With nearly half (48 percent) of the nation planning to take at least two road trips this festive season, new research has revealed the country’s most awe-inspiring, breath-taking and peaceful routes to experience by car.
The study commissioned by online car hire company Drivalia also found that 59 per cent of drivers prefer to take a scenic route to their destination rather than a boring motorway.
When it comes to the ingredients of a perfect road trip, snacks for the journey (57 per cent), great company (49 per cent), a fantastic playlist to listen to (46 per cent) and stopping at a pub for lunch (42 per cent) would all feature.
Stopping to break the journey up (41 per cent), having someone to share the driving with (38 per cent), a flask of tea or coffee (35 per cent) and a camera to capture amazing scenery (34 per cent) are also must haves.
A spokesperson for Drivalia said: “The UK is an amazing place to travel with so many beautiful driving routes on our doorstep. From the amazing rugged beauty of Scotland, the outstanding vistas of Wales, iconic backdrops in Northern Ireland and the wonderful journeys that stretch across the rolling scenery of England, the research shows that there are an abundance of beautiful places to stop, take a breath and enjoy the wonderful peace when driving around the country."
So here are the best routes to take where the journey will be as stunning as the destination.
When it comes to the ingredients of a perfect road trip, snacks for the journey (57 per cent), great company (49 per cent), a fantastic playlist to listen to (46 per cent) and stopping at a pub for lunch (42 per cent) would all feature.
5. Cheddar Gorge
Roads don't get much more dramatic than the one that winds its way through Cheddar Gorge - a limestone gorge in the Mendip Hills, in Somerset. The high walls of stone that line parts of the road, along with views over the surrounding countryside, earned it fifth place. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
6. The New Forest
The New Forest is one of the largest remaining tracts of unenclosed pasture land, heathland and forest in Southern England. The road taking drivers through the forest, covering southwest Hampshire and southeast Wiltshire, just misses out on a place in the top five. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
7. Loch Lomond to Lochgilphead
Taking in one of Scotland's two National Parks, the Loch Lomond to Lochgilphead route takes drivers from the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, through Arrochar and Inveraray with views over Loch Long and Loch Fyne. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
8. St Ives to St Just
In eighth place, the 15 miles of the B3306 between St Ives and St Just, in Cornwall, takes in some of the most stunning coastline in England. Certainly one for beach lovers. Photo: Canva/Getty Images