Ready to hit the road but not sure where to go and how to get there? Instead of looking at Europe, or dare we suggest somewhere further, why not take the time to see the beautiful destinations the UK has to offer? Ditch the long airport queues, the expensive, stuffy trains and get your Classic Car out from under the dust sheets in your garage. Make the gorgeous British scenery your next destination and hit the open road in your classic car!
Still not sure where to start? No worries, that’s what we are here for. Follow our tips and tricks to get yourself on the path of planning the ultimate classic car road trip!
The first thing to do might be an obvious one, but it sure is the most important one – deciding where to go. With inspiration all around you it can get extremely confusing to decide. To help give you a few ideas and put the wheels in motion, the Classic Motor Show Director, Lee Masters, has curated his top five destinations across the UK.
- The Cotswolds
Why? – “There aren’t many places more English than the Cotswolds. It’s one of the most beautiful parts of the country, overflowing with miles and miles of incredible countryside, and scattered with perfectly preserved villages and winding country lanes often marked out with iconic Cotswold stone walls.
- Land of The Lakes, Lake District
Why? – “This is an opportunity to take in some of England’s most picturesque roads. Consider starting in Kendal, then head north into the Lake District National Park towards Windermere, England’s largest lake and a picture-perfect, real life postcard experience that attracts visitors from all over the world.”
- Giants Causeway
Why? – “There is nothing quite like the Giants Causeway, a UNESCO heritage site comprising around 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, thought to be the result of an ancient volcanic fissure eruption. Accompanying the Causeway in the beauty books is a 120-mile Causeway Coastal route, which hugs the coastline between Belfast and Derry-Londonderry, taking in the rock formation plus many more natural and manmade wonders.”
- Evo Triangle
Why? – “It’s great because there is low traffic, beautifully curving, cambered bends and scenery stretching as far as the eye can see. The Evo Triangle has it all – and then some! Buried deep in the heart of North Wales it has been a mecca for motoring aficionados.”
- Best of the Moors, Yorkshire
Why? – “With dense forests, meandering streams and vast swathes of heather moorland, the North York Moors National Park makes for a spectacular road trip. Although the journey from the market town of Helmsley to the seaside village of Staithes is short and sweet, you can stretch it out over a couple of days if you fancy an overnight stay in a village B&B.”
Once you have your destination sorted, the next piece of the puzzle is deciding where you’ll be staying during your road trip. You’ve got a few options, namely bed & breakfasts, hostels, hotels or if you’re going for the adventurous vibe – camping. While planning your stops, it might be useful to have your accommodation in mind so you can make the most of your stops. Oh, and remember, you might want to pick accommodation with parking included or you’ll be trekking in the middle of nowhere at odd hours trying to find your car or accommodation.
Last but not the least, getting your classic car ready. You don’t want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere surrounded by sheep with no way home. Did you picture yourself looking all gloomy, yes? See, this is why we say it’s a crucial one.
Ellis Blackman from Polybush, exhibitors at this year’s Classic Motor Show, shares his top five tips on how to get your classic car ready for the ultimate road trip.
“When I drive my classic on a long journey, the key thing is prep.
Checking tyres, fluids and important nuts and bolts for the correct torque prior to leaving can really help a trip go without issue.
Second, is planning to fail, we always hope things won’t but having things like a Haynes manual, spanners/socket set, screwdrivers and a hammer can go a long way to getting you moving.
I also carry a few fuses, and a bulb or two along with a litre of oil and some brake/clutch fluid including a simple bleed kit should I need it.
Third, cleanliness.
A deep clean of everything inside and out, especially the engine bay and underbody.
Removal of all old oil and grease makes it easier to see where a leak is coming from should your car decide to vent its precious fluids. I also like to give the car a nice polish and wax, as well as the application of a RainX type windscreen water repellent which helps vision.
Fourth,
If multiple vehicles are involved in the road trip, the installation of a CB radio is extremely handy in keeping comms between all vehicles, they’re legal to use when driving (providing the main box is fixed) and if a breakdown or wrong turn happens, it’s easy to tell everyone in the convoy.
Fifth,
Hardtop off / soft-top down, cap on, fill up with premium fuel and get on the open road.”
Now that you have your destination, accommodation and car ready, it’s time to book that holiday, get packed and hit the road!
Looking for inspiration for finding your best Classic Car? Join us at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, with discovery+, at the Birmingham NEC this Autumn. Running from Friday 11th November until Sunday 13th November 2022, the show brings together a fantastic array of classic car and motorcycle clubs, with more than 3,000 vehicles on display and over 600 exhibitors. You won’t be disappointed.
