10 of the most scenic drives in the UK

The United Kingdom is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world, and if you’re looking for an unforgettable holiday, there’s no better place to be! So, if you’re planning on exploring some of the best regions, there's no better way to experience them than by embarking on scenic drives in the UK.

Whatever you fancy, the UK’s got it. If you want to look outside your car window and see the vast ocean and rugged coastline, you can. If you want to drive through enchanting woodlands and connect with nature, there are spots for it. The UK offers scenic drives like you’ve never seen before, with a diverse range of road trips that will leave you in awe – from the Jurassic Coast to the Wighty 90. In this article, we'll explore 10 of the most scenic drives in the UK, each offering unique vistas and unforgettable experiences. Buckle up, because we’re about to get right into it!

The Jurassic Coast

When it comes to the UK’s most scenic drives, a great place to start is the Jurassic Coast. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its sheer wonder and picturesque setting, as it stretches for 95 miles along the southern coast of England from East Devon to Dorset.

Things to do in Dorset

This scenic drive takes you through 185 million years of geological history, where you get to witness stunning cliffs, hidden coves, and charming coastal towns outside your car window.

Starting in Exmouth, Devon, and ending in Studland Bay, Dorset, this route offers some of the most picturesque views in the country, along with some unique beaches where you can even stop for a break.

Some key stops along the way include:

Lulworth Cove: A beautiful horseshoe-shaped bay with crystal-clear waters
Durdle Door: The iconic limestone arch jutting out into the sea
Chesil Beach: An 18-mile-long pebble beach with stunning views
West Bay: Known for its golden cliffs and for being featured in the TV series Broadchurch

The Jurassic Coast drive is undoubtedly one of the most scenic drives in the UK, offering a perfect blend of natural wonders and charming seaside towns. Also, if you want somewhere to park up, rest, recharge, and explore some new activities, Swanage Bay Holiday Park is only minutes away from Studland Bay.

North Coast 500, Scotland

The North Coast 500, often called Scotland's Route 66, is a 516-mile circular route that offers one of the most scenic drives in the UK. The route starts and ends at Inverness Castle, and takes you through the stunning landscapes of the Scottish Highlands.

Things to do in Scotland

This is a great route to take the whole family, where everyone will be in awe of the magnificent mountains and hills that you’ll pass by.

Highlights of the North Coast 500 include:

Bealach na Bà: A winding mountain pass with hairpin bends and scenic views
Dunrobin Castle: A fairytale-like castle that overlooks the North Sea
Smoo Cave: A dramatic sea cave with a waterfall inside
Sandwood Bay: One of the most remote and beautiful beaches in Scotland

The North Coast 500 showcases the rugged beauty of Scotland, from towering mountains to mighty castles, making it a must-do for anyone seeking scenic drives in the UK.

The Coastal Way, Wales

With a 75-mile route across the North Wales coast, another one of the best scenic drives in the UK is The North Wales Way. You’ll see a blend of stunning landscapes, historic sites, and charming coastal towns along your drive.

Things to do in North Wales

The North Wales Way is not just about natural beauty – it's also rich in Welsh culture and history. You'll be able to visit traditional Welsh towns like Llandudno, sample local cuisine, and even hear the Welsh language spoken.

Along the way, you'll encounter:

Conwy Castle: A magnificent 13th-century fortress
Snowdonia National Park: Home to Wales' highest peak, Snowdon
Penrhyn Castle: A 19th-century fantasy castle with spectacular views
Menai Suspension Bridge: An iconic bridge connecting Anglesey to the mainland

The route begins in Mold and ends at the island of Anglesey. This scenic drive in the UK can be completed in a day, but to fully appreciate the attractions and landscapes, it's best to stay somewhere great and spread it over two to three days.

New Forest Wildlife Park, Hampshire

While not a long-distance drive, the roads through the New Forest National Park in Hampshire offer some of the most scenic drives in the UK. You’ll get to experience the tranquil surroundings as you cruise through some of nature’s wonders.

Things to do in Hampshire

The New Forest Wildlife Park, located near Ashurst, serves as an excellent starting point for exploring this beautiful area, where you can even let some of the little ones discover their new favourite animals.

As you drive through the park and surrounding areas, you'll encounter:

Wild ponies roaming freely across heathlands
Ancient woodlands with towering trees
Quaint villages like Lyndhurst and Brockenhurst
Expansive heathlands that burst into purple during late summer

The New Forest offers a unique driving experience where nature takes centre stage, making it one of the most enchanting and scenic drives in the UK.

Wighty 90, Isle of Wight

The Wighty 90 is exactly what it says on the packet – a 90-mile route that circles the Isle of Wight.

Things to do in Isle of Wight

Being one of the most scenic drives in the UK, this route offers beautifully diverse landscapes and attractions across the Isle for you to explore. This compact island is full of dramatic coastal cliffs, pristine beaches and rolling countryside.

Highlights of the Wighty 90 include:

The Needles: The iconic chalk stacks rising from the sea
Ventnor Botanic Garden: A subtropical garden with stunning coastal views
Osborne House: Queen Victoria's former holiday home
Compton Bay: A beautiful beach known for dinosaur fossils

The Wighty 90 showcases the Isle of Wight's natural beauty and rich history, making it one of the most rewarding scenic drives in the UK. And there are plenty of fantastic place to stay in the Isle of Wight between your scenic drives, too!

