“The mountains are calling, and I must go.”
– John Muir
The United Kingdom is a stunning country filled with hidden vast landscapes, winding roads, and breathtaking scenery just waiting to be explored. There’s no more liberating feeling than stopping everything and just hitting the road to seek new sights. For this reason, the views of the UK around some of its corners make for an unforgettable experience. Read on and let me share with you where
Scenic Drives, As you Explore the UK Landscapes by Car
From the rugged coastline of Cornwall to the rolling hills of the Scottish Highlands, the UK has no shortage of beautiful routes to explore by car. So buckle up, roll down the windows, and get ready to discover some of the most scenic drives the UK has to offer! In this blog post, we’ll be sharing 10 of our top picks for scenic drives that are sure to leave you in awe.
I. The North Coast 500 in the Scottish Highlands
Scotland’s Ultimate Road Trip Explore the rugged beauty of Scotland’s North Coast 500, a 516-mile route from start to finish. Filled with remote roads and epic views, taking you on a journey through Scotland’s remote Highlands, a region of stunning natural beauty that is home to some of the UK’s most dramatic landscapes.
With winding roads that take you through rugged mountains, deep valleys, and shimmering lochs, this drive is an adventure like no other. And at a 563-mile drive to NC500 starting point from London, it is well worth it, as this drive is an unforgettable experience.
II. The Lake District
Winding roads and stunning landscapes reveal the beauty of the Lake District, one of England’s most picturesque regions. With winding roads that take you past sparkling lakes, lush forests, and rolling hills, this drive is a must for any nature lover.
III. The Jurassic Coast
A Journey Through Time Travel back in time with a drive along the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site that stretches for 95 miles along the south coast of England. This drive is a true adventure from the towering cliffs to the hidden coves and beaches.
IV. The Cotswolds
One of the nearest road trip escapes from London is to the Cotswolds, a charming place filled with quaint villages and rolling hills that are a pleasure to ride through. Experience the charm of this sweet part of England, an area of outstanding natural beauty in south-central England. With picturesque views and historic landmarks, this drive is perfect for those who want to explore the UK’s rural countryside only 2 hours from the capital
V. The Peak District
Picturesque Landscapes and Charming Towns Discover the beauty of the Peak District and its national park in central England, just over a 3-hour drive from London. Drive through stunning vast landscapes, charming small towns, and picturesque villages; this drive is a great way to experience the UK’s natural beauty and rich history.
“This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England.”
– William Shakespeare
VI. The Causeway Coastal Route
Northern Ireland’s Spectacular Drive Take a journey along Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coastal Route, a 120-mile drive that takes you past some of the country’s most spectacular scenery. From rugged cliffs and ancient castles to quaint towns and picturesque harbors, this drive is a feast for the eyes and a quench for the thirst, with Original Guinness at every stop.
Cause you will need to get the ferry with your car to Northern Island. You can take the Cairnyan to Larne Ferry from Cainyan in southwest Scottland to Larne harbor N Irland. This ferry departs several times a day. But do book in advance.
VII. Snowdonia National Park
Mountains, valleys, and Welsh scenery Explore the beauty of Snowdonia National Park, a stunning region in northwest Wales is home to some of the UK’s most spectacular scenery. With mountains, valleys, and lush greenery, this drive is perfect for nature lovers.
VIII. The Norfolk Coast
This is a serene drive along a small part of the east coast of England. Discover in your car, the tranquil beauty of the Norfolk Coast, a 90-mile cruise full of stunning beaches, quaint villages, and picturesque landscapes. This drive is a great way to experience the UK’s coastal scenery, with many things to do on the way to keep the little kids entertained.
Distance & Driving Time From London
| Distance and Driving Time From London | Miles | Driving Time |
|---|---|---|
| The Scottish Highlands – The North Coast 500 (NC500) Starts and ends at Inverness Castle | 563 | 9 hr 46 min |
| The Lake District | 264 | 4 hr 43 min |
| The Jurassic Coast Starting at Man O’War Beach | 129 | 2 hr 39 min |
| The Cotswolds | 103 | 2 hr 4 min |
| The Peak District | 152 | 3 hr 5 min |
| The Causeway Coastal Route Need to take the Ferry over to N Irland | 507 | 10 hr 53 min |
| Snowdonia National Park | 207 | 4 hr 11 min |
| The Norfolk Coast | 119 | 2 hr 32 min |
Do’s and Don’ts When Road Tripping the UK
Do’s
- Plan your route in advance.
- Check the weather forecast before you leave.
- Follow traffic rules and drive on the left-hand side.
- Take regular breaks to rest and stretch.
- Explore scenic routes and attractions.
- Book accommodations ahead of time.
Don’ts
- Don’t speed, no need to
- Don’t drink and drive.
- Don’t leave valuables in your car.
- Don’t rely solely on your GPS, (carry physical maps as a backup)
- Don’t ignore parking regulations
- Don’t underestimate travel time; account for potential delays.
- No need to rush, the journey is your destination
Conclusion
Exploring the UK’s Best Scenic Drives Wrap up the post by summarising the top 10 scenic drives in the UK and why they are worth exploring. Encourage readers to take a road trip and experience the beauty of the UK’s natural landscapes and diverse cultures.
