With the February half term holiday, millions of drivers will be preparing for long-awaited getaways, making it one of the busiest periods of the year.
For caravan owners and holidaymakers heading to popular tourist hotspots, traffic congestion can quickly turn an exciting trip into a stressful slog, particularly on routes known for bottlenecks, single-lane delays and heavy seasonal traffic.
To help drivers stay one step ahead, Mike Thompson, chief operating officer at Leasing Options, has shared his top advice on avoiding some of the UK’s worst traffic hotspots from Cornwall to Northumberland, along with alternative routes to make your journey smoother this weekend.
A30, Cornwall: Expect holiday gridlock
Cornwall remains one of Britain’s most popular destinations and the A30 is infamous for heavy congestion during peak travel periods.
“The A30 is notorious for traffic, particularly from Exeter to Land’s End, running through key tourist areas like Launceston, Bodmin and Truro,” says Mr Thompson.
While upgrades at major junctions like Chiverton Cross have helped, delays are still common, especially with the influx of touring caravans.
Alternative routes:
- A38 via Dobwalls
- A390 and A39 to bypass busier sections
A381, Devon: Busy single-lane routes
Devon’s scenic appeal also brings significant weekend and holiday traffic, particularly along the A381, which links popular coastal towns.
“The A381 becomes especially busy due to single lanes and Newton Abbot town centre often experiences heavy traffic during weekends,” Mr Thompson explains.
Travel tip:
Avoid passing through busy town centres like Newton Abbot and Totnes during peak hours. If you’re staying locally, consider using buses or trains to explore without adding to road stress.
A591, Lake District: Tourist hotspot congestion
The Lake District is always a magnet for visitors, and the A591 – running through Windermere, Ambleside and Grasmere – is prone to traffic build-ups.
Alternative route:
- A590, which avoids major tourist towns but still offers stunning scenery and a great option for caravan travellers looking for a calmer drive.
A55, Snowdonia (Eryri): Bottlenecks into north Wales
Snowdonia National Park, also known as Eryri, is expected to welcome thousands of visitors over this half term. However, north Wales has limited major road access, with the A55 being the primary dual carriageway and it often suffers bottlenecks around Bangor and Conwy.
Alternative route:
- A494, a scenic inland option passing through towns like Bala and Ruthin. This route avoids busy coastal stretches.
A1, Northumberland: Peak travel and roadworks
Northumberland tourism continues to grow, welcoming over 10.5 million visitors last year, but the A1 also serves as a vital north–south link between London and Edinburgh. “The A1 has ongoing maintenance and resurfacing work, leading to lane closures and traffic signals,” Mr Thompson notes.
Alternative routes:
- A696
- A68, ideal for avoiding congested sections during peak travel
Plan ahead for a stress-free holidays
With so many motorists expected to be on the move, the best way to avoid travel disruption is preparation.
Mr Thompson’s key recommendations include:
- Travel outside peak times where possible
- Check live traffic updates before setting off
- Plan alternative routes in advance
- Allow extra time, especially when towing a caravan
- Stay informed about roadworks and closures
A little planning can help ensure your getaway starts with relaxation, not frustration.
