Scenic Drives in England

One of England's main attractions is, of course, London, which is picturesquely situated on the banks of the Thames. All the city's top sites are easily accessible by car, which is a great advantage especially for tourists.

But the capital is not the only highlight that can be visited in the eastern part of the country. Dover with its stunning White Cliffs and Canterbury, home to the beautiful St. Augustine's Abbey, are equally interesting to explore. Travelers seeking tranquility should head to Penshurst Place or Wakehurst Place, where they can admire medieval mansions and stroll in the colorful botanical gardens. Leave the car at the entrance and immerse yourself in a world of greenery and tranquility!

Winchester and Salisbury both have a long history that has produced countless monuments that shape the cityscape. The tourist attractions of these cities range from towering guild halls and grand cathedrals to attractive city parks. In addition, the cities are also good starting points for local attractions such as Stonehenge.

Vacationers interested in Roman and Iron Age sites might consider visiting Bristol and Bath. The towns are just a stone's throw from the beautiful Bristol Channel and make an excellent base for exploring the region.

Central England, home of the famous William Shakespeare, is strongly associated with art and culture. You'll have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the playwright's birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon, admire the famous Victorian red-brick houses in Birmingham, or leave your car behind and immerse yourself in the natural gems of the Peak District National Park, where the possibilities await endless outdoor activities.

Liverpool welcomes travelers with an abundance of popular culture. Here, visitors can marvel at Liverpool Pier and learn more about the history of the Beatles. There is very little free parking in downtown Liverpool, so be prepared to have some money left over to pay for parking tickets.

Please be prepared to pay for parking tickets.

Are you tired of the busy city streets? Then you should definitely consider heading further north to visit Preston for its tranquil Moor Park and a stunning array of attractions, including Preston Flag Market, Sessions House and the Cenotaph.

For those who want to experience natural landscapes, take their steps toward the National Lake District, which is characterized by breathtaking views not found anywhere else. Tranquil towns, mountain peaks and long bike rides are the area's top attractions.

Darlington, Durham and Newcastle are not to be missed while exploring the northernmost part of England. Each of the towns is car-friendly and has ample parking so you can leave your car behind and explore the sights at your own pace. Another exciting highlight of the region is the famous Hadrian's Wall, a defensive structure that stretches for a total of nearly 120 km.

Located in the foothills of the breathtaking Pennines, Bradford attracts tourists with prominent examples of Victorian buildings such as Bradford Town Hall or Bradford Cathedral. The city's fastest development occurred in the 19th century, when it evolved into a center of textile manufacturing. Once in Bradford, get behind the wheel and discover Saltaire Village, a Victorian model village and UNESCO World Heritage Site that is a perfect example of 19th-century urban planning.

Those interested in religious architecture should not miss Fountains Abbey, one of the best-preserved Cistercian monasteries in the entire country.

Hiring a car in England is a piece of cake, as there are numerous ways to find a rental car in most major English cities. If the first leg of your trip is a flight, renting a car becomes even easier. Usually every international airport has a wide range of car rental companies, often located in one of the main terminals.

If you already have the car of your dreams, buckle up and go ... but first make sure you know and understand all the traffic rules that will ensure you stay safe on the road.

The British are known for many strange habits, including driving on the left side of the road. A novice driver will definitely have a harder time getting used to the new road environment than an old hand. Particular caution is needed when exiting one-way streets and intersections. At a traffic circle, vehicles already in it have priority over those trying to enter traffic.

Every time the vehicle breaks down, the driver must turn on the hazard flashers and place the warning triangle about 50 m from the car on low-traffic roads and about 150 m on all highways.

All passengers in the rear and front seats are required to wear seat belts. Adults must make sure babies's under 14 are buckled in or wearing special child seats.

One thing to keep in mind when driving through England is to avoid lanes reserved for buses and taxis's. These are identified by special road markings and signs where you will find the designated operating time during which the lane may not be used by regular vehicles. As in other European countries, a continuous single line on the road means that overtaking is prohibited on this particular section of road.

Unless the road signs indicate other speed limits, you should drive a maximum of 113 km/h on highways and freeways, 97 km/h (60 mph) on single-lane roads and 48 km/h (30 mph) in built-up areas (30 mph). Note that all English road signs tell you speed limits in miles per hour.

The maximum fine you can receive for exceeding the speed limit is £1,000 with an additional number of penalty points (between 3 and 6). Factors to consider in such situations are previous convictions and the actual speed of the car.

Although British motorists are considered amiable and have a reputation for being good drivers, there are many people who ignore speed limits and travel at over 160 mph to be wary of people.

When driving through England, you should be aware that cameras've been installed at a number of traffic lights across the country. Their purpose is to catch motorists crossing the intersection at a red light. One month after the crime, you may receive a notice asking you to prove that you did not commit the crime. Otherwise, you will face law enforcement.