TOP 5 U.K. ROAD TRIPS
From rugged mountains to picturesque beaches, the UK has an endless supply of stunning scenery that’s just calling out to be explored on a Road Trip. Here’s our Top 5 selected routes… adventure awaits.
@v2osk.jpg - Scotland
North Coast 500, Scotland.
Scotland’s answer to Route 66 boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in the UK, if not the world. It showcases the best of the Highlands, with ancient castles, windswept beaches and historic landmarks lurking around every corner.
The official route starts and ends at Inverness Castle and passes through idyllic towns and villages such as Ullapool, Durness, John O’Groats and Dornoch. It’s advisable to book your accommodation in advance as options are limited.
Bask in the beauty of Achmelvich Bay, a stunning white sandy beach popular with hill walkers and water sports enthusiasts. Further north, spot dolphins and seals off the coast at Chanonry Point.
@volleydesign.jpg Lantic Bay Cornwall
Atlantic Highway, South West England.
The A39 is one of the longest roads in South West England, connecting Bath to Falmouth. While you can drive the entire road, we’re focusing on a particularly picturesque stretch between Barnstaple in Devon and the popular Cornish seaside resort of Newquay.
While the road itself doesn’t get that close to the coast, you’ll be able to take in plenty of breathtaking views of the Atlantic as you pass through Bude, Camelford and Wadebridge.
Enjoy a cream tea in Bideford, discover the legend of King Arthur at Tintagel Castle and picnic on Bedruthan Steps Beach, a dramatic stretch of coastline where colossal stacks rise from the waves.
@hkemmel.jpg Giant Causeway Northern Ireland
Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland.
Hugging the Atlantic coast, this jaw-dropping route from Belfast to Derry is steeped in myth and legend. The route is actually made up of nine scenic drives, so you can break it down into smaller journeys and take your time enjoying the sights.
The drive takes you to several of Northern Ireland’s main tourist attractions and landmarks – the Giant’s Causeway itself, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Dunluce Castle, Dark Hedges and the Glens of Antrim.
Walk along the dramatic Gobbins cliff path and go bird-spotting at the RSPB reserve on Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland’s only inhabited offshore island.
Lukas Hartmann.jpeg Snowndonia National Park, Wales
Wild Wales, North Wales.
Explore some of the UK’s most breathtaking scenery with a drive through Snowdonia National Park and out across the Menai Strait to Anglesey. Start at Betws-y-Coed and head west past Swallow Falls into the heart of Snowdonia. The A4086 will take you past Snowdon itself, but you may want to stop off and explore the mountain yourself.
Outside the park, take the scenic route on your way across the Strait by swinging through historic Caernarfon first, before heading over the water to explore the beautiful Isle of Anglesey.
On the shores of the Menai Strait, Caernarfon is one of North Wales’ smartest towns, and with its stylish waterfront and spectacular castle (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), it’s not to be missed.
Norfolk Coast
Norfolk Coast, Norfolk, East England.
Take in England’s eastern coastline with a drive around tranquil Norfolk. After soaking up the provincial buzz of Norwich (the 11th century cathedral is a must-see), head east into The Broads. With its scenic waterways and rich variety of wildlife, the Broads is popular with holidaymakers and well worth an extra few days lazing around on a boat.
From there, take the coastal roads north towards Cromer, a traditional seaside resort and home to the UK’s only remaining end-of-the-pier variety show. Further along the coast, wide, windswept beaches like Brancaster Beach are perfect for an afternoon relaxing by the sea.
https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/travel/driving-in-the-uk/best-road-trips-in-the-uk/