Weekend drives in spring | explore the UK

Once we have all managed to peek out from behind the curtains and acknowledge the fact that the sun, at some point, may try to show its face, it’s inevitable that we turn our attention to getting out on to the roads and exploring the first fruits of spring the country has to offer.

There are certain parts of the country and roads that suit spring far better than others. Weekend drives in spring are some of the best things to do when the days become warmer and brighter – so here are my suggestions for some of the best weekend drives in Spring.

B4632 Cheltenham to Stratford

Spring generally feels like a firmly British affair – so firm up your Britishness with this stunning drive through the Cotswolds. Meadows of wildflowers are in full swing this time of year, as are pictures of perfect pastoral England. There are plenty of lovely places to stop off too, such as Chipping Campden, and of course Stratford-on-Avon.

Conwy to Portmeirion, Wales

North Wales, as most people who are into the automotive world will know, is a bit of a spot of holy turf for car journalists. There are some stunning roads, and it’s also home to The Evo Triangle. 

Portmeirion is a stunning, strange little spot, and what makes it better is that you have to drive along some of the best roads in Wales to get there.

A82 to Glencoe

You're unlikely to get any more dramatic views anywhere in Scotland than the A82 from Tyndrum to Glencoe on Loch Leven. There's plenty of variety, and even at the start of spring you may even be able to indulge in a spot of skiing on Glencoe mountain. My recommendation would be to fly to Oban and get a car from there - that way you'll get the stunning Glasgow - Oban train journey too. Another recommendation, don't go in the summer, it sends to have more slow coaches than you can shake a stick at.

Isle of Skye

You can pretty much go anywhere on the Isle of Skye with a car and you'll be treated to incredible views and the sound knowledge that you're driving amongst some of the most beautiful scenery Scotland has to offer. Diversions to take in the Talisker distillery are always welcome, too.

St. Ives to Lands' End - Cornwall

I always tend to find a way of getting this road into any article I write such as this. It's a favourite for taking press cars out, including the Vauxhall Adam and the Peugeot 508, and I love it's sweeping vistas and way it looms above the small Cornish fields, many of which supposedly haven't been touched since Medieval times. It's a beautiful road with a number of good foot down opportunities - and a great pub in Zennor to have lunch on the way round.