Most Instagrammable Drives for Summer 2024

Stories, post, reels, highlights - however it is you choose to interact with your friends and family, give them something to look at this summer by taking a road trip down our topmost Instagrammable drives for the summer of 2024 in the UK.  

There is a lot of diversity on offer for your journeys, so if you are the type of person who chooses the scenic route and enjoys feeling the gentle breeze through your hair as you drive down country roads, then we have some places for you! But if you enjoy exploring historical towns and learning about local history, we’ve got you covered too!  

So, pack your camping equipment, a picnic basket or your hiking boots and get your road trip playlists ready!

Causeway Coastal Route 

Also connecting seamlessly to the ‘Wild Atlantic Way’, the coastlines of the Emerald Isle have a lot to offer with access to extensive nature, golden sand beaches and it is all narrated by rich history and legends. The Causeway Coastal Route offers rugged cliffs, the Giant’s Causeway which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and if you are a Game of Thrones fan you can also visit The Dark Hedges filming location. There are plenty of guided tours on offer or maybe you want to take a hike up Slemish, the extinct volcano where St Patrick is said to have worked.

Starting in Belfast City and ending in Derry, the 115-mile trip gives you an opportunity to spend a couple of days exploring and taking in the culture and scenery that the area has to offer, or you can tackle it all at once if you’d prefer. We recommend using a Causeway Coastal Route map to plan your trip to make sure you get the most out of it and to see all the possible stops on offer along the way. If you fancy taking a detour and exploring further inland, then the Sperrin mountains can be found nearby where Irelands highest bar and restaurant, The Ponderosa, can be found where you can indulge in some fresh, local cuisine. 

Northern Ireland makes a great short stay and there is something for everyone there! 

Borders Historic Route 

The Borders Historic Route starts in Carlisle and ends in the stunning historical capital of Scotland, Edinburgh. This route is the only tourist route that begins outside of the Scottish border and offers many activities on the drive there. There are plenty of opportunities for a photo op with miles of idyllic countryside and picturesque towns to explore!  

You can choose to get active and stop off at Dalkeith Country Park or delve into the textiles industry and see tartan being woven from scratch. This routes distance offers a lot in a short space of time with lochs, museums and some standout mentions, such as the Melrose Abbey, founded in 1136 or the cathedral in Jedburgh along with their castle jail, this route is sure to offer you a lot of history before you even reach Edinburgh where you will find even more activities to do.

Rhayader to the Devil’s Bridge 

Described by the AA as “one of the 10 best scenic drives in the world”, we would have to agree. This drive offers some of the most scenic backdrops in the Cambrian Mountains in the heart of Wales. 

This short and sweet road trip, just 12 miles in from the coast, offers exposure to some off-road mountain bike trails, hiking trails and the historic market town of Rhayader which sits in the Upper Wye Valley. It is the perfect route for people who like to get out and get active. Make sure to also visit the Elan Valley reservoir for some amazing views and sounds as the water cascades down. This area has been inhabited since the Stone Ages and is rich in history and wild animals, and if animals are what you are interested in, then you can also visit the Red Kite Centre, where you can see the birds emerge from the surrounding trees and dive in for a feast.  

As you get to Devil’s Bridge, be sure to take the nature trail where you can see captivating views of the 300ft waterfalls and learn about the stories and legends of this village. This site has been attracting visitors since the 18^th century and is a must-see attraction.

Canterbury to Rye via Dover  

If you were looking for the perfect road trip of England’s south coast, then this could be the one for you. Driving from Canterbury to Hastings is a route that is abundant in history. There are many sites to indulge yourself with the stories and history of both towns. 

Starting in the beautiful, medieval town of Canterbury, be sure to spend the morning walking along the cobbled streets indulging in what the local producers, designers and artists have to offer before taking a guided tour of Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Canterbury offers the perfect setting to explore a town with nature, culture and relaxation. Complete with its garden and river tours there are also many museums in the area.

On this route we would recommend also stopping off in Dover to see the chalk-white cliffs with extensive views out onto the sea before continuing onto the medieval town of Rye. Rye has maintained much of its historical charm and is a unique place ideal for a short break. Rye offers beaches and cycling paths through the nature reserve. The Mermaid Inn is the crowning Jewel of the town and originally dates to 1156 before being rebuilt in 1420.

Embarking on one of these Instagrammable drives this summer promises not only breathtaking views and memorable experiences but also an opportunity to dive deep into the rich history and culture of the UK and a break from our busy lives. Whether you're meandering through the scenic routes of Northern Ireland, exploring the historical paths to Edinburgh, marvelling at the stunning landscapes in Wales, or delving into the charming southern coast of England, there's an adventure waiting for every traveller. So, gather your essentials, plan your route, and get ready to create lasting memories and stunning photos that will captivate and inspire you and your audience.

If you’re thinking about a new vehicle to take you on these journeys, we at Zuto are here to help. Use our online calculator to work out how much you could borrow and what your monthly repayments might look like. Then when you’re ready, you can get a quote and start browsing over 40,000 vehicles to find you the best one for Summer 2024.  

Happy travels!