Fun moon over Dover Castle
Birling Gap
Royal Pavillion at Brighton
Punting in Cambridge
St Johns College, Cambridge
Running through the fields to get to Stonehenge before dark
Bath
Statford-upon-Avon
Tenby, Wales
Somewhere in The Lake District
The UK was our first destination on our road trip, and we spent around a month total exploring everything we could.
I was surprised at the sheer diversity driving around the country. From white chalk cliffs, to vast sloping green hills, pebble beaches, quaint country cottages.
We started in Dover, after catching the ferry across from Calais, France. After spending time in London (see full post here), we sort of wound down to the south coast around Durdle Door, then up to Wales, and onwards to Scotland.
HIGHLIGHTS
DOVER CASTLE
This was such a perfect place to begin our journey in the UK. We parked here after we got off the ferry and cooked our dinner overlooking the castle and a full moon. I would recommend skipping the full tour and just park opposite at sunset and take in the view
BRIGHTON
A cute little town worth passing through on your drive. The pier is that quintessential old fashion look. Some cute pastel houses and little alleys and markets worth exploring. Also stumbled across some of the best vegan carrot cake I’ve ever had in a little cafe in North Lanes. The Royal Pavillion is also such a start contrast (we didn’t pay to go inside). Indian inspired architecture smack bang in the middle of the botanic gardens in this quaint English city.
PUNTING IN CAMBRIDGE
This was actually one of our favourite things. I think it would depend on your punting guide, but we lucked out with a history major. It’s the best way to see all the sights in Cambridge and hear all about the history and who’s who of university attendees.
JURASSIC COAST
Durdle Door of course. We absolutely adored this place we stayed 2 nights longer than we had previously intended. Highly recommend staying at the Holiday Park there if you can. Its worth the money, as you are right at the top and saves trying to get a park (it can get super busy).
STONEHENGE
Absolutely worth going to. Sunset was an amazing time to see these mysterious rocks set against dusty pink skies. N.B. DO NOT PAY. You can literally see it for free, around 30cm away from the regular walk way. It’s a walk along a dusty back road, which is pretty in itself and access it by a public footpath.
BATH
Such a pretty little town. We only passed through on our drive up towards Wales, but its definitely worth stopping in to wander and grab a bite to eat. Such an aesthetically cohesive little town. Also.. Jane Austen references galore.
TENBY
I have no idea how this was voted one of the best beaches in Europe… not sure what the voting system entailed. BUT, that said, it is a very pretty little town. Set within medieval walls, you step inside and are surrounded by pretty little pastel houses lining the beach. Such a stark contrast. Pop into one of the cafes with a balcony overlooking the beach for a cheeky oat milk latte.
THE LAKE DISTRICT
It was quite pretty, but if you’re heading up to Scotland, then I wouldn’t necessarily recommend going out of your way to pass through. I was honestly a little underwhelmed as I guess I was hoping for overly lush, breathtaking mountains which is Scotland to a tee [post coming soon]. It is still VERY pretty though. We also found a really beautiful spot to set up camp for the night. Note some of the roads are very narrow (which is true for most of the UK, so take caution driving).