Best road trips for classic car enthusiasts in 2025

Few experiences compare to the joy of taking a classic across the stunning roads of the UK, especially when the sun is shining. In 2025, drivers are spoilt for choice with routes that combine breathtaking scenery with roads perfectly suited to the handling that only models can deliver. At Phil Mires Classic Cars, we’ve chosen five of our favourite journeys across the country, each offering something uniquely satisfying for classic car enthusiasts.

1. The North Coast 500 – Scotland’s ultimate classic-car circle

This 516-mile loop from Inverness is a must-do on any motoring bucket list. Glorious coastal views, rugged landscapes, and thrilling hairpins make it perfect for classic cars. However, a heads-up: traffic has increased, and narrow roads with potholes mean vintage drivers should approach carefully and be prepared.

Highlights:

• Wild coastal scenery and remote villages
• Great stops like Ullapool, Durness, and John O’Groats

(Credit to Flickr)

2. The Cotswolds – gentle curves through classic countryside

For a relaxed drive with timeless charm, the Cotswolds never disappoints. Honey-coloured cottages, rolling hills, and winding lanes built for classic cars make this route unforgettable. A circular drive from Cheltenham through Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, and Winchcombe delivers all the charm you could hope for.

Highlights:

• Idyllic villages filled with tearooms, pubs, and antique shops
• Beautiful lanes suited to vintage handling
• Photo-op perfect stops like Bourton-on-the-Water

(Credit to Pexels)

3. Snowdonia – dramatic views and stunning landscapes

Snowdonia’s mountain roads combine raw beauty with technical driving. The Llanberis Pass cuts through towering peaks and plunging valleys, offering a true classic driving challenge.

Highlights:

• Dramatic views that reward every winding bend
• Charming villages nearby, like Betws-y-Coed and Beddgelert, with restaurants and hotels
• A test of driving skill paired with awe-inspiring scenery

(Credit to Driving Roads)

4. The Lake District – hills, lakes, and vintage thrills

England’s Lake District is an evergreen favourite for those who love lakeside routes and mountain passes. Drives between Ambleside, Keswick, Ullswater, and Windermere combine sweeping views with just-right challenges.

Highlights:

• Diverse landscapes, from serene lakes to steep passes
• Villages with hearty pubs and a warm welcome
• Roads made for small, spirited cars

(Credit to TimeOut)

5. The A170 & North York Moors – quiet beauty in the north

The A170 through the North York Moors is a hidden gem. Starting in Thirsk, you pass rolling heather moors and charming market towns before eventually reaching coastal Scarborough. Sweeping vistas, historic stops, and fewer tourists make this a classic-car treat.

Highlights:

• Heather-covered hills and winding moorland roads
• Stops at places like the World of James Herriot museum in Thirsk
• Smooth, enjoyable driving without the crowds

(Credit to Flickr)

Preparing your classic car for a road trip

Before you set off, make sure your car is ready for the journey:

• Carry out basic checks on brakes, cooling system, tyres, and lights
• Plan fuel stops, especially in remote areas like the NC500 or Snowdonia
• Research local restaurants and pubs – some hidden gems are worth discovering!

Want to find the closest road trip for you from the list above? Check out the map below and start planning!

These drives range from gentle countryside to sweeping mountain passes, all ideal for exploring in a classic car. They deliver scenery, charm, and just enough challenge to keep both the engine and driver happy.

Contact us at Phil Mires Classic Cars to see our current selection of classic cars and get ready to plan your ideal road trip.