If you’re wanting to see all that the south-western English coast has to offer, this incredible road trip could be the thing you’re looking for.
Taking travellers along the so-called Atlantic Highway – less impressively known as the A39 – this journey offers some of the most striking sights in the country, and has been named as one of the best UK road trips.
It winds through Devon and Cornwall, passing by thriving seaside towns and sleepy hamlets, interspersed with miles of golden sand.
Dotted with dramatic cliff lines, and even a castle or two, this road trip spans a whopping 250 miles which is roughly eight hours of driving.
However, the experts recommend you set aside at least four or so days for the trip, just enough time to properly explore all the nooks and crannies of the route.
Beginning in the bustling town of Barnstaple, travellers should stop off at the Boutport Café for a hearty cooked breakfast and to-go coffee, which they can clutch as they explore the town’s gorgeous Victorian Holy Trinity Church.
Then, as you pass through the smaller seaside towns that North Devon has to offer, admiring the sea views is essential.
At Bideford, there lives a charming otter statue named Tarka, after the children’s story, which is an adorable sight.
If you need to stretch your legs, take a stroll around the town of Hartland which is right in the centre of the Devon Heritage Coast.
As the second day of your trip begins, you’ll be met with your first castle in the eponymous Bude. Explore its history as a former stately home before heading off.
Boscastle has the next highlight, with a magical and spooky twist. A tiny village with idyllic scenes, it houses a Museum of Witchcraft and Magic – a perfect stop if you’re travelling with children.
That’s not all the village has to offer. It also boasts the most haunted hotel in the country – The Wellington Hotel – with three ghost sightings to its name.
A historical delight is in store for you at the next stop Tintagel – famous for its links to King Arthur. Another castle awaits, said to be home to King Arthur’s father, as does a giant statue of the legendary King himself.
Exploring Cornwall in earnest comes next, passing through the colourful fishing villages of Port Isaac and Padstow.
Then, Newquay beckons, where the county’s best beaches can arguably be found. Stop at the Great Western Beach for some serious rock-pooling action, or Towan Beach for ideal swimming conditions.
As the trip comes to an end, you can head straight from Newquay to Land’s End, perhaps stopping at St Ives for a customary Cornish pasty.
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