How to Find a Scenic Drive From London to Wales

These directions start from Madame Tussauds, a famous wax museum and tourist attraction opened on Baker Street in 1835. The scenic drive takes you to Wales' capital city of Cardiff, 175 miles west of London. It was important as a primary port for the transport of coal following the arrival of industry in the region, but is now a major center of culture and sports. Roads with a prefix of A are good roads to take. The roads with a prefix of B are smaller and less frequented.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Road atlas
• Full valid driving license, with a paper counterpart if you have a photocard license
• Original vehicle registration document
• Motor insurance certificate

1. Start from Madame Tussauds and drive west on the A501 towards Paddington. Take the A40 and then the A413 towards Amersham.
2. Follow signs for Aylesbury and take the A4010. Enter Princes Risborough, a beautiful Buckinghamshire town, featured frequently in films and television programs.
3. Take the A4129 as far as Thame, another unique Buckinghamshire village, where you drive onto the A418.
4. Merge onto the A40 and drive towards Burford, a picturesque fifteenth century town. Then take the A417, signposted to Gloucester (pronounced Gloster), and merge back onto the A40.
5. Enjoy the South Wales countryside. Keep on the A40 towards Monmouth through Newport.
6. Drive through Newport on the B4237, following signs to Cardiff.
7. Enter Cardiff on the A48.

Tips & Warnings

• This is quite a complicated route, but it is worth the effort, as the countryside you pass through is beautiful.
• When you reach Wales, you'll see most of the road signs are in both Welsh and English. This can be surprising to tourists.
• There are Web sites that give the quickest routes using the extensive network of motorways, but the most scenic parts of Britain are not on motorways.
• Always use your mobile phone safely and park legally before dialing.
• There is a congestion charge for driving in Central London. The charge is an area license, and vehicles used in the central area zone must be registered. You pay a charge for the day and can cross into and out of the zone as often as you want during the day. This zone does not operate on weekends.
• If you drink, don't drive. Laws are strict and the penalties are severe.