posted on December 15, 2016
Now that you can expertly explore all of the UK in the Turo car of your choice, we thought it only appropriate to collect the most stunning drives for a maiden journey. These are the cities and trails, villages and sights, that merit your exploration.
North Coast 500, Scotland
Providing a full circular route along the dramatic coastline of northern Scotland, this 516-mile long highway (830 km) is an iconic road trip route, sort of the Route 66 of Scotland. The trip begins at Inverness Castle, and extends east toward Black Isle, along the heavenly sea cliffs of Caithness and Sutherland, past the placid Loch Maree, and finally through the Highland crags of Ross-shire on the way back into Inverness. Along the way, travelers are treated to the finest peaty whiskey distilleries, cozy fishing towns, fairy-approved castles, mysterious ruins, and quiet beaches. It’s a variety pack of Scottish goodness and a drive that won’t bore you. Plus, when it’s not summertime, this meandering road will be all yours.
Brighton, England
The most classic of seaside resort towns cannot disappoint. The London day-tripping spot was made popular by royalty himself, the young Prince Regent, who built the lavish Royal Pavilion before he became King George IV. Brighton continued to flourish well into the Victorian era and beyond with the addition of fly, fancy accommodations, a pier packed with amusements, and fashionable beaches, including Britain’s first naturist or nude beach that opened in the in 1980s. These days the city is well-known for the Brighton Festival in May, which brings in flocks of artists, and the bumping gay scene.
Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, England
To be sure, the Jurassic Coast is one of the highlights of England, it was certainly designated a UNESCO Heritage Site for a reason. To get the most of out this road trip, start in Sidmouth, where you’ll find a friendly seaside town full of shops. Grab an ice cream, and head east up the coast toward Lyme for your fine dining fix at HIX Oyster & Fish House. Stop into Bridgeport for a gander at the arts and antiques in the “Notting Hill on sea” and then get back in the car to prepare for the stunning natural beauty of the moon-shaped Ludlow Cove and Durdle Door, an impressive white limestone arch. Don’t miss Corfe Castle for an uphill hike through the majestic ruins of what once was a formidable fort, and a spectacular view from the top.
Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland
The route from Belfast to Londonderry gives travelers the great opportunity to be wowed by some of Ireland’s wondrous ruins and land formations, as well as fine Irish whiskey. From Belfast, travelers head north toward Antrim, where fans of the HBO series Game of Thrones, might recognize the thin branches of the tree-lined road, reasonably named The Dark Hedges. Heading farther north, the coast unfurls before you, and the adventure-seekers won’t want to miss the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge that runs across a chasm nearly 75 ft (23 m) deep. Farther west, the unusually shaped columns of basalt rock from ancient volcanic eruptions draw visitors to the Giant’s Causeway, and just beyond, the Old Bushmill Distillery treats travelers to the same tasty whiskey they’ve been producing since the 1600s.
Snowdonia, Wales
North Wales is home to a disproportionate amount of beauty for its small size, making it a perfect place to road trip. It begins with the Snowdon peak, an extremely popular mountain that hikers adore, but also available to experience via railway, for those who prefer a scenic ride. Heading just southwest, Llyn Gwynant is a glacial lake caught between mountains that awes visitors with its tranquil peace, and heading south, you’ll encounter the gem that is Portmeirion. Renowned for the vibrantly colored, Italian-inspired buildings that line the hills, this town was created by the architect Clough Williams-Ellis to evoke the Mediterranean feel of Portofino on the coast of Wales. For more delights along the way, the Llechwedd Slate Caverns offer a historical spelunking adventure, and the Trefriw Wollen Mills keep up the local tradition of weaving beautiful Welsh tweeds and rugs.
Kamala Puligandla
Kamala Puligandla is a writer, editor, and bon vivant in LA. She is the author of two books, Zigzags and You Can Vibe Me On My Femmephone, and is always on the look-out for strange stories, excellent eats, and relaxing locales.
