British Food and Travel

Britain packs a lot of vastly different scenery within its relatively small borders, from coastal shores to mountain peaks, thick forests to open pasture land. In this post, we give you ten options for scenic drives that explore various corners of the country. Some are ideal for an afternoon, while others benefit from being split into shorter stages with plenty of room for exploration. Seat belts on, and enjoy the view!

The Cotswolds

Every year, an estimated 38 million people flock to the Cotswolds to enjoy views of flowered meadows, green pastures, and picture postcard villages. There are a number of drives through the region. You might choose to begin in Bath and work your way north. Or you might start in Cheltenham and follow the B4632 to Stratford-Upon-Avon. Or you might skip the map and meander from one village to another. Dozens of festivals take place in various spots around the Cotswolds so your chances of stumbling upon a country fair, food festival, or musical event are pretty high. Whichever route you take, stop off in Broadway. On a clear day, from the top of the Tower you can spot 16 surrounding counties.

Cheddar Gorge

You’ve probably heard of Cheddar Gorge as a famous tourist destination, but the drive there is just as impressive. The 19-mile stretch along the B3135 from Bridgwater to the Gorge curves through the Mendip Hills AONB, passing beneath 27 magnificent cliffs. The area is popular with cavers and rock climbers. Join them if you’re feeling active, or simply enjoy a view of the latter as you head towards a more sedate cream tea.

Causeway Coastal Route

With its stunning views of the rugged Northern Irish coast, it should come as no surprise that the Coastal Causeway Route is often named one of the top five drives in the nation. Winding some 130 miles between Londonderry and Belfast, the route sticks almost exclusively to the coastline, with the ocean and clifftops to one side, picturesque villages to the other. Along the way, expect to take in such sites as the Glens of Antrim, the cliffs at Binevenagh, Dunluce Castle, and the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. Game of Thrones fans will also recognise the famous Dark Hedges, featured in the series.

Lake District

The Lake District National Park is a favourite among hikers, cyclists, and sightseers. The drive from Kendal to Keswick along the A591 takes in many local highlights, including Lake Windermere. As you admire the fells, you will be taking in many of the same views that made such an impression on William and Dorothy Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge more than a century ago. Speaking of Wordsworth, the route passes through Grasmere, so we suggest stopping off to visit Dove Cottage and pick up some gingerbread.

Northumberland Coast

Which county has more castles than any other in England? Hands up if you guessed Northumberland. So if you want a drive that takes in coastal views, remote landscapes, and a good dose of castles, the Northumberland coast is the place for you. Start at Alnwick Castle, perhaps catching a Harry Potter-themed event. From here, pass through fishing villages as you make your way to Bamburgh Castle and then on to Lindisfarne Nature Reserve and the Holy Island. The drive itself takes a mere 30 minutes, but with so many stops along the way, you may find yourself finding somewhere to stop for the night.

Atlantic Highway

The Southwestern Coastal Path is known for its sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, but if you prefer to follow some of the route on wheels, the 76-mile stretch from Barnstaple to Newquay offers the same views without the blisters. Roll down the window and feel the ocean winds on your face as you head past abandoned slate and tin mines, and revel in the knowledge that there is little between you and Canada.

North Coast 500

For the ambitious driver, Scotland’s North Coast 500 is one of the most popular ways to explore the Highlands. But if 516 miles seems a little too long, it can also easily be broken down into shorter segments. The route is not new, but has grown in popularity since a marketing campaign rebranded it in 2015. You start and end at Inverness Castle (or since it’s a circular route, at any spot you choose). Along the way, take in Ullapool, Wick, John o’Groats, Thurso, Dingwall, and a host of other locations. This is not a drive to rush. Take your time, allow for plenty of stops, and watch out for local wildlife. After all, you want to make the most of the NC500.

Snowdonia

A drive through Snowdonia National Park promises high mountain roads, low valleys and slate mines, lakes, waterfalls, and just about anything else you might want. Leave the car to hop on a steam train or to take the train to the top of Mount Snowdon. Then make your way across the isolated landscape to Caernarfon Castle and the Welsh shores.

Norfolk Coast

Views that stretch for miles across wetland and sandy beaches. Norfolk proves that you don’t need jagged cliffs, crashing waves, or even rolling hills for an excellent view. Sometimes, you can just admire the flat. Highlights of the Norfolk coast include a host of resort towns: Cromer and its pier, Wells-Next-the-Sea’s colourful beach huts, Holkham’s Nature Reserve. Norfolk’s coastline doesn’t attract as many visitors as the family-filled towns that dot the south coast, perhaps with the exception of Great Yarmouth. But those who do make regular trips here have discovered that it has a lot to offer.

Loch Lomond to Glencoe

If the North Coast 500 is too long or too far north but you still want to experience some of Scotland’s scenery, you might consider taking the A83 and A82 from Loch Lomond to Glencoe. The road follows the shoreline of Loch Lomond before heading into the Trossachs, across the Black Mountains, and ending at Glencoe. Mountains line the way, and if you go a little further beyond Glencoe, you will reach Ben Nevis, Britain’s tallest mountain.

Other Options

Even if you find yourself nowhere near any of these recommended scenic drives, there are lots of routes to discover. You might want to drive through the Yorkshire Moors and Dales, or perhaps let the GPS guide you around the historic wool towns of Suffolk. Alternatively, wherever you are on the coast, you are sure to find a scenic roadtrip just waiting to be discovered. Skip the motorways; take the B-roads; or dig out an old road map and see where it leads.