3 UK Road Trips, 3 Great Itineraries
3 UK Road Trips, 3 Great Itineraries
Images: The Bull Charlbury; Matteo Di Iorio/Unsplash; Angela's
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3 UK Road Trips, 3 Great Itineraries

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE, CREATED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH VOLKSWAGEN

Whether it’s a spontaneous day out or a weekend away, the best road trips are the ones that feel easy, fun and effortless. With the SL team behind the wheel of Volkswagen’s all-electric ID. range, we hit the road to explore three destinations that combine culture, country views and coastal charm – proving that electric driving isn’t just practical, it’s part of the enjoyment. From seaside towns to charming villages full of great antiques shops, here are three road trip itineraries you’ll want to recreate yourself – plus, we explain why the ID. range are the cars to get you there…
Images: The Bull Charlbury; Matteo Di Iorio/Unsplash; Angela's

Created in partnership with Volkswagen

Hauser Wirth-Somerset; Hong Zhao/Unsplash;The Newt;Farm Shop
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Best For Family Escapes & Design Lovers:

BRUTON, SOMERSET


THE CAR:

ID.4 – The Spacious, Family-Friendly SUV

AM: Start with a stroll down the high street, home to some of the UK’s most covetable lifestyle stores. Smouk is a treasure trove of rugs and textiles, while Commune and Caro offer everything from ceramics to curated homeware. It’s the kind of shopping that invites you to linger – and with the ID.4’s generous boot space, there’s no need to hold back.

Just outside town, Hauser & Wirth Somerset is a destination in its own right. The contemporary art gallery is set in a converted farmstead, surrounded by gardens designed by Piet Oudolf. Next door, Durslade Farm Shop is a celebration of local produce – think seasonal flowers, fresh bread and small-batch pantry staples you won’t find elsewhere.

PM: A short drive away, The Newt in Somerset is one of the UK’s best country estates. With its Georgian manor, formal gardens and immersive Roman Villa experience, it’s a place that invites exploration. Stop for lunch at Garden Café, which serves seasonal plates overlooking the Parabola Garden. The hotel itself has plenty of vehicle charging points, so you can top up before you hit the road again.

Whether you’re browsing the garden shop for foodie souvenirs or enjoying a final coffee at The Newt, this part of Somerset offers the kind of slow-living escape that feels both indulgent and grounding – and the ID.4 makes every mile feel effortless.

Watch the Behind-The-Scenes episode here.

Francesca Grima/Unsplash; Matteo Di Iorio/Unsplash
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For A Girls’ Day Out

MARGATE, KENT


THE CAR:

ID.3 – The Fun All-Rounder

AM: Margate has long been a favourite for creative Londoners seeking sea air and retro charm. With its indie boutiques, vintage arcades and world-class sunsets, it’s the kind of place that feels both nostalgic and new. And with the ID.3 – Volkswagen’s playful, versatile electric car – the journey is just as fun as the destination.

Start at the seafront, where pastel shopfronts and retro signage set the tone. The promenade is perfect for a breezy walk, while Giant Coffee is the spot for delicious hot drinks – think banana bread lattes. From there, head into the Old Town, where Margate’s creative spirit comes alive. Haeckels, the seaweed-based skincare brand, is a must-visit – both for its pioneering products and its minimalist lab-like interiors – while The Margate Bookshop is the place to pick up a copy of the latest fiction hitting the shelves.

PM: Margate is home to some seriously good restaurants, but one standout option is Angela’s. This intimate, ingredient-led restaurant is all about seasonal produce, with a menu that’s as thoughtful as it is delicious. Expect dishes like grilled day boat fish, pickled vegetables and homemade sourdough – all served in a pared-back, Scandi-style space just steps from the beach. Post-lunch, browse the vinyl stores, stop for coffee and soak up the Margate vibe before heading home.

With the ID’3’s official WLTP combined range of up to 240 miles through to 369 miles (depending on battery)¹, you can explore freely without worrying about charging.

Watch the Behind-The-Scenes episode here.

The Bull Charlbury
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For Couples & Interiors Lovers

COTSWOLDS, OXFORDSHIRE


THE CAR:

ID.7 – The Premium, Long-Distance Leader

AM: The Cotswolds is a dream for design fans – all honey-stone villages, antique shops and interiors inspiration. And with the ID.7, Volkswagen’s high-end electric saloon, the longest-range model in the ID. range, the journey feels indulgent from the start. With optional premium features, long-range reassurance² and a smooth, quiet ride, it’s self-care on wheels.

