5 Amazing Days Out In Your Car

Discover the world beyond the M25 by taking the A3 from central London or from the M25 J10. Soon you’ll be enjoying the rolling Surrey Hills and spectacular landscape of the Devil’s Punchbowl before the A286 whisks you across the South Downs. How about timing your arrival in Chichester with a harbourside lunch? Or take a walk along the canal once beautifully painted by Turner.

Loop back home via historic Arundel, where a castle stands in trees above quaint riverside shops. The A29 is a particularly scenic route back up to Dorking, where you can rejoin the A3 via a pretty stretch of the A25 through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty around Abinger Hammer and its babbling trout stream.

Your escape from the Welsh capital starts at Junction 32 of the M4, where the A470 heads north through the Taff Valley, with the valley sides turning to hills, then mountains, as you head north. Beyond Merthyr you’ll be driving in the National Park, winding between southern Britain’s highest peaks to the charming old market town of Brecon. How about a picnic next to the leafy canal? Head west to Defynnog, then south on a spectacular driving road, the A4067. Cut across the hills to Glynneath and Hirwaun. If you’ve time for a walk, head for Pontneddfechan, centre of South Wales’ ‘waterfall country’.centre of South Wales’ ‘waterfall country’.

Return south through the industrial archaeology of the Rhondda Valley, via the twisting A4061 and A4119 to reach the M4 at Junction 34. Is it time for refreshments? Llanerch Vineyard is a few minutes from the junction. Passengers can try a few glasses and make the driver jealous.

Want to drive away from the sprawling urban area of Leeds and Bradford? Head north on the A65 up to Ilkley. Then follow little roads to Bolton Abbey and the inspiring riverside priory ruins. The A6160 is a gorgeous route through Wharfedale to the picture-book village of Appletreewick and the cobbled town of Grassington. You’ll see plenty of cafes for a pitstop or may fancy a stroll on the moors with a picnic. Then head east, on the B6265, winding between old dry stone walls, over big round hills into Nidderdale. Follow this lovely scenic route to the tiny cathedral city of Ripon. Then the A61 leads south to the delightful spa town of Harrogate and a chance for afternoon tea at the legendary Betty’s café, before continuing south back to the city.

You could start in the heart of Glasgow but within minutes the M8 will whisk you into a different world. Head west along the Clyde shore with mountains on the far shore. Pass through the Victorian waterfront of Greenock and round the headland at Cloch Point with more spectacular views over the Clyde. Find the slipway at Skelmorlie and join one of 18 ferries a day leaving on the 35-minute trip to the Isle of Bute, waterfront of Greenock and round the headland at Cloch Point with more spectacular views over the Clyde. Find the slipway at Skelmorlie and join one of 18 ferries a day leaving on the 35-minute trip to the Isle of Bute.

The A844 offers a memorable tour of the island, including the castle, lochs and beaches. Perhaps you’ll fancy lunch in one of Rothesay’s waterfront restaurants? Take the ferry back but head south when you reach the mainland. Turn off the A78 at Largs for the A760, looping back over the bleak hills and returning down into the city via the A737. 

It’s easy to escape the noise and traffic of central Belfast - just head east on the A20. You’ll soon be in the typical lush green countryside. Head for Newtownards with its distinctive Victorian memorial tower overlooking the town. It’s a good spot for a bracing walk and views in all directions. The A20 continues along the shores of the enormous Loch Strangford. It’s a picturesque drive and passes the lovely Mount Stewart National Trust house and gardens. Stick to the shoreline until the village of Portaferry. Here you can drive onto a ferry across the mouth of the Loch. They run every 30 minutes to the attractive village of Strangford on the other bank.

Here you could either visit the National Trust’s Castle Ward or Winterfell Castle, which featured in the Game of Thrones Series. Then the A25 winds towards Downpatrick, followed by the A22’s quietly pretty route back towards Belfast.