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    5 Of The Best Road Trips In The UK

    29 March, 2019



    There is something uniquely special about a road trip which just creates and fuels a buzz of excitement. There are over 200,000 miles of road to explore in the UK which are waiting, ready for you to explore. 


    Whilst there are some roads in Britain that have a notorious reputation - the M25 in particular, there are plenty of other countryside routes that wind around the UK and lead you to picture-perfect locations. From bustling cities to coastal roads, there is certainly no shortage of road trip routes for you to take. With that in mind, there are 5 of the best road trips you can experience in the UK. 


    The Atlantic Highway, South West England

    Famed for being one of the longest roads in the South West, the A39 connects two towns - Bath and Falmouth. Whilst you can drive the whole length of the road, there is a particular stretch of picturesque road which is nestled between Barnstaple in Devon and the Cornish seaside town of Newquay. 


    Although the road doesn’t get that close to the coastline, you are still able to take in and admire plenty of stunning views along the way, particularly as you pass through Bude, Camelford and Wadebridge. The traffic on the A39 can get a little busy at times, so it is best to avoid the route during the peak holiday season and during bank holidays. 


    North Coast 500, Scottish Highlands

    Scotland’s version of Route 66, the North Coast 500 boasts some of the most beautiful and breathtaking scenery in the UK. This 516-mile route highlights some of the best that the Highlands has to offer and is full of ancient castles, historic landmarks and peaceful beaches. 


    The official North Coast 500 route starts and ends at Inverness Castle, doing a loop right through the heart of the Highlands. Passing through villages such as John O’Groats, Ullapool and Dornoch, if you want to make pit-stops during your journey, it’s best to confirm your hotels in advance as accommodation is limited along the route. 


    Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland

    One of Northern Ireland’s most popular driving routes, the 80-mile long stretch of Causeway Coastal road stretches from Belfast to Derry. Full of mythical legends and wonder, the route is actually made up of 9 smaller drives, so you can break it up into smaller segments if you want to take your time to enjoy the drive. 


    The winding drive, which hugs the Atlantic coast for most of the way, will take you through and past some of Northern Ireland’s main attractions: Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle, The Dark Hedges and the Glens of Antrim. 


    Cheddar Gorge, Somerset 

    Just 10 miles south from the heart of Bristol, The Cheddar Gorge is set right in the heart of the famous West Country. Often referred to as the UK’s version of the Grand Canyon, the sheer limestone cliffs hug the side of the winding road for 3 miles. 


    This is a fairly demanding drive, especially if you are wanting to admire the scenery so it’s best to take the drive quite slowly. In the summer months, the route can come fairly backed up with traffic so visit out of season if you are wanting to experience the roads whilst they are quiet.


    Abergwesyn Pass, Wales

    Almost as tricky to drive as it is to pronounce, the Abergwesyn Pass in Wales offers a huge feast of descents, long straights, ascents and hairpin bends meaning that drivers can truly test their skills whilst at the wheel. As well as the hair-raising drive, you’ll also get to experience the stunning backdrop of mountains, woodlands and small villages. Although it’s just 11 miles long, there’s certainly a lot to see during the drive. 


    If you are visiting the UK from another EU country and wish to drive these famous routes, then you will need to have some documentation. You will need your passport or ID card as well as a drivers license which is valid for use in the UK. You must also make sure that you have the right vehicle insurance should you wish to drive your own car on roads in the UK. If you are planning an epic UK road trip which means you’ll be in the UK for an extended period then, especially with the impending Brexit decision, you must make sure that you have the relevant visa. If you are travelling with a partner, friend or children, then you will also need to check if you need to make a spouse visa application or bring any other documentation with you.

     
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