Top 10 best drives in Britain

What are the top 10 drives in Britain?

Staycations became popular during Covid, and even though that's now behind us, they're still an amazing way to get away for a bit.

And what better way to see more of the country we live in than by enjoying a road trip?

We've trawled through the internet to find 10 of the best drives in Britain. 

And we're not gatekeeping.

So here they are: our 10 top drives through the British Isles.

Kendal to Keswick (A591), Lake District 

The Lake District is famed for its rolling landscapes, lush green hills, and wide-open lakes.

But it’s not just for hikers and holidaymakers.

The Lake District boasts some of the best drives across the country, with some of the most breathtaking views.

The A591 between Kendal and Keswick in particular is one of England's top scenic drives, though it can get very busy during rush hour as it connects two of the Lake District's most popular towns.

But this is not a drive you want to take at top speeds. 

This is a drive to savour.

Here's a simplified version:

The winding route takes you through the heart of the lakes, along the banks of Lake Windermere and Lake Thirlmere.

The surrounding countryside is packed with wildlife – keep your eyes peeled for buzzards, kestrels and red squirrels – plus the landscapes that inspired literary giants like William Wordsworth and Samuel Coleridge.

There's even a Roman fort at Ambleside for history lovers.

The road itself isn't overly tricky, with winding bends that keep the drive interesting. Try to take this drive around midday if you can, or prepare yourself for traffic.

But with so many incredible views on offer, it may just be the best traffic jam of your life.

Where: Lake District, Cumbria
Distance: 29.8 miles
Approximate time: 1 hour 

Cat and Fiddle (A537), Peak District

Yet another district, but one of a different terrain.

The Peak District was founded in 1951 and is known for being the first official National Park in the UK.

One of the most beautiful areas of England, the Peak District is also home to one of the most dangerous roads in the UK. 

The Cat and Fiddle route takes its name from the historic pub beside the road - the most famous of all the Cat and Fiddle pubs dotted around the UK. With steep climbs and sharp bends, it's a particular fan-favourite for motorcyclists.

Prefer four wheels over two? Fear not, the incredible views across Greater Manchester, the Cheshire Plain and the National Park itself ensures that passengers and drivers alike are in awe the entire time.

The whole route is now covered in average speed cameras in a bid to make the road safer for all, but with so much to see outside your windows, this is no bad development.

An exhilarating drive for all concerned, the Cat and Fiddle is not one to miss for anyone visiting, or local to, the Peak District. 

Where: Buxton to Macclesfield, Peak District
Distance: 11.1 miles
Approximate time: 30 minutes

Cheddar Gorge (B3135), Somerset

Unfortunately formed from limestone, not cheese, Cheddar Gorge carves a path through the Mendip Hills that leaves behind a stunning road perfect for an adventure.

The Mendip Hill area is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. And once there, it’s easy to see why.

The 27 cliffs of Cheddar Gorge were formed during the last Ice Age, around 33,000 years ago, and it has remained an area of importance throughout the various eras of Britain.

From the Romans, to the Saxons, right through to the more touristy Victorian age.

Starting from Cheddar village (where you can get real cheddar cheese), it's worth taking time to explore before you hit the road. The village is home to quaint shops and cosy cafes, perfect for picking up supplies or grabbing a coffee before your drive.

Don't miss the famous Cheddar Caves or the challenge of Jacob's Ladder - a 274-step climb that rewards you with spectacular views across the Somerset Levels. There are plenty of good walks around the village too, making it an ideal spot to stretch your legs.

From Cheddar, drivers take the B3135 through the dramatic Gorge, where towering cliff faces create a natural corridor of tight bends. Once through the steep gorge, the road opens up with a gentler gradient, and the sheer rock gives way to trees before reaching the town of Ashwick.

Widely considered one of Britain's natural wonders, Cheddar Gorge is not a drive to miss.

Where: Cheddar Gorge, Somerset
Distance: 14.4 miles
Approximate time: 30 minutes

Wrynose and Hardknott Pass, Cumbria

Potentially the most challenging drive on the list, the Wrynose and Hardknott Pass isn’t for the faint of heart.

Offering an exhilarating drive for anyone willing to tackle it head-first, this drive is best left for the summer months - it isn't one for icy winters.

But it is a rewarding challenge, offering some spectacular views across the Lake District, as well as passing by the solitary Hard Knott Fort.

