If, like many of us, you have been feeling trapped by the travel restrictions of Covid-19 and itching to get out on the road again, then the next few months are going to bring with them a sigh of relief. Travel bans are lifting, so once more we can take to the open road and just go wherever our wheels take us.
We’ve put together a list of some of the top cities for driving in the UK, so you can plan your post-pandemic road trip. As with all cities, avoid heading in at rush hour, but the regular drivers in these hot-spots are well aware how popular their cities are, and are tolerant of a last-minute lane-change to accommodate visitors. So get out the map, and start making plans.
Bournemouth
Not only is plenty of this city directly on the waterfront, so you can enjoy fabulous views of the open ocean as you cruise along, but they also have lots of initiatives to make it a safe city for driving in. CCTV is installed outside the majority of schools, and there are free awareness sessions for young drivers aged 17-25, so this is guaranteed to be one of the safest driving experiences you can have in a UK city.
Edinburgh
Visiting Edinburgh is like driving round a historic monument. Everywhere you look are gothic spires reaching towards the dramatic castle perched on the clifftops. One of the best drives is around the famous Arthur’s Seat, taking the high road over Holyrood Park, and will give you incredible views over the city and the Firth of Forth. Not only that, but Edinburgh is a gateway to the Highlands, with some of the most stunning driving destinations, not just in the UK but in the world, and you can use your trip to Edinburgh as a stopping-off point to explore the UK’s most northerly reaches. Just be aware to have good vehicle safety checks before venturing into the great unknown, as you might end up miles from civilisation.
Coventry
With it’s staggering cathedral, and beautiful sandstone buildings, Coventry is one of the most picturesque driving cities in the UK. Ideally situated just a few hours’ drive from London, and close to Birmingham and the Midlands, Coventry also provides a great base for exploring countryside nearby. Not only that, but Coventry is the UK’s leading city for electric car charging points and with car manufacturers beginning the shift towards electric, or at least hybrid, and some pledging a fully electric lineup in the next decade or so, this will be worth bearing in mind.
Sheffield
Whether you drive new or used cars, Sheffield and its relaxing city centre, just a short drive away from the green hills and dales of the Peak District, has something for everyone. There are plenty of city-based day trips, so you can leave the car at your hotel or AirBnb, or take an excursion a little way out of the city to find yourself in some of the most beautiful landscapes the UK has to offer.
