Gear up for the UK's most scenic driving routes
The sultry days and shorter nights make ideal conditions for taking to the nation's roads with the windows rolled down. Let your car do the hard work up to vertiginous heights on some spectacular panoramic drives in the wild outdoors. Take a friend to share the driving and keep your eyes peeled for looking-glass lakes, thistle-coated moors, sheer cliff drops and dragon-back islets. Each of these backroad adventures takes about an hour, with picnic spots en route and restful stays at the end.
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The roads along Scotland's west coast undulate and twist, providing different framings at every turn. The best is along the coast of the Applecross peninsula, looking across to the Isle of Skye, where the Cuillins are etched out on the horizon. If you're brave, tackle the Bealach na Ba, the Applecross pass, one of the steepest roads in the UK, with stupendous views but tortuous hairpin bends. The 60-minute drive is the most dramatic part of the North Coast 500 and ends at the popular Applecross Inn, right on the waterfront.Details B&B doubles from £160 (applecrossinn.co.uk)
• A UK heatwave is coming — here's where to make a weekend of it
The glory of this 45-minute route, which reaches over to the western edge of the Lakes, is that it gets less busy the further you go, and topping the Honister pass will give you a full blast of a setting sun on the other side. There's plenty of waterside action, first along Derwentwater and Borrowdale's lazy lanes. The pass itself is surprisingly bleak and wild, before descending to the fellwalker Alfred Wainwright's favourite slice of lakeland, by Buttermere and Crummock Water. Honister's Via Ferrata allows thrill-seekers to scramble across the crag while harnessed to a safety cable (£65; honister.com). End up at the Kirkstile Inn, a traditional hostelry where hikers dry their feet by the fireside.Details B&B doubles from £145 (kirkstile.com)
• 9 of the best places to visit in the Lake District• 33 of the best hotels in the Lake District
Set out from Hay after a browse around the bookshops and head towards Gospel Pass, the highest road pass in Wales. Hay Bluff and Offa's Dyke are up to your left, and border country and the meandering Wye opens out beneath you. Then drop down the other side into the remote Vale of Ewyas, a magical valley rich in birdsong (and free of mobile phone signal), to the ruins of 12th-century Llanthony Priory, just as compelling as Tintern but far less busy. The poet Walter Savage Landor built the house in the ruins that is now a tiny hotel and awaits at the end your 40-minute pootle. Details B&B doubles from £140 (llanthonypriory.co.uk)
The A39 runs through the hills of Exmoor National Park. Views to one side are of the Bristol Channel, picking out the superstructure of ships heading to Avonmouth; the other is across the moorland, where wild ponies graze. Factor in a stop off at the County Gate car park on the 30-minute journey to gaze down into the deep winding valley of the Lyn River, then try not to be distracted by the view on the long and steep descent down Countisbury Hill. Stay right on the quayside in Lynmouth at the Rising Sun and ride the unique water-powered cliff railway up to the sister resort of Lynton (£4; cliffrailwaylynton.co.uk).Details B&B doubles from £120 (risingsunlynmouth.co.uk)
• 15 of the most beautiful places in England
The rawboned uplands of the Peaks feel like an ambush as you emerge from Sheffield's Ringinglow Road, and suddenly you're sliding down past the harsh grimace of Stanage Edge, a magnet for rock climbers. The sleepy village of Hathersage in the valley below provides welcome sanctuary, as does the spa town of Buxton, a less stuffy version of Bath complete with Georgian crescent and thermal spa. From here it is a short climb over and down the sinuous Cat and Fiddle road (named after an inn at the top) for the last stretch of this 90-minute drive, through bleak moorland, or take a longer route past Shutlingsloe on the A54. Stay in Bakewell's Rutland Arms, to be within easy driving distance of both opera (buxtonoperahouse.org.uk) and Bakewell tarts (bakewellpuddingshop.co.uk).Details B&B doubles from £108 (rutlandarmsbakewell.co.uk)
The A3055 between Chale and Freshwater Bay is on the Isle of Wight's western coast. This 16-mile road was originally a link between forts and barracks, with no public access until the 1930s. Since then it has regularly been re-routed, thanks to the Atlantic's winter pummellings. On a calm day, however, it is an exhilarating 30-minute drive. White cliffs reflect the sun's colours, particularly at sunset, and there are a couple of swooping ricochet bends just before the sanctuary of Freshwater Bay. Switch your engine off at the end to gaze out at the famous Needles (nationaltrust.org.uk), or for a close-up take the chairlift down to Alum Bay (£6; theneedles.co.uk). Stay in the popular George right by the harbour in nearby Yarmouth. Details B&B doubles from £125 (thegeorge.co.uk)
