The North West of England is one of the UK’s most scenic regions for spring and Easter bank holiday road trips. Whether you’re planning a long weekend escape, a family drive, or a solo scenic run, these routes from Lake District passes to coastal roads in North Wales, deliver breathtaking views, charming stops and unforgettable experiences.
The Heart of the Lakes
A classic North West road trip starts on the A591 from Kendal to Keswick, offering sweeping views of Windermere and surrounding fells, ideal for a springtime drive with blossoming valleys and clear lake panoramas.
Venture off the main route for quieter lanes along Thirlmere’s western shore — perfect for lakeside picnics on sunny weekends.
Wrynose and Hardknott Pass
Ten or so miles to the west of Ambleside lie two stretches of single track road dubbed the most dangerous roads in England. Wrynose Pass and Hardknott Pass were built by the Romans 2,000 years or so and judging by the condition of the tarmac they haven’t been updated much since then!
However, with an achingly beautiful backdrop of burned orange moorland and ancient craggy hills, these are two roads I strongly recommend driving.
Driving west to east, it’s Wrynose Pass that you encounter first, which is good because it’s the more sedate of the two. Beyond Wrynose is Hardknott, which many claim is the steepest road in the UK, achieving a gradient of one in three!
As steep, single track roads, this trip isn’t one for the faint-hearted or novice driver. However, if you’ve got the skills, the experience is more than worth the clammy hands.
Snake Pass
Snake Pass is probably one of my more recognisable suggestions and is usually pretty busy during the dry summer months.
Running between Manchester and Sheffield through the wonderful Peak District, this 40-mile trip should take about an hour and a half. However, the real fun only starts when you pass Glossop and turn right onto Snake Road.
It’s a perfect pick for a spring drive through the Peak District, with stops around Ladybower Reservoir for walks, photos or a café break on clear bank holiday mornings.
The Ladybower Reservoir is another highlight of the road trip where you climb an astonishing 1,650 feet before descending back down.
Penrith to Alston
Named as ‘One of the Greatest Drives in Britain’ by the AA, I simply had to include this short 20-mile trip on the list. The Penrith to Alston route blends peaceful Cumbrian farmland with the wild beauty of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
After leaving Penrith, head northeast through picturesque villages of Langwathby and Melmerby then climb up into the sensational Pennies far above.
It’s especially appealing for a half‑day Easter break drive with charming villages and rolling hillsides.
North Wales Coast
Extending west from Chester to the North Wales coast, this drive is perfect for a longer bank holiday adventure.
After leaving Chester, head northwest until you spot the coast then keep the water on your right and drive for as far as you want. This road trip is quite different to the isolated routes mentioned above, running through quaint seaside towns but it’s equally as fun!
My personal highlights are the Menai Suspension Bridge and the sheer sea cliffs at Gogarth.