Looking for some good UK coastal drives? Well in the UK you’re never more than 70 miles from the sea. And that means there’s plenty of coastline to explore – 7723 miles in fact.
We’ve some of the most varied and dramatic coasts in the world, and yet, because this isn’t the balmy French Riviera or another Holiday destination you can drive to, much of it remains free from tourists outside the summer months.
When the sun does shine, however, nothing beats feeling the wind in your hair and tasting the salt in the air from behind the wheel of a classic convertible. Here are the five best UK coastal drives to explore this summer (soft top optional!)…
1. Northumberland Coastal Route: a journey through time
Stretching from Alnwick to Holy Island, the Northumberland Coastal Route offers a 36-mile drive through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This route is renowned for its desolate white-sand beaches, medieval castles, and quaint fishing villages. If you like big, open landscapes, then peel away from the A1 thoroughfare as early as possible and wind your way through Northumberland’s coastal villages – beautiful Beadnell Bay and Seahouses to Bamburgh. If time allows, you can extend this drive as it hugs the coastline all the way past Berwick-upon-Tweed and up to Edinburgh.
Highlights:
- Lindisfarne (Holy Island): Accessible by car via a tidal causeway, this island is steeped in history and offers thought-provoking landscapes.
- Bamburgh Castle: An imposing fortress with panoramic sea views, perfect for a picturesque stop.
- Farne Islands: Known as the ‘Galapogas of Europe’, these islands are home to seals and puffins.
2. Pembrokeshire Coastal Way: Wales’ coastal gem
The Pembrokeshire Coast Way in Wales is one of the UK’s most breath-taking drives – just be prepared to take the foot off the accelerator so you can appreciate the views as you round every corner! With rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and charming towns, it’s as dramatic as the Cornish coastline, but without the crowds. Be sure to stop in pretty St David’s, the UK’s smallest city, where its impressive cathedral has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries.
Highlights:
- Strumble Head: A rocky headland ideal for wildlife spotting, including, if you’re lucky, seals and dolphins.
- Fishguard Harbour: Rich in history, this harbour was significant for historical transatlantic trade.
- Solva A picture-perfect harbour village, brimming with great pubs, local food restaurants and artist studios.
3. The Atlantic Highway: drama in North Devon & Cornwall
This 70-mile drive takes you along the remote and wild north coast, from Barnstaple in Devon to Newquay in Cornwall. The main road that forms the Atlantic Highway is the A39, which hugs the coast most of the way, although you will want to take some short detours to properly explore the views, and of course, stop for a famous clotted cream tea.
Highlights:
- Tintagel Castle: Follow in the footsteps of King Arthur and explore an area steeped in legend – you can even see into Merlin’s cave!
- Woolacombe Beach: This multi award-winning beach is family-friendly and the best spot for a surf lesson.
- Padstow: A seafood-lover’s oasis, this Cornish town is home to famous chefs such as Paul Ainsworth and Rick Stein. For more food-related drives, take a look at our blog Five foodie road trips.
4. South Coast Charm: Chichester and the Goodwood Circuit
Could there be a more charming drive than this little corner of England? All along the West Sussex coast, you’ll find unimaginablyunimagineably quaint and quirky villages that are steeped in history. From medieval thatches to Tudor wood-framed houses, this drive takes you through some of the most picturesque – and historically important – places in the UK. Top it off by immersing your classic car in some 1940s nostalgia at the iconic Goodwood Revival in September – read more about the Goodwood Revival in our blog.
Highlights:
- Goodwood Estate: Home to the Goodwood Festival of Speed and Goodwood Revival, it’s a must-visit for car enthusiasts.
- Bosham Quay: A pretty harbour village with connections to the Bayeux Tapestry and King Canute – just don’t let your car fall victim to the tide and park above the water line!
- Arundel: A historic town with an impressive castle and cathedral, and some of the longest sunshine hours in Britain.
5. North Norfolk Coast: nature and heritage combined
[Image credit: Ben C Photography]
The North Norfolk coast offers a drive along the A419 through unspoilt coastal villages, nature reserves, and spectacular beaches. It has, surprisingly, largely escaped the tourist trail, despite being made famous by certain Hollywood actresses and having a Royal residence in the neighbourhood! Make the most of the solitude, which if you time it right, you’ll be sharing with Atlantic grey seals and Little Terns rather than crowds.
Highlights:
- Burnham Market: A Georgian village known for its boutiques, antique shops, and eateries around the village green.
- Holkham Beach: Remember the final scene from the classic film ‘Shakespeare in Love’? This stunning beach is where it was filmed.
- Deep History Coast: A 22-mile stretch of coastline where the earliest evidence of humans in Britain has been found.
Need help planning your coastal drive?
Whether your car is safely stored at our secure Cotswolds car storage facility or our central London car storage facility, the UK’s coastline is just a quick road trip away. But, if you’re looking to go further afield, then why not take a look at our blog on Scotland’s ultimate road trip, the North Coast 500? Or if coasts are not your thing, go inland with our guide to the UK’s most beautiful roads.
Whatever road trip you have in mind, we can help to make it happen. Contact us to discuss your next venture.
