There are many ways to make the most of a trip to the UK, from using the London Tube to traverse one of the world’s foremost cities to taking the ferry across the famous River Mersey. In recent years, a growing number of tourists have been exploring the UK by motor car, partly because the country lends itself perfectly to life on four wheels.
The motorways and major A-roads in Britain are generally fast and easy to negotiate, but if you want to enjoy the scenery and avoid the quicker routes you should plan journeys with a little care. The countryside in the UK is simply stunning, so the chances are you will never be very far away from photo opportunities that will make you want to stop and enjoy the show.
It’s important to remember that, like many other countries, the UK can suffer from heavy traffic congestion at times. Holidaying tourists should try to avoid the morning and afternoon peak periods, even in the smaller towns and cities. Away from the busy times, the roads are generally rather quiet, so if you are careful about travel times you should be fine.
Head to the south-west for the stunning countryside
One of the most popular areas for car-based tourism is the south-west of England, in particular the counties of Devon and Cornwall. Part of the local charm is the stunning countryside comprising rolling green hills and verdant meadows, surrounded on the coastlines by rugged rocks and, in many areas, long expanses of golden sand.
The east coast of Scotland has been delighting visitors for many decades, and it continues to be a popular destination choice for overseas and British tourists. The region is perhaps best known for the sport of golf, thanks to the presence of the world-famous St Andrews, and there are also a number of iconic fishing villages just waiting to be discovered.
It should be pointed out that it’s not a particularly good idea to travel around by car in the centre of London. The city is home to many of the world’s most famous landmarks, but getting from A to B on the roads can be slow and time-consuming. The best option is to make use of the comprehensive public transport network instead.
The cost of getting to the UK may be a little prohibitive to potential travellers who are on a tight budget. However, it’s possible to save a substantial sum of money on the vacation by checking out the 121 Car Hire website. Booking your rental vehicle needs in advance is an option that will make your trip more convenient and, ultimately, more enjoyable.
It would take several months to see all there is to see in the United Kingdom, of course, but a week or two is enough to give you a good all-round picture of life in this fascinating nation. There’s far more to Britain than just a collection of urban centres, and the only way to find out for yourself is to get behind the wheel of a car and start driving.
Tom Hayward is from the UK and is always keen to explore the countryside.