Starting at the seaside resort of Whitby, head up onto the moorland at Castleton and then descend into the peaceful Rosedale Valley. Turn right onto the A170 into Helmsley, with its 12th-century castle and former coaching inns. Keep going west until you reach Sutton Bank after 90 minutes, on the moor's west-facing escarpment. James Herriot described the outlook here, with the Dales in the distance and the Vale of Mowbray spread out like a tablecloth below, as 'the finest view in England'. Afterwards, retreat to Helmsley for a pint in the wood-panelled Black Swan. Hangovers can be assuaged the next day by a walk along the Cleveland Way (nationaltrail.co.uk).Details B&B doubles from £110 (inncollectiongroup.com)
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Gear up for the UK's most scenic driving routes
The sultry days and shorter nights make ideal conditions for taking to the nation's roads with the windows rolled down. Let your car do the hard work up to vertiginous heights on some spectacular panoramic drives in the wild outdoors. Take a friend to share the driving and keep your eyes peeled for looking-glass lakes, thistle-coated moors, sheer cliff drops and dragon-back islets. Each of these backroad adventures takes about an hour, with picnic spots en route and restful stays at the end. This article contains affiliate links, which can earn us revenue The roads along Scotland's west coast undulate and twist, providing different framings at every turn. The best is along the coast of the Applecross peninsula, looking across to the Isle of Skye, where the Cuillins are etched out on the horizon. If you're brave, tackle the Bealach na Ba, the Applecross pass, one of the steepest roads in the UK, with stupendous views but tortuous hairpin bends. 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White cliffs reflect the sun's colours, particularly at sunset, and there are a couple of swooping ricochet bends just before the sanctuary of Freshwater Bay. Switch your engine off at the end to gaze out at the famous Needles ( or for a close-up take the chairlift down to Alum Bay (£6; Stay in the popular George right by the harbour in nearby Yarmouth. Details B&B doubles from £125 ( Starting at the seaside resort of Whitby, head up onto the moorland at Castleton and then descend into the peaceful Rosedale Valley. Turn right onto the A170 into Helmsley, with its 12th-century castle and former coaching inns. Keep going west until you reach Sutton Bank after 90 minutes, on the moor's west-facing escarpment. James Herriot described the outlook here, with the Dales in the distance and the Vale of Mowbray spread out like a tablecloth below, as 'the finest view in England'. Afterwards, retreat to Helmsley for a pint in the wood-panelled Black Swan. Hangovers can be assuaged the next day by a walk along the Cleveland Way ( B&B doubles from £110 ( Have we missed any? Share your suggestions in the comments
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Museums. Famous galleries of art. On every bucket list they're not just 'should-sees', but 'must-sees' for the fascination, frisson or challenge to perceptions they can spark. In cities like Edinburgh there are many museums and galleries to see (and a lot of people seeing them), so to help avoid cultural indigestion, sore feet or selfie-rage, it helps to know what's out there. We've selected our favourites – not just the big hitters but also the specialist, the unusual and the off-piste as well; because you never know what will float your boat. All our recommendations below have been hand selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best museums in Edinburgh. Find out more below, and see our guides to the city's best hotels, restaurants and cafes, nightlife, pubs and bars, shopping, things to do and things to do for free. Find a museum by type: Best for history National Museum of Scotland The beloved atrium fish ponds may have gone, but the 2008 reimagining of what can only be described as a cleverly organised kaleidoscope of objects representing science and nature, culture, design and technology: in short, all the wonders of the world. From Dolly the Sheep (stuffed) to the lovable Lewis Chessmen; from fashion to flight; be prepared to lose hours wallowing in wonder. Happily there are three cafés and a roof terrace with views, too. Insider tip: Don't try to see it all at the National Museum of Scotland (you couldn't) and don't plan; just go with the flow. Surgeons' Hall Museums In a city famous for Burke and Hare – the body snatching murderers who sold corpses to the university medical school – it seems somehow appropriate to have this grim yet unnervingly fascinating exhibit displayed in a beautiful William Playfair building. Reflecting 300 years of medical development from the early days of surgery to the development of dentistry you will leave filled with gratitude both for the early pioneers and the man who invented ether. Insider tip: You can also visit the Anatomical Museum in the Bisto Square university buildings. Area: Old Town Public transport: There are buses to the Surgeons' Hall stops. Website: The People's Story Museum Edinburgh has a wealth of first-class museums and galleries, but this little museum will help you truly understand the city through the people who built it, lived and worked in it. A compelling collection of images, objects and recreations from the 18th to early 20th centuries it's not only educational and enlightening, but is housed in the Old Tollbooth, one of the most attractive and oldest buildings on the Canongate, built in 1591. Insider tip: Combine your visit with the Museum of