Driving southeast of the market town of Shrewsbury on the A458 the views are classic English farm country. 9 fantastically festive places for a Christmas break, 5 of the best farm stays for a UK family break, 9 unmissable adventures in England's iconic National Parks, 7 hands-on indoor attractions for toddlers, 7 toddler-friendly theme parks and play areas, Best things to do and see in the County of Durham, Find more things to do in the Isle of Wight, Find more things to do in the Lake District, Find more things to do in the Peak District. The Kirkstone Pass Inn, at the top, stands on the foundations of an ancient monastery at least 500 years old. Top Wales Scenic Drives: See reviews and photos of scenic drives in Wales, United Kingdom on Tripadvisor. Surfers and beach lovers won’t be disappointed with this scenic drive from Perranporth to Padstow. From a harsh alien landscape of slate slag around Blaenau Ffestiniog, where you can visit the Llechwedd Slate Caverns, the road passes through bare, open hills to the National Park tourism center of Betwys-y-Coed. VisitEngland would like to invite you to take part in a short survey about our website, it should take no more than a couple of minutes. Soon you're climbing into in the Black Mountains with the bleak, beautiful Rannoch Moor to your right. The area is great for walking the Shropshire Way, rock climbing, and riding. However, if you do brave the route one day, you’ll be treated to spectacular views across the Lake District, along with one hell of a story to tell when you head home. Before starting the climb, take a detour to the left toward Bury, aiming for Church Lane. After Glencoe, at South Ballachulish, a bridge takes you across the juncture of Loch Leven, to your east, and the giant sea loch, Loch Linnhe, then it's straight on up the A82, along the banks of Loch Linnhe to Fort William, with tantalizing glimpses of Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the British Isles, on your right. Linking St Catherine’s Point, near Chale, with Freshwater Bay to the west, the 11-mile route may be short, but it offers a wealth of sweeping ocean views and memorable country landscapes. To travel back in time as you pass through perfectly preserved English villages. The Three Sisters, pictured here, south of the A82, are best seen from the Three Sisters Point of View parking (GPS coordinates N56º 40' 3.72" , W4º 59' 11.4"), about 4 miles east of the Glencoe Visitor Center. Just take your time and enjoy the views. This route from Alnmouth to Lindisfarne Nature Reserve follows the shoreline, offering remarkable views across the North Sea. That’s okay though – you can always turn around and do the whole road again! Please note: There are varying restrictions in place across England to help reduce the spread of coronavirus. From mountain passes to picturesque coastal roads, England is home to some truly magnificent driving routes worthy of a road trip.Please note: There are varying restrictions in place across England to help reduce the spread of coronavirus. North Coast 500, Scotland. Stop to pick up a picnic at a farm stall and don't pass up antique markets—there are plenty of treasures to be found. At its highest point, it overlooks the Eildon Hills, three remarkable volcanic plugs that rise out of a relatively flat landscape. Discover the best coastal roads in the UK. Maybe you’re too tired, or you have mobility issues, or perhaps the weather is dreary – but that doesn’t mean you can’t still see some amazing views! As you might expect from the name, Snake Pass is full of curves and bends, with each one offering a glorious view of its own. More information: visitnorwich.co.uk. Built between 120 and 138AD, the archaeological site overlooks the pass which forms part of the Roman road linking Ravenglass to Ambleside, and Brougham to Penrith. At any moment, you can find yourself enclosed in small but steep and darkly forested dells sheltering rushing water. Before you get into the car at Cheddar you might want to enjoy a cream tea (you should, just don’t mention the cream teas in Cornwall) something to steady your nerves as you embark on a scenic drive that takes you right through the gorge: it’s short but sublime scenic drive this one, truly one of the best in the UK, carrying you through some spectacular rock formations that twist and turn through narrow … Or just enjoy the view before continuing up Harley Hill into Much Wenlock. Cutting a route through the Mendip Hills, designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the B3135 (also known as Cliff Road) twists its way through cliffs and a gorge in central Somerset. Ferne Arfin is a freelance travel writer who covers the U.K. and Greece for TripSavvy. 