This Roman fort was once one of the loneliest outposts of the Roman Empire - though those unspoilt views across the lakes would’ve been worth the loneliness - and was built between 120 and 138 CE, overlooking the pass which forms part of an old Roman road.

Beginning in the picturesque village of Eskdale, the route begins by meandering up the Wrynose Pass.

Perfect for warming up those driving reflexes, it also offers the chance to take in the delightful warning signs before you move to the next stage: 'extreme caution', 'severe bends', 'gradient 1 in 3'.

With those warning signs firmly embedded in your brain, you'll be on the steep ascent to Hardknott Pass, testing both your mettle and your driving skills.

The feeling once you've made it through, however, and have landed safely at Ambleside is unparalleled, making the whole experience more than worth it.

Where: Eskdale to Ambleside, Cumbria
Distance: 29.7 miles
Approximate time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Alnmouth to Lindisfarne, Northumberland

This stunning drive takes you up the Northumberland coast, following the shoreline and offering up incredible views across the North Sea to one side, and rural Northumberland to the other.

The history of the county is vast and varied, and remnants of the past are scattered along the route. 

Bamburgh Castle is a particular highlight, with its earliest recorded history dating back to the early English kings. It became a Norman stronghold in the eleventh and twelfth centuries, and the Keep that was erected remains the heart of the castle to this day.

Speaking of history, the end of this meandering drive brings you to Lindisfarne, where you'll find Holy Island, Lindisfarne Castle, and the Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve.

The site of the first Viking invasion in 793CE, Holy Island and Lindisfarne Castle are incredible to view from afar, but if you want to get up close, you'll have to check the tides.

The causeway leading to the island becomes unpassable at certain times of the day, and the last thing you want is to get stranded.

Alnmouth to Lindisfarne is a truly incredible drive, and not one to be rushed. Worth it for the views alone, this meandering route is the perfect road for even the newest of drivers.

Where: Alnmouth to Lindisfarne, Northumberland
Distance: 35 miles
Approximate time: 1 hour

South Devon Coast (A379), Devon

We may be biased, with Carparison HQ based in Exeter, but we can confirm it's an absolute stunner of a drive.

Another stunning coastal route, this one takes you along a 24 mile stretch of the unbeatable South West coast, taking you from Dawlish to Dartmouth. 

The perfect drive if your staycation this year brings you to Devon, the route treats you to nearly everything our county has to offer; quaint seaside towns, rural countryside, and coastal views.

Beginning in the popular seaside resort of Dawlish, the route snakes along the stunning coastline, offering views of the vast beaches of Dawlish and Teignmouth, and out across the English Channel.

You'll then cross Shaldon Bridge, before heading down to Torquay – otherwise known as the English Riviera – and finally arriving at Dartmouth Higher Ferry. 

Take the ferry across to Dartmouth while soaking in the sight of the picturesque town, and enjoy the rest of your day exploring some of the best independent cafes and shops in Devon.

Where: Dawlish - Dartmouth, South Devon
Distance: 24 miles
Approximate time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Bealach na Ba, Scotland

The North Coast 500 is a hugely popular route around the north of Scotland, and one that’s well worth taking the time to make a proper holiday out of.

But if you don't have the time to take a week (or two) exploring the nooks and crannies of the wild north, this 13-mile stretch is a stunning alternative.

It’s more popular in the summer. But in the winter? It becomes the stuff of legends and fairytales, with dark clouds kissing the tops of snow-capped mountains.

You'll start this short drive in the tiny hamlet of Ardarroch, where you'll have views all the way across to the Isle of Skye, before ascending up a single track road that snakes back and forth to a height of 626 metres. 

You can enjoy some of the best views across the Scottish Highlands from the very top, at the Bealach na Ba viewpoint, before descending back down the other side to Applecross, with its vista across the sea to the island of Raasay.

Not one to be rushed, this is definitely a short drive to make the most of.

Where: Ardarroch to Applecross, Scotland
Distance: 12.7 miles
Approximate time: 30 minutes

Isle of Arran Coastal Road (A841), Scotland

One for adventure lovers, this drive takes place on the Scottish Isle of Arran - a place chock full of history, mystery, hidden coves, and rugged landscapes. 

After taking the ferry from Ardrossan on the mainland across to Brodick on the island, you'll be able to explore the whole perimeter of Arran. Each new section of the road offers new views across different parts of Scotland.

