10 of the UK's Most Unforgettable Scenic Drives

Summary

• The UK offers a huge variety of driving routes, from the epic 516-mile North Coast 500 in Scotland to the short, dramatic blast through Cheddar Gorge.
• Key routes include the Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland, Black Mountain Pass in Wales, and several iconic drives in England's National Parks.
• Before any long trip, it's crucial to perform basic vehicle checks and consider a car history check for peace of mind about the vehicle's past.

There’s a special kind of freedom that only comes from a full tank of fuel, a decent playlist, and a road stretching out ahead of you. It’s the promise of discovery, the joy of the journey itself, not just the destination. The UK, with its crumpled coastlines, dramatic mountain passes, and landscapes steeped in history, is practically begging to be explored on four wheels.

But let's be honest, a great road trip isn't just about pointing the car and going. It’s about finding those truly special routes that stick with you long after you've parked up. So, forget the motorways. We're talking about the drives that are destinations in their own right.

Before You Turn the Key...

A quick word of advice before we hit the road. The best adventures are the ones where you don't have to worry about the what-ifs. Is your car actually up for this? A spectacular view can be quickly spoiled by the sound of a sputtering engine or a dashboard warning light you’ve been ignoring for weeks.

Giving your car a quick once-over is common sense, as detailed in our essential car maintenance checklist. But what about its past? If you're driving a car that's new to you, or even if you've had it a while but never checked, it might be worth running a quick car history check. Think of it as a passport for your vehicle. It tells you where it's been, whether it’s had any major bumps in the road (literally), or if there’s any outstanding finance that could cause a headache later. It’s a small bit of admin for a huge amount of peace of mind.

Alright, with that sorted, let's get to the good stuff. Here are 10 of the UK's most unforgettable scenic drives.

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The UK's Top 10 Scenic Drives

1. North Coast 500, Scotland

The Vibe: Scotland's epic answer to America's Route 66. This is the big one.

The Route: A 516-mile loop starting and ending at Inverness Castle.

Best For: Adventurers with time to spare (at least 5-7 days).

Often topping 'best of' lists worldwide, the NC500 is more than just a drive; it's a full-blown expedition. You’ll wind your way through the wild and rugged Scottish Highlands, past deserted white sandy beaches that look almost Caribbean (if you ignore the water temperature), remote fishing villages, and ancient, brooding castles.

Don't Miss: The exhilarating, single-track Bealach na Bà (Pass of the Cattle) to Applecross is a white-knuckle highlight, but it's not for the faint-hearted or those in a large campervan.

A Human Tip: Book your accommodation months in advance, especially for summer. This route's popularity has exploded, and remote B&Bs fill up fast. And please, learn single-track road etiquette: use passing places to let others by. It's not a race.

2. Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland

The Vibe: A mythical journey along a dramatic, giant-forged coastline.

The Route: An 80 to 120-mile stretch from Belfast to Londonderry/Derry.

Best For: Game of Thrones fans and lovers of geology and legends.

This is arguably one of the most spectacular coastal drives in the world. The road hugs the Antrim coast, offering jaw-dropping views at every turn. You’ve got the mind-boggling basalt columns of the Giant's Causeway (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the dizzying Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and the crumbling ruins of Dunluce Castle clinging to a cliff edge.

Don't Miss: The Dark Hedges. It's an avenue of ancient beech trees that create a stunning natural tunnel. It gets very busy, so try to visit early in the morning or late in the evening for that perfect, atmospheric photo.

A Human Tip: The weather can change in a heartbeat here. Pack layers and waterproofs, even if it’s sunny when you set off.

3. Black Mountain Pass (A4069), Wales

The Vibe: A pure, exhilarating driver's road through the wild Brecon Beacons.

The Route: A 20-ish mile ribbon of tarmac from Llandovery to Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen.

Best For: Driving purists and anyone who's ever watched *Top Gear*.

Made famous by Jeremy Clarkson, who raved about it on *Top Gear*, this road is a rollercoaster of hairpin bends, fast straights, and breathtaking views over the Tywi Valley. Known locally as the 'Top Gear road', it's a test of both car and driver.

A Human Tip: Watch out for the sheep! They roam freely and seem to have zero road sense. Seriously, they own this pass. Driving it from north to south makes the famous "cuckoo turn" hairpin a little easier to navigate. A nimble hot hatch would be the perfect car for this.

4. Cheddar Gorge, Somerset, England

The Vibe: A prehistoric, winding drive through Britain's very own Grand Canyon.

The Route: A short but dramatic 3-mile drive on the B3135 through the gorge itself.

Best For: A quick blast of natural wonder (and cheese lovers).

It feels otherworldly driving through Cheddar Gorge. The road twists and turns at the bottom of a vast limestone canyon, with sheer cliffs soaring up to 450 feet on either side. It’s an ancient landscape that makes you feel tiny.

