Exploring the English countryside by car provides a delightful experience filled with scenic routes, historic villages, and lush landscapes. Discover picturesque drives through areas rich in history, natural beauty, and local culture. This guide offers insights into each route, including what to see, the best times to travel, travel times, and what makes each journey unique.
Cotswolds: Bibury to Castle Combe
Starting in Bibury, often referred to as the most beautiful village in England, this route winds through rolling hills and honey-colored stone cottages. Travel through market towns like Burford and Stow-on-the-Wold, each with its own unique charm. The journey ends in Castle Combe, known for its medieval ambiance. The entire route takes about 1.5 hours of driving. The best time to travel is spring or autumn when the countryside is particularly stunning.
Lake District: Windermere to Keswick
Begin at Lake Windermere, England’s largest lake, and follow winding roads to Ambleside and Grasmere, famous for its gingerbread. Pass through serene valleys and along crystal-clear lakes, arriving in Keswick by Derwentwater. The drive takes around 1 hour. This route is ideal for nature lovers, especially in summer and autumn when the landscapes are at their most vibrant.
Cornwall: St. Ives to Land’s End
Starting in St. Ives, known for its artistic community and sandy beaches, drive along the coast to Penzance, stopping at fishing villages like Mousehole. The journey concludes at Land’s End, offering breathtaking sea views. The total driving time is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Travel in the summer for the best weather and to enjoy the coastal beauty.
Peak District: Bakewell to Buxton
Begin in Bakewell, famous for its tarts, and travel through the heart of the Peak District, passing landmarks like Chatsworth House. The route ends in Buxton, known for its Georgian architecture and spa waters. The drive takes about 45 minutes. Spring and summer are the best times to explore this rugged and picturesque region.
Yorkshire Dales: Skipton to Hawes
Starting in Skipton with its historic castle, drive through the scenic Dales, visiting charming villages like Grassington. End in Hawes, renowned for its Wensleydale cheese. The drive takes around 1 hour. The green valleys and limestone formations are most spectacular in late spring and summer.
Norfolk Coast: Cromer to Hunstanton
From Cromer with its Victorian pier, follow the coast road to Wells-next-the-Sea and its colorful beach huts, finishing in Hunstanton with its striped cliffs. This coastal route takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. It’s perfect for beach lovers and bird watchers, especially during the warmer months.
Devon: Exeter to Dartmoor
Starting in Exeter with its historic cathedral, drive through rolling countryside to the wild beauty of Dartmoor. Visit charming towns like Ashburton and Tavistock. Dartmoor’s rugged landscapes and ancient tors are best explored in spring or autumn. The drive takes around 1 hour.
Northumberland: Alnwick to Holy Island
Starting at Alnwick with its impressive castle, follow the coastal route to Bamburgh and end at Holy Island, accessible via a causeway. The drive takes around 1 hour. Northumberland’s coastline is rich in history and natural beauty, particularly striking in summer.
Somerset: Bath to Wells
Begin in Bath, renowned for its Roman baths and Georgian architecture, and drive through the Mendip Hills to Wells. Visit Wells Cathedral and the Bishop’s Palace. The drive takes about 1 hour. Somerset’s history and rolling landscapes are most enjoyable in spring and autumn.
Dorset: Lyme Regis to Corfe Castle
Starting in Lyme Regis with its fossil-rich beaches, follow the Jurassic Coast to the village of Abbotsbury and end at Corfe Castle. The drive takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Dorset’s coastline and countryside are ideal for a scenic drive, particularly in summer.
Suffolk: Southwold to Aldeburgh
Start in Southwold, famous for its pier and lighthouse, and drive through the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Aldeburgh, known for its music festival and pebble beach, is the final stop. The drive takes about 45 minutes. Suffolk’s serene landscapes and coastal charm are best in late spring and summer.
Hampshire: Winchester to New Forest
Starting in Winchester with its medieval cathedral, drive through rolling countryside to the New Forest. Visit villages like Lyndhurst and Brockenhurst. The drive takes around 45 minutes. Hampshire’s mix of history and natural beauty is most memorable in summer.
Isle of Wight: Cowes to Ventnor
Start your journey in Cowes, known for its sailing regattas, and drive through the island’s scenic countryside to Ventnor. The drive takes around 30 minutes. The Isle of Wight’s mix of coast and countryside is perfect for a road trip, particularly in summer.
Wiltshire: Salisbury to Stonehenge
Begin in Salisbury with its stunning cathedral, drive through the Wiltshire countryside to Stonehenge, and visit the historic town of Avebury. The drive takes about 30 minutes. Wiltshire’s rich history and landscapes are best explored in spring and autumn.
Gloucestershire: Stroud to Tewkesbury
Starting in Stroud, known for its vibrant market, drive through the Cotswold Hills to Tewkesbury. Visit Tewkesbury Abbey and the charming town center. The drive takes around 45 minutes. Gloucestershire’s mix of history and countryside is most charming in late spring and summer.
This article originally appeared on UnifyCosmos.
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