When is the best time to drive the UK’s most scenic routes?

Spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October) are ideal — you’ll get good weather, quieter roads and beautiful colours. Summer is spectacular along routes like the Cornish Atlantic Highway, the Lake District and the Snowdonia passes, but expect busier hotspots.

How many days do I need to enjoy these scenic drives?

You can complete a single scenic drive in a few hours, but the most memorable trips are spread over 2–4 days. This gives time for viewpoints, short walks and local detours.

Are these routes suitable for campervans and motorhomes?

Yes — most scenic drives are perfectly manageable in a campervan or motorhome. Just be aware of steep or narrow sections such as Hardknott and Wrynose Pass or tight coastal stretches on the NC500. It’s wise to check your route in advance if you are driving a larger vehicle.

Do I need to book accommodation in advance?

In peak season, booking ahead is recommended — particularly in popular areas like Cornwall, Skye, the Lake District and parts of the Highlands. Shoulder months are more flexible, but advance reservations still give better availability and prices.

Are there toll roads on these scenic drives?

Very few. Nearly all of the UK’s famous scenic drives are toll-free, with only occasional parking or visitor charges at viewpoints or attractions.

Can I do these drives if I’m not confident on narrow or steep roads?

Absolutely. Several of the UK’s most scenic routes use wider, easier roads perfect for beginners, including the A591 in the Lake District, the A470 through the Brecon Beacons and the A1068 along the Northumberland Coast. You can simply avoid the steepest passes until you feel more confident.

Which scenic drive is best for first-time road trippers?

The Northumberland Coast, Scottish Borders and Lake District are great first-time choices. They offer stunning scenery, straightforward driving, plenty of services and lots of places to stop and explore.

Top 10 Scenic Drives in the UK

Discover the UK’s Most Beautiful Drives – From Scotland’s wild Highlands to Cornwall’s coastal cliffs and Wales’s mountains.
Experience Iconic Landscapes – Uncover lochs, valleys, moors, and rolling countryside on Britain’s most breathtaking routes.
Plan Your Perfect Road Trip – Explore our top 10 scenic drives with route ideas, travel tips, and inspiration for your next adventure.

Discover the UK’s Most Beautiful Drives

The UK offers some of the most varied and rewarding road trips anywhere in Europe – from Scotland’s wild mountain passes to Cornwall’s dramatic Atlantic coastline. Whether you prefer craggy sea cliffs, wide-open moors or gentle rolling countryside, there’s a scenic drive here to match your pace and style.
Top tip: Plan extra time for photo stops – the most memorable moments often happen between the headline destinations.

Experience Iconic Landscapes

Every corner of Britain has its own character, and a scenic drive is one of the best ways to appreciate the country’s mix of nature, history and culture. Expect lochs framed by towering peaks, deep glens, lush valleys, and ancient stone-built villages that seem unchanged for centuries.
Top tip: If you’re visiting in summer, aim for early mornings or late afternoons for quieter roads and softer, golden light.

Plan Your Perfect Road Trip

This guide brings together ten of the UK’s very best scenic drives, with route ideas, highlights, and practical advice to help you build a journey that suits your interests. Whether you’re travelling for a weekend or a full holiday, you’ll find inspiration for coastlines, mountains, moorlands, and everything in between.
Top tip: Always check whether your chosen route includes single-track sections – build in extra time to enjoy them rather than rush them.

Exploring the UK

Exploring the top 10 scenic drives in the UK is a fantastic way to experience the variety of landscapes that make these islands so special. Each road has its own personality: some hug the coastline with uninterrupted sea views; others climb steadily into the mountains, rewarding you with sweeping panoramas and peaceful valleys.

What makes these drives truly memorable is the sense of discovery. One moment you’re rounding a bend to reveal a hidden cove, the next you’re passing a centuries-old castle or entering a quiet moorland village.

Coastal routes like Scotland’s North Coast 500 or Cornwall’s Atlantic Highway offer rugged cliffs, sheltered harbours, and traditional fishing towns. Meanwhile, national parks such as Snowdonia, the Peak District, and the Lake District immerse you in some of the UK’s most impressive landscapes, from waterfalls and lakes to heather-clad hills and high mountain passes.

Wherever you choose to explore, take your time. These routes aren’t designed to be rushed; they’re best enjoyed with regular pauses, short walks, and the occasional detour to discover local food, heritage sites, or a quiet viewpoint you may never have found otherwise.

