Driving the Best Coastal Roads in the UK

There’s nothing better than sea air to clear the senses and reset your mind. Driving along the coast gives us that fresh salty air without the hassle of getting sand everywhere.

Here, we list some of the best coastal routes across the UK that you can enjoy from the car and they aren’t so remote that you won’t pass by a good pub or two on the way. We recommend that before you go, you stock up on your favourite snacks, get your in-car entertainment sorted if you’re travelling with the kids and check the cover on your car. If you’re planning on getting a hire car for a week away or going with friends and splitting the driving, you’ll need a car insurance quote that covers you thoroughly.

For views to die for – North Wales

The longer drive from Machynlleth to Dolgellau in North Wales is a route of just 35 miles but provides spectacular views over the sea. You’ll be following the route of the old train line passing through the pretty town (formerly actually called Towyn) of Tywyn where passers-by often spot dolphins in the waves! The best time of day for this drive is in the evening as it is the sunsets that are spectacular.

Ireland for the Antrim Coast Road

You will probably have heard of the Giant’s Causeway. It’s actually along the Antrim Coast Road in Ireland, which provides some of the most beautiful scenery. On clear days you can see all the way to Scotland, but even in mizzle and fog the green rolling hills paired with views of the North Atlantic Ocean are enough to take your breath away.

Close to home charm in Hunstanton

Hunstanton, in Norfolk, gets a lot of credit for its beaches here in the UK, mainly because of its fairly central location making it easy to get to for the masses. However, if you can manage to keep your foot on the pedal for a little longer, you’ll see the beautiful views as you carry on to Cromer. You want the route that takes you via Wells-next-the-Sea and makes sure you stop to get some famous Cromer crab when you arrive.

Envy of the world in the Isle of Wight

The Military Road in the Isle of Wight made it onto The Telegraph’s 10 great European road trips you must do in your lifetime, so you know it’s good. They say: “The road hugs the coast so closely that it feels like a roller-coaster ride at times – increasingly so each year as the cliffs crumble away.” We say, hold on tight and take in the amazing views at the same time. You will also see the infamous Ring of Kerry in Ireland and North Coast 500 in Scotland on the list if you’re looking to make a holiday out of your trip.

*This is a collaborative post.