Whenever research is carried out to find out the UK's best drives, the North East always features highly. Just recently a 98-mile trip through Northumberland was named one of the most beautiful in the whole of the country.
The route took researchers from Berwick-upon-Tweed to the Kielderhead Nature Reserve via the Northumberland Coast, taking in such well known beauty spots as Lindisfarne and Holy Island, Bamburgh Castle, Druridge Bay Nature Reserve, Alnwick Castle and Hindhope Linn.
For our report we have kept the drives a bit shorter, and covering the whole of the North East, from Northumberland down to County Durham and North Yorkshire
Read more: Northumberland route named one of UK's most beautiful drives
First up is the short route from Alnwick Castle to Bamburgh. In just 18 miles you experience history, beautiful beaches, picturesque fishing villages and out to sea you can catch a glimpse of the Farne Islands. Your journey begins and ends within sight of an historic castle, Alnwick and then Bamburgh, which has featured in everything from TV's the Last Kingdom to the Hollywood films Elizabeth and of course Robin of Sherwood.
Then there's Alnwick to Rothbury on the B6341. This 12 mile route is one of the most picturesque journeys starts on the moors above Redesdale and soon enters the Northumberland National Park crossing streams and stunning countryside.
After leaving Alnwick the road goes up and when you reach the top of the hill it is worth finding a suitable place to stop to take in the view of the Northumberland coastline and the Farne Islands as well as the Cheviot Hills.
On the route you can catch a glimpse of the Victorian railway viaduct at Edlingham, beyond which is Edlingham Castle while towards the end of the route you pass Cragside.
Described in 1880 as 'a palace of the modern magician', Cragside House, Gardens and Woodland was the family home of Lord Armstrong, Victorian inventor and industrialist.
The Alnmouth to Holy Island drive is a meandering routes of around 30 miles, this route starts on the A1068 but largely continues on B roads - the B1339, B1340 and B1342 - for most of its length. The only thing between you and the North Sea is a wide strip of grassy dunes and sandy beaches, once the landing point for raiding Viking longships.
Starting at Alnmouth, work your way northwards passing Boulmer, Dunstanburgh Castle, Beadnell, Seahouses and Bamburgh, before the last stretch back on the A1 to get you to Holy Island, home of a medieval monastery and 16th-century castle. Remember, Be sure to check the tides to plan your drive back – the causeway can disappear unnervingly quickly.
Straying a bit from our normal patch, but Thwaite to Hawes in North Yorkshire is well worth a try if you're in the area, not least because it takes you over Buttertubs Pass. It came to international prominence in 2014 when it was the first stage of the Tour de France which started that year in England, providing many an eye catching photograph.
Former Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson, no less, has described it as “England’s only truly spectacular road” - and for good reason. This drive lasts last just over five miles on a C road yet over that brief stretch it boasts all the requirement of a great driving experience. You’ve quite sharp climbs, quick descents, scary sharp corners and spectacular scenery.
The A686 from Haydon Bridge in Northumberland to Penrith, Cumbria route has won its fair share of accolades with its beautiful scenery and epic views for the rubberneckers. There’s a mixture of tree lined sections and long sweeping roads for those who don’t like to go on auto pilot when driving.
It is about 45 miles in length and takes a good hour and ten minutes to complete so it’s a route designed for those who have time on their hands. To reach it from Newcastle you travel west on the A69 and as you approach Haydon Bridge take the left turn onto the A696.
There are a number of places of interest as you hit the Allen Valleys, an Outstanding Area of Natural Beauty in the The North Pennines. The surrounding fells and heather moors are home to rare birds including black grouse, flowers and wildlife.
Darlington Brick Train to Great Ayton is a drive that will take you past a number of local landmarks including Roseberry Topping and Captain Cook’s monument. Journeying 30 miles, stunning greenery and sweet market towns provide a scenic backdrop to the ride.
You begin at Darlington Brick Train, a brick sculpture located on the outskirts of Darlington. They will then venture on via Roseberry Topping, one of North Yorkshire’s most distinctive hills situated near Great Ayton. Clamber to the top and take in the views from the hill’s jutting cliff edge.
Alternatively, soak up some history at former Whitby merchant sailor Captain Cook’s monument also located in Great Ayton.
The Durham Dales route from the centre of Durham to Middleton-in-Teesdale, is popular with hikers and cyclists, but also offers plenty of roads to drive along boasting impressive views. Part of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the vast stretch of landscape is located in the west of County Durham which has deep valleys, rolling hills and plenty of wildlife.
The Durham Heritage Coast is more a walking route but the coastal views can also be indulged in from the comfort of your car. Starting in Horden, drivers can journey along a series of roads to the seaside town of Seaham, with plenty of car parks en route to stop off in and breathe in the fresh sea air. Alternatively, park up your car and pull on your hiking boots to take in the experience by foot.
The drive itself is, of course, shorter than the walk taking roughly around 20 minutes to get from Horden to Seaham.
