Nothing beats the freedom of a lengthy stretch of open road. The North Coast 500 promises never-ending back roads, wide meandering rural tracks, and stunning turns through some of Scotland's most spectacular coastline landscapes. Buckle up for the adventure of a lifetime. Route 66 in Scotland features some of the most magnificent landscapes in the UK, if not the globe. It highlights the finest of the Highlands, with old castles, windswept beaches, and historic attractions around every corner.

The official route begins and finishes at Inverness Castle, passing via picturesque towns and villages including Ullapool, Durness, John O'Groats, and Dornoch. Because lodging alternatives are limited, it is best to plan ahead of time. Those seeking excitement may surf the Caithness reef breaks or canyon in Corrieshalloch Gorge. The extreme activity includes mountaineering, climbing, and diving, and tour companies provide newbies with safe education. Enjoy the splendor of Achmelvich Bay, a beautiful white sandy beach popular with hill hikers and water sports lovers. Off the shore of Chanonry Point, look for dolphins and seals. Despite the fact that there are multiple gas stations along the road, don't underestimate how far you'll have to travel before you can fill up. The official NC500 website has driving tips for the route.

Distance and ideal duration: 516 miles, 5-7 days

The rough, raw elemental beauty of Northern Ireland's Causeway Coastal Route genuinely conveys the joy of an adventure. Perhaps it's the vastness and beauty of its terrain. Maybe it's the fantastic legends that have been molded and inspired by the stunning shoreline. It's undoubtedly in the friendly and welcoming individuals you'll encounter along the road. This breathtaking road from Belfast to Derry follows the Atlantic coast and is steeped in history and tradition. The trip is really made up of nine picturesque drives, so you may divide it up and take your time savoring the scenery.

The route brings you to numerous major tourist attractions and landmarks in Northern Ireland, including the Giant's Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Dunluce Castle, Dark Hedges, and the Glens of Antrim. Take the short ferry ride from Ballycastle to Rathlin Island for a tour of the upside-down lighthouse constructed into a cliff face or experience some history at the Old Bushmills Distillery. Since 1608, the world's oldest licensed operational distillery has been producing Bushmills Irish Whiskey on the site. On Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland's only inhabited offshore island, walk along the stunning Gobbins cliff trail and enjoy birdwatching at the RSPB reserve. Some of the roads are small and twisty, so keep an eye on your wing mirrors.

Distance and ideal duration: 120 miles, 3-5 days

This excursion through one of the country's most beloved national parks, the Peak District, is next on the agenda. Begin at Glossop, east of Manchester, then go into the Pennines over the famed Snake Pass, one of the UK's major mountain routes, reaching a high point of 510m above sea level. From there, continue south to the reservoirs surrounding the famed Derwent Dam, which provide excellent hiking options. A short diversion to the west will take you to the Blue John Cavern, an underground network of caverns that provides guided tours - perfect if you want to avoid hill trekking on your trip south.

On this carefully chosen Peak District Road tour, you may begin and end at any point along the circular route that suits you. As you travel, take in the magnificent countryside and charming villages and towns, but keep an eye out for the following attractions, where you may want to plan additional time to relax and absorb in the surroundings. So, take the Cooper keys, the road map, and the vintage picnic basket, and prepare to go on an adventure! If you wish to go further, the Heights of Abraham near Matlock provides excursions that will allow you to retrace the steps of miners in the Great Masson Cavern. Alternatively, travel to the sky on the legendary Derwent Valley cable car. From the Alton Towers amusement park to the neo-Gothic Derwent Dam, the Peak District has many of fantastic attractions. The weather in the Peak District may change fast, and mountain routes are frequently closed due to snowfall, so always check the conditions before setting out.

Distance and ideal duration: 40 miles, 1 day

The North York Moors National Park, with its lush woodlands, flowing streams, and wide swaths of heather moorland, makes for an unforgettable road journey. Although the travel from Helmsley to the coastal resort of Staithes is short and lovely, it may be spread out over a couple of days if you prefer an overnight stop in a rural B&B. Take the A170 towards Pickering and Thornton-le-Dale, passing moss-covered drystone walls and grazing sheep. Then take the A169 up to the coast, passing via Goathland and Grosmont.

The North York Moors is one of the most dog-friendly places in the UK, with B&Bs, glamping, and other lodging choices accepting canine family members. When your pooch wants to go exploring, there are lots of canine-friendly bars and beaches to choose from. Dalby Forest is an excellent area to stretch your legs or go for a bike ride if you have one. If you stop at Goathland, you may visit Mallyan Spout, the highest waterfall in the Moors. Due of the rural character of the North York Moors, sat-navs may not be completely trustworthy.

Distance and ideal duration: 42 miles, 1-2 days

Drive through Snowdonia National Park and out over the Menai Strait to Anglesey to see some of the most stunning landscapes in the UK. Begin in Betws-y-Coed and go west across Snowdonia, past Swallow Falls. The A4086 will take you past Snowdon, but you may wish to take a detour to explore the mountain. Aside from the breathtaking peaks, North Wales is home to lakes with thrilling watersports facilities. The National White-Water Centre offers white water kayaking on natural rapids.

Outside the park, take the picturesque trip across the Strait by first passing through medieval Caernarfon before crossing the water to discover the lovely Isle of Anglesey. Caernarfon, on the Menai Strait, is one of North Wales' trendiest towns, and it's not to be missed with its sleek shoreline and stunning castle (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Welsh is frequently spoken in Gwynedd and Anglesey, so wow the locals by bringing a phrasebook or learning a few key terms before you go. If you don’t fancy hiking all the way to the top of Snowdon, why not take a train? The Snowdon Mountain Railway runs to the summit and offers spectacular views.

