When it comes to exploring the United Kingdom, few experiences rival the freedom and exhilaration of embarking on a scenic road trip. From winding coastal roads to lush countryside landscapes, the UK boasts a plethora of stunning routes that cater to every traveller’s taste. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a picturesque escape, these 10 scenic drives promise unforgettable views and memorable pit stops along the way.
The North Coast 500 (NC500)
Location: Starting and ending in Inverness, Scotland
Counties: Highland
Highlights: Dramatic coastline, charming villages like Ullapool and John O’ Groats, majestic castles such as Dunrobin Castle
Picnic Areas: Beachside spots along the route offer perfect settings for picnics overlooking the North Sea.
The Causeway Coastal Route
Location: From Belfast to Londonderry, Northern Ireland
Counties: Antrim, Londonderry
Highlights: Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Dunluce Castle
Picnic Areas: Binevenagh Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty provides panoramic views ideal for picnicking.
The Lake District Loop
Location: Circular route around Lake Windermere, Lake District National Park
Counties: Cumbria
Highlights: Breathtaking lake views, charming villages like Ambleside and Bowness-on-Windermere, scenic viewpoints at Orrest Head and Surprise View
Picnic Areas: Numerous lakeside spots and designated picnic areas offer tranquil settings amidst stunning scenery.
The Atlantic Highway (A39)
Location: From Barnstaple to Newquay, England
Counties: Devon, Cornwall
Highlights: Dramatic coastal cliffs, picturesque seaside towns like Bude and Padstow, stunning beaches such as Watergate Bay
Picnic Areas: Numerous lay-bys and coastal viewpoints along the route provide perfect spots for enjoying a picnic with ocean views.
The Yorkshire Dales Circuit
Location: Circular route through the Yorkshire Dales National Park
Counties: North Yorkshire, Cumbria, Lancashire
Highlights: Rolling green hills, limestone formations, picturesque villages like Grassington and Hawes, historic landmarks such as Bolton Castle
Picnic Areas: Scenic spots along rivers and valleys offer ideal settings for picnics amidst tranquil countryside.
The Snowdonia Scenic Drive
Location: Circular route through Snowdonia National Park
Counties: Gwynedd, Conwy
Highlights: Majestic mountains, picturesque lakes like Llyn Padarn and Llyn Gwynant, charming villages such as Betws-y-Coed and Beddgelert
Picnic Areas: Scattered picnic sites within the national park provide opportunities to enjoy breathtaking mountain views.
The Jurassic Coast Road Trip
Location: From Exmouth to Studland Bay, England
Counties: Devon, Dorset
Highlights: Dramatic coastal cliffs, fossil-rich beaches like Charmouth and Lyme Regis, iconic landmarks such as Durdle Door and Old Harry Rocks
Picnic Areas: Seaside picnic spots offer panoramic views of the rugged coastline and turquoise waters.
The Cotswolds Scenic Drive
Location: Circular route through the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Counties: Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire
Highlights: Quaint villages with honey-coloured cottages, rolling hills, historic market towns like Chipping Campden and Stow-on-the-Wold
Picnic Areas: Picturesque spots in village greens and countryside settings provide perfect picnic settings amidst quintessential English charm.
The Scottish Borders Tour
Location: Circular route through the Scottish Borders region
Counties: Scottish Borders, Dumfries and Galloway
Highlights: Rolling hills, historic abbeys like Melrose Abbey and Jedburgh Abbey, scenic river valleys
Picnic Areas: Riverside spots along the Tweed and Teviot rivers offer tranquil settings for picnics amidst pastoral landscapes.
The Coastal Drive from Dover to Brighton
Location: From Dover to Brighton, England
Counties: Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex
Highlights: White Cliffs of Dover, seaside towns like Folkestone and Eastbourne, vibrant city of Brighton with its iconic pier
Picnic Areas: Cliff-top viewpoints and seaside promenades offer ideal spots for picnics overlooking the English Channel.
For travellers looking to embark on these scenic road trips with peace of mind and confidence, WOO Carz, based in Southampton, offers a wide range of quality used vehicles suitable for exploring the UK’s diverse landscapes. Whether you prefer a manual hatchback for nimble maneuvering through countryside lanes or an SUV for tackling rugged terrain, WOO Carz has you covered. With their online platform, customers can browse and purchase vehicles from the comfort of their own homes, and with free delivery anywhere in the UK, getting behind the wheel of your dream car has never been easier.
WOO Carz ensures that every used vehicle undergoes a comprehensive multi-point inspection, comes with a full warranty and valid MOT, and includes an HPI check for added peace of mind. Additionally, their experienced team can assist customers with settling outstanding finance on their current vehicles, making the transition to a newer or ULEZ-compliant vehicle seamless. With an impressive portfolio of lenders catering to all credit types, WOO Carz makes financing options accessible to a wide range of customers.
So, whether you’re planning a leisurely drive along the rugged coastlines of Scotland or exploring the picturesque villages of the Cotswolds, let WOO Carz be your trusted companion on your journey to discovering the beauty of the UK’s scenic routes. With their commitment to quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction, WOO Carz ensures that every road trip is not only memorable but also worry-free.
WOO Carz will still offer part exchange deals for non-ULEZ-compliant vehicles and the latest offers on low-emission, ULEZ-complaint vehicles. Just call 02380 225 666 and ask to speak to one of their friendly advisors.
WOO Carz is authorised and regulated by the FCA to provide finance on all the used cars we stock and source. We work with several carefully selected credit providers who specialise in providing car finance to people with high or low credit scores.