Summary
- The Cotswolds Circuit:Explore charming villages like Bibury and Bourton-on-the-Water in this quintessential English region.
- North Coast 500 (NC500):Drive through Scotland's stunning northern coastline, passing Inverness and the Scottish Highlands.
- Jurassic Coast Drive:Travel along the UNESCO-listed Jurassic Coast, discovering geological wonders like Durdle Door.
- Lake District Loop:Navigate through England's largest national park, the Lake District, visiting towns like Keswick and Ambleside.
- Atlantic Highway (A39):Experience the southwest coast's rugged beauty from Barnstaple to Newquay, featuring coastal cliffs and charming villages.
Best Interesting Road Trips in England
England road trips are one of the great activities many travelers around the globe prefer to enjoy so that in this article will help you to enjoy the best interesting road trips in England. It begins from the high mountains to the magnificent beaches. England has an endless number of scenic landscapes to explore on a road trip. Although we prefer traveling by train, land trips seem to be the perfect retreat after closure. Thanks to the fact that you can easily get away from others while exploring the country’s scenic landscape.
Here’s a Host of the Best Interesting Road Trips in England:
1-Village Hopping in Cotswolds Road Trip
A 70-mile road trip takes time from 3 to 4 days. Miles of lush countryside with protected villages and winding rural passages are spread. It often features the famous stone walls of the Cotswolds. We recommend you start at Chipping Campden, heading north of the Cotswolds. Before going south, move from one beautiful village to another. All the while you're taking in attractive pubs and medieval churches. Moreover, you will enjoy all the local curiosities on your way to Bath in the south.
It is a breathtaking natural beauty, it promises close encounters with wildlife, and bird-watching opportunities at the Slim Bridge Wetland Center. If you prefer an action-filled sanctuary, kayaking and archery are available at Cotswold Water Park.
Top tip: The Cotswolds host a variety of festivals each year under normal conditions, so pre-check. Try to synchronize your journey with whichever floats on your boat, from beer and applesauce festivals to country shows.
2-The Best of the Norfolk Coast Road Trip
A 90-mile road trip takes time from 2 to 3 days. Take the East Coast of England with a tour around tranquil Norfolk. After enjoying the provincial buzz of Norwich County (visit the 11th-century Cathedral), head east to the Broads. With scenic waterways and rich wildlife diversity, it is worth a few extra days to relax on a boat. Take the coastal roads north toward Cromer, a traditional seaside resort. It is the only remaining platform destination at the end of the pier in the UK. Along the wide coast, windswept beaches such as Brancaster Beach are ideal for a relaxing afternoon by the sea.
North Norfolk has more than 40 miles of sandy beaches and six Blue Flag beaches. Blakeney Point, England’s largest seal colony, enjoys golden sands to offers the best interesting road trips in England. Norfolk is home to about 120 round tower churches, mostly dating back to the 11th century. They built it for cultural reasons because of strong trade links with other North Sea communities
Top tip: Plan your trip, resort towns on the Norfolk coast can get crowded during high seasons, such as Cromer and Great Yarmouth.
3-Atlantic Highway Road Trip in South West England
One of the longest roads in the southwest of England is highway A39. It links Bath to the mouth, which is a 77-mile road trip that takes time from 1 to 2 days. Therefore, you can drive along the entire road. We focus on a particularly scenic stretch between Barnstable at Devon as well as the famous Cornish seaside resort in Newquay. You can enjoy many scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean passing through Bude, Camelford, and Wadebridge, although the road itself does not approach the coast. The area is ideal for families, and the country’s favorite coastal city, Newquay, is where families usually vote for it.
Active families will love the Hiking and Cycling trails at Adventure Coast, which has a good name in North Devon. Explore the legend of King Arthur at Tintagel Castle; Take a stroll along the Bedruthan Steps Beach. A coastal stretch of the coast where huge piles of waves rise, thus you can enjoy a cup of cream tea in Bideford.
Top tip: Avoid busy times at the peak of the public holiday season. Traffic on the A39 highway may be slow. Try to choose the perfect time to enjoy the best interesting road trips in England.
4-Land of the Lakes in the Lake District Road Trip
A 30-mile road trip takes time from 2 to 3 days. Visit Wordsworth, where you can venture along some of England’s scenic trails. From Kendal, head north to the Lake District National Park toward Windermere, the largest lake in England. Furthermore, a postcard photo resort attracts all types of visitors. From Windermere, head north and drink in the villages of Ambleside and Grasmere on the lakeside.