PM: Start at Restoration Hardware at the seriously chic Aynho Park, where elevated design meets curated living. The showroom is a masterclass in interiors, and the ID.7’s sleek silhouette fits right in. From there, head to Charlbury – one of the prettiest towns in West Oxfordshire. The Bull, part of Public House group’s collection of destination pubs, is the perfect spot for lunch. Set in a former inn dating back to the 16th century, it’s home to a cosy dining room and garden with further seating. Dishes are cooked on the BBQ, and on Sundays there are whole animals on an open fire – think slow-cooked lamb with all the trimmings. 

Next stop: Stow-on-the-Wold. Known for its antique scene and honey-stone architecture, it’s a place to browse, linger and discover. Tara Antiques CentreLee Chinnick and Christopher Clarke Antiques offer everything from vintage finds to rare collectibles – and the ID.7’s spacious boot means you can bring home more than just memories.

Bar Foletta is the perfect final pit-stop – a cosy café with great coffee and plenty of non-alcoholic options for driver. Whether you’re heading back to London or extending your stay, the ID.7 makes every mile feel like a moment of luxury.

Watch the Behind-The-Scenes episode here.

Restoration Hardware; Stergios K/Unsplash; Angela’s

So, Why Go Electric With Volkswagen?

  • With Volkswagen’s ID. range, electric driving becomes second nature. When you have a home charger, you can charge your car overnight, ready to enjoy a smooth, quiet ride that turns every journey into a moment of calm.
  • Forget the myths. With the average UK commute being 20 miles a day¹, most people could use an EV up to five days-a-week before charging.  And with over 44,000 charging locations across the UK⁴, ‘range anxiety’ is largely a thing of the past.
  • When it comes to cost, electric driving could be surprisingly affordable. Using a Smart Charger at home aligned to an EV energy tariff can help to significantly reduce your overall fuel costs.  
  • It’s not just practical – it’s personal. The ID. range is designed to adapt to your life, not the other way around. Whether you’re packing for a family weekend, heading to the coast with friends, or treating yourself to a special day trip, there’s an ID. model to match. From space and comfort to the very latest in infotainment and Driver Assist systems, the ID. Range is designed to elevate your drive.

Ready to test drive? Explore the ID. range at Volkswagen Electric & Hybrid Follow @VOLKSWAGEN_UK on Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, YouTube and Facebook.

Visit VOLKSWAGEN.CO.UK 

Disclaimers

¹ Official test (WLTP) range for the Volkswagen ID.3 is 240 – 369 miles depending on battery. Test data obtained under standardised conditions after the battery had been fully charged (to 100%). The ID.3 is a battery electric vehicle requiring mains electricity for charging.  Figures shown are for comparability purposes. Only compare electric range figures with other vehicles tested to the same technical procedures.  These figures may not reflect real life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including the starting charge of the battery, accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles, route conditions, speed, vehicle and battery age and vehicle load.  Zero emissions while driving. Data correct at time of publishing.

² Official test (WLTP) range for the Volkswagen ID.7 is 364- – 433 miles depending on battery.  Test data obtained under standardised conditions after the battery had been fully charged (to 100%). The ID.7 is a battery electric vehicle requiring mains electricity for charging.  Figures shown are for comparability purposes.  Only compare electric range figures with other vehicles tested to the same technical procedures.  These figures may not reflect real life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including the starting charge of the battery, accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles, route conditions, speed, vehicle and battery age and vehicle load.  Zero emissions while driving. Data correct at time of publishing. 

³ Source: Insight article on MOBILITYWAYS.COM. For more details visit MOBILITYWAYS.COM 

⁴ Source: Zapmap EV charging statistics 2025.  For more information visit ZAPMAP.COM

Official WLTP figures for the Volkswagen ID range: fuel consumption: N/A, CO2 emissions: 0g/km. Models shown feature optional specification.

 

DISCLAIMER: We endeavour to always credit the correct original source of every image we use. If you think a credit may be incorrect, please contact us at info@sheerluxe.com.

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