10. What you'll find are hundreds of colorful, listed half-timbered buildings, ancient pubs—the pub in Chelsworth has been pulling pints for 400 years—and miles of picturesque country lanes. If you want to reduce your carbon footprint during your visit, you can even hire an electric car! The route from Glasgow to Fort William—often called the gateway to the Highlands—passes through some of Scotland most famous, dramatic and historic landscapes. Top North West England Scenic Drives: See reviews and photos of scenic drives in North West England, England on Tripadvisor. Go on an autumn morning, before about 9:30 am, when pockets of morning mist, still rising from the glens, give everything an ethereal quality. . People often ask where they can go for a drive through picturesque villages and towns. Best for: Sports car fans. The views into the Vale of Arun are sensational and, in spring when the river is in spate, the whole valley can become a lake. Driving through the countryside can sometimes be a chore, but not on the Northumberland Coast. A circuit that takes in the Suffolk Wool Towns of Lavenham, Long Melford, Cavendish, Clare and the nearby hamlets of Kersey and Chelsworth covers about 40 miles but can easily form the basis of a day trip or even a short break. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Here’s a selection of mountain twisties and stately cruisers. The road, which crosses the Black Mountains from Llandovery to Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen, offers unrivalled views you will want to drive again and again. 1 The Best Scenic Drives and Road Trips in the UK. For more spectacular views, there's a cliff top walk and opportunities for rock climbing and caving adventures. The hills are surprising yet intimate and romantic. The route is just over 500 miles long, will take around 3 or 4 days and takes in parts of the Highlands in the north-west of Scotland. North of the little settlement of Tarbet, the Argyll Forest Park, to the left, crowds the road practically into the loch. Here in the UK, we’re lucky enough to have some fantastic scenic drives on our doorstep, through mountain crescents, rolling fields and long stretches of road, allowing you to really open up your vehicle and make the most of your road-trip. Scotland is beautiful at any time of the year, but I found autumn to be absolutely spectacular. Trending. The route from Blaenau Ffestiniog, through the Pen-y-Pass to Llanberis at the foot of Mount Snowdon has a special otherworldliness about it. It's called that because the author of Ivanhoe, Sir Walter Scott, loved the view and stopped there often. The 12th-century workmen's tool marks on the backs of the stone columns are said to be evidence of medieval games. Named one of the world’s most beautiful drives by National Geographic, Cornwall has... Scottish Highlands. The best roads in Wales. Or take a sharp left off the traffic circle and head downhill to Amberley with its working museum and great village pub. Besides splendid views and quiet back roads, these routes have plenty of charming villages and historic sights along the way. #103 of 255 Sights & Landmarks in Somerset. "Excellent cycle path mostly off road, very flat and perfect for all ages and abilities with places to stop on the way." Leasing a new car opens up new opportunities for you to experience high-quality driving.Here, we take a look at the top 11 scenic drives in the UK, which will put your leased car through its paces and give you unforgettable memories of what the British Isles can offer. The Shropshire countryside, close to the Welsh Border Marches and around the Severn Valley is so lovely for drives that it's difficult to pick one that stands out. The route from Glasgow to Fort William—often called the gateway to the Highlands —passes... UK Travel Tips. It's been voted one of the WORLD's best coastal touring routes, with spectacular scenery, incredible beaches and unmissable views across the Highlands. 4th Jan 2021. Once the main route linking Sheffield to Manchester when it opened in 1821, Snake Pass experiences regular snowfall in the winter months and is often closed during these periods. There's a traffic circle at the top. The Norman Church in this tiny village, St John the Evangelist, Bury has a 12th-century tower and nave. A strong contender for a top UK driving road and certainly cemented its place in our top 10 best driving roads in the UK. Not only will you find a route description and a route map, but also our other roads from the best driving roads UK list, alongside hundreds of great drives … Despite not being the longest drive – around 14 miles – the stunning surroundings make for an unforgettable trip to England’s West