temperatures are mild and rainfall is light. Similarly, spring is another terrific alternative to summer. Expect a mixed bag of weather and lots of postcard-perfect photo opportunities thanks to the spotted orchids, cowslips and daisies that pop up across the district.

January is generally the coldest time to visit while December is the wettest. Though if you want to beat the crowds and have attractions like Chatsworth House to yourself, winter can be a rewarding time to plan a Peak District road trip.

How long do I need for a Peak District road trip?

You could easily spend an entire week exploring Peak District, especially if you plan to pencil in walks and hikes. At the very least we recommend at least two to three days to get a taste of the region.

Peak District road trip highlights

Here are a few unmissable attractions and experiences to include in your Peak District road trip itinerary:

Tour Chatsworth House

Magnificent Chatsworth House is a Peak District icon. Founded in the 16th century, it’s known as the ‘Palace of the Peak’ and enchants visitors with a stately Italianate and English Baroque façade. Inside are lavish parlours, staterooms and apartments filled with priceless antiques, tapestries and oil paintings. The gardens were designed by famous landscape architect Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown and feel like an English daydream. Plan your Peak District road trip in December to see Chatsworth House decked from head-to-toe in Christmas decorations.

Take a dip in the River Dane

Sate your appetite for adventure with a dip in the River Dane. Three Shires Head, a picturesque series of waterfalls and plunge pools set beneath a heritage-listed stone bridge, is one of the best wild swimming spots in Peak District. The water flows straight from the hills and is crystalline and just as chilly as you’d expect. Enjoy an invigorating dip, dry off on the riverbank and then head to the nearby Cat and Fiddle pub to warm up with a pint and a hot meal.

Explore Peak Cavern

The natural beauty of Peak District doesn’t stop above ground. Hidden deep beneath Peveril Castle is Peak Cavern, an otherworldly cave that showcases the incredible subterranean ecosystem. Entering the cave is an experience in itself – the mouth is one of the largest in the British Isles! Exploring the cave feels like a genuine adventure but in terms of accessibility it’s pretty family friendly. Even well-behaved dogs are welcome if they’re kept leashed so why not bring along Fido on your Peak District road trip?

Hike Mam Tor

At 517 metres, Mam Tor is amongst the tallest points in Peak District. Yet the hike to the summit is relatively easy and kid-friendly if you pack a good supply of snacks. It’s paved most of the way but it’s still a good idea to wear shoes with decent grip. The views from the top are gorgeous and stretch across Peak District to the Edale Valley and the Derwent Moors.

Where to stay in Peak District

The Peak District is dotted with charming towns and villages where you can base yourself. The lively market town of Bakewell is central and offers accommodation for every budget. It’s also the birthplace of Bakewell tarts, a classic English treat featuring layers of raspberry jam and frangipane topped with flaked almonds and wrapped in a short crust pastry shell. You’ll find them sold at bakeries across town.

Matlock is another popular base for a Peak District road trip and offers a good variety of cafes, pubs and restaurants. The annual Victorian Christmas Weekend held in the first weekend of December makes Matlock a great choice for a winter Peak District road trip.

Your set of wheels

Roads in Peak District are well-maintained and relatively easy to navigate. This makes it easy to visit Peak District with any type of car, whether it’s a 4WD with offroad capabilities or a compact supermini. Distances between towns, villages and attractions are relatively short which makes Peak District an EV-friendly destination.

Like all road trips, breakdowns can be a serious downer. Increase your chances of a stress-free Peak District road trip by setting off in a car that’s not only safe but reliable. Be sure to check your tyres before you set off and top up your fluids.

Explore Peak District with My Car Credit

Thinking about upgrading to a new set of wheels? With access to a reliable vehicle you can explore the Peak District along with other world-class road trip destinations across the British Isles, including Snowdonia in Wales, Isle of Skye in Scotland, the Cornish coast and beyond. Car finance can be a great way to increase your purchasing power and spread out the total cost of your new vehicle.  

Wondering how much car finance you qualify for? Find out more in our easy-to-digest guide and learn more about factors like your credit score and budgeting. At My Car Credit our goal is to get you behind the wheel of your ideal car faster and help you plan the Peak district road trip you’ve been dreaming of.

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Travelling in Dorset: what is the best route for the Jurassic Coast?

Dorset Beach

The Jurassic Coast reaches for 95 miles along the coastlines of Dorset and Devon, and is a haven for fans of fossils, hiking and cycling, as well as beach-goers and road trippers alike.

