Why Birmingham is Perfect for UK Road Trips
Top Routes
- London → Cornwall× 19
- Birmingham → Cornwall× 3
- Luton → Saint Mawgan× 2
- Shipton-On-Cherwell → St Andrews× 2
- Stratford-Upon-Avon → Saint Mawgan× 1
Birmingham’s central location makes it an ideal starting point for UK road trips. With easy access to major motorways (M6, M5, M42, M40), you can reach Scotland, Cornwall, Wales, and the Lake District within hours. This central position means less driving time and more time enjoying your destination.
Most Birmingham residents use roof boxes just 2-3 times per year for family holidays and adventure trips. Renting a roof box saves hundreds of pounds annually compared to buying, especially when you factor in storage space—something many city dwellers don’t have. This guide covers four of the best road trip routes from Birmingham, complete with interactive route planning, essential stops, and packing tips.
Popular Routes from Birmingham
Planning your UK adventure? These detailed routes help you make the most of your journey from Birmingham to the UK’s most beautiful destinations. Click any “Plan This Route” button below to automatically load that route in our interactive route planner (found at the bottom of this page).
Route 1: Birmingham to Scottish Highlands
- Distance: 350 miles
- Time: 6-7 hours driving (add 20% for breaks and traffic)
- Best Time to Visit: May-September (long daylight hours, better weather, fewer midges than peak summer)
- Perfect For: Multi-day adventures, wild camping, exploring remote landscapes
Route highlights: Take M6 north through Lake District, cross border at Gretna, follow A74(M) to Glasgow, then A82 to Highlands. Stop at Loch Lomond for photos and Glen Coe for stunning mountain views.
Essential Stops Along the Way
- Lake District (150 miles) – Perfect for a lunch stop. Stretch your legs with a walk around one of the lakes.
- Gretna Green (200 miles) – Famous border town. Good place for a break and photos.
- Loch Lomond (300 miles) – First taste of Highland scenery. Stop for photos and a walk along the loch.
- Glen Coe (350 miles) – One of Scotland’s most dramatic glens. Stunning mountain scenery.
Scottish Highlands Highlights
- Glen Coe – Iconic valley with dramatic mountains. Perfect for hiking and photography.
- Ben Nevis – UK’s highest peak. Challenging climb with incredible views (experienced hikers only).
- Loch Ness – Famous loch with monster legends. Beautiful scenery and boat trips available.
- Isle of Skye – Stunning island accessible by bridge. Fairy Pools, Old Man of Storr, and Quiraing are must-sees.
- North Coast 500 – Scotland’s answer to Route 66. Epic 500-mile coastal route through the Highlands.
Roof Box Packing Tips for Scottish Highlands
- Wild camping equipment: Tents, sleeping bags, camping stoves, and all camping gear. A roof box is essential for multi-day adventures.
- Hiking gear: Multiple sets of waterproofs, boots, and layers for changeable Highland weather.
- Food and supplies: Stock up before heading into remote areas. A roof box helps carry bulk supplies.
- Midges protection: Pack midge nets, repellent, and long-sleeved clothing. Midges are worst in July-August.
- Recommended roof box size: 500+ litres for multi-day camping trips, 400 litres minimum for week-long adventures.
Route 2: Birmingham to Cornwall
- Distance: 260 miles
- Time: 5 hours (add 20% for breaks and traffic)
- Best Time to Visit: June or September (warm weather without peak summer crowds)
- Perfect For: Beach holidays, surfing, family trips
Route highlights: M5 south to Exeter, A30 through dramatic Bodmin Moor. Visit Eden Project, explore fishing villages, and enjoy world-class beaches. Pack for all weather!
Essential Stops Along the Way
- Bristol (90 miles) – Vibrant city with excellent services. Great place for lunch and fuel.
- Exeter (170 miles) – Historic cathedral city with excellent services. Great place for lunch and fuel before the final push to Cornwall.
