The open road ahead, the rumble of the engine, the thrill of adventure… what is the perfect road trip for car enthusiasts? Part of a road trip’s charm is the spontaneity. Being open to what lies ahead. But it also doesn’t hurt to plan a little. Pin the destinations and some stops to make the most of the drive. In a country where tourism generates approximately £161 billion annually (11.4% of the UK’s GDP), automotive tourism represents a passionate and growing niche.
In this guide, we’ll cover the ultimate road trip itinerary for car lovers, with tips on how to make the most of each destination and must-see attractions.
The Ultimate Car Lover’s Road Trip Itinerary
1. The British Motor Museum, Warwickshire
If you’re looking for a place that perfectly chronicles the UK automotive heritage, The British Motor Museum is the place to go. It houses the world’s largest collection of historic British cars. Currently, it has over 400 classic vehicles on their roster. The display features iconic brands like Jaguar, Austin, and Mini. Plus, they also have one-off prototypes that never made it to production.
The museum even features international automotive elements, highlighting how enthusiasts modify and personalize their cars for both performance and style. For instance, Corvette owners looking to upgrade their ride often explore options like Corvette parts and accessories, with specialized retailers offering a range of designs and shipping options to make customization more accessible.
The museum’s “Time Road” exhibition guides you through the evolution of British motoring, offering context for how these machines transformed society. For true enthusiasts, the Collections Centre allows visitors to see the reserve collections and restoration workshops where experts breathe new life into automotive treasures.
2. Goodwood Circuit, West Sussex
You haven’t been to Goodwood Circuit if you haven’t completed a road trip while loving cars. The track is 2.4 miles long and has been hosting legendary races since 1948, where today even non-drivers can walk in the tracks of some of the greats in motorsport.
The Goodwood Revival each September is the 2.4-mile ultimate destination event wherein people dress in period costumes to watch classic cars battling it the same way they did in the 1948-1966 heydays.
On other occasions, Goodwood has track days and driving experiences that allow would-be racers the chance to get behind the wheel of performance vehicles. Another thing most visitors miss out on is the Goodwood Motor Circuit Café, which offers great views at the track action, juxtaposed with displays of racing memorabilia. Time your visit perfectly, and a class-team might be seen testing their latest machines. Also, speed cameras are always helpful nowadays for road safety, so being mindful on the road is always a priority.
3. The Nürburgring, Germany
For those prepared to face the European continent, though, an ultimate pilgrimage for motorized activities is by way of the Nürburgring in Germany. The 13-mile Nordschleife (North Loop) has been terrorizing the best drivers of all times since 1927, and it remains the touchstone for performance car development.
What many don’t know is that the Ring has tourist drives, which means you can take your own vehicle around the full circuit for under £30 per lap. With over 170 corners that wind their way through the Eifel mountains, it’s really the ultimate test of both car and driver. For the less confident, the Ring Taxi experiences allow you to sit as a passenger while professional drivers show what is possible on this line. The surrounding village of Nürburg also boasts great locations to watch drivers tackle the challenge.
4. Ferrari Museum, Maranello, Italy
In Maranello, which in the eyes of many is the main spiritual home of motorsport passion, the Ferrari museum provides an unrivaled experience exploring the world’s most famous sports car manufacturer. Next to the factory where these iconic vehicles are constructed, the museum showcases the road cars and race winners that have made the Prancing Horse logo well-known and well-revered in the entire world. Museums offer great appeal to a very wide variety of mixed-age visitors, with the older audiences highly represented: 41% of all visitors are older than 55.
The museum features an immersive film experience in “Cinema Maranello” that puts visitors into the driving seat of a Ferrari, while the Formula 1 exhibition offers up-close examination of the championship-winning cars.This stop is a very special one because of its pairing opportunity with a factory tour whereby one gets to see first-hand where these masterpieces are made. While the actual production lines will remain off-limits, the tour provides insight into Ferrari’s craftsmanship and innovation.
5. North Coast 500, Scotland
For those welcoming the journey rather than the destination, there is 516 miles of stunning riding in the North Coast 500 route, which is a circular route that traverses the northern Highland wilds and ranks among the best drives of the world.
Starting and finishing at Inverness Castle, NC500 features everything from coastal passes with sheer cliffs down to the sea to mountain passes that require testing of the driver and machine. The route’s variety is a major feature – one moment you’ll be hugging a cliff edge, the next sweeping through vast, empty moorlands. Safety is always crucial, so drivers must always have speed awareness when driving these roads.
What many drivers happen to miss along the NC500 road are those hidden viewpoints that would offer perfect photographic opportunities for their vehicles. Stops like the Kylesku Bridge and Bealach na Bà offer dramatic car photography backdrops that would make envy out of any car enthusiast on social media.
6. The Porsche Museum, Stuttgart, Germany
The remarkable modern architecture of Stuttgart’s Porsche Museum sets the tone for the encounter, making it an architectural wonder even before you enter. The collection, which includes about 80 automobiles ranging from the first Porsche designs to contemporary supercars and race champions, narrates the tale of meticulous engineering that has shaped the brand.
This museum stands out from others due to its commitment to keeping all of its displays in operational condition. These aren’t static displays; each car may be started and driven, highlighting Porsche’s conviction that automobiles should be used for purposes other than admiration.
Seeing the evolution of the classic 911 through its numerous revisions and learning how this iconic model has changed while retaining its own character over decades of manufacture is the highlight for many visitors.
The Impact on Car Culture
These car destinations not only commemorate motoring heritage – they also forge its future. The passion that is lit by visiting them encourages the next generation of engineers, designers, and enthusiasts that will design tomorrow’s classics.
Through taking a devoted car enthusiast’s road trip, you’re not merely indulging in a whim. You are also contributing to the continuous cultural relevance of car appreciation that has characterized much of the last century and continues to shape itself today.
The destinations we listed here are open to all — whether you drive a vintage roadster, a high-performance modern car, or a simple day-to-day transport. The important thing is you find joy in driving and being on the road. Passion is the sole prerequisite, and the reward is memories that exceed the odometer reading by several lifetimes.