Country. At the end of your journey, you’ll arrive in Lindisfarne, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a historic gem in northern England. Get off the beaten track for some truly great English car journeys. A scenic drive is the best way to enjoy Britain's hidden gems. The single-track route has plenty of twists and turns between the picturesque village of Eskdale and the town of Ambleside. Originally the site of a Celtic fort, the imposing stone castle was built in the 12th century and its walls have witnessed dark tales of rebellion and bloodshed. The site of the first Viking invasion in 793AD, Holy Island and Lindisfarne Castle are both picturesque sights from afar. No stopping is allowed on the section of road between Brook and Freshwater Bay, but there are a number of official areas where you can park up to enjoy the views. It showcases the best of the Highlands, with ancient castles, windswept beaches and historic landmarks lurking around every corner. Even though Britain's trains are a good way to get from A to B, quickly, nothing really beats a scenic drive every now and then. This content is imported from {embed-name}. Wharfedale is the southernmost corner of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The open farming country is divided into small fields to make way for giant outcrops of limestone, and hills that curl around bends in the river. If you’re dreaming of a road-trip challenge, Wrynose and Hardknott Pass is ready and waiting. This 26-mile circuit between Grassington, Bolton Abbey, and Skipton Castle, takes in charming small towns, ruined abbeys and one of the most complete and well preserved medieval castles in the country. Volkswagen has rounded-up Britain's most scenic drives and road trips, with a winding country road in Somerset taking the top spot – because packing a picnic in the car and going on a weekend adventure is one of the best ways to see the UK's beautifully diverse landscape. Access to Cheddar Gorge is through the touristy village of Cheddar. Well known for its cheese, the village of Cheddar is also surrounded by lush, scenic country routes. Adventurous drivers can look forward to navigating the tight, winding bends through the spectacular Cheddar Gorge, before sweeping turns lead to the quiet village of Ashwick. Mellow Cotswolds. Driving along the A149 from King’s Lynn to Mundesley, you’ll be rewarded with some stunning views of some of the UK’s best coastline and nature reserves. A wonderful drive on an October afternoon when the low sun in the west lights the mountains with dozens of shades of heather. Scenic Drives NC500 – A894 – The North Coast 500 (West Coast) Scenic Drives – the NC500 Kylesku Bridge. For ‘Part 1’ and ‘Part 3’ of the North Coast 500 route, download the Ultimate Drives app now. 07831 400025 info@drivingforpleasure.co.uk But concentrate on discovering the scenic and historic riches of one area and you are on to a winner. It's a pub that serves food, a B&B and a budget bunkhouse for walkers.. Then head back to the A29 to go up and over Bury Hill. September 4th, 2018. Get off the beaten track for some truly great English car journeys. The Northumberland Coast is also littered with castles, towering above the roads on hillsides; Bamburgh Castle is a particular highlight on this route. The road itself dates back to the mid-18th century when it formed a key part of the island’s military infrastructure – hence the namesake. Head straight across it into Arundel with its Catholic cathedral and impressive castle. Across the Loch, heather-covered, cloud-dappled mountains of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park give way, now and again to the deeply forested slopes of Queen Elizabeth Forest Park and Rowardennan Forest. Then they froze in time. Snowdonia National Park in Wales is laced with dramatic roads, winding around mountains, through densely wooded valleys, and beside sparkling lakes. Top 10 Great Scenic Drives in Britain Into the Highlands on the A82. Just south of Pulborough in West Sussex, the A29 passes across the watershed and watermeadows of the River Arun. It is one of the country's genuine natural wonders, with 27 limestone cliffs rising nearly 500 feet and an extensive cave system. Why do it? Welcome to Driving for Pleasure, all the information you need about the best roads to drive and the finest car tours available in the UK Europe and beyond. England's deepest gorge, at the edge of the Mendip Hills in Somerset, was carved by torrential floods of a melting ice age. With striking views all around you, those miles are going to fly by. Expect to spend around an hour driving the route, although there are numerous opportunities to stop and admire the scenery along