☑ 1. North Coast 500 (Scotland):

Scotland’s North Coast 500 is a legendary drive for good reason. The route takes you through remote Highland scenery, dramatic sea cliffs, winding single-track roads, and atmospheric coastal villages. Expect white-sand beaches, castle ruins, and some of the most striking mountain silhouettes in the UK.
Top tips:

Book accommodation early in peak months, especially around Ullapool and Durness.
Take your time on single-track sections – use passing places and enjoy the views.
Visiting? Explore the North Coast of Scotland road trip.

☑ 2. Atlantic Highway (England):

The Atlantic Highway, weaving along Cornwall’s rugged north coast, is a joy for anyone who loves big ocean views and characterful seaside towns. The A39 dips in and out of dramatic clifftop scenery, giving you panoramic glimpses of the Atlantic while also offering access to beaches, surf spots, and historic harbours.
Top tips:

Stop at viewpoints between Bude and Tintagel for the best coastal photo opportunities.
Expect slower traffic in summer – treat it as part of the coastal experience.
Visiting? See the Classic Cornwall Coast road trip.

A scenic view of a lake surrounded by mountains during sunset, with rocks and grassy terrain in the foreground and cloudy sky.

☑ 3. Snowdonia National Park/Eryri (Wales):

Driving through Snowdonia (Eryri) is like entering another world. Towering peaks rise above green valleys, mirror-like lakes sit close to the roadside, and centuries of Welsh history linger in the ruins of castles and stone-built settlements. Scenic roads cut through mountain passes and offer breathtaking views in every season.
Top tips:

The A5 and A498 are especially beautiful early in the morning when the mountains glow pink.
Allow time to explore a castle or lake on foot – it breaks up the drive wonderfully.
Visiting? Explore the North Wales road trip and Cambrian Way.

Sunset over green rolling hills and a winding road in a lush valley.

☑ 4. Peak District National Park (England):

The Peak District is packed with scenic drives, from dramatic limestone valleys to high moorland roads. Routes such as Snake Pass, Winnats Pass and Cat ’n’ Fiddle each offer something different – soaring views, tight bends or sweeping panoramas. The villages are equally charming, with stone cottages, cosy pubs and heritage trails.
Top tips:

Winnats Pass is best tackled early in the day for quieter traffic.
Pack layers – weather can change quickly in the higher parts of the Peaks.
Visiting? See the Peak District road trip.

Scenic rural landscape with a winding road, fenced fields, and distant hills under a partly cloudy sky.

☑ 5. North Yorkshire Moors (England):

The North York Moors deliver a mix of vast, open moorland, winding country lanes and picturesque villages. As you drive across the heather-carpeted uplands, the landscape opens out on all sides, giving you a wonderful sense of space. Two routes here were voted among National Geographic’s “Top 10 Road Trips” (2023).
Top tips:

Visit in August for the purple heather season – the moors look spectacular.
Plan a stop in Helmsley or Goathland for lunch and a stretch of the legs.
Visiting? Explore the York & North York Moors road trips.

☑ 6. Brecon Beacons National Park (Wales):

The Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) offer classic Welsh scenery: sweeping hills, quiet reservoirs and ridges that seem to stretch on forever. The A470 cuts right through the national park and is one of the most enjoyable long-distance drives in Wales.
Top tips:

Stop at the Storey Arms area for walking routes and brilliant viewpoints.
Weather changes fast in the Beacons – keep waterproofs close by.
Visiting? Try the Cambrian Way road trip.

Lake District National Park (England): road trip

☑ 7. Lake District National Park (England):

Few places combine scenery and atmosphere like the Lake District. Expect a mix of tranquil lakes, steep fells, woodland valleys and postcard-perfect villages. The A591 is often listed as one of the UK’s most beautiful roads, but there are dozens of rewarding detours throughout the park.
Top tips:

Avoid the central lakes at peak times – early mornings are blissfully quiet.
Some passes (Hardknott & Wrynose) are very steep – choose routes that match your confidence.
Visiting? Explore the Literary Lake District road trip.

Northumberland Coast - explore the beaches

☑ 8. Northumberland Coast (England):

The Northumberland Coast AONB is one of the most peaceful coastal drives in the UK. The A1068 leads you past rolling dunes, wide sandy beaches and impressive castles such as Dunstanburgh and Bamburgh. It’s a perfect route for travellers who enjoy quieter, spacious landscapes.
Top tips:

Don’t miss a quick walk to Dunstanburgh Castle – the clifftop views are stunning.
Parking is easy at most beaches, but many car parks use pay-and-display.
Visiting? See the Northumberland Coast road trip

☑ 9. Scottish Borders (Scotland):

The Scottish Borders are often overlooked, but the landscapes here are beautiful – soft rolling hills, historic abbeys, and peaceful river valleys. The A701 is one of the most scenic routes, with long open stretches and gentle sweeping bends.
Top tips:

Stop at Melrose Abbey or Scott’s View for two of the region’s best highlights.
Visit midweek for the quietest roads.
Visiting? Explore the Edinburgh and Scottish Borders road trip.