- Bodmin Moor (240 miles) – Dramatic moorland scenery as you enter Cornwall. Stop at Jamaica Inn for a coffee and to experience the atmospheric setting.
Cornwall Highlights
- St Ives – Beautiful fishing village with art galleries, beaches, and excellent restaurants. Parking can be tight, so a roof box helps keep your car interior clear.
- Land’s End – The most westerly point of mainland England. Dramatic cliffs and stunning views.
- St Michael’s Mount – Tidal island with medieval castle. Accessible by causeway at low tide.
- Minack Theatre – Open-air theatre carved into the cliffs above Porthcurno. A truly unique experience.
- Eden Project – World-famous biomes showcasing global plant life. Great for families.
Roof Box Packing Tips for Cornwall
- Beach gear: Towels, beach chairs, umbrellas, cool boxes, and water sports equipment fit perfectly in a roof box, keeping sand out of your car.
- Wetsuits and surfboards: If you’re surfing, a roof box is essential for transporting boards and keeping wet gear separate from dry clothes.
- Family luggage: With limited boot space in many cars, a roof box allows everyone to pack comfortably without cramming.
- Recommended roof box size: 400-500 litres for families, 300-400 litres for couples.
Route 3: Birmingham to Lake District
- Distance: 150 miles
- Time: 2.5-3 hours (add 20% for breaks and traffic)
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring (May-June) for blooming landscapes and better hiking conditions, or September for fewer crowds
- Perfect For: Hiking, outdoor activities, scenic drives, weekend breaks
Route highlights: M6 north, exit at Kendal. Explore Lake Windermere, Beatrix Potter attractions, and stunning fell walks. Perfect weekend destination with minimal driving.
Essential Stops Along the Way
- Stafford services (30 miles) – Good early stop for coffee and fuel.
- Lancaster (120 miles) – Historic city with excellent services. Perfect for a break.
- Kendal (140 miles) – Gateway to the Lake District. Famous for Kendal Mint Cake, perfect for hikers’ energy needs!
Lake District Highlights
- Lake Windermere – England’s largest lake. Take a cruise, go kayaking, or simply enjoy the stunning views.
- Grasmere – Charming village famous for gingerbread and connections to William Wordsworth.
- Coniston Water – Beautiful lake perfect for water sports and quieter than Windermere.
- Keswick – Market town at the northern end of the Lake District, great base for exploring.
- Scafell Pike – England’s highest peak. Challenging but rewarding hike with incredible views.
- Beatrix Potter attractions – Visit Hill Top, the author’s former home, and explore the world of Peter Rabbit.
Roof Box Packing Tips for Lake District
- Hiking equipment: Boots, backpacks, walking poles, and waterproofs take up significant space. A roof box keeps your car organised.
- Water sports gear: Kayaks, paddleboards, and wetsuits are bulky. Transport them safely in a roof box.
- Camping equipment: Tents, sleeping bags, and camping gear fit perfectly overhead, leaving boot space for food and essentials.
- Weather protection: The Lake District is known for changeable weather. Pack for all conditions without cramming your car.
- Recommended roof box size: 400-500 litres for families with camping gear, 300-400 litres for day trips.
Route 4: Birmingham to Peak District
- Distance: 60 miles
- Time: 1.5 hours (add 20% for breaks and traffic)
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round, but spring and autumn offer the best weather and fewer crowds
- Perfect For: Quick weekend breaks, hiking, exploring historic villages
Route highlights: Quick escape from Birmingham. Take A38 to A5012 for scenic route. Visit Chatsworth House, explore caves, enjoy traditional Peak District villages.
Essential Stops Along the Way
- Derby (15 miles) – Quick stop option if needed. Historic city with good services.
- Matlock (40 miles) – Gateway to Peak District. Beautiful spa town.
Peak District Highlights
- Bakewell – Charming market town famous for Bakewell Pudding. Great base for exploring.
- Chatsworth House – Stunning stately home with beautiful gardens. Perfect for a day out.
