With Easter just around the corner and a number of bank holidays upon us, a lot of people will be making plans on how to enjoy this beautiful weather. We’ve pulled together some of the most stunning coastlines the UK has to offer to give you some inspiration.
North Coast 500, Scotland
Quite probably one of the best road trips in the world let alone the UK, this incredibly scenic 516 mile route round some of Scotland’s most stunning sections of coastline is packed with breathtaking views, gorgeous fishing villages, incredible traditional food and drink plus - believe it or not - even stunning coral-blue beaches. The NC500, as it’s also known, starts and ends in the northern city of Inverness and takes in lochs, castles and northern outpost John O’Groats along the way. Plan to give yourself at least a week or so to make the most of this magical route around some of the most beautifully isolated landscapes you could possibly imagine.
Causeway and Antrim Coastal Route, Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland’s classic trip kicks off from Belfast and ends in Derry taking in the nine Glens of Antrim and the jaw-dropping Giant’s Causeway, a Unesco World Heritage Site thought to be around 50-60 million years old which for most forms the highlight of the trip. There’s plenty more to enjoy along the way too though, like visiting Rathlin Island via the ferry and taking in its remote beauty or dropping in at Bushmills distillery to sample some of the world’s finest whiskeys. If the weather holds up there’s even the opportunity to enjoy some water sports at White Rocks, where you can surf, kayak or body board. This unforgettable 195 mile route should be enjoyed over at least four or five days.
Atlantic Highway, England
Starting or ending at the country’s most westerly point, Land’s End, you’ll cross over Cornwall, Devon and Somerset whilst taking in this relaxing drive through pretty and picturesque towns and villages, the Atlantic Highway is undoubtedly one of the best road trips the UK has to offer. Stop off along the way for classic local food and drink like, cream tea, Cornish pasties and hoppy ales and lagers. Enjoy the rolling hills and beautiful beaches of one of the most stunning parts of England during this 170 mile drive down the A39. Leave yourself around four to five days to take in everything this wonderful route has to offer.
The Coastal Way, Wales
This road trip is perfect for hikers and beach-lovers alike, take in the trip south to north from St Davids to Aberdaron across incredible Welsh coastline visiting Tenby, the best of Pembrokeshire landscapes and idyllic Cardigan Bay, where dolphins, seals and countless bird species can be spotted. Settle down to fantastic Welsh cuisine like rarebit, leeks, laverbread and mussels as well as locally fermented wines and beers. The 180 mile trip should take around four days but it’s well worth adding in some extra activities, like walking or kayaking for example, and stretching the journey out to a week.
Alnmouth to Holy Island, England
This short but sweet north east route along rugged coastlines via the A1068, B1339 and B1340 joins together incredible coastal castles and delightful little villages. At only 30 miles it’s the quickest road trip on this list, but packs in some stunning sights nonetheless. Along the way you can also enjoy local produce, sampling smoked kippers at Windyside Hill and Lindisfarne fruit wines from Holy Island. Alnmouth also boasts a fantastic golf course too, so why not pack the clubs in your boot and finish the trip with a quick 18 holes?
Isle of Wight, England
Circling the Isle of Wight takes in some wonderful coastline views and also includes the added bonus of witnessing Military Road, a stretch often driven by classic car enthusiasts. This lovely route is filled with vintage vehicles every weekend, adding an extra dose of nostalgia to an island already richly redolent of a bygone age. This four day trip of 147 miles takes in other highlights including Queen Victoria’s former home Osborne House, Britain’s yachting mecca Cowes where you can take in the Classic Boat Museum and also witness the Needles, a rocky formation at the island’s most western point.
