10 of the best coast roads to drive in the UK & Ireland this summer

The sun’s out and the coast is calling. Whether it’s the lure of the Atlantic, the charm of the English Channel or the cool (translation: freezing) waters of the North Sea that floats your boat Detour has a road trip to fit.

Day Detours

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Sussex, ENGLAND

This short but fun loop to Beachy Head offers superb sea views and the chance for a pit stop to spy on the local sea birds or even an overnight stay in a lighthouse. Find out more.

 Norfolk, ENGLAND

White sand, sea lions basking on the beaches, it could almost be California. In fact it is, if you visit the small seaside village just outside Great Yarmouth. Find out more.

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Isle of Wight

You don’t need a DeLorean to travel back in time. Just take a drive along the Military Road on the Isle of Wight. Find out more..

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Anglesey, Wales

You could lap the race circuit of Trac Mon or take a tour of the entire island instead and soak up seascapes and views of Snowdonia in the distance. Find out more.

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Causeway Coast, Northern Ireland

From the Red Arch to the Giant’s Causeway this 80-mile trip is a non-stop natural wonder. Find out more.

Isle of Skye, Scotland

It’s ambitious to complete a circuit of Skye in a day, but Detour did it. And we were rewarded with otherworldly scenery and sensational seafood. Find out more.

Grand Tours

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North Coast 500, Scotland

It might be a victim of its own success, but tackle the NC500 when the caravaners and campers aren’t plodding along and it is one of the most spectacular drives in the world. Find out more.

South West 660, England

At the opposite end of the United Kingdom is an even longer route that takes in the Jurassic Coast, the Atlantic coast and much, much more in its 660 miles. Find out more.

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West coast of Ireland

Wonderful, whatever the weather. That’s our verdict on the wild west coast of Ireland after a trip from Cork to the Dingle Peninsula. Find out more.

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Outer Hebrides, Scotland

Skipping from island to island on ferries and causeways you’ll discover an untamed landscape of vast lochs and deserted sandy beaches. Find out more.



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