From winding coastal roads to dramatic mountain passes, England’s landscapes are made for driving. Exploring this country from the driver’s seat is a fantastic way to experience its most scenic routes, with a journey that’s both exhilarating and visually rewarding.
We’ll explore our favourite scenic routes to drive in England and what to consider before you take each of these on. From seasonal considerations to difficulty levels, here’s a breakdown of England’s must-see driving routes.
our favourite places to drive in england
snake pass – a challenging yet rewarding route
This Derbyshire route promises dramatic landscapes and technical driving challenges for driving enthusiasts craving a rewarding route. Standing at 512 metres above sea level at its highest point, the Snake Pass provides access to breathtaking scenery, steep inclines, and hairpin bends. It connects the northern cities of Sheffield and Manchester and is a truly unforgettable experience. Just remember to take those sharp bends at a cautious speed.
best time to visit:
We recommend taking on the Snake Pass during spring or autumn to ensure clearer roads and spectacular seasonal colours. The road surface can get slippery in difficult weather conditions, so this route is often closed during the winter due to ice and snow.
cotswolds scenic drives – classic english charm
Driving through the Cotswolds will lead you along meandering country lanes lined with honey-coloured villages, historic churches, and lush rolling hills. This idyllic region is ideal for a relaxed countryside tour with plenty of charming stop-offs.
The ‘Cotswolds Romantic Road’ is a popular circular route that will take you from the town of Cheltenham through various charming villages which you can explore along the way. You can stop by Bourton-on-the-Water, a picturesque village with a river flowing through it, known as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’.
best for:
A leisurely UK driving holiday which includes village-hopping and picture-perfect scenery. The countryside lanes can get very narrow at times. We’d recommend navigating them during milder weather months, such as spring and summer.
lake district mountain passes – a driver’s dream
As one of the most well-known scenic routes to drive in England, this route includes famous passes such as Hardknott Pass and Kirkstone Pass. These are some of the most challenging and thrilling roads in England. You’ll be presented with a blend of adrenaline-pumping switchbacks and breathtaking natural beauty.
From the single-lane, steep roads of the daring Hardknott Pass to Kirkstone Pass’s altitude of 1489 feet, you can guarantee that the sights from each route will be truly unforgettable.
seasonal considerations:
As you might imagine, winter conditions can be harsh on this already challenging route. Spring and summer present better driving conditions. We’d only recommend taking on these mountain passes if you’re confident driving in the UK, otherwise, you might be taken by surprise regarding their difficulty level.
northumberland 250 – england’s untamed northeast
The Northumberland 250 is a 250-mile circular route that weaves through some of England’s most unspoiled and dramatic landscapes. Starting near the historic market town of Hexham, the journey takes you through the rugged beauty of the North Pennines, along the ancient path of Hadrian’s Wall, and into the heart of Northumberland National Park. As you venture north, you’ll encounter the serene Kielder Forest, renowned for its dark skies and tranquil waters. The route then leads to the breathtaking coastline, where castles like Bamburgh and Dunstanburgh stand sentinel over golden beaches and charming fishing villages such as Craster and Seahouses.
ideal for:
Whether you’re drawn by history, nature, or the allure of the open road, the Northumberland 250 offers a richly varied and memorable driving experience. It’s one that blends coast and countryside, history and tranquillity. This route is perfect for those who enjoy castle-hopping, stargazing, and winding rural roads. If you’re drawn to wild landscapes, quiet beauty, and the freedom to pause wherever the mood takes you, this route offers the perfect balance of discovery and space to breathe.
yorkshire dales – rolling hills & heritage roads
No road trip across England is complete without journeying through the great Yorkshire countryside. This Yorkshire Dales route is a combination of open, sweeping roads and tight country lanes set against the backdrop of limestone valleys and rugged moorlands.
Travelling through Yorkshire Dales will take you along the winding Buttertubs Pass. You’ll venture past the historic sights of Bolton Abbey and to Hawes Village, where you can visit the Wensleydale Creamery. Taking on the Dales in a driving tour will allow you to appreciate its expansive valleys, moors and rolling hills.
best for:
Drivers who want a blend of smooth, scenic driving and historic charm. Although the small, winding roads of the Yorkshire Dales make for a beautiful drive, it’s worth preparing for some steep hills and tight turns. This is another route that will be easier to tackle in the milder weather of spring, summer or autumn. Just remember that the roads may get congested during the busy summer period.
choosing the right vehicle
A Land Rover is ideal for a flexible, comfortable drive across this beautiful country. After all, the best road trips in England require a vehicle that can take on the countryside’s sometimes uneven terrain. You’ll also want to consider how much space you need for your belongings so you can always be prepared for the sometimes unpredictable UK weather.
Our Land Rovers are equipped with air conditioning and heating to ensure that your journey is as comfortable as can be. Come rain or shine, your Land Rover will take you from A to B in style and comfort. You’ll have plenty of room to bring all the luggage you need.
the ultimate way to experience england’s roads
A self-drive tour is truly the best way to experience the beauty and diverse landscapes within the most scenic routes to drive in England. Our expertly planned itineraries ensure a seamless journey tailored to every driving style, combining driving pleasure with stunning scenery. Each route offers a mix of challenging drives and leisurely scenic roads, perfect for all driving enthusiasts.
Start planning your English driving adventure with us today, and you’ll be exploring these exciting routes for yourself in no time.