Or, you could go rogue and explore the inland routes that take you through the mountains.

Either way you're in for an adventure. 

Taking the A841 anticlockwise from Brodick, you'll follow the popular Arran Coastal Way hiking trail around the island. After passing Brodick Castle and Country Park, you'll reach Lochranza, where the castle sits dramatically on its promontory overlooking the water.

The route continues south through charming small towns and past sandy beaches before looping back to Brodick, where you can catch the ferry back to the mainland.

Where: Isle of Arran, Scotland
Distance: 56 miles
Approximate time: 2 hours

Black Mountain Road, Brecon Beacons National Park 

The Brecon Beacons has long been a favourite destination of hikers looking for an adventure, but the winding roads and incredible views also offer plenty for those who prefer to take a leisurely drive.

Brecon is also home to the Black Mountain Pass.

A route that has long been popular for thrill seekers, it even featured on an episode of Top Gear. With tight bends, stunning scenery and stomach-turning drops, this route offers something for everyone, driver and passenger alike.

One of the trickier drives on this list, the route starts in Llandovery before ascending into the Brecon Beacons, peaking at 493 metres at Foel Fawr. Expect several steep climbs to the summit, before the road smooths out into a meandering route through the heart of the Beacons.

Best tackled on a weekday, this isn't for drivers who hate hairpin bends. But for those willing to take on the challenge, it's completely worth it.

Just remember to keep your eyes peeled for sheep.

Where: Llandovery to Brynamman, Wales
Distance: 20 miles
Approximate time: 40 minutes

Llanberis Pass, Wales

For an incredible view of Mount Snowdon – or Yr Wyddfa, in Welsh – it doesn't get much better than the route from Capel Curig to Llanberis across the Llanberis Pass. 

The route has long been popular with bikers and hikers, but it is also the perfect route for motorists, passing by the foot of the mountain and offering up some of the most incredible views Wales has to offer.

The route is bordered by waist-high stone walls that frame the road through the pass, with craggy rock faces rising on either side. As an A road with a 60mph speed limit and fewer hairpin bends than other drives on this list, you can build up speed - adding to the sheer exhilaration.

You'll pass the Pen-y-Gwryd hotel where Sir Edmund Hillary stayed while training on Snowdon for Everest. At the route's end in Llanberis, you can take the Mountain Railway to the summit of the mountain.

Not a drive to be missed.

Where: Capel Curig to Llanberis, Wales
Distance: 11 miles
Approximate time: 20 minutes

EV charging

Heading out in an EV? You'll want to plan your route and charging stops ahead of time, especially for longer drives through remote areas like the Scottish Highlands or Welsh mountains.

Use apps like Zap-Map to locate the nearest chargers, check availability in real-time, and see charging speeds. It's worth having a backup plan too – identify alternative charging points along your route in case your first choice is busy or out of order.

Many of these scenic routes pass through smaller towns and villages where rapid chargers might be limited, so factor in extra time for charging stops.

The good news? It's the perfect excuse to explore those independent cafes and local shops we've mentioned throughout this list.

From the dramatic peaks of Snowdonia to the rugged coastlines of Northumberland, Britain's roads offer some of the most spectacular driving experiences in the world.

Whether you're after the heart-pounding challenge of Hardknott Pass or the gentle meander along the South Devon coast, there's a perfect drive waiting for every type of adventurer.

The beauty of these routes isn't just in their stunning scenery – though there's plenty of that – but in the stories they tell.

You'll drive past Roman forts, medieval castles, and the training grounds of Everest heroes, all while discovering hidden villages, independent cafes, and those perfect photo opportunities that make any road trip memorable.

Planning your next adventure?

Remember to check weather conditions, especially for the more challenging mountain passes, and always allow extra time to stop and soak in those incredible views.

One final time, here are the top ten drives in Britain:

• Kendal to Keswick (A591), Lake District
• Cat and Fiddle (A537), Peak District
• Cheddar Gorge (B3135), Somerset
• Wrynose and Hardknott Pass, Cumbria
• Alnmouth to Lindisfarne, Northumberland
• South Devon Coast (A379), Devon
• Bealach na Ba, Scotland
• Isle of Arran Coastal Road (A841), Scotland
• Black Mountain Road, Brecon Beacons National Park
• Llanberis Pass, Wales