There’s nothing better than jumping in the car and escaping it all for a long, relaxing drive.
Thankfully in the UK we have an abundance of scenic spots and picturesque routes which are ideal for enjoying the perfect drive all year round.
And if you’re willing to really make a trip of it, there are some unforgettable driving routes to enjoy throughout Wales, England and Scotland.
So If you’re looking for some driving inspiration, here’s our pick of the best drives in the UK.
The Lake District
When it comes to breath-taking natural scenery, there’s nowhere quite like the Lake District.
With its vast landscapes, rolling mountains, tranquil lakes, and incomparable scenery there really is nowhere better to enjoy a leisurely drive.
Why not take a spin from Grasmere to Windermere via Ambleside? This eight-mile route allows you to take in the spectacular Windermere Lake, along with Ambleside and Grasmere – the home of gingerbread.
Or if you’re in the mood for a longer drive why not follow the Coniston loop via Eskdale and the Duddon Valley. This 42-mile drive takes in some of the Lake District’s most breath-taking views from the Langdale Valley to Hardknott and Wrynose passes, and you can even see Coniston Water too.
Cornwall
Wherever you look Cornwall is simply stunning – so why not take in its epic coastline by car!
Thanks to its variety of beautiful seaside locations, driving in Cornwall is always an enjoyable experience.
One of the most relaxing journeys will take you from Marazion to Mousehole along the Cornish coast. This 10-mile journey will take in the picturesque St Michael’s Mount, along with the Art Deco Jubilee Pool, the fishing port of Newlyn, along with views of The Lizard before reaching the little fishing village of Mousehole.
Or to explore a truly scenic part of Cornwall, take a journey along the Roseland Peninsula. This area offers the very best of Cornwall with its winding country roads, chocolate box villages, stunning seaside views and brings you out on the scenic south coast at St Anthony’s Head.
Brecon Beacons National Park
The Brecon Beacons National Park is unmatched for the incredible drama and vastness of its landscape.
Spanning 520sq miles on the border between mid and south Wales, this scenic area stretches from Llandeilo to Hay-on-Wye and includes four breath-taking mountain ranges.
One of the most popular driving routes through the Brecon Beacons is the Black Mountain Road, the A4069
This 23-mile stretch takes in staggering scenery, and winds its way through the valleys and the landscape to a peak of 493 metres above sea level.
Start your journey from the A474 north of Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen and drive through Lower Brynamman then head over the picturesque Black Mountains and head towards Llangadog, and you’ll finish in beautiful Llandovery.
Scotland
Thousands of people annually travel to Scotland to drive the endlessly popular North Coast 500.
This 500-mile route, which starts and ends in Inverness, is beloved by people across the UK thanks to its unmatched scenery which includes coastal views, mountains and even castles.
This stunning route takes in the spectacular views of Applecross and Ullapool, along with some of the UK’s most northern coastal regions including John O’Groats, and even allows drivers the chance to see the famous Dunrobin Castle.
It’s an unforgettable route which has proved popular with drivers of all experiences and is certainly one to add to your list!
