Road travel in UK summer holidays

[Ossy]

Generally, how busy is M40 or M6 to the M25 in the UK summer holidays? Have travelled to the SW from the NW on the M6 / M5 in recent years and the traffic has been horrendous (11 hours from Minehead to Lancs last year on the return journey)

[Danny]

11 hours for a trip that should've taken just over 5 hours.

The UK roads you mentioned are always busy during summer holidays, whatever the weather, because schools are off and so many different events taking place up and down the country, so the roads are always jam-packed.

are you planning to get away this summer?

[Ossy]

I am looking to travel next summer. So are you saying the routes to the south coast are just as busy as the M5 to Devon / Cornwall? Don't think my kids could cope with 11 hours again.

[Danny]

Uk roads are always busy in my opinion, no matter when you travel..if it isn't an accident, it's a burst pipe or something of the sort that causes massive tailgates.

Summer time is even worse, especially in mid July-Aug when school holidays are in. Best thing to do it's to check the road report before you set out:)

By the way, where in the south are you planning to go? Guernsey is my fav summer spots in England

[jamith26]

Thanks for sharing your experience with us..

[fcAnnie]

If you're going to be in Notting Hill, London in August, don't miss the Notting Hill Carnival. This gigantic party attracts millions of visitors each year and features floats, Caribbean music, steel drum bands, outrageous costumes, hundreds of street vendors and lots and lots of dancing in the streets.