Don't Miss: The caves! You can park up and explore the magnificent show caves where the Cheddar Man, Britain's oldest complete skeleton, was found. And, of course, try some authentic Cheddar cheese from the village.

A Human Tip: It's a popular tourist spot, so the road can get clogged with coaches and sightseers. For the best driving experience, try to go very early in the morning or out of season.

5. Snake Pass, Peak District, England

The Vibe: A beautifully rugged and notoriously twisty drive across the Pennines.

The Route: The A57, connecting the cities of Sheffield and Manchester.

Best For: Confident drivers who appreciate stunning moorland views.

Named for its winding nature (and the emblem of a local pub), Snake Pass is a classic. It climbs high into the Peak District, offering vast, sweeping views over moorlands and the Ladybower Reservoir. It's a road of blind summits and tight corners, so it demands your full attention.

A Human Tip: This road is often one of the first in the UK to be closed by snow in winter. Always check the forecast and road status before you set off. Our winter driving safety tips can be a lifesaver. There's a reason it's notorious.

6. The Atlantic Highway (A39), England

The Vibe: A classic coastal cruise through Devon and Cornwall's surf country.

The Route: Roughly 70 miles from Barnstaple in Devon to Newquay in Cornwall.

Best For: Sun-seekers, surfers, and anyone with a convertible.

While it doesn't hug the coast the entire way, the A39 offers tantalising glimpses of the wild Atlantic between rolling hills and charming villages. This is the road to take for exploring idyllic coves, sandy beaches, and legendary spots like Tintagel Castle, the mythical birthplace of King Arthur.

Don't Miss: The seaside towns of Bude and Padstow are perfect for a fish and chips stop.

A Human Tip: If you're into surfing, this route is your gateway to some of the UK's best breaks. Strap your board to the roof and be ready for spontaneous detours whenever you spot a promising swell.

7. Kendal to Keswick (A591), Lake District, England

The Vibe: England's favourite scenic drive, a poetic journey through Lakeland splendour.

The Route: A 30-mile stretch through the heart of the Lake District National Park.

Best For: Fans of Wordsworth, Beatrix Potter, and truly epic lake views.

This road has been voted Britain's best. It connects the popular towns of Kendal and Keswick, skirting the shores of Lake Windermere and Grasmere and passing through landscapes that have inspired poets and artists for centuries. Every corner reveals another postcard-perfect view of lakes, fells, and stone-built villages.

Don't Miss: Stop in Grasmere for some of its famous gingerbread and to visit Dove Cottage, William Wordsworth's former home.

A Human Tip: The Lake District is home to some incredibly narrow and steep passes like Hardknott and Wrynose. These are a different beast entirely from the A591 and should only be attempted by confident drivers in suitable cars.

8. Buttertubs Pass, Yorkshire Dales, England

The Vibe: A short, sharp, and spectacular blast across the high moors.

The Route: A 5.5-mile pass between Hawes and Thwaite in the Yorkshire Dales.

Best For: A quick, thrilling drive with a great story.

Another *Top Gear* favourite, this one was described by Clarkson as "England’s only truly spectacular road." It’s a high and lonely route with dramatic, sweeping views. The name comes from the 20-metre-deep limestone potholes near the summit, where farmers on their way to market would supposedly rest and lower their butter to keep it cool.

Don't Miss: The nearby market town of Hawes is home to the Wensleydale Creamery. A perfect end to a drive through James Herriot country.

9. The Cotswolds, England

The Vibe: A gentle, impossibly charming drive through quintessential England.

The Route: Various routes, but a good start is the B4632 from Cheltenham to Stratford-upon-Avon.

Best For: A romantic weekend, antique hunting, and cream teas.

Driving in the Cotswolds is less about a single A-to-B route and more about meandering. It's a region of honey-coloured stone villages, rolling green hills (the 'wolds'), and sleepy country lanes. It feels like you’ve driven straight into a Richard Curtis film. Just get enjoyably lost and hop between ridiculously pretty villages like Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Stow-on-the-Wold.

A Human Tip: Don't just stick to the famous villages, which can get crowded. The real magic is found by taking a random turn down a narrow lane and discovering a hidden gem of a village or a quiet country pub.

10. The Cat and Fiddle, Peak District, England

The Vibe: A famously bendy and high-altitude route popular with bikers.

The Route: The A537 between Buxton and Macclesfield.

Best For: Motorcyclists and drivers who love a technical challenge.

Named after the pub at its summit (the second-highest in Britain), the Cat and Fiddle is a road with a reputation. It's a series of tight, demanding bends that snake across the moors. It was once known as one of the most dangerous roads in the UK, but average speed cameras have calmed things down, making it easier to enjoy the stunning views over the Cheshire Plain.

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So there you have it. Ten roads, ten unique British adventures waiting for you. Whichever you choose, the most important thing is to enjoy the ride. Check your tyres, check your oil, check your car's story, and then just... drive.

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