If there’s one road trip that captures the wild beauty of England’s southwest, it’s the Atlantic Highway (A39). Stretching along dramatic cliffs, golden beaches and charming fishing villages, this unforgettable journey combines breath taking coastal scenery with legendary surf spots, medieval history and some of the finest seafood in the country.
The Ultimate Coastal Drive Through Devon & Cornwall
From the rugged cliffs of Boscastle and the myths of Tintagel to the bustling harbour of Padstow and the surf capital of Newquay, every stop offers something completely different. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a leisurely week-long adventure, this is one of Britain’s greatest road trips.
🗺️ Interactive Route Map
Explore the full route below, zoom in on key landmarks and plan your adventure before setting off.
Places to stay near Bude
📍 🌊🚗 Atlantic Highway (A39) Route Overview
A). Bude
B). Boscastle
C). Tintagel
D). Padstow
E). Newquay
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🌟 Route Breakdown
A). Bude
Your adventure begins in the vibrant seaside town of Bude, where long sandy beaches meet dramatic cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean stretches to the horizon.
What to look out for
- Bude Sea Pool
- Summerleaze Beach
- Canal walks
- Crooklets Beach
- Spectacular cliff-top sunsets
Don’t miss: A morning coffee overlooking the beach before setting off.
B). Boscastle
One of Cornwall’s prettiest villages, Boscastle sits within a steep-sided natural harbour surrounded by towering cliffs and coastal paths.
What to look out for
- Boscastle Harbour
- South West Coast Path
- Witchcraft Museum
- Riverside cafés
- Dramatic coastal scenery
Hidden gem: Walk out to the harbour wall for incredible views back towards the village.
C). Tintagel
Perhaps Cornwall’s most famous destination, Tintagel combines breathtaking scenery with Arthurian legend.
What to look out for
- Tintagel Castle
- Tintagel Footbridge
- Merlin’s Cave
- Rugged sea stacks
- Historic village centre
Highlight: Crossing the spectacular footbridge suspended high above the sea.
D). Padstow
A bustling harbour town famous for seafood, independent shops and picturesque streets.
What to look out for
- Padstow Harbour
- Camel Trail
- Rick Stein restaurants
- Working fishing boats
- Boutique shops
Perfect stop: Enjoy fish and chips while watching the boats come and go.
E). Newquay
Finish your journey in Britain’s surfing capital, where huge beaches and lively coastal atmosphere create the perfect ending.
What to look out for
- Fistral Beach
- Watergate Bay
- Newquay Harbour
- Towan Beach
- Coastal viewpoints
Must do: Watch the surfers at sunset from the cliffs above Fistral Beach.
⭐ Highlights Along the Route
🌊 Spectacular Atlantic coastline
🏰 Tintagel Castle and Arthurian legends
🏄 World-famous surfing beaches
⚓ Historic fishing harbours
🐟 Fresh Cornish seafood
🥾 South West Coast Path viewpoints
📸 Endless photography opportunities
🌅 Some of England’s finest sunsets
📏 Distance & Duration
Distance: Approximately 120 miles
Recommended Duration: 2–4 days
Driving Time: Around 3.5–4 hours without stops
Realistically, you’ll want several days to fully appreciate the beaches, villages and coastal walks.
🏖️ Best Places to Stay Along the Route
Break your journey with overnight stays in:
- Bude – Ideal for beaches and surfing
- Boscastle – Perfect for a peaceful coastal escape
- Tintagel – Great for history lovers
- Padstow – Fantastic food scene and harbour views
- Newquay – Lively atmosphere with accommodation for every budget
🍽️ Food & Drink Highlights
- Fresh seafood in Padstow
- Traditional Cornish pasties
- Harbour cafés in Boscastle
- Beachfront restaurants in Newquay
- Cream teas in Tintagel and Bude
🎒 Top Tips
- Travel outside school holidays for quieter roads.
- Allow extra time—you’ll want to stop constantly for photos.
- Pack walking shoes for the South West Coast Path.
- Book accommodation well in advance during summer.
- Keep an eye on tide times if visiting beaches and Merlin’s Cave.
- Take a waterproof jacket—the Atlantic weather changes quickly.
💙 Why This Road Trip Is So Special
The Atlantic Highway isn’t just a road—it’s a journey through some of England’s most spectacular coastal scenery. One moment you’re standing on windswept cliffs, the next you’re wandering medieval streets or relaxing on a golden beach with an ice cream in hand.
Every stop feels unique, and every mile offers another reason to pull over and admire the view. It’s the perfect blend of adventure, history, food and breathtaking landscapes.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Atlantic Highway Road Trip worth it?
Without question. Combining wild Atlantic scenery, iconic Cornish landmarks, historic villages, incredible beaches and unforgettable coastal drives, the Atlantic Highway is one of the finest road trips anywhere in the UK and deserves a place on every travel bucket list.
Is the Atlantic Highway Road Trip family friendly?
Absolutely. With beaches, castles, coastal walks, wildlife and charming villages, it’s an excellent adventure for families of all ages.
What are the highlights of the Atlantic Highway?
Top highlights include Bude Sea Pool, Boscastle Harbour, Tintagel Castle, Merlin’s Cave, Padstow Harbour and Fistral Beach in Newquay.
What is the best time of year to drive the Atlantic Highway?
Late spring and early autumn offer warm weather, quieter roads and beautiful coastal scenery. Summer is fantastic but can be busy.
Is the Atlantic Highway suitable for motorhomes and campervans?
Yes. The route is popular with campervans and motorhomes, although some village streets can be narrow. Planning overnight stops in advance is recommended during peak season.
What is the Atlantic Highway famous for?
The Atlantic Highway is famous for its dramatic coastal scenery, picturesque fishing villages, surfing beaches and spectacular driving roads through Devon and Cornwall
How long does the Atlantic Highway Road Trip take?
The route can be driven in around 4 hours, but to experience the beaches, villages and attractions properly, allow 2–4 days.
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