The 4 most beautiful road trips in England and Wales

Embarking on a road trip through England and Wales is one of the best ways to experience the region’s breathtaking landscapes, historic landmarks, and charming villages.

From the rugged coastlines of Cornwall to the rolling hills of the Cotswolds and the dramatic peaks of Snowdonia, every route offers a unique adventure.

Whether you're chasing coastal views, medieval castles, or scenic countryside drives, these beautiful road trips in England and Wales will take you through some of the most stunning and diverse landscapes in the UK. Buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable journey!

1. A road trip in Cornwall and Devon: the Atlantic Highway

Hikers discover the coast of Cornwall and Devon on the South West Coast Path, known from the book The Salt Path. Less well-known is the alternative for motorists: the Atlantic Highway. The A39 in this south-west part of England connects Bath to Falmouth and winds through fantastic scenery.

The section between Barnstaple and Fraddon is known as the section with the most beautiful views. Feel the sea breeze in your hair and stop along the route for a walk or an hour of surfing. In picturesque places such as Bude, Clovelly and Newquay you can enjoy fish and chips with beautiful views. Also visit Land's End, the most south-westerly part of southern England, which locals once thought was the end of the world.

^{Foto: Land's End door Benjamin Elliot/Unsplash}

2. Discover the Lake District by car

The Lake District in north-west England was home and a great source of inspiration for the poet William Wordsworth. Wind your way through a landscape of clear blue lakes and lush green hills and you’ll understand where the inspiration came from.

Drive north from Windermere, through the villages of Ambleside and Grasmere, with Grasmere being Wordsworth’s former home. Stop at Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain, and Wastwater, England’s deepest lake.

Walk around Ennerdale Water, the Lake District’s most remote lake, and enjoy the tranquillity that reigns there. For a unique view of the hills, hire a SUP board and explore the Lake District from one of the lakes. 

^{Foto: Ennerdale Water door David Houghton/Unsplash}

3. A road trip through Wales: the Cambrian Way

The Cambrian Way is the ultimate road trip route from the south to the north of Wales. Start in Cardiff and follow the A470 to Llandudno. Don't drive north in one go, but plan enough time to discover the beautiful nature along the way.

You drive through the Brecon Beacons National Park, the Elan Valley and Snowdonia, where you can enjoy yourself for days. Discover the Brecon Beacons on horseback, cycle along the lakes of the Elan Valley and surf on a large lake in Snowdonia. Challenge your car on the Black Mountain Pass, known to car enthusiasts as the 'Top Gear road'.

^{Foto: Snowdonia door Josh Kirk/Unsplash}

4. Meandering through the Yorkshire moors

Yorkshire is rich in heathland, interspersed with forests and rippling waters. The road trip through the North York Moors National Park is particularly beautiful at the end of the summer, when flowering heather colours the hills purple. Start your road trip in Helmsley and drive along the A170 and A169 to Staithes on the coast.

Do you have more time to spend in this north-eastern part of England? Take a city trip to York, delve into the history of Castle Howard, stroll through picturesque villages and walk across the vast moorlands. Eat a fish in one of the authentic coastal towns and listen to the sea crashing against the high cliffs. In Yorkshire you will find the best of coast and inland in one road trip.

^{Foto: Yorkshire door Illiya Vjestica/Unsplash}

Want to read more about road trips? This is Scotland's most beautiful driving route!