5 quirky roadside stops in the UK worth visiting by hire van

We know it’s still wet and windy, but summer has a habit of sneaking up on us. One minute it’s “we should go somewhere soon”, the next you’re scrambling to book time off and decide where the road might take you. If you’re already thinking ahead to a road trip, or just want a few ideas that go beyond the usual tourist trail once the weather warms up, the UK is packed with places that are weird, wonderful, and completely unforgettable.

Think unexpected landmarks, landscapes that don’t feel quite real, and cafés that make the journey just as enjoyable as the destination. And if you’re loading up bikes, surfboards, camping gear, or planning a longer escape with friends, van hire makes the whole trip feel that bit easier. From Daily Hire for short, spontaneous getaways to Flexi Hire vans that offer more freedom over longer periods, there’s an option to suit every kind of adventure. More space, more flexibility, and less compromise.

With that in mind, here are five standout stops up and down the country that prove the best road trips aren’t always about ticking off the obvious sights.

The Bude Tunnel - Cornwall

The Bude Tunnel is one of those places that makes no sense until you’re standing inside it. Built as a covered walkway in a supermarket car park (Sainsbury’s if you're interested), it has somehow become one of the UK’s most talked-about roadside stops. Soft lighting, reflective panels and an entirely straight path turn something mundane into something oddly mesmerising, and visitors regularly detour purely to experience it for themselves.

What makes the tunnel special isn’t scale or history, but its unexpected charm. It’s become a symbol of British humour and internet culture, celebrated precisely because it doesn’t try to be impressive. Even the brief walk through feels like a shared in-joke, and that’s exactly why people keep coming back. So if you're down in Cornwall and you need to pick up a few snacks en route to the beach, you know where to go!

Avebury Stone Circle - Wiltshire

Moving on to something old and interesting. Avebury is one of the largest prehistoric stone circles in the world, yet it feels calm, open, and surprisingly personal. Massive standing stones surround the village itself, allowing visitors to walk freely among them without barriers or formal pathways. Sheep graze between the stones, and the landscape feels lived-in rather than preserved behind glass.

The scale of Avebury is hard to appreciate until you arrive. Unlike more controlled historic sites, this is a place where ancient history and everyday life sit side by side, creating an atmosphere that feels both grounding and quietly awe-inspiring. It’s easy to lose track of time here, even on a quick stop.

The Forbidden Corner - North Yorkshire

The Forbidden Corner is unlike anywhere else in the UK, and it's not too far from home if you live up North. Set within the Yorkshire countryside, it’s a labyrinth of tunnels, passages, statues and surprises designed to disorient and entertain. There’s no map, no suggested route, and no clear sense of where you’re heading next, which is entirely the point.

Every turn reveals something unexpected, from optical illusions to hidden doors and sudden dead ends. It’s playful, surreal, and deliberately confusing, making it one of those places that defies easy explanation. You’ll almost certainly miss something the first time around, which somehow adds to the appeal and makes it a great day out for the whole family.

Dungeness - Kent

Dungeness feels completely detached from the rest of the country. A vast stretch of shingle meets the sea, scattered with weathered huts, fishing equipment and one of the UK’s most striking power stations. The landscape is stark and exposed, with a quietness that feels deliberate rather than empty.

Artists, writers and filmmakers have long been drawn to Dungeness for its unusual beauty. It’s a place that encourages you to slow down, look around, and sit with the strangeness of it all. Even on a busy day, it never quite feels crowded. So if you love rare wildlife, art, and all things different, this could be a perfect stop on your summer road trip.

Fingal’s Cave - Isle of Mull

Fingal’s Cave is one of the UK’s most dramatic natural landmarks. Formed from hexagonal basalt columns, the cave rises straight from the sea, creating a vast vaulted space where waves echo against the stone. The structure looks almost architectural, despite being entirely natural!

Reaching the cave adds to the sense of adventure, with ferry crossings and boat trips forming part of the experience. Once there, the scale, sound, and shifting light inside the cave leave a lasting impression. It’s the kind of place that stays with you long after you’ve left and feels straight out of a fantasy novel.

Ready to plan your own unforgettable road trip? It may not seem like it, but the UK is packed with destinations that make the journey just as exciting as the stop itself. Whether you’re chasing something a little different, soaking up the scenery, or simply looking for inspiration for a summer escape, the right vehicle makes all the difference.

With over 50 years of experience and a fleet of more than 500 vehicles available for Daily Hire and Flexi Hire, we have a van hire option to suit every kind of adventure here at Intack Self Drive. Start planning your next road trip today by visiting our website to check out the full range, or give us a call on 01254 57811 to book the perfect vehicle for your journey!