Why Londoners Choose Roof Box Rental for Road Trips
With over 9 million people living in Greater London, many residents find themselves planning weekend escapes and summer holidays to the UK’s most beautiful destinations. Whether you’re heading to Cornwall’s beaches, the Lake District’s mountains, or Scotland’s Highlands, one thing becomes clear: you need extra storage space.
Most Londoners use roof boxes just 2-3 times per year for family holidays and adventure trips. Buying a roof box costs £300-£800, plus you need storage space in your flat or garage—something many Londoners simply don’t have. Renting a roof box for your road trip saves hundreds of pounds annually while giving you access to premium equipment exactly when you need it.
This comprehensive guide covers five of the best UK road trips from London, complete with Google Maps routes, essential stops, packing tips, and everything you need to plan your perfect adventure.
Route 1: London to Cornwall – Coastal Paradise
Distance: 260 miles
Drive 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
View interactive route planner
Essential Stops Along the Way
- Stonehenge (90 miles from London) – Perfect for a mid-journey break. The ancient stone circle is just off the A303, making it an ideal 1-hour stop to stretch your legs.
- 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
Once you reach Cornwall, you’ll want to explore:
- 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
Cornwall trips typically require:
- 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 2: London to Lake District – Mountain Adventures
Distance: 280 miles
Drive Time: 5 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
View interactive route planner
Essential Stops Along the Way
- Oxford (60 miles) – Beautiful university city. Perfect for an early coffee stop and a quick walk around the historic centre.
- Birmingham (120 miles) – Major city with excellent services. Good place for lunch and fuel before heading north.
- Kendal (260 miles) – Gateway to the Lake District. Famous for Kendal Mint Cake, perfect for hikers’ energy needs!
Lake District Highlights
The Lake District offers endless opportunities for adventure:
- 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
Lake District adventures require specific gear:
- 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 3: London to Scottish Highlands – Epic Adventure
Distance: 500 miles
Drive Time: 8-9 hours (plan for multi-day trip)
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
View interactive route planner
Essential Stops Along the Way
- York (200 miles) – Historic walled city with stunning cathedral. Perfect overnight stop to break up the journey.
- Edinburgh (400 miles) – Scotland’s capital. Spend a day exploring before heading into the Highlands.
- Loch Lomond (450 miles) – First taste of Highland scenery. Stop for photos and a walk along the loch.
- Glen Coe (500 miles) – One of Scotland’s most dramatic glens. Stunning mountain scenery that will take your breath away.
Scottish Highlands Highlights
The Scottish Highlands offer some of the UK’s most spectacular scenery:
- 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.
- Wild camping – Scotland’s right to roam allows wild camping in many areas. Perfect for adventurous travellers.
Roof Box Packing Tips for Scottish Highlands
Highlands trips require comprehensive gear:
- 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.
- Photography equipment: Keep cameras and tripods safe and accessible in a roof box.
- 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 4: London to Peak District – Quick Weekend Escape
Distance: 150 miles
Drive Time: 2.5-3 hours
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
View interactive route planner
Essential Stops Along the Way
- Milton Keynes (60 miles) – Modern city with excellent services. Good place for a quick break.
- Northampton (70 miles) – Historic market town. Nice spot for coffee before continuing.
Peak District Highlights
The Peak District is perfect for a quick escape from London:
- 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.
Route 5: London to Wales – Coastal Adventures
Distance: 200 miles
Drive Time: 4 hours
Best Time to Visit: May-September for best weather, but Wales is beautiful year-round
Perfect For: Coastal walks, adventure sports, exploring Welsh culture
View interactive route planner
Essential Stops Along the Way
- Bristol (120 miles) – Vibrant city with excellent services. Great place for lunch and fuel.
- Cardiff (150 miles) – Wales’ capital city. Worth a stop to explore before heading into the countryside.
Wales Highlights
Wales offers diverse landscapes and adventures:
- Snowdonia National Park – Home to Mount Snowdon, Wales’ highest peak. Stunning mountain scenery and excellent hiking.
- Pembrokeshire Coast – Beautiful coastal path with stunning beaches and cliff-top walks.
- Brecon Beacons – Mountain range perfect for hiking, with waterfalls and dramatic scenery.
- Anglesey – Island connected by bridge, with beautiful beaches and coastal walks.
- Welsh castles – Explore historic castles like Caernarfon, Conwy, and Harlech.
- Adventure sports – Coasteering, kayaking, and mountain biking opportunities throughout Wales.
Roof Box Packing Tips for Wales
- Adventure sports gear: Kayaks, paddleboards, climbing equipment, and bikes. Wales is perfect for outdoor activities.
- Hiking equipment: Multiple sets of gear for different terrains—mountains, coast, and valleys.
- Weather protection: Wales is known for changeable weather. Pack for all conditions.
- Beach gear: If exploring the coast, pack towels, wetsuits, and beach equipment.
- Recommended roof box size: 400-500 litres for adventure trips, 300-400 litres for weekend breaks.
Essential Road Trip Planning Tips
Traffic Avoidance Strategies
London’s road network can be challenging. Here’s how to avoid the worst traffic:
- Leave early: Depart before 6am on weekends to avoid M25 congestion.
- 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, Wales): 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
- Wales: May-September for best weather, but beautiful year-round
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 Londoners, 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: London 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 five routes from London offer something for every type of traveller. With detailed Google Maps routes, essential stops, and practical packing tips, you have everything you need to plan your perfect UK road trip.
Remember, renting a roof box saves Londoners hundreds of pounds annually while providing the extra storage space you need for beach gear, hiking equipment, camping supplies, and family luggage. No storage space required, no maintenance worries—just the freedom to explore the UK’s most beautiful destinations.
Find a roof box near London and start planning your adventure today!