Britain is renowned for having some of the most beautiful towns and villages in the world and more often than not these idyllic places are to be found at the end of a long and windy drive. But after steering your way through country lanes, lakeside views and wooded archways you will be rewarded by the hidden gems you will uncover. With so many of these treasures in Britain waiting to be discovered you’d need to take two years off work to visit all of them, so to make it easier and less tempting, here is a list of some worthy of taking the drive; but only if you have a car of course.
Haunting Haworth
This route is not for the faint hearted and requires intense driving skills. Set among the rolling hills and twisty country roads of Yorkshire you’ll find, after a rollercoaster ride through stunning Northern countryside, a quaint village frozen in time. Home to events such as 1940’s weekends and literary exhibitions in the famous Bronte sisters’ parsonage where passengers and drivers can learn more about the legendary authors and their works. After stepping out of your car, you’ll feel like you’ve actually stepped out of a time machine as the cobbled streets and olde worlde shops on either side paint an era long gone by. A drive here will be like the village itself, not forgotten.
Picturesque Polperro
Further south, well a lot further south, in Cornwall in fact, the next recommended drive takes you to the beautiful fishing village of Polperro. Once again the roads leading to this fairy-tale treasure are fearsome and long, yet breath-taking. They also require the skill of somebody who has been taught how to drive well. After an intense bit of driving in your modern day machineyou will arrive at the village, only to be greeted with a machine of years gone by, a horse and carriage. Step onto to the carriage and be transported down to the awe-inspiring village set overlooking the Ocean. The treats are in abundance here with scones and clotted cream, fresh fish and heavenly ice cream all surrounded by beautiful Cornish countryside. Make sure your car is locked as you won’t want to leave.
Breath-taking Bolton Abbey
Back up towards the North, but this time in Lancashire, an adventurous drive through all nature has got to offer, ends at Bolton Abbey. This historic village, as the name suggests, was centred around an Abbey, which is still partially there today. And its presence is still felt. Famous for its multi-coloured and levelled walks this is loved by young and old alike as they explore the smells, sounds and scenery of this county’s countryside. This is well and truly a drive worth taking.
Wild Whitby
Home to the best fish and chips in Britain, pirate ships and of course Dracula, this town in the far reaches of Yorkshire should be on every driver’s wish list. With undulating roads, threatening moorland and long stretches of isolation you will definitely feel like you have earned your reward on your arrival. One of the most diverse seaside towns in the North of England, history brings the past back to life again for all those who take the time out to visit it. Set against the backdrop of the haunting Abbey and spectacular beaches this is where Bram Stoker was inspired to write his gothic masterpiece and if you don’t drive here to experience it all, it’ll be a real tragedy.
All roads lead to somewhere exciting and memorable. But without a car and the knowledge of how to drive, these places will be lost to you forever, so whether you are an experienced driver or just starting out on your intensive driving course, take to the road and explore. It’s a journey you’ll never forget.
Calvin Ford is a writer who loves the idea of exploring the great towns and cities of the UK in a motor car. If you can’t drive but fancy doing just that, then research intense driving courses and get yourself ready for the road as soon as possible.
