With more than 400 miles of scenic coastline, hidden coves, sandy beaches, and oodles of good ol’ English heritage, Cornwall is one of the best places in the UK to go on a fabulous road trip. One of the reasons why Cornwall is the best destination for a driving holiday is that it doesn’t have a motorway. As such, you will be driving your car, hugging the fringes of the Atlantic, and get a feel of the unique blend of Cornish hospitality and natural beauty. Here are some of the region’s most scenic driving routes.
Boscastle to Bude
This 24-kilometre stretch is, without a doubt, Cornwall’s most scenic drives. While the area boasts of the A39, it is best for road trippers to stick to the coastal road. This is the best route to get mesmerised by dramatic seascapes while getting one’s driving skills tested against curving clifftop roads. The best part of the journey is indulging in the best Cornish ice cream at Boscastle. The ice cream here is hand-churned, rich, creamy, and divine.
Tregony to St. Mawes
Stretching some 32 kilometres, the scenic drive from Tregony to St. Mawes offers one of the best in Cornish driving experiences. There are winding yet exciting rural lanes that open up to incredible scenery. Picture-perfect villages greet you as you veer off the A3078. Smaller lanes open up to hidden coves and amazing beaches at Pendower. Start the drive at The Lost Garden of Heligan and before heading towards St. Mawes. Listen to smugglers’ tales in Cornish villages along the way.
Sennen to Zennor
If you’re a fan of natural cliff architecture, then this 24-kilometre stretch is for you. What makes this 1-hour drive so unique is that you will never be leaving the coastline. And as you manoeuvre your vehicle along the narrow lanes, you’ll find yourself enthralled with the sheer beauty of the cliffs. Cornish tin mines, rugged outcrops, and famous lighthouses dot the cliff top landscape. This is one of those road trips that you will never want to drive faster than 20 KPH.
Perranporth to Padstow
Water-loving folks will want to take this Cornish scenic drive. From Perranporth to Padstow, you’ll get one of England’s finest stretches of stunning beaches. It is the perfect route for beach lovers and surfers. As such, the usual 1-hour drive can take several hours to complete. This 42-kilometre section prides itself of a narrow coastal road and hairpin bends, which are perfect for testing your driving skills.
Wadebridge to Tintagel
This Cornish scenic route is more about incredible attractions along the 35-kilometre stretch. A visit to Port Martin is crucial if you’re a fan of Doc Martin. If not, you will still find the coastal paths to be marvellous and the village delightful. Always end your road trip at Cornwall’s most iconic place, King Arthur’s Castle right in Tintagel.
With fair weather throughout the year, driving along Cornwall’s stunning coastline provides an experience of a lifetime. So, get your car ready and drive to this exciting part of the UK.