Ready to hit the road? The best of British scenic drives await!

Beautiful countryside and rugged terrain define the British Isles, and some of the most scenic drives in the world can be found here. If you’re into a winding coastal drive or barren moorlands, then you’re sure to be rewarded with picturesque views everywhere you go. If you’re travelling in Britain on your next road trip, why not consider driving one of these scenic routes?

South Downs Way

The trail, which begins in Winchester, Hampshire, extends for some 96 miles (154 km) and takes easy-to-follow pathways that skirt through rolling hills and encompass dramatic natural beauty. No matter if you want a leisurely trip or a wild time, there are many places to stop along the way that are worth seeing.

Downs Link branches off and is incorporated into Surrey’s long-distance trail network. The route also travels through historic towns like Chichester, Arundel, and Lewes. Famous for its scenic views and refreshingly calm surroundings, the South Downs Way is ideal for those looking for a low-key and easy trip. Those driving along the winding country roads will have time to enjoy everything that the stunning scenery has to offer as well as various scenic sites, including All Souls Church in Langham, which was completed by Thomas Lainson and dates back to 1860. After that, wander around Beachy Head to take in the beautiful views.

Lastly, before heading out, it might be worthwhile to do a quick survey of Ditchling Beacon to see unparalleled views of Brighton and Hove.

Stour Valley Cycle Route

We’ll explore plenty of peace and quiet and diversity while passing through scenic countryside on miles and miles of routes leading from the Stour Valley towards Canterbury and all the way up to Dover and Folkestone, where the journeys come to an end.

you’re sure to want to take a break from your bicycle every once in a while. And, after a bike tour, there’s nothing like stopping by a local pub to share a drink and some delicious food!
It’s not only about getting from point A to point B; your destination should be as enjoyable as your journey. If you’re looking for a more serene place to go with your significant other, try the rolling English countryside, which has the added benefit of more than reasonable weather that ranges throughout most of the year, making it the perfect getaway to enjoy leisurely cycling with several stops along country roads that go through picture-perfect villages or meadows.

The Essex Heritage Coast

To take a day trip from London, take a drive along the Essex Heritage Coast. It has some of Essex’s most iconic sights, including Colchester Castle and Tilty Abbey, a 12th-century Augustinian abbey. If you have time, be sure to stop off at Manningtree’s historic (and kitschy) pier, or if you would rather stay inland, head to nearby Sudbury, where more than 1,000 buildings are listed.

If you have time, make a pit stop in Colchester or Maldon, two charming towns on England’s eastern coast, or you can continue northward, looking out for Thorpe Bay, one of Britain’s most popular beaches. it’s also worth stopping by the neighboring Southend-on-Sea, which has an historic pier and amusement park. You can’t forget about Clacton Pier, either!

Endless miles of coastal roads lined with ocean-side towns, coastal marshes, and even shuttered nuclear power stations are begging to be explored on your next British road trip.

North Norfolk Coastal Pathway

Norwich, Norfolk’s largest city and capital of East Anglia, is a good starting point for your tour. The route follows an old railway line north-east through rural countryside; follow signs for Cromer on Sea. Here you have a choice: either continue on foot or join The Coasthopper bus service which runs along various parts of the pathway. Continue to follow signposts for Happisburgh (another village with another Coasthopper stop) and Caister-on-Sea.

That hugs England’s windswept and beautiful coastline between Great Yarmouth in Norfolk and Lowestoft in Suffolk. The path is well-maintained and makes a great day trip or longer holiday. It links up with other paths that hug other sections of coastline. Highlights along North Norfolk Coastal Pathway include Blakeney Point, an osprey sanctuary where you can see birdwatchers gathered around monitoring their feathered friends as they swoop down on prey.

However, getting there can be tricky. If you’re using your own vehicle, keep an eye on weather conditions and times – it might be safer or even necessary to avoid these areas if driving during periods of bad weather.

Devon Coast to Coast Walk

Want to walk from one end of Britain to another while soaking up breathtaking coastal views and rugged mountains? Then you’re in luck, because that’s exactly what you get with England’s Devon Coast-to-Coast Walk. Beginning at Lynmouth in Devon and finishing just south of Barnstaple, it’s a three-week trek across Exmoor, Dartmoor and Bodmin Moor, among other stunning landscapes.

This one’s for serious hikers only, and even then it’s a fairly long (and serious) day out. But if you can, we really do recommend you make time for a walk on England’s ruggedly beautiful coastline. Not only will you get to enjoy some sublime views, but you can also have a nice sit down at tea and cake stops along the way.

Cotswold Way National Trail

If you’ve only got time for one route in Britain, make it a drive along England’s Cotswold Way National Trail. Starting in Chipping Campden and ending in Bath (or vice versa), it’s about 128 miles long and passes through some of England’s most famous sights, including Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, Cirencester and Cheltenham.

There are many points along its length that you can access easily from larger towns or cities, but if you have time you should consider walking it end-to-end from Chipping Campden in Gloucestershire to Bath in Somerset. The path is mostly well maintained and easy to walk on; although it does pass through a couple remote sections so it’s always a good idea to check out local conditions before setting off.

There are plenty of places along its path worth stopping for a cup of tea or a bite to eat – you might even have time for afternoon tea! Or spend some time exploring each place along its route and soak up a bit more local culture on your travels.

Pembrokeshire Coast Path

Pembrokeshire is an ideal destination for nature lovers, beachcombers and coastal explorers. And if you’re looking for a walk that ticks all these boxes and more.

A premier visitor attraction on both sides of the border, Pembrokeshire Coast Path is considered one of Wales’s most popular hiking trails. Offering a number of different routes for hikers, cyclists and horseback riders, as well as tourists who are looking for great places to stop along route and enjoy some coastal sight seeing. Hiking is a great way to exercise while touring beautiful countryside, it also offers an opportunity for contemplative reflection and nature appreciation.

If you’re planning on exploring Britain’s shores by boat or car, why not make sure your vacation includes a bit of rural escape.