DK Eyewitness - DK Eyewitness Road Trips Great Britain

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About this Book

Away from the fast-track motorways and uniform city centres, these drives along the back roads take you to some of the less-visited towns and villages of Britain. Taken at a gentle pace, they allow the driver time to appreciate what makes Great Britain unique the landscapes, villages, grand country houses, castles and gardens. This book goes beyond the must-see tourist sights to lesser-known places that will reveal a more intimate experience of Britains people and archi-tecture. This island nation encompasses three countries England, Wales and Scotland each with a distinct history and different traditions. The landscape ranges from hillside pastures to mountain peaks, wild coastlines and open moorland. Glimpses of past cultures can be seen in the prehistoric standing stones and Roman ruins. And the castles and villages document the emergence, over many hundreds of years, of a single nation. Expect delightful surprises round every bend, and the reward will be the timeless culture of Great Britain.

Getting Started

The front section of this guide gives all the practical information necessary to plan and enjoy a driving holiday in Great Britain. It includes an overview of when and how to get there, advice on renting vehicles or bringing one into the country. The motoring advice ranges from driving rules to road conditions, to buying petrol and breakdown/accident procedures the kind of background knowledge that will help make a driving trip stress free. Tips on money, opening hours and other practical matters will save time and confusion. There is also advice on accommodation and dining options from luxury hotels to farmhouse bed-and-breakfasts and gourmet meals to pub food to allow visitors to sample the range of British hospitality.

The Drives

The main section of the guide is divided into 25 drives, which range from two to five days in duration, leading from the tip of Cornwall to the north of Scotland. All tours can be driven in a standard car or other vehicle. No special driving skills are required.

The drives cover every region of the country. Each begins with an overview of the highlights and a clear map of the itinerary to help plan the trip. There is useful advice on the best time of year to make the drive, road conditions, local markets and festivals.

The tours contain descriptions of each sight, including opening times and contact details, where applicable, linked by clear driving instructions. Side panels offer information on authentic places to stay and eat. Tinted boxes provide background information and anecdotes.

Each drive features at least one mapped walking tour, designed to take a maximum of three hours at a gentle pace with stops along the way. Some walks cover the highlights of towns or cities, while others explore glorious countryside walks on safe, clearly marked paths.

The tours are flexible and can be linked to create a longer holiday; alternatively, they can be used to plan day trips within a region.

Top left The Church of St Peter and St Paul, Northleach Top right Cove at St Abbs Head, Berwickshire, Scotland Centre left Fishing boats at Whitby Centre right Edinburgh afamous festival venue Below left Traditional sweetshop, Rye Below right Field of sunflowers, Cornwall

Driving through Langstrothdale Chase near Oughtershaw, North Yorkshire

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Introducing Great Britain

The back roads of Great Britain are a refreshing antidote to the bustle of its world-famous cities. Though it is possible to zoom along motorways from London to Manchester, Cardiff, Glasgow or Edinburgh in a few hours, its the smaller roads away from these urban centres that lead into the true heart of the country. Here, through castles and ruined abbeys, and mining, farming and fishing villages, the rich history of Britains regions is waiting to be discovered. Take time to appreciate the landscapes, from the Scottish Highlands to the Yorkshire Dales and the watery Fens. Britains rural hills and fields, lined with stone walls and hedgerows, are quietly beautiful. The rest is stunning, from the Kent coast to the Welsh mountains. Follow the back roads to find the farmers markets, pubs, festivals, gardens and wildlife that form the heart of the country.

A quiet back road through the ancient and pristine forests of Argyll, Scotland

When to Go

The itinerary for each of the drives offers suggestions on the best times to visit. Some regions are known for their gardens or their seasonal produce, others for outdoor activities from surfing to climbing. Festivals and events can make for an unforgettable experience, so check with local tourist boards and consider these when planning your trip. The weather varies by region. July and August generally guarantee the hottest, sunniest weather but, for fewer crowds, April to June and September to October are a better bet. Summers other advantage is the long hours of daylight, especially in Scotland where darkness doesnt fall until 10 or 11pm. Scenery is another factor spring can be magical with bluebells, daffodils, colourful blossom and the brightest greens. Autumn brings red and gold to the trees and purple heather on the moors. Winter may be wetter and colder, but off-season rates are cheaper and most attractions are open year-round.

Times to Avoid

As mentioned already, July and August are the busiest times to visit when British schools are on summer holiday and when the majority of foreign tourists arrive. Prices are also highest and traffic is heaviest, especially around popular coastal resorts. Throughout summer, biting insects known as midges are common in the western Highlands of Scotland. NovemberMarch has the rainiest, coldest weather and days are shorter, especially the further north you go, with dusk falling as early as 4pm.

Climate

Thanks to the Gulf Stream, Britains climate is moderate year-round and seldom drops below freezing. Snow is rare, except in mountainous areas. Average winter temperatures are 510C (4050F), while summers average 1825C (6577F), although they can rise to over 90F (32C). In general, temperatures in the north are a few degrees lower than the south. Spring comes first to the southwest, with gardens in Devon and Cornwall budding out in February and March. The western coast is usually rainier and warmer than the east.

Festivals

Many festivals and events, in villages and market towns, centre around regional produce from apples to oysters to cheeses to wines. There are also craft fairs, music and the arts. Some traditional celebrations date back centuries and involve clog dancing, inter-village football and other fun pastimes. Notable events include the Hay Festival of Literature (May), Cambridge Folk Festival (Jul), and Highland Games, held in Scottish towns from June to August. Across the country, bonfires blaze and noisy fireworks flare into the sky on Guy Fawkes Night (5 Nov).