Best Road Trip Destinations in South West England
From charming country lanes to breath-taking coastlines, the South West of England is the perfect location for your next staycation.
If you’re planning a getaway, take a look at our top road trip destinations in the South West, and what cars we recommend driving, to help you get the most from the roads.
The Stonehenge – Amesbury Bypass (A303)
No trip to the South West would be complete without checking out one of the world’s most famous prehistoric monuments, Stonehenge. The A303 is a 93-mile road which stretches past this fantastic World Heritage Site, as well as the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Best cars for it: a powerful, luxury saloon such as the Mazda 6 or an adaptable family SUV like the SKODA Kodiaq will allow you to get the most from this journey.
Rollercoaster Ride (A44)
This steep stretch of road is known by many as the ‘rollercoaster ride’, due to the twists, turns and changing gradients which have been known to make driver and passenger ears pop! Running from Oxford to Aberystwyth, this route will take you through the rolling hills of the Cotswolds.
Best cars for it: a small and agile hatch like the Peugeot 208 or Mazda 3 will give you perfect handling round those exciting bends.
Lower Slaughter (A429)
This picturesque route through the Cotswolds takes you through some truly beautiful countryside spots. You’ll pass through the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’ (Bourton-on-the-Water) and Lower Slaughter, which is widely considered to be one of the prettiest villages in the South West.
Best cars for it: a robust SUV with exceptional handling, like the SEAT Ataca, or if you can guarantee a rain-free day, a luxury convertible, such as the famous Ford Mustang would make for an excellent journey.
The Cheltenham Loop (A419)
Enjoy magnificent views as you travel down the fast and straight A419 in Gloucestershire. You’ll experience sweeping corners and a steep climb up the Golden Valley. Plus, you may even spot some deer – amazing, but be careful on the roads.
Best cars for it: make the most of the straight stretches of road with a fun hot hatch like the Toyota GR Yaris or for those feeling a little sportier, a Toyota GR Supra will provide an exceptional drive.
Isle of Wight (A3055)
The south west portion of the A3055 is known locally as the Military Road. It runs cliff side from Chale to Freshwater Bay, meaning you’ll get next level sea views on one side and far-reaching landscapes on the other. Erosion is a real issue in the area however, so plan your journey quick - as it may not be around forever!
Best cars for it: a sporty vehicle is ideal for this trip, whether that’s the small and dynamic Renault Captur hatch, or the larger, more adventurous Renault Kadjar.
Cheddar to Ashwick (B3155)
This winding road has been officially named as Britain’s best driving road, based on key criteria including scenery, traffic levels and proximity to points of interest.
You’ll start off in the Mendip Hills, with the towering limestone cliffs of Cheddar Gorge, before gradually easing into gentle country bends and ending in Ashwick.
Best cars for it: the sleek Mondeo Saloon will offer a smooth drive round the looping roads, or enjoy a sharp and speedy journey in a hatch like the SEAT Leon.
The Atlantic Highway (A39)
The Atlantic Highway is a 70-mile stretch of road along the A39 from the Devon border into Cornwall's north eastern corner. On one side you’ll find wild, sweeping hills and on the other, you'll get views along part of Britain’s best coastline.
Best cars for it: The sporty Fiesta ST will offer a playful drive with exceptional handling. If you’re after a slightly roomier ride, the sporty-trimmed family Focus ST will certainly fit the bill.
The South West of England really does have it all – beautiful beaches, picture-perfect villages and some fantastic stretches of road to help you take it all in.
Once you’ve ticked off your South West road trip, take a look at what the North of England has to offer by checking out our Best Road Trip Destinations in the North East and Yorkshire.
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