Dam releasing water in a rural landscape with hills and cloudy sky.

☑ 10. Elan Valley (Wales):

The Elan Valley’s B4518 is a quiet, scenic drive past reservoirs, Victorian dams and untouched hillsides. It feels remote yet easily accessible, and the route has plenty of places to stop for photography, picnics or short walks.
Top tips:

Late afternoon light across the reservoirs is magical.
Bring snacks – services are limited once you’re inside the valley.
Visiting? See the Cambrian Way road trip.

Spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October) are ideal — you’ll get good weather, quieter roads and beautiful colours. Summer is spectacular along routes like the Cornish Atlantic Highway, the Lake District, and the Snowdonia passes, but expect busier hotspots.
For seasonal advice and recommended stops, see our region-by-region guides such as the Classic Cornwall Coast, Lake District, or North Wales trips.
You can complete a single scenic drive in a few hours, but the most memorable trips are spread over 2–4 days. This gives time for viewpoints, short walks and local detours.
If you want ready-made timings, our guides — like the Northumberland Coast, Peak District, York & North York Moors, and NC500-inspired North Coast of Scotland — all include suggested day-by-day options.
Yes — most scenic drives are perfectly manageable in a campervan or motorhome. Just be aware of steep or narrow sections such as Hardknott and Wrynose Pass or tight coastal stretches on the NC500.
Our road trip guides highlight road types, parking areas and easier alternative routes ideal for larger vehicles, especially in places like the Lake District, Brecon Beacons, and Northumberland.
In peak season, booking ahead is recommended — particularly in popular areas like Cornwall, Skye, the Lake District and parts of the Highlands.
If you prefer a more flexible approach, our itineraries for places such as the Scottish Borders, Yorkshire, and the Cambrian Mountains include a mix of quieter stopovers that are easier to book last-minute.
Very few. Nearly all of the UK’s famous scenic drives are toll-free, with only occasional parking or visitor charges at viewpoints or attractions.
Our road trip guides flag any paid parking hotspots and give tips on free or low-cost alternatives — particularly useful in the Peak District, Lake District, and Cornish coast.
Absolutely. Several of the UK’s most scenic routes use wider, easier roads perfect for beginners, including the A591 in the Lake District, the A470 through the Brecon Beacons, and the A1068 along the Northumberland Coast.
If you want to avoid challenging passes, our guides clearly highlight which routes are friendly for less experienced drivers.
The Northumberland Coast, Scottish Borders, and Lake District are great first-time choices. They offer stunning scenery, straightforward driving, plenty of services, and lots of places to stop and explore.
If you’re building your first UK road trip, our curated itineraries for these regions give you ready-made routes, highlights and planning tips.

Quick Tips for Exploring the UK’s Scenic Drives

✔ Choose the right season
Spring and early autumn bring quieter roads, great visibility and colourful landscapes. Summer is beautiful but busiest on routes like Cornwall, the Lake District and Snowdonia.

✔ Allow more time than you think
Even short scenic routes can take longer with photo stops, viewpoints and traffic. Most travellers find 2–4 days per region creates a much more relaxed trip.

✔ Pick routes that match your confidence
If you’re new to scenic driving, start with wider, easier roads such as the Northumberland Coast, Scottish Borders, or the A591 through the Lake District. Save steep mountain passes for later.

✔ Campervan or motorhome? No problem
Most scenic drives suit larger vehicles, but check for tight or steep sections — places like Hardknott Pass or some NC500 stretches can be challenging. Our regional guides highlight easier alternatives.

✔ Book ahead in popular spots
During peak season, areas like Skye, Cornwall, and the central Lake District book up quickly. Shoulder months give more flexibility — perfect for spontaneous road-trippers.

✔ Bring layers and waterproofs
Even in summer, coastal and mountain weather can shift quickly. Keep extra layers, snacks, and water handy so you can enjoy impromptu walks or viewpoints.

✔ Make time for small detours
Some of the best moments are found off the main route — a hidden cove, a valley viewpoint, or a quiet village café. Build in space for exploring beyond the road.