Enjoying your car
Summer days out for everyone
Ideas for families, couples and solo adventurers
Ryan Barham
Last updated: 07/07/2026
Ryan Barham
Last updated: 07/07/2026
Where will you go this summer? Whether you’re looking for something to entertain the family, a romantic break or solo adventure, we have you covered.
Wherever you’re going, Tempcover can help you along the way. Our temporary car insurance is perfect whether you need to borrow a bigger vehicle to fit all the luggage and toys in, want to share the drive or just don’t own a car and decide to drive the family one on your travels.
We’ve looked at some of the most exciting things to do in the UK over the summer months. Let’s start with the family days out…
| Attraction | Highlights |
|---|---|
| The Peak District | Chatsworth House, Dovedale, Winnats Pass… There's something for every family member in the Peak District. Driving on these roads provides a spectacular and safe experience, meaning the whole family can enjoy the breathtaking views. Why not take turns taking the wheel? |
| LEGOLAND Windsor, Berkshire | Build up the excitement by taking the kids to LEGOLAND. From an intricately detailed model village to state-of-the-art rides (Mythica is a personal favourite) and even a view of Windsor Castle, there’s so much fun for all ages. Conveniently located in Windsor, Berkshire, this family-friendly theme park will delight the whole car. |
| Wookey Hole and Cheddar Gorge, Somerset | Take a walk through some spectacular show caves, learn the legend of the Wookey Hole Witch and take a step back in time to meet some prehistoric pals. You can combine a day out at Wookey Hole with a trip to Cheddar Gorge. Carved into 350-million-year-old carboniferous limestone, which has since dissolved and eroded, it plunges up to 449 feet deep. It’s the largest gorge in the UK. |
| Alton Towers, Staffordshire | Based in the middle of the country, Alton Towers is a theme park with something for everyone - from young kids who love everything CBeebies to thrill-seeking grown-ups. Make the most of your trip by staying a night onsite or in a nearby hotel and borrowing a bigger car. So you can pack more snacks (and people, obviously). |
| Longleat, Wiltshire | Get up close to the animals with a visit to Longleat's famous safari park. The whole family will be delighted to see monkeys, lions and tigers up close in the drive-through safari. Just make sure you’re fully prepared to lose some of your car accessories in the Monkey Mayhem section - and no, you can’t claim for lost spoilers, number plates and parking sensors through monkey damage via your insurance… |
| Attraction | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, Scotland | As you drive along the A82, you’ll be able to see the reflections of the mountains on the water of Loch Lomond. You can also stop off at one of the many pubs for a luxurious lunch before heading to The Trossachs' combination of glens, lochs and pine forests - ‘The Highlands in miniature’. |
| The North York Moors to Robin Hood’s Bay | From mid to late August, you’ll be able to see the vibrant purple haze of the blooming heather in the North York Moors. If that wasn’t romantic enough, you’ll also be able to hear the buzz of honeybees, and see damselflies, moths and butterflies when you leave the car and take a hike. Robin Hood’s Bay is a cobblestone fishing village filled with romantic meal options. |
| The Atlantic Highway and Tintagel, Devon and Cornwall | With ancient links to King Arthur and Merlin, Tintagel Castle is a must-see if you’re staying near Devon or Cornwall. Enjoy the dramatic views as you approach the clifftop castle from the A39 and breathe in that fresh sea air. |
| The Lake District, Cumbria | One of the UK’s most popular tourist destinations, there is so much to see in The Lake District - especially in Windermere, Keswick and Bowness-on-Windermere. Share the drive up the M6, and hand over the wheel so you can both enjoy spectacular views at every turn. |
| Bath and the Mendip Hills, Somerset | What could be more romantic than a sunset drive Somerset’s rolling hills? A trip into Bath is also a must. Enjoy all the Georgian architecture and bask in a rooftop thermal spa session before sharing your journey home. |
| Attraction | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Wye Valley & Symonds Yat (English/Welsh Border) | Whether wildlife watching or enjoying a walk, Symonds Yat offers a breathtaking drive following a river through some ancient woodland. This road opens up to Symonds Yat Rock, a clifftop viewpoint where you’ll have the chance to spot peregrine falcons, buzzards and Goshawks. |
| The Northumberland Coast & Bamburgh Castle | A Grade I-listed Norman castle with views over the North Sea and surrounding countryside. There are plenty of walking trails for your solo break and the surrounding roads are perfect for an atmospheric and reflective journey. |
| Brighton and the South Downs | Where better for a solo trip than Brighton - one of Britain’s busiest and most bustling cities. Whether treating yourself to the shops in the Lanes or looking for new books or records, you’re sure to find what you want (or never knew you needed). Easy to drive to from London, once you’ve found somewhere to park, you can head for all the fun of the pier. |
| Edinburgh & Arthur's Seat, Scotland | You’ll find Arthur’s Seat - a 350-million-year-old volcano - right in the heart of Holyrood Park. At 822 feet, it’s Edinburgh’s highest point and offers panoramic views of the city. You won’t be able to drive to the summit, but you can get halfway up to Dunsapie Loch - although opening times are limited, so check before wasting a journey. |
| Bristol Harbourside and Clifton | From the waterfront to the leafy hills, there’s so much to explore if you’re visiting Bristol alone. The waterfront is home to the Floating Harbour and eye-catching art galleries. It’s packed with independent and chain restaurants and bars. Take a drive over the Clifton Suspension Bridge and enjoy boutique shopping in the Clifton Arcade - plus phenomenal views of the Avon Gorge. |
The UK is home to so many attractions - both world renowned and hidden treasures on your doorstep. Don’t forget to check out our microadventures generator for treats within driving distance - from water parks to sites of natural beauty.
After performing your basic maintenance checks ahead of the long drive, you should pack an emergency kit including:
You should also have a list of emergency contact numbers on your phone and in a physical format on your person.
Once you’ve sorted the above, you can concentrate on your road trip snacks and, if driving with someone else or a family, the games you will play in the car.
https://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/somerset/mendip-hills
https://www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/
https://www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/
https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/tintagel-castle/
https://visitbristol.co.uk/discover/areas/harbourside/
https://www.visitherefordshire.co.uk/see-do/scenic-trails/wye-valley
https://www.bamburghcastle.com/
Yes, Tempcover offers short-term car insurance from as little as one hour up to 28 days, so you only pay for a day if needed. It's ideal if you're borrowing a friend or family member's car for a day out.
Almost certainly, yes. Most car insurance policies don't automatically cover someone else driving the vehicle - and being added to a friend's annual policy can affect their no-claims bonus if anything goes wrong. Temporary car insurance keeps things simple for both parties.
Yes, the B3135 through Cheddar Gorge is a public road open to traffic, and while it's narrow in places, it's a popular and well-maintained route. Take it slowly and enjoy the views.
You'll typically need a full UK or EU driving licence held for a minimum period (usually 6 months to a year, depending on the insurer). Learner drivers and those on provisional licences have different options available.
Each driver must be insured to drive the vehicle. If you're sharing a hired or borrowed car, temporary car insurance is the simplest way to add a named driver without affecting the owner's existing policy.
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