Cat and Fiddle, Peak District

The Cat and Fiddle road, officially known as the A537, is a 12-mile route between Buxton in Derbyshire and Macclesfield in Cheshire. Although short, it's still considered one of the most scenic drives in the UK, as it offers spectacular views of the Peak District National Park.

This winding road is known for its:

Various hairpin bends and steep gradients
Panoramic views of the Cheshire Plain and Peak District hills
The Cat and Fiddle Inn, once the second-highest pub in the whole of England
Opportunities for hiking and exploring the surrounding moorlands

The Cat and Fiddle route is a favourite among UK driving enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, cementing its place among the most scenic drives in the UK.

Ribblehead Viaduct, North Yorkshire

The drive to and around the Ribblehead Viaduct in the Yorkshire Dales National Park offers some of the most scenic views in the UK. This iconic 19th-century railway bridge is a true sight to behold, serving as a dramatic focal point in a landscape of rolling hills and rugged moorland of Yorkshire.

Things to do in Yorkshire

The scenic drive in this area includes:

Views of the 24-arch Ribblehead Viaduct that spans the Ribble Valley
The dramatic peaks of Whernside, Ingleborough, and Pen-y-ghent (the Three Peaks)
Various charming villages like Horton-in-Ribblesdale and Settle
Opportunities to see steam trains crossing the viaduct

This drive through the heart of Yorkshire Dales showcases some of England's most beautiful countryside and promises not to disappoint on your UK scenic drives.

A view of Botallack Head and mining remains.

St Ives to St Just, Cornwall

The B3306 coastal road from St Ives to St Just in Cornwall offers one of the most dramatic and scenic drives in the UK. This is a 13-mile route that hugs the rugged coastline of the Penwith peninsula, so you can peer out across the stunning Atlantic Ocean.

Things to do in Cornwall

Highlights of this scenic drive include:

Zennor Head: A dramatic clifftop with panoramic coastal views
Gurnard's Head: A great rocky headland with an Iron Age fort
Botallack Mine: Abandoned tin mines perched on the cliffs
Cape Cornwall: One of only two capes in Britain

This Cornish coastal drive showcases the region's raw beauty, making it a must-do for those seeking the most scenic drives in the UK. You can always stay in St Ives to give yourself even more time to explore the region's full beauty.

Buttertubs Pass, Yorkshire

Heading back again to Yorkshire, the Buttertubs Pass, located in the Yorkshire Dales, is a challenging yet rewarding scenic drive that connects Hawes in Wensleydale to Thwaite in Swaledale. This 5.5-mile route is known for its steep gradients and hairpin bends, but that’s all paired with some stunning views of the surrounding dales.

Key features of this scenic drive include:

The Buttertubs– 20-metre deep limestone potholes
Panoramic views of Wensleydale and Swaledale
Opportunities to spot many rare wildlife species like red squirrels and curlews
Access to the charming Dales villages like Muker and Reeth

Buttertubs Pass offers a thrilling driving experience combined with breathtaking scenery, solidifying its place among the top scenic drives in the UK.

The Atlantic Highway, England

The Atlantic Highway, which follows the A39 from Barnstaple in Devon to Fraddon in Cornwall, offers some of the most scenic drives along the UK coast. This 70-mile route offers the best of England's southwest coast.

Highlights along the Atlantic Highway include:

Hartland Quay: Dramatic cliffs and rock formations
Bude: A popular seaside town with beautiful beaches
Tintagel Castle: The legendary birthplace of King Arthur
Padstow: A charming fishing port known for its delicious food scene

The Atlantic Highway offers a perfect blend of coastal scenery, historic sites, and charming towns, making it one of the most diverse and scenic drives in the UK.

The most scenic drives in the UK – FAQs

Let’s look at some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding scenic drives in the UK:

What is the most scenic road in the UK?

The most scenic road in the UK is subjective, but many consider the North Coast 500 in Scotland to be the most beautiful road to drive down in the UK. However, other contenders include the Jurassic Coast drive and the Atlantic Highway.

Where to go for a drive in the UK?

The UK offers numerous options for scenic drives. Some popular choices include the Peak District, the Lake District, the Scottish Highlands, Cornwall, and the Welsh coast.

What mountains can you drive up in the UK?

While you can't drive to the summit of most mountains in the UK, some scenic mountain roads include:

Bealach na Bà in Scotland
Kirkstone Pass in the Lake District
Gospel Pass in Wales
Hardknott Pass in the Lake District

What is the most scenic part of England?

The most scenic part of England can depend on your preferences, but popular choices include the Lake District, the Cotswolds, the Jurassic Coast, the Peak District, and Snowdonia. You can find some scenic driving routes through these areas that are sure to make your trip magnificent.

Get ready for the best scenic drives in the UK

The UK is a treasure trove of scenic drives, offering everything you could want, from coastal routes to mountain passes. It doesn’t matter if you're looking for challenging roads, historic sites, or natural wonders, these 10 scenic drives in the UK are bound to give you a memorable break away.

You can explore the dramatic landscapes of the North Coast 500 in Scotland, the prehistoric wonders of the Jurassic Coast, the rugged beauty of the Welsh Coastal Way, or the charming countryside of the New Forest. The opportunities for new and exciting adventures on these scenic drives in the UK are endless.

Remember to plan your route, check road conditions, and take your time to fully appreciate the scenery. Many of these routes pass through areas of natural beauty or national parks, so be respectful of the environment and local communities.

You’re now ready to pack your bags and hit the road, so prepare to be amazed by the stunning beauty that different regions of the UK have to offer. Happy driving!