Useful links for family road trips
This page used to be a long list of links, and most of them disappeared years ago. These are the ones worth bookmarking now: mostly official, all free.
On the road
National Highways: travel updates
Live incidents, roadworks and planned closures on England’s motorways and major A roads.
nationalhighways.co.ukTraffic Scotland
Live traffic, roadworks and journey planning for Scotland’s trunk roads.
traffic.gov.scotTraffic Wales
The Welsh Government’s live traffic site, with roadworks by region and road cameras.
traffic.walesThe Highway Code
The rules of the road in full, including Rule 91 on taking breaks when you’re tired.
gov.ukKnow your traffic signs
Free Department for Transport guide to every sign on British roads. Handy for settling arguments during road sign bingo.
gov.ukWeather and the seaside
ADMIRALTY EasyTide
Free tide times for ports and beaches around the UK, for today and the next six days.
easytide.admiralty.co.ukGoing abroad
Driving abroad
What to take when you drive outside the UK: licence, insurance, and when you need an international driving permit.
gov.ukForeign travel advice
The Foreign Office’s advice for each country, including entry requirements and local laws.
gov.ukFree UK Global Health Insurance Card
Apply for a GHIC through the NHS website. It’s free, so avoid sites that charge a fee.
nhs.ukXE currency converter
Up-to-date exchange rates for working out what that ice cream really cost.
xe.comPlanning at home
UK bank holidays
Every bank holiday for England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Also known as the busiest days on the roads.
gov.ukOn this site
Driving in Europe converter
Miles and kilometres, mph and km/h, litres and gallons, tyre pressures and shoe sizes.
Journey break planner
When to stop, when to hand out the snacks and which game to play next.
How old is that car?
Type in a number plate to see when and where it was first registered.