England's Greatest Drives

If you're keeping it British this year with a holiday at home, why not consider doing something a bit different and turn your focus to the roads you're driving rather than where they're taking you. We've had a look at some of the best driving roads in England, those which really allow a luxury vehicle to come into its own.

Cat & Fiddle and Snake Pass

Why not combine two of the north’s most famous roads in one trip? The Cat & Fiddle and Snake Pass are only an hour away from each other, and if it’s scenery you’re after then these two roads tick all the boxes, offering incredible views across the countryside. Avis Prestige’s car hire location in Manchester is ideal to rent a luxury car to accompany you on this trip.

The A57, or Snake Pass, is a firm favourite among driving enthusiasts. Located in the Peak District between Sheffield and Glossop, Snake Pass is a road filled with sweeping bends and breathtaking scenery, crossing the Pennines and the picturesque Ladybower Reservoir. Don’t forget to take a break to enjoy the views across the National Trust’s High Peak Moors and take a walk across the rolling Derbyshire countryside.

From Snake Pass ending in Glossop, make your way down to the A537, which you can pick up at Macclesfield and then follow the winding turns through to Buxton. It takes its more well-known name The Cat & Fiddle from the former pub - now turned whisky distillery - which sits at its highest peak and held the title of being the second highest pub in England.

Take in the twists and turns of this incredible road which has also become a favourite of motoring enthusiasts and bikers alike. Don’t forget to stop along the way to appreciate the views of Greater Manchester, Cheshire and the Peak District National Park.

Remember your picnics as there’s not much civilisation on these roads (but plenty in between if you fancy stopping in Sheffield or extending your trip into Manchester). This is a trip where you can truly enjoy nature and the beauty of the outdoors, all from the comfort of your luxury vehicle from Avis Prestige.

North Yorkshire Moors

Pick up your luxury vehicle from Avis Prestige’s car hire location in Manchester and head east, to take the A169 across the North Yorkshire Moors between Pickering and Whitby. Yet again you’re reminded why England is such a beautiful country to visit, surrounded by hills, heather and straight roads for miles. Be sure to take note of the Hole of Horcum – a natural hole within the landscape 400 feet deep and almost a mile across. Local legend says the hole was created when Wade the Giant scooped up a mound of earth to throw at his wife during an argument!

Enjoy locally caught crab and lobster in Whitby, a beautiful seaside town on the Yorkshire coast, or explore the gothic Whitby Abbey, which was the inspiration and one of the settings for Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

Cheddar Gorge

If exploring more of the south is your goal this summer, then pick up your luxury vehicle from Avis Prestige’s car hire location at Heathrow and head west to discover the incredible Cheddar Gorge. Although not made out of cheese, we would argue that this road beats a strong mature cheddar any day of the week.

Located in the West Country and just a few miles from the exciting city of Bristol and seaside town of Weston-Super-Mare, the B3135 (or aptly named ‘Cliff Road’) cuts straight through the limestone cliffs and leaves people stunned by its beauty. Weave your way through the twisting bends and don’t forget to roll your windows down if you’ve got an exhaust note to be relished! If you want to take a walk then you can park your car and enjoy the gorge views on foot, whether you want to head underground to the caves or up to the cliff tops.

Dartmoor National Park – B3212, B3357

It’s good to remember to be extra cautious when traversing the Dartmoor National Park. You will likely come face-to-face with wild Dartmoor ponies, sheep and cattle on your travels from Tavistock to Moretonhampstead, crossing the B3212 and B3357 on one of the most stunning roads England has to offer. Fans of the supernatural may recognise the B3212 as one of the most haunted roads in Britain, but don’t let that put you off. The spectacular countryside more than makes up for any ghost stories which accompany the winding tarmac, as you sit safely behind the wheel of your luxury vehicle.

Take a break at one of the quaint pubs or tearooms in the many Dartmoor villages you pass or stop at one of the numerous National Trust properties in the local area. Pick up your luxury vehicle from Avis Prestige’s Heathrow car hire site and enjoy the drive across the south of the country to Dartmoor. With so many more beautiful roads and locations to stop at on the way, it’s a great option to make the most of if you’ve got a longer break planned this summer.

Luxury Vehicles for Luxury Trips

Wherever you plan on spending your staycation, Avis Prestige’s fleet of luxury vehicles is ready and waiting. Once you’ve picked your road trip, you can then rent a luxury car to accompany you – with built-in satellite navigation in every luxury vehicle, all you need to add the finishing touch to your holiday is your sense of adventure.

We know plans are still changing, so don’t forget that no matter what happens we have a guaranteed free cancellation policy when you rent a luxury car with Avis Prestige. Call our dedicated booking team or enquire online today.