Exclusive: The UK's Most Beautiful Road Trip Revealed - Not in Scotland
Let's be honest: driving is often a tedious affair. No one gets excited about navigating the M25 or enduring traffic jams on local A-roads. However, there are rare moments when the motoring gods align, clearing the traffic, bringing out the sun, and unveiling a stretch of gorgeous landscape ahead.
A Scenic Alternative to the Motorway
In March, I picked up a rental car in Belfast and inquired with a staff member about the best route to Derry. "You can either take the motorway straight there, which takes just over an hour, or opt for the scenic route, though that takes about twice as long," he advised. After a brief trial of the grim and overwhelming M2, I turned off toward the coast, deciding to take my time. I was very glad I did.
The 120-mile-long Causeway Coastal Route runs north from Belfast through Newtonabbey and up to Larne, weaving through small villages and hamlets before reaching the charming seaside village of Ballycastle. From there, you're just a stone's throw away from the familiar basalt towers of the Giant's Causeway.
Must-See Stops Along the Way
There are plenty of other spots along the road to Derry that are well worth a stop. Among them is Cranny Falls waterfall and locations borrowed by Game of Thrones, such as Mountain, Downhill Beach, Portstewart Strand, The Dark Hedges, Ballintoy Harbour, Murlough Bay, and the Cushendun Caves.
If the tourist-laden, sea-whipped path down to the Causeway isn't your cup of tea, then Whitepark Bay may be. The beach is undeniably one of the most beautiful in the country. Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Fanad Lighthouse, and Ireland's most northerly point at Malin Head aren't too awful as destinations go.
The True Joy of the Journey
The true joy of this road comes not from stopping, but from slowly winding your way along a route that was built by William Bald in the 1800s to replace the Old Irish Highway. I found myself being pulled up the road's many hills by a little tug of anticipation as to what lies beyond the blind summits.
It could be one of the historic castles, churches, and forts that sprinkle the coastline; a typically emerald-green hillside of sheep; an avenue of gnarled trees; or a breathtaking view of the Atlantic. And it's not just me who has been lured in by this journey.
Global Acclaim for the Antrim Coastline
The Antrim coastline was chosen among the world's 16 best, alongside Big Sur in California and the Garden Route in South Africa, by CNN back in 2019. Additionally, the county was included on a shortlist of the best places to go in 2026, compiled by CNTraveller. This recognition underscores the route's appeal as a premier travel destination, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