the way. With Snowdon rising almost vertically on one side and the abandoned slate mines of Llanberis on the other, the pass takes your breath away and the words awe-inspiring barely touch it. And they’re good fun for all the family. Or venture to Pendeen, where you can see the Geevor Tin Mine, a well-preserved museum that stands as it was left by the miners in 1990. Stop just beyond to visit Swallow Falls. If you’re looking for a day on the beach, you’ll be spoilt for choice because most offer sweeping wide sands and the best surfing spots in the UK. Please be sure to check our Know before you go page as well as individual attractions’ websites before travelling. Enter the password that accompanies your e-mail. Lake District National Park Lake District National Park is essentially bordered by trunk routes that are scenic enough, but there also are roads within the park that can be driven, with restrictions. NC500- one of the UK's best road trips The NC500 has been voted one of the UK's most scenic drives, with spectacular scenery, incredible beaches and unmissable views across the Highlands. She currently lives in London. 1. Top 5 Scenic Drives in the UK. Best Scenic drives in the UK: 11 beautiful locations. The road is wide and well paved but steep and long. Located in the Peak District, Snake Pass provides a route across the Pennines between the market town of Glossop and Sheffield. Best Scenic Drives in the UK Scenic Drives in Cornwall. But if you want to get closer, be aware that the causeway leading to Holy Island becomes unusable at certain points because of tidal shifts, and you don’t want to end up stranded! You’ll undoubtedly find yourself pulling over to the side of the road on lots of occasions to take in the scenery and capture the beauty with your camera. Two show caves are open to the public and, though relatively commercial, offer family fun. 7. Breathtaking views, dramatic coasts, romantic villages, and secret valleys—sometimes there really is no better way to see them than on a leisurely drive. Arguably one of the most spectacular drives in the UK, the Black Mountain road is also known as A4069, is a picturesque road that climbs in the western part of the Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales. There's parking and a historic marker so that you can stop and enjoy Scott's View. It also passes through miles of rolling hills with expansive views across the dales and places to stop for picnics beside the River Wharfe. The B3306 follows the ‘Tin Coast’ of the Penwith peninsula, where near Trewellard you’ll come across the Levant Mine and Beam Engine, part of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site, which is home to numerous surviving mine buildings and a restored 1840s engine. Wales is home to some of the UK’s most scenic drives and a road trip is one of the best ways to see the countryside and coast. The Best Scenic Drives in the Peak District. The leisurely 20-mile route takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, and is also popular with bikers and cyclists. Then it's on to towering Pen-y-Pass (also shown on some maps as Llanberis Pass). With stunning scenery around every bend, we have some of the most scenic drives in Britain. 1.1 Kirkstone Pass; 1.2 Medieval wonders at Yorkshire; 1.3 Suffolk wool towns; 1.4 Northern coast of Ireland; 1.5 Pulborough to Arundel FOR YOUR INNER POET. While these are scattered all over the UK, they are not usually "on the way" if you are rushing from one famous attraction to another. Join the A859 as you head out of the town and admire the beautiful island landscapes around you as you travel down through the … The highest road pass in the Lake District, the Kirkstone Pass, at 1,500 feet connects the Victorian resort on the shores of Lake Windemere with Ullswater, a popular center for canoeing, fishing, and camping. Drive North from Dumbarton along the west bank of Loch Lomond on the A82. From stunning lakeside drives and thrilling mountain passes to seaside stretches, here’s our list of the seven best scenic drives in the Lake District. According to legend, when Scott's coffin was being conveyed from his home at Abbotsford to his final resting place in Dryburgh Abbey, his carriage horse stopped, as usual, to give Scott a last look at his favorite view. Running parallel with the west coast of the Isle, the A3055 (aka Military Road) is a road trip that should be taken sooner rather than later, as erosion along the coast could see parts of the road disappear! These are the five best scenic drives in the Britain, and the perfect car to do them in. "There is well tended … A 13-mile stretch of coastal road, the B3306 twists and turns between quaint villages and hills sloping