The UK's Best Urban Drives

While the UK is blessed with swathes of beautiful countryside that’s perfect for cruising and memorable road trips, we’re also blessed with some fabulous scenery in built up areas too. Here we take a look at some of the best urban drives you can find on our fair isles.

London

Where to start but in the British capital? If you want to see some of the biggest and best landmarks anywhere in the UK, it’s hard to beat London. Yes, there’s going to be traffic, but where else in the country can you cruise past world class attractions like Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey? The Embankment area takes the biscuit, with everything from the London Eye to the Palace of Westminster.

Brighton

Drive a drive just south of London and you’ll arrive in the vibrant seaside town of Brighton. With its exciting culture and unique atmosphere, you’ll want to stay for at least an evening as you sample the delights of the scene in summer. Make sure you drive along the waterfront while you’re there, taking in views of the pretty coastline and famous pier as you go.

Newquay

If coastal views are your thing, then it doesn’t get any more epic than Cornwall’s craggy cliffs and sweeping shorelines. Newquay is relatively small, so cruise along the Narrowcliff road and along the waterfront to figure out whether you’re going to stop at Tolcarne Beach or carry on to Fistral.

Stirling

Around an hour’s drive from Edinburgh, Stirling’s medieval streets are a sight to behold. Sweep through town along roads that rise up past the Old Town Jail towards Stirling Castle. Then, after a visit to the imposing fortress, head to the Wallace Monument a couple of miles away to learn about the legendary figure. The views from the top of the monument aren't bad either. 

Newcastle

Dissected by the River Tyne, Newcastle is one of the liveliest cities in the UK. Cruise along by the water as you check out the Quayside area, heading out towards South Shields. As you arrive at the coast, turn right towards the Promenade where you can park up and go for a walk along the sandy beach before checking out the view from Trow Rocks.

Belfast

Hopping over to the other side of the UK, Belfast is a fabulous city to visit and the gateway to the stunning Northern Irish countryside. If you’re flying into town and landing at George Best Belfast City Airport, you could hire a car and head along the Sydenham Bypass into the city centre. Going past Victoria Park, you’ll soon reach the docks area which offers attractions like Titanic Belfast, before getting to the River Lagan with all its waterfront appeal.

Bristol

Whether arriving or heading out of town to the west of Bristol’s city centre, you’re in for a treat with the Clifton Suspension Bridge. Straddling the beautiful Avon Gorge, the Grade I listed structure was built over 150 years ago and first opened to the public on 8 December 1864. Great during the daytime when you can gaze out across the gorge, the bridge looks incredible when it’s all lit up at night, too.