15-07-2025
North Coast 500 named one of UK's 'must visit' routes as scenery and practicality praised
The study ranked road trips based on reviews, fuel costs, EV chargers, places to stay and popularity
A spectacular Scottish road trip has been named among the best in the UK for summer 2025. The North Coast 500 has officially been ranked the third most popular road trip in the UK.
The ranking cementis the NC500's status as a must-do route for travellers this summer. The breathtaking 516-mile loop through the Highlands continues to capture the imagination of adventure seekers.
It is known for its jaw-dropping coastal scenery, remote beaches, ancient castles and wild mountain passes, and its popularity has been reflected in the ranking from Car Finance 247.
The new research by the UK's leading online car finance platform analysed a variety of factors when comparing some of the UK's best-loved driving routes.
The study looked at each road trip's TripAdvisor ratings, fuel costs, EV charger availability, accommodation options, and search popularity to determine the best all-round experiences for drivers in 2025.
For Scots, the North Coast 500 is already a well-known favourite. But this latest analysis shows it isn't just about stunning views, it also delivers when it comes to practical travel essentials.
The route sees an average of 19,000 monthly searches, the second-highest on the list, and boasts 2,255 five-star TripAdvisor reviews for its many sights.
Petrol costs for the route were estimated at £87.72, relatively affordable given its length, especially compared to other longer-distance journeys.
Fuel costs were calculated proportionally based on mileage, ensuring a fair comparison between short and extended routes. The study also aimed to reflect the evolving needs of modern road trippers, including those planning budget-friendly escapes or eco-conscious EV adventures.
While England's Jurassic Coast topped the overall list thanks to its balance of affordability, visitor reviews and accessibility, the North Coast 500 was by far the highest ranked Scottish entry.
The Wales Coast Path claimed second spot, with more than 5,000 five-star reviews and an impressive 479 affordable accommodation options.
Other popular routes, such as Hadrian's Wall and the South West 660, fell behind in key areas like EV infrastructure and online interest.
Another Scottish gem to make the list was the Kintyre 66, which rounded out the top 10. This scenic 66-mile loop through Argyll offers sea views from nearly every stretch of road and looks out to the islands of Gigha, Islay, Jura and Arran. On a clear day, visitors can even see across to Northern Ireland from South Kintyre.
The Kintyre 66 includes six spurs for those keen to explore further and clocked 50 five-star reviews, 170 average monthly searches, and a fuel cost of just £11.22. The route also offers 67 EV charging points and 24 budget accommodation options.
The research highlights how road trip trends are shifting. Travellers in 2025 are increasingly factoring in practicalities such as fuel efficiency, charging access and affordability, in addition to the traditional draw of beautiful views and scenic detours.
'As a company committed to helping people get on the road with confidence, we know that value matters, not just when choosing a car, but also when planning where it takes you,' said Louis Rix, Co-Founder and COO at Car Finance 247.
'This research shows that whether you're heading out for a short weekend drive or a longer escape, there are incredible UK road trips to suit every budget and lifestyle.'
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The UK's top 10 road trip destinations for 2025
Route
Number of 5-star Tripadvisor reviews
Avg monthly searches
Cost of petrol for the route
Number of EV charging points
Number of affordable accommodation options
1
Jurassic Coast
3,842
26,000
£16.15
73
24
2
Wales Coast Path
5,289
900
£147.90
112
479
3
North Coast 500
2,255
19,000
£87.72
65
152
4
North Yorkshire Moors Linear
21,665
50
£30.77
18
19
5
Hadrians Wall
752
16,000
£14.28
22
65
6
South West 660
662
100
£112.20
317
29
7
Norfolk Coastal Path
4,052
250
£14.28
13
138
8
Northumberland Coast Path
1,190
400
£10.54
23
73
9
The Cumbrian Coast
1,530
150
£34.00
23
107
10
Kintyre 66
50
170
£11.22
67
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