Things to do in England, United Kingdom: The Best Scenic Drives

January 1, 2022 Kandra Bartel

– in Europe  (green & dark grey) – in the United Kingdom  (green)
Restaurants in England

1. 21 Mile Drive

Lyn Valley Lynton & Lynmouth, Exmoor National Park EX35 England +44 1598 752225 [email protected] https://visitlyntonandlynmouth.com/
Excellent
82%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 85 reviews

21 Mile Drive

Reviewed By belindall - Taunton, United Kingdom

Looking for an afternoon out we came across the '21 Mile Drive' map on the 'Visit Lynton & Lynmouth' website Explore/Scenic Drives.... Narrow lanes running along cliff tops with glorious sea views and winding down through deep wooded valleys by fast flowing rivers, we spent a relaxing afternoon driving around this spectacular figure of eight drive. On the way round we parked up a couple of times to take short walks in the afternoon sunshine; as I said a lovely afternoon drive.....

2. Jurassic Safari

Weymouth DT4 0SJ England +44 7872 471973 [email protected] http://www.jurassicsafari.co.uk
Excellent
96%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 250 reviews

Jurassic Safari

Sit back, relax and enjoy Dorset's spectacular scenery and wildlife on our 'Park Farm ATV Safari', venturing into 52 acres of beautiful countryside. Your guide will share some fascinating local history and a few quirky Dorset tales along the way. Refreshments, including homemade baked goods, are offered on every safari. Our aim is to leave you with unforgettable memories and an experience to talk about.

Reviewed By RF1979 - Kettering, United Kingdom

We did the Park Farm ATV safari as a family in August and it was great. We were a family of 5 - 2 adults and 3 children (6,9 and 11). Gary was a perfect host and made us all feel very welcome and comfortable and involved everyone in the conversation on the way round the tour. His knowledge of the local area and the farmland was brilliant and he definitely made you think about the wonderful wildlife we have in this country. The kids loved it as well. We would like to come back and do one of the Landdrover trips when all in the world is back to normal and we are allowed again. Well done, great experience!

3. Grey Cars Coaches

6/7 Daneheath Business Park Heathfield Industrial Estate, Newton Abbot TQ12 6TL England +44 1626 833038 [email protected] http://www.greycars.com
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3 reviews

Grey Cars Coaches

Grey Cars have been taking visitors and locals out on day trips and tours of the West Country since 1913. Coach pick up points in Torbay, Newton Abbot and Teignmouth/Dawlish. Weekend breaks in London. We specialise in National Trust Property and stately home visits. Knowledgeable local drivers with tales to tell!

4. B5289 Road

Keswick England
Excellent
85%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 55 reviews

B5289 Road

Reviewed By Suratrichard - Surat Thani, Thailand

The B5289 is much more than the Honister Pass although the Pass is probably the most exciting part. This wonderfully scenic road runs from Keswick to Lorton. Initially it runs alongside Derwentwater( there are several parking places) and affords great views of Catbells and the Lake. It carries on through Rosthwaite and Seatoller onto the Honister Pass. The Pass does have some steep sections ( 25%) and can be tricky in winter. It can also get very busy during the summer and at weekends. To add to the fun, sheep are often wandering about on the road. Passing the Honister slate quarry, superb views appear looking down towards the Buttermere valley. The road follows the beck and there are several parking places along the route. Eventually, the road reaches Gatesgarth ( car park available) and then runs alongside Buttermere to Buttermere village with more car parks and several places to eat and drink. Staying on the road through Buttermere, Crummock water comes into view and the left and again the are places to park. After Crummock the road leads to the Lorton area which is only a short drive from Cockermouth. This area has a number of good walks e.g. Around Buttermere or Crummock, Rannerdale and if wanting to go high, Haystacks is a good walk from Buttermere. Any time of the year there is so much to admire and if the road is passable in winter, there's no better sight than driving surrounded by snow covered fells. Occasionally some drivers think the road is a race track but fortunately the vast majority of drivers are not. An absolute must drive when visiting the lakes.

