Britain’s Best Drives

For those that have to drive to work, or have known the pain of bank holiday motorway tailbacks, navigating around Britain’s busy road network is often a tiresome process – one full of congested carriageways and “are-we-nearly-there’s” coming from the backseat.

However, if you know where to look, Britain has some of the most breath-taking drives in Europe. Here are a few of the best…

Britain’s Best Roads to Drive on

 

  • Kendal to Keswick

 

Highlighting one of the country’s most magnificent natural features, the Lake District, this 30 mile drive along the A591 takes in fantastic views of both Lake Windermere and Lake Thirlmere, and shows why this land so inspired Wordsworth and Coleridge. The picturesque town of Grasmere makes a good halfway point to stop at and take in the views.

 

  • The Northumberland Coast

 

England’s North East is often overlooked when it comes to the best countryside views, but this stretch of the A1 and its various feeder roads takes in everything from windswept beaches to rugged moorland, with a few castles (Warkworth, Bamburgh and Alnwick) thrown in for good measure.

 

  • Ribblehead Viaduct

 

Although this route includes a stint through the ever-beautiful Yorkshire Dales, the highlight of this section of the B6255 is surely the Ribblehead Viaduct. An impressive feat of Victorian engineering, the structure, dating back to 1870, stretches 400 feet in length, yet is probably best known for a brief appearance in the Harry Potter films!

 

  • Horsham to Winchester

 

It may not be the wild and craggy countryside of the north, but this journey from West Sussex to the heart of Hampshire is full of quintessentially English green fields and small, postcard villages full of antiques and tea shops. Winding along the A272, the route takes in a number of attractive market town, such as Petersfield and Petworth – ideal for an afternoon of exploring.

 

  • Land’s End to St Ives

 

Staying in the south, the drive from one of Britain’s most famous landmarks to one of its most popular holiday destinations is not to be missed. Hopping from the A30 to the B3306, the coastal roads offer the chance to take in such spots as Whitesand Beach, Sennen Cove and the Cornish Cape, not to mention numerous surfing opportunities!

 

  • Bealach Na Bà (Pass of the Cattle)

On the opposite end of Britain, Bealach Na Bà is a stunning subsidiary of the A896 that weaves its way from Lochcarron to Shieldaig, and over the hills to Wester Ross deep in the Highlands. A historic mountain pass (a common cattle trail, surprisingly), the road can be near enough impassable in the mid-winter.

 

  • Gatwick Car and Van Rental

Whether you’re on holiday and choose to take a journey along any of the routes mentioned above, or one of the many more that exist across the country, why not call on Gatwick Car and Van Rental for fantastic car hire deals.

With over 40 years of experience in the industry, our experts are on hand to advise you on the best vehicle for your needs. With prices from £15.56 per day, as well as full breakdown cover on every car hire, you’re sure to find the right fit with us.

So don’t hesitate to get in touch with Gatwick Car and Van Rental today to find out more.