Breathtaking Journey: The Coastal Drive from Devon to Cornwall in the UK Ranks Among the Most Stunning Road Trips in the Country

Breathtaking Journey: The Coastal Drive from Devon to Cornwall in the UK Ranks Among the Most Stunning Road Trips in the Country

The Atlantic Highway, known as the A39, is a celebrated scenic drive stretching from Barnstaple, Devon, to Newquay, North Cornwall. This iconic route offers panoramic coastal views, clifftop roads, and access to some of the UK's best surf beaches and charming seaside towns.

Overview

The Atlantic Highway is renowned for its dramatic north coast scenery, with a mix of coastal adventure and leisurely exploration. Unlike more remote Highland routes in Scotland, the Atlantic Highway offers a variety of experiences, with numerous opportunities to stop at picturesque villages, beaches, and cultural attractions.

Key Highlights Along the Route

• Bude: A popular stop for swimming and surfing, Bude offers sandy beaches and a relaxed seaside vibe.
• Padstow: Known as a foodie destination, Padstow is famous for Rick Stein’s seafood restaurants and a bustling harbour.
• St Ives: This picturesque town boasts white sand beaches, a thriving art scene, and galleries, including the Tate St Ives.
• Clovelly: A unique, privately-owned village with steep cobbled streets leading down to a small fishing harbour, Clovelly offers a glimpse into historic coastal life.
• Hartland Abbey & Gardens: A historic house and gardens near the coast, Hartland Abbey is ideal for a scenic walk and a dose of history.
• Westward Ho!: A quirky seaside resort with a pebble beach and Victorian architecture, Westward Ho! is a must-visit destination.
• Exmoor National Park: Just inland from the route, Exmoor National Park offers hiking, wildlife, and dramatic coastal cliffs.

Tips for Your Journey

• The Atlantic Highway is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace, with plenty of stops for food, walks, and beach visits.
• Coastal weather can be unpredictable—pack layers, waterproofs, and a pop-up shelter for spontaneous beach picnics or shelter from sudden drizzle.
• Parking near the beach can expose your car to salty air; consider protective car covers or regular cleaning.
• The Atlantic Highway is well-served by accommodation, from campsites to boutique hotels, making it accessible for all types of travelers.

Comparison to Other UK Scenic Drives

While Scotland’s North Coast 500 offers rugged isolation and epic Highland scenery, the Atlantic Highway is more about variety and accessibility, featuring a blend of nature, culture, and gastronomy within a short drive of each other. The nearby North Wales Coastal Route and Snowdonia National Park also offer dramatic landscapes, but with a distinctly Welsh character and unpredictable weather.

Summary Table: Atlantic Highway Key Stops

| Stop | Highlights | Notable For | |---------------|------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------| | Bude | Beaches, surf, relaxed vibe | Swimming, coastal walks | | Padstow | Seafood, harbour, Rick Stein restaurants | Foodie destination | | St Ives | Beaches, art galleries, Tate St Ives | Art scene, scenic beauty | | Clovelly | Cobbled streets, fishing harbour | Historic village, unique charm | | Westward Ho! | Pebble beach, Victorian architecture | Quirky seaside resort | | Exmoor NP | Moorland, cliffs, hiking | Nature, wildlife, views |

The Atlantic Highway is a quintessential UK coastal road trip, offering a blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and culinary delights—perfect for those seeking a scenic drive with plenty of stops and discoveries along the way.

1. For outdoor enthusiasts and lovers of the home-and-garden, a stop at Hartland Abbey & Gardens along the Atlantic Highway provides a scenic walk and a dose of historical charm.
2. On this road trip, travelers can combine en-vols and travel as they explore the charming seaside towns, picturesque villages, and surf beaches of the Atlantic Highway's route, making for an unforgettable lifestyle experience.

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