How do I know which viewpoints are worth stopping for?

Go with places that make you curious. If a stop offers a great view, some local history or just feels like a spot you’d enjoy pausing at, it’s usually worth it. Your road trip guide also highlights a few favourites so you’re never guessing.

Do I need to plan viewpoint stops ahead of time?

Not really. It can be nice to mark one or two on your route, but some of the best stops happen when you spot a gorgeous view and decide to pull over. A bit of planning and a bit of spontaneity works well.

Are viewpoints good for families and kids?

Yes, absolutely. They’re perfect for a quick run around, a breather from the car and something interesting to look at. Most are easy to reach and only a short walk from the parking area.

Are viewpoints still worth visiting in bad weather?

Often, yes. Moody skies, misty hills or wild coastlines can look incredible in rough weather. Just check it’s safe to get out of the car and enjoy it from a sensible spot.

Will all viewpoints be busy?

Not at all. Some well-known ones can attract more people, but plenty of lovely viewpoints are tucked away, quiet and peaceful. Those hidden ones often end up being the best memories.

How long should I stay at a viewpoint?

There’s no rule. Sometimes a few minutes is enough, and other times you might want to sit with a coffee, take photos or wander around. Stay for as long as it feels good.

Enjoying Viewpoints to Bring Your Road Trip to Life

Road Trip Viewpoints: Finding Memorable Views

• Scenic pauses: planned stops to stretch, reset and actually enjoy the landscape.

• Story-rich views: places that reveal the history, character and geology of a region.

• Photo moments: easy spots to capture the kind of images that define your trip.

Viewpoints can completely change the feel of a road trip. They turn a simple drive into a string of memorable moments, giving you time to pause, breathe and actually take in the places you’re travelling through. Whether you are winding along a coastal road, crossing open moorland or passing historic towns, a well-chosen viewpoint helps you slow down and see the bigger picture.

Some are classic beauty spots with wide panoramas; others are smaller, tucked-away places where the light, landscape and history all come together. They are also incredibly practical: perfect for stretching your legs, grabbing a cuppa, or giving passengers something special to look forward to.

Across our routes, we include a curated mix of viewpoints by road trip, so you can build them naturally into your day. Think coastal lookouts, hilltop pull-ins and historic vantage points that make the journey itself just as rewarding as the destinations.

To help you get the most out of road trip viewpoints, here’s a quick look at what each part of this guide covers:

Part 1: Why Viewpoints Matter on a Road Trip

Viewpoints are more than just “nice places to pull over”. They shape the rhythm of your trip. Instead of driving from A to B in one long push, you create natural breaks where everyone can get out, look around and enjoy the moment.

They are also brilliant for mixed groups. Drivers get a rest, kids get space to move, and keen photographers or walkers get a few minutes of joy. A handful of well-chosen viewpoints turns your route into a curated journey, not just a list of overnight stops.

Part 2: Different Types of Viewpoints You Might Encounter

There are many different types of viewpoints, and that's part of what makes them so fun on a road trip. Some are breathtaking places on cliffs or slopes where you can see the complete environment in front of you. Others are much easier: a lay-by with a vista that surprises you, a peaceful corner with a view of a river bend, or a picnic location that gets the light just right.

Natural perspectives might lead you to beaches, waterfalls, lakes, or clearings in the forest where you suddenly feel serene and free. Man-made perspectives can be equally as beautiful. You might find yourself standing on an old harbour wall, climbing a castle tower, stopping on a bridge, or walking up to a little viewing platform that was designed to let you see the view better.

These stops enable you view more of the place you're going through and gain a better sense of its geography and character.

Part 3: How Viewpoints Enhance Your Journey

A good viewpoint can completely reset the pace of your day. Instead of driving straight through an area, you’re encouraged to stop, step outside and properly notice where you’ve arrived. These pauses often turn into some of the most memorable moments of the whole trip, a quiet five minutes overlooking a valley, the first glimpse of a coastline, or a surprising angle on a town you’ve only ever passed by.

They also help create structure. A long driving day feels lighter when you know you’ve planned two or three lovely stops along the way. Viewpoints give you a reason to slow down, stretch, breathe and feel the reward of the journey as much as the destination.

Part 4: Tips for Making the Most of Viewpoints

You don’t need to overthink viewpoints, but a little awareness can elevate the experience. Checking which direction the view faces can help you time your stop with the best light, sunrise and sunset can transform even simple viewpoints into something special. Bringing a few small comforts, like a flask or a warm layer, makes lingering more enjoyable.

Take a moment to read any information boards, as they often reveal stories, geology or local history you’d otherwise miss. And try taking in the view before reaching for the camera, a few seconds of just looking can make the moment feel more meaningful. A short wander away from the main parking area can also reveal an even better, quieter vantage point.

Part 5: Viewpoints in Uncover Britain Road Trips

Every road trip includes a selection of viewpoints chosen to match that particular route. Some are big, iconic lookouts that showcase a region’s “classic” view; others are quieter, less obvious places that you might easily drive past without a nudge.

You might find suggestions for:

short scenic pauses just off the main road
viewpoints paired with picnic areas or nearby walks
historic vantage points that explain the story of the landscape

You can dip into these as little or as much as you like. Build a day around a series of viewpoints, or simply choose one or two that fit neatly with your driving plans. Either way, they help turn your road trip into something you’ve experienced, not just travelled through.

Check out our Find Inspiration pages for ideas on where to go, if you’re looking to hire or buy, check out our Find a vehicle pages, and our Route Planner tips.

Go with places that make you curious. If a stop offers a great view, some local history or just feels like a spot you’d enjoy pausing at, it’s usually worth it. Your road trip guide also highlights a few favourites so you’re never guessing.
Not really. It can be nice to mark one or two on your route, but some of the best stops happen when you spot a gorgeous view and decide to pull over. A bit of planning and a bit of spontaneity works well.
Yes, absolutely. They’re perfect for a quick run around, a breather from the car and something interesting to look at. Most are easy to reach and only a short walk from the parking area.
Often, yes. Moody skies, misty hills or wild coastlines can look incredible in rough weather. Just check it’s safe to get out of the car and enjoy it from a sensible spot.
Not at all. Some well-known ones can attract more people, but plenty of lovely viewpoints are tucked away, quiet and peaceful. Those hidden ones often end up being the best memories.
There’s no rule. Sometimes a few minutes is enough, and other times you might want to sit with a coffee, take photos or wander around. Stay for as long as it feels good.