Are Sunday drives back on the map again?

Father with kids on driving trip

Remember the days of the wholesome Sunday drive with the family?

Well it seems we’re already planning ahead for the easing of lockdown restrictions in England, with more and more of us researching the best routes to hit the road for.

The Sunday Drive

Searches for the term ‘Sunday drive’ are up by 46%, according to data analysed by BMW, which believes that’s because we’re starting to really appreciate and look forward to the smaller things in life again.

In response, the car maker has produced a video with fashion designer Patrick Grant offering tips on how to plan the perfect, stylish Sunday drive.

Mr Grant said: “We’re lucky in this country that most people live 30 minutes from somewhere spectacularly beautiful that make our souls feel better.

“The Sunday drive is the perfect opportunity, to get dressed up, plan a route, make a beautiful picnic and spend time out on the road in nature.”

When can I plan a longer drive?

With searches for ‘UK drives’ up by 92% and ‘best driving routes’ up by 44%, it’s likely at some point you’ve been daydreaming about the open road and exploring some new destinations.   

Full lockdown restrictions are still in place, and the advice is that you should stay local, unless you have a reasonable excuse for further travel.

From 29th March 2021, the rule of six, or two households meeting outdoors comes back into play, but travel should remain minimised.

It’s only when we (hopefully) reach step 2 of the road map – no earlier than 12th April 2021 – that we should be allowed overnight stays away from home, in this country. And that’s when the possibilities for longer road trips really start to open up.

Remember though, decisions on easing restrictions will be led by data rather than dates.

Read our summer car check guide if you’re preparing for a road trip.