There’s nothing like the thrill of the open highway. With a new adventure waiting around every corner, a UK road trip is the perfect family holiday. You’re free to dictate your own route and pace, and there’s no need to stress about baggage restrictions – simply throw everything you need into the boot and go.
The right vehicle is crucial to things running smoothly, of course – preferably one that provides plenty of boot space, a good entertainment system and a smooth drive. Plus, if you’re joining the legions of motorists switching to an electric vehicle (EV), a good driving range, to avoid constant recharging, is a must. One such example is the Renault Scenic E-Tech 100% Electric (this year’s Car of the Year, no less), which has an impressive 379-mile range, as well as ticking off all the above and more.
Even so, avoid very long distances when travelling with the kids – shorter itineraries with plenty of stops will help keep car sickness and boredom at bay.
These four itineraries are our pick of the crop for families:
The Atlantic Highway
Barnstaple to Newquay: 70 miles
This stretch of the A39 runs through rural Devon and North Cornwall, which is quieter, though no less beautiful, than the better-known southern stretches. You’ll want to take regular short detours – for example, to hike the South West Coast Path for a view of the jagged Blackchurch Rock and Hartland Point Lighthouse, have a surf lesson and swim in the unique sea pool at Bude, see the setting of the Arthurian legends at medieval Tintagel Castle, and explore Newquay’s bustling sands.
With smart tech in spades, the Renault Scenic E-Tech will get you to Newquay no matter how many times you turn off the main road; the Google* Built-in and EasyPark apps will help you navigate and park, and Amazon Music is on hand for your road-trip soundtrack.
The Highlands
Inverness to Aberdeen: 116 miles
Take the high road through the Cairngorms National Park and you’ll be treated to some of Scotland’s most spectacular mountain scenery – it’s so dramatic, the kids might even put their screens away. Stop for rugged hikes, discover the last battle on British soil brought to life at the immersive Culloden Battlefield, ride behind a puffing steam engine on the Strathspey Railway, and walk among towering Scots Pines to see nesting ospreys at the Loch Garten Nature Reserve. If you want to make this a round trip, drive back along the coastal roads – a 150-mile route passing castles, lighthouses, wave-beaten cliffs and white-sand beaches, some with resident seals.
When the kids revert to screen time, you’ll find the Renault Scenic E-Tech 100% Electric has six USB charging sockets fitted into the armrests, plus the rear centre armrest has a handy swivel-out section with slots to hold mobiles or tablets for hands-free viewing.
Snowdonia
A round trip from Caernarfon: 50 miles
This route in North Wales may be short in distance but it’s packed with action and perfect for teenagers. Head out of Caernarfon on the A4085 and enjoy spectacular views of Snowdon, before turning on to the A498 at Beddgelert and pulling off at the Pen-y-Pass car park to climb to the peak. Active kids over 10 should manage it, spurred on by the bragging rights of summiting Wales’s highest mountain. At Capel Curig, turn on to the A5 and make for Zip World Penrhyn Quarry, home to the world’s fastest zip line. On your way back to Caernarfon, stop at the Plas Menai National Outdoors Centre for watersports from paddleboarding and windsurfing to kayaking and powerboat rides.
No matter how tall your teens, they’ll find plenty of space in the back of the Renault Scenic E-Tech 100% Electric, with heaps of head and leg room, even in the centre back seat.
North Norfolk
Norwich to King’s Lynn via the coast: 85 miles
With beaches, boating and wildlife, this route hits all the right notes for primary-school-aged kids. From Norwich, head to Wroxham, hire a day boat on the Broads and then visit the Bewilderwood adventure park. At Sheringham, ride on the North Norfolk ‘Poppy Line’ behind a steam engine. From Blakeney, take a boat trip to see England’s largest grey seal colony, then head to the quintessential seaside town of Wells-next-the-Sea for fish and chips, ice cream, and to have a go at crabbing. Beach-hop along the coast: Holkham has wild walks among the dunes, and Hunstanton a bucket-and-spade feel. Culminate with a ramble around the King’s gardens at the Sandringham Estate.
Small children require lots of luggage. Luckily, the Renault Scenic E-Tech 100% Electric has a generous 545 litres of boot space, so you can throw in all the buckets, spades, blankets, beach chairs and toys needed for a harmonious holiday.
Discover the ideal family car for your next road trip
*Google, Google Maps and Google Play are trademarks of Google LLC
** model shown is Scenic iconic long range with up to 369 miles (379 miles based on Scenic techno long range). WLTP figures shown are for comparability purposes. Actual real-world driving results may vary depending on factors including the starting charge of the battery, accessories fitted after registration, weather conditions, driving styles and vehicle load.