Edinburgh a few steps along the Canongate to see decorative Scottish arts and crafts from the 17th and 18th centuries The People's Story Museum in another splendid historic building. Museum on the Mound A museum about money is a niche interest, but it's worth seeing this commanding building, overlooking the New Town in a lordly fashion. You'll discover what the oldest banknote in Scotland looks like (in case you run across one in your change) and it's a great way to illustrate to your children how 'many a mickle makes a muckle'. You'll also be able to say you saw a million in cash before cash disappears forever. Insider tip: Pay attention during the information on cracking a safe; you never know when it might come in handy. Area: Old Town Public transport: Take the tram to Princes Street stop or buses to Princes Street/Scott Monument stops, then walk ten minutes. Website: The Georgian House It would be a shame to visit Edinburgh and leave without an idea of what it looked like behind those elegant fanlights, wrought iron balconies, classical pediments and show-off Greek columns. The Georgian House is run by the National Trust for Scotland, so you will be able to step into a world recreated in impressive detail, both upstairs and down, from the glorious paintings by Allan Ramsay and Henry Raeburn to a poem on the side of a posh china chamberpot. Insider tip: For a contrasting view of life in the Old Town, visit Gladstone's Land in the Lawnmarket (they sell good ice cream, too). The Writers' Museum You may be drawn here just because it is the most striking building in the Old Town, but The Writers' Museum in Edinburgh is worth a proper visit. The museum is free, and the collected objects from the lives of Sir Walter Scott, Robert Louis Stevenson and Robert Burns (both child and man; public and private) form an intimate picture not just of three writers, but of the nation they helped shape. Also be sure to look for Scott's rocking horse. Insider tip: Arrive first thing; it's small inside so gets easily crowded. Area: Old Town Public transport: Take the tram to Princes Street stop or bus to Princes Street/Scott Monument stops, then walk ten minutes up The Mound. Website: Best for art Modern One and Two Modern One and Two run by the National Galleries of Scotland and The Royal Scottish Academy was always going to be high on any art-lover's list, but give both these two remarkable 19th-century galleries a look. Set in a peaceful green setting above the Water of Leith you'll find outdoor sculptures by Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore and a Charles Jencks landform, as well as remarkable collections and exhibitions. Both have attractive cafés with sunny garden seating at Modern One. Insider tip: Don't miss the recreation of sculptor Eduardo Paolozzi's studio in Modern 2. Both adults and children find it equally fascinating. City Art Centre With five national galleries of art in Edinburgh it's easy to overlook this smaller, city council run gallery, but you're missing out if you don't have a look at City Art Centre. With more than 4,500 works in its care, the collection includes drawings, prints, photographs and paintings by Scottish artists ranging from Allan Ramsay and Sir Henry Raeburn to Joan Eardley and John Ballany to William McTaggart and the Scottish Colourists. A quiet feast for curious eyes. Insider tip: Dip into the Fruitmarket Gallery across the street for contemporary art, an eclectic bookshop and great café. Area: Old Town Public transport: Take the tram to Princes Street stop or buses to Princes Street/Scott Monument stops. Website: Best for families Museum of Childhood It's the first museum of its kind in the world, but it's not just children who will be fascinated by 200 years of toys, games, books, bikes, books and all other things of childish delight. From a Queen Anne doll (circa 1740) to Buzz Lightyear, there's delight in both the everyday and the extraordinary. There's a play area and space for dressing-up, too (and yes, adults can play along). Insider tip: Children tired and emotional? Take them across the Canongate to Clarinda's Tearoom for scones, cake and doilies. Jupiter Artland Experiencing art outdoors is always going to be a bit different, not least in how you use all your senses – including your sense of humour. Here, at Jupiter Artland, you 'discover' art by wandering through a wooded estate on the outskirts of Edinburgh. You can also actively participate in artworks by swimming in Charles Jencks' 'Wells of Life' land sculpture or Joanna Vasconcelos' Gateway pool. Hours will slip away, but there is a good café where you can re-fuel. Insider tip: This is a great way for children to learn about art; check the website before visiting for special activities and book swimming experiences. Area: Out of town Public transport: Take the X27 Lothian Country bus to Coxydene/Jupiter Artland stops. Website: How we choose Every attraction and activity in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from world-class museums to family-friendly theme parks – to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations. About our expert Somewhere between New Town ladette and Old Town doyenne, Linda has a passion for Tunnock's teacakes and a Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde personality, making Edinburgh her perfect city.
