A beautiful trip to Great Britain
Described as the “country of countries” by its current Prime Minister, Great Britain offers a wide range of breathtaking landscapes, diverse cultures, and unexpected routes to explore. Venture into the heart of Wales, England, and Scotland to discover ancient or modern treasures, world-famous or more secretive, waiting for you along the way. And don’t forget to drive on the left side!
Cardiff, Wales
Start your journey by heading to Cardiff, the capital of Wales. Rather than braving the famous Welsh rain, take a stroll near Cardiff Castle and along the River Taf, pass by the Principality Stadium, and stop in Cardiff Bay, south of the city, where you’ll find some of the most beautiful landscapes, architecture, and landmarks in all of Wales.
The Wales Millennium Centre and the Senedd (the building housing the Welsh National Assembly) both overlook the confluence of the Taf and Ely rivers and are sights you cannot miss. Have lunch by the harbor before closing the Welsh chapter of your trip and heading east to your next stop: Oxford. Say “hwyl fawr” [Goodbye] to the Welsh at dusk and cross the listed Severn Bridge, spanning the Severn and Wye rivers, to Bristol, England. There, you can admire the sun setting majestically over the Severn Estuary.
Oxfordshire, England
About three hours later, you’ll arrive in the county home to the oldest university in the English-speaking world. Oxfordshire will undoubtedly match the clichés many have of England, with its idyllic landscapes and picturesque rural areas. Prepare to discover a place frozen in time as you enter the city. Oxford is a charming city that could almost be described as quaint.
Enjoy a hearty English breakfast, and before hitting the road again, try your hand at “punting,” Oxford’s answer to Venetian gondolas. Then, buckle up, pack a picnic, hope against all odds that the British weather spares you, and head to the eastern part of the Cotswolds. Words are not enough to perfectly describe the beauty of the landscapes here, and when the good weather arrives, there’s nothing more relaxing than driving through the English countryside with the windows down (or the roof down if you have a convertible). Park near Woodstock and picnic in front of the impressive Blenheim Palace. Take any road in this region—they are all beautiful—and return to the city for a drink at the Turf Tavern, a popular but hidden spot. Its patrons are mainly young students, but it’s also where Bill Clinton committed his famous misdeeds, and former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke downed a pint of beer in 11 seconds, earning a Guinness World Record. Perhaps skip the pints of beer and continue to your next stop: the Lake District.
The Lake District: Cumbria, England
The road north to Cumbria may not be the most thrilling: the motorway stretches on, infinite and steady, bypassing large towns scattered along the way. But you won’t regret it.
The Lake District breaks this monotony by thrusting the horizon skyward, offering views of endless hills and greenery. The Lake District is England’s largest national park (among other superlatives), spanning 885 square miles. It is home to England’s highest mountain (Scafell Pike), its deepest lake (Wastwater), and its longest lake (Windermere), creating a spectacular landscape. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If that’s not enough, there are numerous excellent restaurants, pubs, and hotels, each with its own view of Cumbria, where you can stretch your legs and snap a selfie or two. If time permits, visit the Cartmel Peninsula and Lake Windermere for a breathtaking walk, and stop by the towns of Kendal and Bowness, which are worth visiting for their historic homes. Drive to the Eden Valley and Penrith to enjoy views of sandstone villages and prehistoric monuments. When you feel ready to leave Cumbria’s splendor, head north and cross the Scottish border.
Scotland’s west coast
Travel north through Glasgow and follow the A82 to Glencoe. This road cuts through much of the Trossachs National Park and runs alongside Loch Lomond for nearly half the journey. It goes without saying that much of this drive will be spent marveling at Scotland’s natural beauty. Admire the cottages dotting the lake’s edge and the vibrant shadows cast by the surrounding foliage.
Drive through Glencoe Pass, like James Bond. Featured in Skyfall, this landscape, stunning in any season, should leave you speechless as you head toward Glenfinnan and its famous viaduct from the Harry Potter films. Park at the visitor center before entering the town and walk to the viewpoint for a great photo. If you’re hungry or need a coffee to stay awake, the Glenfinndale Dining Car, a train carriage converted into a restaurant, is just steps away and offers some of the region’s best scones with Scottish cream and strawberry jam. Back in your car, head west toward Arisaig, one of the most westerly points of mainland Britain. Winding along the coast is an exhilarating experience, and in summer, you can drive late into the night. Stop at one of the white-sand beaches lining the coast to watch the sunset over the Isles of Eigg, Muck, Rum, and Canna. So far north, the sun doesn’t fully set in midsummer, and the sky remains a pale blue even after midnight. Before heading east, venture 10 miles further to Mallaig, where you’ll find welcoming pubs and cozy bed-and-breakfasts. Be sure to try the fresh seafood before leaving Scotland’s western isles. Treat yourself to shellfish, prawns, and scallops, accompanied by a side of chips, in this charming seaside town!
Scotland’s east coast
The journey from west to east, while less scenic, is still worthwhile. Pass through Stirling, the former refuge of Scotland’s Crown, and stop in Edinburgh on your way to St Andrews. While the weather may be unpredictable, the monotonous rain only amplifies the romanticism of the city’s dramatic and gothic architecture.
Walk along Princes Street and take in Edinburgh’s landmarks, such as the Walter Scott Monument and Edinburgh Castle, before heading to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, one of Her Majesty’s residences in Scotland. Climb Arthur’s Seat, the main peak of a group of hills forming most of Holyrood Park. The view of Edinburgh from the “seventh hill” is spectacular. From here, you can spot George Heriot’s School, which, besides being a magnificent example of Renaissance architecture, inspired Hogwarts, the school of witchcraft and wizardry and the primary setting of the Harry Potter novels written by J. K. Rowling. From Edinburgh, cross the Forth Rail Bridge, one of the world’s most impressive engineering achievements and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to Fife. Leave the dual carriageway and take the more scenic coastal roads toward Cupar. Stop in Anstruther to taste their world-renowned fish and chips before arriving nine miles later in St Andrews. Take time to appreciate the timeless architecture of this weathered town, including the University of St Andrews, the third-oldest university in the English-speaking world and Scotland’s oldest. Your journey ends as you reach the ruins of St Andrews Castle, whose colorful and erratic history as both a royal residence and a prison is as characteristic as the British weather, which you’ll experience in all its forms during your visit to Great Britain.