- Castleton – Village famous for Blue John caves and Mam Tor hill. Excellent hiking.
- Dovedale – Beautiful valley with stepping stones across the river. Popular walking spot.
- Buxton – Spa town with Georgian architecture and natural springs.
- Mam Tor – “Shivering Mountain” with incredible views across the Peak District.
Roof Box Packing Tips for Peak District
- Hiking gear: Day packs, walking boots, and waterproofs. Keep your car boot free for other essentials.
- Picnic equipment: Cool boxes, blankets, and outdoor seating. Perfect for enjoying Peak District views.
- Photography gear: Cameras and tripods for capturing the stunning landscapes.
- Recommended roof box size: 300-400 litres for weekend trips, perfect for couples or small families.
Trip Planning Tips
Traffic Avoidance Strategies
- Leave early: Depart before 7am on weekends to avoid M6 congestion around Birmingham.
- Avoid Friday afternoons: Friday 3-7pm sees the worst traffic. Leave Thursday evening or early Saturday morning instead.
- Use traffic apps: Waze or Google Maps for real-time traffic updates and alternative routes.
- Plan rest stops: Service stations get busy. Book ahead or use smaller stops.
- Consider mid-week travel: If possible, travel Tuesday-Thursday for quieter roads.
Roof Box Size Recommendations
Choosing the right roof box size depends on your trip:
- Weekend trips (Peak District): 300-400 litres – Perfect for couples or small families
- Week-long holidays (Cornwall, Lake District): 400-500 litres – Ideal for families with beach or hiking gear
- Multi-day adventures (Scotland): 500+ litres – Essential for camping equipment and extended trips
- Adventure sports: 400-500 litres – Accommodates kayaks, bikes, and outdoor equipment
Best Time to Visit Each Destination
- Cornwall: June or September – Warm weather without peak summer crowds and prices
- Lake District: Late spring (May-June) or September – Best hiking conditions and blooming landscapes
- Scottish Highlands: May-September – Long daylight hours, better weather, fewer midges than July-August
- Peak District: Year-round, but spring and autumn offer the best weather
Accommodation Tips
- Book early: Popular destinations fill up quickly, especially in peak season
- Secure parking: Ensure your accommodation has secure parking if you’re renting a roof box
- Consider camping: Many destinations offer excellent campsites, and a roof box makes camping gear transport easy
- Wild camping: Legal in Scotland with right to roam. Check local regulations elsewhere
Fuel Economy Tips with Roof Boxes
Roof boxes can impact fuel economy, but these tips help minimise the effect:
- Remove when not needed: Take the roof box off for local driving to save fuel
- Pack efficiently: Distribute weight evenly and keep the box as aerodynamic as possible
- Drive smoothly: Avoid rapid acceleration and braking to maintain fuel efficiency
- Consider the savings: Even with reduced fuel economy, renting is still cheaper than buying and storing a roof box
Why Rent a Roof Box Instead of Buying?
For most Birmingham residents, renting a roof box makes far more financial sense than buying:
- Save £300+ per year: Most people use roof boxes just 2-3 times annually. Buying costs £300-£800, plus storage space you may not have
- No storage needed: Birmingham flats and houses often lack garage space. Renting means no storage headaches
- Access to premium equipment: Rent high-quality roof boxes without the upfront investment
- Flexible sizing: Choose the perfect size for each trip—small for weekends, large for holidays
- No maintenance: Rental companies handle cleaning, maintenance, and repairs
- Try before you buy: If you’re considering purchasing, renting lets you test different sizes and brands
Ready for Your UK Road Trip Adventure?
Whether you’re planning a quick weekend escape to the Peak District or a multi-day adventure through the Scottish Highlands, these four routes from Birmingham offer something for every type of traveller. Use the interactive route planner above to plan your journey, and discover why renting a roof box saves Birmingham residents hundreds of pounds annually while providing the extra storage space you need.
Find a roof box near Birmingham and start planning your adventure today!