The Needles Headland, Isle of Wight(01 of10)
Open Image ModalThe chalk cliffs on the western tip of the Isle of Wight form one of the most iconic views in England, as they splinter and descend into the sea. Fortunately, they can easily be enjoyed by drivers, simply by taking the B3322 (Alum Bay New Road) the short distance from Yarmouth to the Needles Old Battery. Exploring the rest of the Isle of Wight by car is also a gentle pleasure – the pace seems a generous notch down from the mainland. Once sated with views of the Needles, consider doubling back inland and ambling across to Freshwater Bay, with the glorious undulation of Tennyson Down alongside. (credit:Wojtek Buss via Getty Images)
Shakespeare Country, Warwickshire(02 of10)
Open Image ModalThe country lanes around Stratford-Upon-Avon offer easy driving, idyllic villages and numerous opportunities to stop off at a tea room or old pub. Attractions near to Stratford itself include Anne Hathaway's Cottage, the picture-perfect thatched cottage in the village of Shottery where Shakespeare’s wife grew up, and Mary Arden’s House at Wilmcote – the rambling timber-framed farmhouse owned by the playwright’s mother. Further afield, there’s the Roman town of Alcester and, in the other direction, Warwick Castle. (credit:Roy Rainford via Getty Images)
James Herriot Country, North Yorkshire(03 of10)
Open Image ModalThe North York Moors have a particular grip on the nation’s imagination as the setting for the James Herriot books and the spin-off TV series, All Creatures Great and Small. The town of Darrowby, where much of the action was set, is actually Thirsk, just a few miles northwest of York. From here, take the A170 east towards the National Park and before long the road rises steeply to Sutton Bank, an escarpment offering dramatic views over the heather covered moorland. Continue to the village of Helmsley, famous for its castle, and take a pitstop at the Feversham Arms. Head out again on the B1257 northwest to Rievaulx Abbey, once one of the country’s wealthiest monasteries and built on the proceeds of sheep grazing. (credit:Mike Powles via Getty Images)
Exmoor, Devon(04 of10)
Open Image ModalThe A39 between Minehead and Barnstaple is driving heaven. The road offers an exhilarating combination of gradients and bends, stunning views of coast and countryside, and without a traffic light in sight, the only obstacle you’ve got to keep an eye out for is the odd stray sheep. Highlights include Porlock Hill, which ascends 1,300 feet within the space of just a couple of miles, as well as the views of Lynmouth beach and the rugged landscape of the National Park. (credit:Adam Burton via Getty Images)
Abergwesyn Pass, Powys, Wales(05 of10)
Open Image ModalSelect a low gear and let your car do the hard work as you ascend the so-called ‘Devil's Staircase’, an ancient cattle drovers’ road in mid-Wales. Starting from the village of Abergwesyn, where the Rivers Gwesyn and Irfon meet, the road climbs through dark forest and wide valleys populated only by sheep. Once you’re accustomed to the gradient, it’s a liberating experience winding along the contours, crossing high bridges, breaching crest after crest and drinking in the spectacular views. (credit:VisitBritain/Britain on View via Getty Images)
Isle of Skye(06 of10)
Open Image ModalSkye is well set up for the driver: you arrive via the bridge across from the mainland at Kyle of Lochalsh (no toll!) and then glide with ease along the A87 right up to Uig, near the northern tip of the island. It’s worth stopping along the way at Portree for a refresher in the pub on the pretty harbourside. Meanwhile, the A863 takes you along the northwestern seaboard to Dunvegan Castle, while the B8009 offers a detour to the Talisker distillery. While you’re at the latter, be sure to goggle southwards to catch a glimpse of the craggy shapes of the Cuillin Hills. (credit:WR Mekwi via Getty Images)
Cerne Abbas Giant, Dorset(07 of10)
Open Image ModalDorset’s a beautiful rural county, with many scenic drives. None, however, offers quite such a sight for sore eyes as the A352, which runs between Dorchester and Sherbourne. For chalk hillside to the east of the road, approximately midway between the two towns, is a 180-foot figure of a naked man wielding a large club. Historians disagree about whether it was created in the 17th century as some kind of joke or whether it’s a relic of Saxon or Roman religious practices. There’s parking near the site itself so that you can get out and make a closer inspection. (credit:David L. Ryan via Getty Images)
Around Windermere and Coniston, Lake District(08 of10)
Open Image ModalA drive in the Lake District need not be a white-knuckle ride of on-in-four gradients and hair-pin bends. For a relaxing spin, try a circular tour beginning and ending in Windermere, taking in some of the best Lakeland scenery. Beginning by driving south past Bowness (on the A592) to Newby Bridge and continuing on the A590 to Greenodd. Then turn north on the A5092 and A5084, enjoying spectacular views of the fells as you approach Coniston. In the village itself, take the B5285 eastwards towards the idyllic village of Hawkshead. Beatrix Potter fans may like to take a detour south to author’s old home, Hill Top Farm (now a National Trust property) at Near Sawrey, before returning to Windermere via Ambleside at the northern end of the lake. (credit:Jonathan Allison via Getty Images)
Scott's View near Melrose, Scotland(09 of10)
Open Image ModalIt may be only just across the border, but make no mistake, this is quintessential Scotland. Starting from Dryburgh Abbey, burial place of Sir Walter Scott, take the B6356, rising high above the River Tweed, to find Scott’s favourite view. You’ll know when you’re there, as there’s a historic marker, parking, and of course the magnificent vista itself, looking out over the three humps of the Eildon Hills.When you’re done, head west to Melrose Abbey, burial place of Robert the Bruce’s heart, and then to Abbotsford, Scott’s country seat. (credit:David Ward via Getty Images)
Hadrian’s Wall Drive(10 of10)
Open Image ModalWhile the A69 is the fastest connection between Newcastle and Carlisle, the B6318, just to the north, is quieter, more scenic, and follows the course of Hadrian’s Wall more closely. In fact, in some places it’s actually built on top of the wall itself. Access to the main historic sites – including Chesters and Housesteads Roman forts, Vindolanda, Cawfields, the Roman Army Museum near Greenhead and Gilsland – is straightforward, with plenty of parking available. (credit:Jason Friend via Getty Images)