Knowing where to travel for a UK holiday can be tough. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011, the Jurassic Coast combines the very best of stunning scenery and charming coastal towns with the chance to enjoy long hikes or bikes, the possibility of finding a fossilised treasure, and the opportunity to visit key British cultural sites.

No matter your interests, the Jurassic Coast has something to please everyone. Still need convincing? Read on to find out more.

What is the best route for the Jurassic Coast?

If road tripping is your thing, you’re in luck. You’ll get to see some of the best scenery that this UNESCO World Heritage site has to offer by journeying along the B3157.

The Jurassic Coast Road Drive will have you travelling 18 miles of glorious coastline. Wind your way from Weymouth to Bridport (or vice versa) by bus, car or bike, and take in some seriously stunning scenery as you go along.

You’ll catch highlights including the picturesque village of Abbotsbury, the striking Chesil Beach, and the popular seaside town of Lyme Regis.

With plenty of twists and turns, the B3157 is an enjoyable drive that offers you the very best chance to enjoy the highlights of the Jurassic Coast, no matter your interests.

What to do along the Jurassic Coast?

Punctuate your road trip along this gloriously grand coastline with a little outdoor activity, some fossil hunting, and a visit or two to key cultural sites.

Get outdoors

Fans of hiking and biking can get their fill by taking on the Jurassic Coast section of the South West Coastal Path. As the longest of England’s National Trails, the South West Coastal Path stretches for 630 miles along the south coast. The Jurassic Coast section will allow you to hike or bike your way past stunning scenery and unique geological features.

Take in the red cliffs at Sidmouth, Chesil Beach’s long stretch of shingle, and the iconic Durdle Door along the 115 miles that constitute the Jurassic Coast path.

Go fossil hunting

The beaches between Charmouth and Lyme Regis are ideal spots for beginners to try their luck at fossil hunting. You can always join a guided fossil walk run by the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre and Lyme Regis Museum.

Ignite a passion for geology and learn about the millennia-long making of the Jurassic Coast as you seek out a treasure.

Visit a giant

Only thirty miles from the Jurassic Coast, the charming village of Cerne Abbas hosts the eponymous Cerne Giant. At 55 metres high, this ancient hillside carving overlooks the village below, and continues to spark enduring speculation as to its meaning and origins.

Stroll a seaside town

From Lyme Regis and Swanage through to Weymouth and Bridport, there’s no shortage of British seaside towns to visit along the Jurassic Coast.

Eat your fill of fish and chips, stroll the streets, swim in the sea, and build sandcastles galore as you take in the quintessential atmosphere of British Jurassic Coastal towns.

Take in Jurassic Coast landmarks

Forged over millions of years of wind, tide and time, the Jurassic Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage site for a reason.

Head to the highest point of England’s south coast by visiting Golden Cap and climbing the full 191 metres to the top. Alternatively, plan a trip to the world-famous Durdle Door before travelling to nearby Lulworth Cove for a swim.

You can also plot an excursion to the Jurassic Coast’s eastern end and take in the white chalk magnificence of Old Harry Rocks, reachable from either Studland or Swanage.

Take in bays galore by visiting Kimmeridge Bay, Ladram Bay and Worbarrow Bay and admire the local geology, look out for local wildlife, or go rockpooling.

Explore Corfe Castle

With panoramic views of the surrounding Isle of Purbeck countryside, Corfe Castle has a 1000-year-old history that will ignite the imaginations of old and young alike.

There are family-friendly events running year-round, plenty of opportunities to wander the ruins and trails in the local area, and the chance to wildlife-spot.

Plan your next road trip

Plan for your next Jurassic Coast holiday with My Car Credit. Use our car finance checker to secure a no-obligation quote for affordable, accessible finance today, or email enquiries@mycarcredit.co.uk.

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Atlantic Highway UK: The Ultimate Devon and Cornwall Road Trip

Cornwall beach at low tide

Dreaming of sandy feet, salty air and scones piled high with strawberry jam and clotted cream? Pack your bags and hit the Atlantic Highway UK. This 70-mile stretch of the A39 winds along the Atlantic coast from Barnstaple to Fraddon. Along the way, it takes you past rolling hills, chocolate-box villages and, of course, some of the most beautiful parts of the British coastline.

The Atlantic Highway UK is regularly featured on countdowns of the best road trips in the world. It’s so impressive that Lonely Planet even has a dedicated writeup to the scenic drive.