The last house of William Wordsworth, Dove Cottage, and where the famous poet wrote, “I wander alone as a cloud”. The quiet lakes offer the perfect chance to sail in the water, either by hiring a boat or by taking a cruise. If you love to stay on dry land, explore the area by bike or steam train. You will enjoy the road along with one of the scenic rail routes.
5-Wild Wales Road Trip in North Wales
A 50-mile road trip takes time from 1 to 2 days. Explore some of the most spectacular views of the UK by driving through Snowdonia National Park; in addition, it crosses the Menai Straits to Anglesey. From Betws-y-coed, head west after the Swallow Falls and then into the heart of Snowdonia. The A4086 will take you through Snowdonia itself, but you might consider stopping and exploring the mountain. Apart from stunning peaks, North Wales is home to lakes offering delightful water sports facilities.
Look for kayaking in white water on natural slopes in the National White Water Center. Take the scenic route across the Straits by swinging through historic Caernarfon, before heading to the water to explore the beautiful island of Anglesey. Don’t forget to visit Carnarvon, one of the smartest cities in North Wales. It features an elegant waterfront and a stunning castle (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
Top tip: Take a book of interpretation of common phrases or learn some of the selected Welsh words before setting out. Cause Welsh is widely spoken in Gwynedd and Anglesey.
6-Best Interesting Road Trips of the Moors in Yorkshire
A 42-mile road trip takes time from 1 to 2 days. You can enjoy winding streams, dense forests, and a vast expanse of heather moorland. North York Moors National Park makes an amazing wild journey however, the journey from Helmsley Market City to the coastal village of Staithes is short and sweet. It takes two days if you wish to spend a night at a B&B in the village.
Pass through the algae-covered stone walls and graze while taking the A170 toward Pickering and Thornton-Le-Dale. Then take the A169 on a scenic drive down the coast through Goathland and Grosmont. The Moors is one of the most dog-friendly areas to visit in the UK.
You will enjoy luxury bed and breakfast accommodations and other accommodations that welcome family members with fur. When your pet wants to explore, there are also plenty of bars and dog-friendly beaches.
Important tip: Given the rural nature of the North York Moors, the satellite navigation system may not be 100% reliable, so take a map with you.
7-The Dragon’s Spine in Wales's Road Trips
A 186-mile road trip takes time from 4 to 5 days. The A470 runs along the road from Cardiff in the south to Conwy in the north, with two national parks. Start with the Welsh capital and then head across the South Wales Coalfield to the Brecon Beacons. When you reach the heart of Wales, you will pass the magnificent Lyn Clywedog reservoir and Dolgellau Market City.
After that, you can head to the majestic North Snowdonia Mountains and to Conwy. Jeremy Clarkson’s fans may recognize the A4069 Black Mountain Pass. The route is known as “Top Gear Road” and is preferred by car drivers, including the express presenter, for those looking for a slice of culture to choose from, including the nearby Carreg Cennen Castle and Dinefwr Castle.
Important tip: Ensure tires and wiper blades are checked before setting off; some road parts may be hazardous in adverse weather conditions.
8-Peaks and Passes in Peak District Road Trips
A 40-mile road trip takes 1 day. You can head to Glossop in Greater East Manchester, then head to the Pennines along the Snake Pass. It is one of the great mountain trails of the United Kingdom, which is 510 meters above sea level. Furthermore, head south toward the reservoirs around the famous Derwent Dam, which offers great opportunities for excursions.
A short turn to the west will take you to Blue John Cavern. It is a network of underground caves offering guided tours. If you want to explore more, Abraham’s Highlands in Matlock offers tours to help track the pace of miners in Great Masson Cavern. Alternatively, drive to the sky in the famous cable car above the Derwent Valley.
Top tip: Check the weather before you go, the weather in the peak area can change very quickly. in addition, mountain roads are often closed due to snowfall.
9-Best Interesting Road Trips in Cheddar Gorge, Somerset in England
Cheddar Gorge is located in the heart of the West Country. It is about 10 miles southwest of Bristol and 8 miles east of Weston-Super-Mare. The road scene looks as if the ground is opening to reveal the deep limestone cliffs, causing many drivers to be shy. Anticipate twisting turns and individual farming vehicles as you walk along this stunning route. It is a 15-mile-long road that takes 29 minutes by car.