down to the ocean. Sometimes you just don’t fancy going for a walk. High above the treeline, the stark and beautiful Lakeland fells are crisscrossed with stone fences and summer grazing meadows, interrupted only occasionally by a solitary tree. The... Lake District. Our tour of the best UK drives begins just outside the county town in rural Bedfordshire, on the B660 as it unfurls across open farmland, criss-crossed by the brooks and tributaries of the River Great Ouse, and passes near the Bedford Autodrome to the west – worth a visit if there’s a track day on – before carrying you into Cambridgeshire. The B3135 winds through the gorge with spectacular views. Best Scenic drives in the UK: 11 beautiful locations. It's about 26 miles to the top of the loch along a route of ever-changing views. The drive is mostly over quiet B roads (B6265 and B6160) and includes some single track lanes. There's no denying that Wales is home to some fantastic routes, often set against dramatic, panoramic and downright stunning backdrops. During their Medieval heyday, in the 13th to 16th centuries, textile manufacture made these the richest towns in England. Strawberry Line. NC 500- THE iconic scenic drive in Scotland Scotland Scenic Drives- the NC500 has it all The NC500 aims to showcase the best of the Highlands in one incredible 500 mile loop. Take the A591 up from Windermere to the pass on the A592. Drive your car onto a ferry and set sail for Stornoway in the stunning Outer Hebrides.Here you’ll find one of the best scenic drives in Scotland. The B6356, between Melrose and Dryburgh Abbey in the Scottish Borders, rises steeply above the valley of the River Tweed. From mountain passes to picturesque coastal roads, England is home to some truly magnificent driving routes worthy of a road trip. Try to return over Bury Hill. It is one of the best because it is … If you’re as eager as we are here at Footman James, you’ll love road trips. Five best scenic drives near Bath: Explore Somerset's lush countryside with these routes Drives near me: Best drives near Cambridge for the perfect day out . The car experts at Design 911 have listed their 5 top scenic drives in the UK that will make you want to pack up and drive off into the distance. In the late summer, heather blooms across the surrounding hills, bathing the area in a gorgeous purple colour – it’s a spectacular sight. Often overlooked, the Norfolk Coast is easily one of the most scenic drives in the UK. Are you eager for adventure? It's 108 miles on the A82 and can take as little as three hours - but give it a whole day because there's so much to enjoy and photograph. Ben Lomond, the tallest peak in the area, darts in and out of view with every bend in the road. 5 Best Scenic Drives in the UK Home; Blog; Top 5 Scenic Drives in the UK} Back to Classic Hub. Credit: Rachel Husband/Alamy 15 May 2020 • 10:08am. Here are the 10 best scenic drives in the UK: 1. The route is great for petrol heads too, thanks to its hairpin bends and narrow coastal road. Featuring some of the steepest roads in Britain (Hardknott Pass has a 33% gradient at one point), this route is not for the faint-hearted. Don't Miss Attractions and Activities on Your UK Visit, The 16 Most Beautiful Natural Features in the UK, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park - A Complete Guide, Find the Right UK National Park for Your Dream Vacation, Normandy and the British Isles on the Celebrity Infinity, The 8 Best Multi-Day Hikes in the United Kingdom, Drive Vermont Route 100 for Epic Scenery and Everything Vermonty. Road trips give you a real chance to see natural beauty. Head north along the shores of Loch Lomond and through Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. The highway enters Glen Coe, scene of a tragic 17th-century massacre, from the east and for the next twelve or so miles, the glen surrounds you with amazing volcanic mountain scenery. The B3306 might not be the quickest route between St Ives and St Just, but it’s definitely the most exciting. Then the vast bulk of Bury Hill, the start of the South Downs, cuts across the view. Then, just south of Harley, a few miles from Much Wenlock, you emerge from a small stand of trees to a gobsmacking view of Wenlock Edge, a limestone escarpment, and range of hills that runs for about 15 miles to the village of Craven Arms. Great British Drives: 15 of the best scenic routes to savour as lockdown eases Save Where will the lure of the open road take you? Scotland’s answer to Route 66 boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in the UK, if not the world. It also passes the Hard Knott Fort, once one of the loneliest outposts of the Roman Empire. Through the Valley of the Rocks, North Devon.