After a long time cooped up, it feels good to be able to plan holidays again and there's nothing better than a great British road trip to renew your zest for life. Steeped in history and full of beautiful scenery, the United Kingdom has something for everyone. We think the perfect trip is to take a week off work and drive from London to Edinburgh stopping at all the best spots on the way. The whole drive takes seven and a half hours and a week gives you enough time to stop at planned spots - or just wherever the mood takes you. Here's a suggested breakdown: 

London to Oxford 

In just over an hour from the hustle and bustle of one of the world’s most amazing cities, you can be in Oxford with its eclectic shops, stunning architecture, and - of course - famous university. It's a beautiful town and you could easily pass a whole day mooching around. If you were ever a fan of the Harry Potter movies, there are plenty of places of interest here. 

Oxford To Manchester 

It's a three hour drive from Oxford to Manchester and it's so worth basing yourself in this area for a couple of nights to explore. The city itself is a hive of culture, good food, theatre, bars, fascinating museums and historic buildings and it's worth ducking out to the coast to Liverpool and beyond where the Mersey meets the sea if time permits. 

Manchester to the Lake District 

The Lake District National Park is a very special place and it's only one and a half hours from Manchester. There are a huge range of activities and with more than 3100 kms of rights of way, you can walk and cycle till you can walk and cycle no more. Of course you can get on the water too, for a different view of this stunning part of the country. 

Lake District to Edinburgh 

Three hours on from the lakes you'll be in Edinburgh with its incredible Scottish charm. It's hard not to be wowed by the castle that dominates the cityscape, and you could spend days exploring the art, buildings, museums, parks and eating in all the fabulous cafes and restaurants. People are so friendly and its pretty hard not to have a great time. 

Whether you stop there or carry on exploring Glasgow, the Highlands and breathtaking sights like Glencoe and Ben Nevis, you're bound to have a great time and have thoroughly enjoyed exploring our country from South to North.