Distance and ideal duration: 50 miles, 1-2 days

Immerse yourself in Wordsworth country with a journey down some of England's most scenic roads. Beginning in Kendal, travel north into the Lake District National Park to Windermere, England's biggest lake and a postcard-perfect resort that attracts guests of all ages. Drive north from Windermere to the picturesque lakeside villages of Ambleside and Grasmere, the latter of which is home to William Wordsworth's Dove Cottage and where the poet composed the renowned 'I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud'.

The tranquil lakes provide an ideal chance to get out on the water, either by renting a boat or joining a tour. If you'd rather stay on dry land, you may explore the region by bike or steam train along one of the numerous gorgeous railway routes. A short detour will take you to Beatrix Potter's Farm in Near Sawry, which served as the inspiration for Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle-Duck, and other characters. If you intend on going up any mountains along the route, be sure to pick up some Kendal Mint Cakes, a popular energy boost among local hikers. The Lake District is home to England's tallest mountain, Scafell Pike, as well as the country's deepest lake, Wastwater, which is almost 74m deep.

Distance and ideal duration: 30 miles, 2-3 days

This gorgeous road journey travels through the historic counties of Somerset, Devon, and Cornwall on England's Southwest Peninsula. This intriguing road is characterized by dense woods, charming villages, rough coasts, and unending patchwork quilt scenery. The A39, which connects Bath and Falmouth, is one of the longest highways in Southwest England. While you may drive the full route, you're focused on a particularly gorgeous section between Barnstaple in Devon and Newquay, a prominent Cornish coastal town. While the road does not go all the way to the shore, there are plenty of stunning vistas of the Atlantic as you travel through Bude, Camelford, and Wadebridge.

The route leads you into the heart of Exmoor National Park, which is home to red deer. As you drive up and down the undulating hills, lovely trees spread in front of your eyes. The road passes past a number of attractive villages, with lots of opportunities to stop for a delicious cream tea. The farther you drop south, the more spectacular the sea vistas get. Catch a wave at one of Newquay's famed surf beaches, or simply enjoy the sound of the pounding waves. The journey concludes in Land's End, Cornwall's westernmost point. The craggy cliffs, offshore rock islands, arches, and sea stacks provide breathtaking views that never get old.

Distance and ideal duration: 77 miles, 1-2 days

Take see England's eastern shore while driving around peaceful Norfolk. After taking in the provincial atmosphere of Norwich (the 11th-century cathedral is a must-see), go east through The Broads. With picturesque rivers and a diverse range of species, it's definitely worth spending additional few days relaxing on a boat. Take the coastal roads north from there to Cromer, a classic seaside village with the UK's sole remaining end-of-the-pier variety entertainment. Windswept beaches like Brancaster Beach are ideal for an afternoon lounging by the water farther along the coast.

North Norfolk has more than 40 miles of sandy beaches and six Blue Flag beaches than any other location in the United Kingdom. Blakeney Point's beautiful beaches are also enjoyed by England's greatest seal population. Norwich, Norfolk is easily accessible from the rest of the UK thanks to excellent transportation links. You can reach there in less than two hours by mainline rail. Simply catch the normal Greater Anglia service, which departs from London Liverpool Street every hour or so. Alternatively, you might travel to Norwich or London Stanstead and rent a vehicle. Car rental is simple at both airports, and you may arrange a one-way rental if you reserve ahead of time.

Distance and ideal duration: 90 miles, 2-3 days

Is there anything more evocative of England than the Cotswolds? Miles and miles of beautiful countryside are peppered with superbly maintained towns and meandering rural lanes, many of which are characterized by characteristic Cotswold stone walls. Starting at Chipping Campden in the north of the Cotswolds, we recommend traveling south, bouncing from gorgeous hamlet to picturesque village as you take in charming taverns, medieval churches, and all manner of local curiosities on your approach to Bath in the south.

The Slimbridge Wetland Centre is located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and offers intimate interactions with nature as well as a variety of birding possibilities. If you want a more action-packed getaway, the Cotswold Water Park offers paddleboarding, kayaking, and archery. Broadway not only has one of the most beautiful high streets in the UK, but it also has Broadway Tower, from which you can overlook a whopping 16 counties. Under normal conditions, the Cotswolds hosts a variety of various events each year, so plan ahead of time and attempt to coordinate your visit with whatever appeals to you, from beer and cider festivals to country shows.

Distance and ideal duration: 70 miles, 3-4 days

This magnificent trip across the Welsh countryside spans 26 miles, taking you from the region's tallest mountain, Snowdonia, to its westernmost point, Anglesey. The route is jam-packed with things to see and do, including stops at Snowdonia National Park and Penrhyn Castle and Garden. After crossing the Britannia Bridge onto Anglesey, consider stopping at the town with the world's longest name. There's not much to do here, but it makes an excellent snapshot to share to your friends.

Your voyage concludes at the South Stack Lighthouse on Holy Island. In the summer, you may climb the lighthouse for spectacular ocean views all the way to Ireland. On this short road journey, see the best of North Wales and the spectacular Snowdonia National Park. Begin your tour at the Victorian resort town of Llandudno and go to some of Wales' most spectacular natural wonders. With so many interesting tourist towns and stunning mountain ranges along this route, it will be difficult to pick a favorite.

Llandudno is a prominent coastal resort town that attracts visitors from all over the UK for a short holiday. The town's claim to fame is its connection to Lewis Carroll, the creator of Alice in Wonderland. Statues related to the legends may be found throughout the town's colorful, Victorian streets. The most remarkable activity in town, though, is a drive around the beautiful Great Orme Headland. Spend the afternoon wandering around Llandudno's lively pier.

Distance and ideal duration: 26-mile, 1 day