Dreaming of a road trip on the Atlantic Highway UK? Get inspired with our complete guide to this wild and remote stretch of coastline. We have you covered with all the best towns and villages to visit, plus unmissable walks, attractions and food-focussed experiences.

Park Head and Poldark

Our first stop takes you to Park Head, a spectacular promontory featured in the hit BBC TV series, Poldark. Perched high on the cliffs, you’ll get sweeping views of the soaring sea stacks and iconic Bedruthan Steps. Work up an appetite on the Park Head Circular Walk, then take a moment to close your eyes and picture Ross galloping across the clifftops on Seamus, his beloved horse.

Michelin star dining in Padstow

Hungry? You’re in luck. Park Head is a stone’s throw from Padstow, a hidden gem for foodies. The charismatic fishing village is a bastion for chef-driven restaurants, including Michelin star venues.

Paul Ainsworth at No. 6 will blow you away with modern British cuisine made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. It’s pricey, but for gastronomes, the experience is unforgettable.

Farm-fresh produce in St Kew

Looking for something a little more casual? Continue on to the tiny hamlet of St Kew, where you’ll find one of the best farm shops in Cornwall. Enjoy delicious soups, salads, coffee and pastries.

Cornish charm in Port Isaac

Next stop is Port Isaac, a charming coastal town made famous by the Doc Martin series. If you’re not familiar with the show, it’s a great one to stream on your Atlantic Highway UK road trip. Take your time strolling along the narrow lanes lined with whitewashed cottages.

Walk in the footsteps of King Arthur in Tintagel

The neighbouring town of Tintagel is another Cornish jewel. Like Port Isaac, it oozes historic charm. Most road trippers arrive to visit magnificent Tintagel Castle. Set high on rugged granite cliffs, the centuries-old castle is the birthplace of King Arthur. At least that’s how local legend goes. Explore the main castle before following the clifftop trail to the medieval chapel. There’s also a steep trail down to the beach, where you can peer into Merlin’s Cave.

Spot Cornish pixies in St Nectan’s Glen

While you’re in the area, be sure to stop by St Nectan’s Glen. Tucked away in a hidden valley, the glen feels like you’re stepping into a storybook. A crystalline waterfall cascades into a natural pool surrounded by moss-covered rocks and climbing ivy. If you’re hoping to spot a Cornish pixie, this is the place! Pack your swimming costume – though be warned, the water is chilly, even in the height of summer.

Get witchy in Boscastle

From Cornish pixies to King Arthur and Merlin, the Atlantic Highway UK is no stranger to myths and legends. If you can’t get enough of the region’s fascinating past, don’t miss the excellent Museum of Witchcraft and Magic in Boscastle. As well as magic, this tiny town is home to a colourful community of artists.

Get your feet wet in Bude

A population of around 10,000 residents makes Bude one of the biggest towns on the Atlantic Highway UK. There are a handful of reasons to pencil Bude into your road trip. For starters, the 19th-century castle has been reimagined as a fantastic heritage centre. And yes, there’s a café where you can indulge in cream tea with a view! Don’t forget to spread your jam on first!

Take a dip in the oceanfront sea pool, and if you’re feeling energetic, sign up for surf lessons. If anything, it’s a great excuse to treat yourself to pastries from the local bakery. It’s housed in a former electric depot and sells some of the best croissants this side of the English Channel.

Family-friendly fun in Fraddon

Wind up your Atlantic Highway UK road trip in Fraddon. The town is packed with family-friendly attractions, including the adorable Lappa Valley Steam Railway.

Hit the Atlantic Highway with My Car Credit

Now you’re all set with ideas for your Atlantic Highway UK road trip, it’s time to get behind the wheel of a reliable car. The Atlantic Highway is remote, which means you’ll want a vehicle you can trust. Like all road trips, safety and comfort should also be a priority. If it sounds like it’s time to upgrade, we can help with unbeatable deals on car finance.

Wondering how much you can borrow? Use our handy calculator to generate an instant car loan quote online. Whether you’re dreaming of a brand-new SUV with space for the whole family plus pets, or a compact supermini for romantic weekends away, we can help get you into the driver’s seat sooner.

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£

X monthly repayments of
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Typical rate

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Total payable

X% APR*

£X

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 10.9%, annual interest rate (fixed) 10.87%, 47 monthly payments of £191.50 followed by 1 payment of £201.50 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,702, total amount payable £9,202.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.
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