5. Porlock Hill

Exmoor National Park, Porlock England
Excellent
80%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 15 reviews

Porlock Hill

Reviewed By R4437GWrichards - Bracknell, United Kingdom

We always drive up and down Porlock Hill to visit Lynmouth, since the 1970s we have been testing our cars and driving skills! This time as we started to climb, an ancient Ford Ka kept stalling in front of us, reversing suddenly, so we kept our distance, to avoid a crash! Thankfully the driver managed at the 5th attempt to give it enough welly to move upwards, to our great relief. Once we were going, the views were as sublime as ever, with fields of sheep and ponies surrounding the narrow road.

6. Hard Knott Pass

Hard Knott Roman Fort, Broughton-in-Furness England
Excellent
91%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 11 reviews

Hard Knott Pass

Reviewed By LindaJ357 - Pilling, United Kingdom

the scenery is absolutely stunning with views up and down the valley that are spectacular. we parked in a small layby and climbed up the hillside to the fort. it was quite a steep climb and very wet underfoot but so worth it. there are boards all around telling you what you are looking at and the main board gives you an idea of the history. imagine living all the way up there!! being the Romans of course they had baths.

7. A149

North Norfolk Coastal Drive England http://www.visitnorfolk.co.uk/inspire/norfolk-north-coast-road-trip.aspx
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

A149

8. Wrynose Pass

Wrynose Pass Road England
Excellent
80%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 249 reviews

Wrynose Pass

Reviewed By johnhouston2 - Knaresborough, United Kingdom

In writing the heading of this review I immediately realised that that it was a bit self-indulgent, because whereas I declare Wrynose Pass to be a fabulous drive - I am acutely aware that not everybody would think so. Quite simply, if you are a nervous driver who doesn’t like narrow roads with tight bends and very steep sections; and who hates the idea of possibly having to reverse back to a passing point occasionally - then don’t come anywhere near this road! If on the other hand you love driving on a twisting, fun, single track road with stunning scenery all around, then this is one you must try - especially when you combine it with the equally exhilarating Hardknott Pass, which joins it.

9. Plym Valley Railway

Tavistock Junction Freight Yard Coypool Road Coypool Road, Plympton, Plymouth PL7 4NW England +44 7580 689380 [email protected] http://www.plymrail.co.uk
Excellent
62%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 105 reviews

Plym Valley Railway

The Plym Valley Railway has re-built a one and a half mile section of the ex-Great Western branch line from Marsh Mills to Plym Bridge. The line used to run from Tavistock Junction, just outside of Plymouth, to Launceston. It is a heritage railway centre where we are preserving steam and diesel locomotives, carriages, wagons, and other historic railway artifacts to recreate the atmosphere of a bygone age.We operate passenger trains on selected days over a section of the line from our station at Marsh Mills to Plym Bridge Platform.New and enthusiastic volunteers are needed in all departments, including Motive Power, Permanent Way, Carriage and Wagon, Building and Works, fund raising and retail outlets.

Reviewed By Dam9102 - Plympton, United Kingdom

Trains run on Sunday, with steam or diesel loco on a one and half mile trip into the woodland to a lovely spot called Plymbridge Plymouth, on the end of the cycle trail to Dartmoor. Bike hire adjacent to Marsh Mills station. Great place for kids and adults alike.

10. Hardknott Pass

Lake District National Park, Broughton-in-Furness England
Excellent
77%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 257 reviews

Hardknott Pass

Reviewed By johnhouston2 - Knaresborough, United Kingdom

Hardknott Pass carries the minor motor road between Eskdale and the Duddon Valley, and is situated between the hamlets of Boot and Cockley Beck. It goes through some very rugged and attractive countryside and is a twisting single track road with passing places - and lots of very steep parts! As someone who doesn’t like the over-commercialised parts of the Lake District, this area is so refreshing, and because the road is considered a “challenging” drive, it doesn’t get too busy. And is it a difficult drive? Well, I suppose it depends entirely on your personal preferences and experience. I love driving mountain passes and have done so all over Europe, and would rate this one as moderate. As long as you use the passing places properly you’ll be fine. My current car is a largish Land Rover Discovery, and as far as I’m concerned, the road is perfectly wide enough. So unless you have a very wide car, or are a very nervous driver - give it a go. It’s a great drive, and connects with Wrynose Pass which is just as good.

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