Summer offers the perfect chance to embrace the open road, whether you crave rolling hills and winding lanes or coastal routes with stunning ocean vistas. The UK’s diverse landscapes cater to every type of road trip enthusiast.
Recent data from The House of Bruar ranks the drive through Cheddar Gorge in Somerset as one of the nation’s most picturesque journeys. This short yet unforgettable 14-mile route begins in the village of Cheddar and follows the B3135 towards Ashwick. Known for its breathtaking scenery, the road cuts directly through the dramatic Mendip Hills and earned the distinction of fourth-best scenic road in England.
The highlight of the drive lies in its opening stretch, where the road twists and turns at the base of Britain’s largest gorge. Towering limestone cliffs soar up to 450 feet on either side, creating a breathtaking natural corridor. Beyond the gorge, the landscape unfolds into a lush canopy of trees and broad, sweeping bends, showcasing the tranquil beauty of the Somerset countryside.
READ MORE: Heritage Railway Charity Devastated by Multiple Thefts
READ MORE: The 10 Somerset Streets Most Likely to Get You a Parking Fine
Topping the list is the famed Jurassic Coast Drive, a 95-mile route that typically runs from Weymouth, Dorset, to Exmouth, East Devon along the B3157. This iconic journey offers drivers a spectacular ride through 185 million years of geological history, with panoramic views of the English Channel and charming southern countryside. Along the way, quaint villages like Abbotsbury welcome visitors, while vantage points such as Wears Hill provide stunning overlooks before descending toward the golden cliffs of West Bay.
Here’s how the other scenic routes rank:
- Jurassic Coast Drive (Dorset/Devon)
- North Coast 500 (Scotland)
- Pembrokeshire Coast 200 (Pembrokeshire)
- Cheddar Gorge (Somerset)
- Causeway Coastal Route (Northern Ireland)
- Moray Firth Route (North Highlands)
- Anglesey Coastal Path (Wales)
- Snake Pass (Peak District)
For those planning a visit, the Jurassic Coast is close to several well-known attractions. Durdle Door, famous for its towering limestone arch, offers a stunning spot for swimming, photography, and coastal walks. Nearby Lulworth Cove features a distinctive horseshoe-shaped bay formed by thousands of years of erosion, with calm waters and scenic cliffs perfect for exploration.
One unique accommodation highlight along the coast is the Transmitter Bunker near Ringstead Bay. This extraordinary property is a former World War II RAF radar station that has been carefully restored into a modern luxury retreat, blending heritage and comfort. Its role during the Battle of Britain as part of the Chain Home Radar system adds a rich historical layer to this distinctive getaway.
If quirky history isn’t your preference, options like Smuggler’s Cottage in Weymouth provide cozy seaside charm, while Cobblers Cottage in Langton Herring offers rustic appeal with its oak beams and fireplaces. For larger gatherings, The Old Rectory in Poole, a 400-year-old Jacobean mansion sleeping up to 14, offers a grand setting for celebrations.
Guests at the Transmitter Bunker rave about the experience, praising its thoughtful restoration, peaceful surroundings, and stunning views. Some noted minor comforts like seating, but many highlighted the tranquility and proximity to the beach and coastal walks as major draws.
Whether you prefer dramatic gorges, coastal vistas, or historic escapes, these routes embody the sheer variety and beauty of the UK’s scenic drives—each promising unforgettable memories on the open road.