ULTIMATE UK ROAD TRIPS

In the current climate, many of us are choosing to holiday at home. Thankfully, we have a wealth of history and beautiful scenery on our doorstep and there’s nothing quite like hitting the open road to explore.

• North Norfolk coast - with a coastline stretching for 43 miles, much of the Norfolk coast is classed as an area of outstanding natural beauty. Drive from Kings Lynn to Cromer along the A149 to view stunning landscapes, including white sandy beaches in Holkham, Wells and Brancaster as well as areas of pine forest, mud flats and saltmarshes. • The Lake District - for a lakeside drive, start at Pooley Bridge and drive 8.1 miles along the A592 to Glenridding, stopping to admire the Aira Force waterfall on the way. Continue down to Waterhead for picturesque views of England’s largest lake, Windermere. Then drive 17.5 miles along the A593 to Eskdale, along Hardknott Pass - one of the steepest roads in England - stopping at Hardknott Fort to take in the beautiful scenery from the ruins of a Roman fort. • The Atlantic Highway - stretches 78.4 miles from Barnstaple in Devon to Newquay in Cornwall along the A39 through Bude. Stop at the historic fishing village of Clovelly in Devon to enjoy a picturesque stroll along its cobbled, traffic-free high street and admire the scenic coastline as you journey into Cornwall.

• The Scottish Highlands - there are many national tourist routes across the Highlands which allow drivers to experience the exquisite countryside. The Argyll coastal route takes motorists nearly 150 miles along the A83 from Tarbet by Loch Lomond, joining the A816 at Lochgilphead through Argyll to Fort William in the Highlands. Visitors can stop at the Rest and be thankful viewpoint to enjoy magnificent views across the valley. The route concludes at Fort William, at the foot of the UK’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis.

• The Cotswolds - with its rolling hills and some plant species so rare they are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act, much of the Cotswolds are areas of outstanding natural beauty. The Romantic Road is a two-day trip of two circular routes, A Road for Today and A Road for Tomorrow, each starting and finishing in Cheltenham. Travelling A Road for Today, visitors will drive 75 miles through the Cotswolds stopping at the historic towns and villages of Winchcombe, Stanway, Broadway, Chipping Campden, Blockley, Moreton-in-Marsh, Stow-on-the-Wold and The Slaughters. A road for Tomorrow takes motorists 90 miles through villages Northleach, Burford, Lechlade, Fairford, Bilbury, Cirencester and Painswick.