Atlantic Highway - UK travel guide

Stretching along the rugged coast of south west England, the Atlantic Highway is one of the UK’s most scenic drives.

Following the A39 through the counties of Cornwall and Devon, this route showcases the best the area has to offer with dramatic cliffs, golden beaches, and charming seaside towns.

This UK travel guide gives you all the information you need for your next road trip.

Where is the Atlantic Highway?

The Atlantic Highway travels along the A39 in Devon and Cornwall in south west England. It starts in Barnstaple in North Devon and ends at Newquay in Cornwall.

Named after its views of the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the route passes through a variety of coastal and rural landscapes that are amongst the best the country has to offer.

Especially popular in the summer months, the road has many links to some incredible seafront towns and golden, sandy beaches.

There are also many historic monuments and rolling countryside excursions for people to visit.

Popular towns along the way include Bude, Wadebridge, Padstow, Bideford, and Camelford.

Other destinations include Tintagel, Boscastle, and Port Isaac.

Where does the Atlantic Highway start and finish?

The Atlantic Highway starts in Barnstaple in North Devon and ends in Newquay in Cornwall.

The south west road trip last approximately 70 miles and can take up to two hours to drive.

This can take longer with detours to some of the many landmarks along the way – meaning that it can run for over 100 miles.

Map of the Atlantic Highway

This is the route you will need to take if you wish to drive the Atlantic Highway in south west England:

• South West 660 – UK travel guide
• A guide to driving from Land’s End to John o’Groats
• Top 10 best road trips in the UK

Best places to visit on the Atlantic Highway

Packed with great tourist destinations from start to finish, the Atlantic Highway is a must visit for you and the family.

Here, we have highlighted the top 10 places to visit along the Atlantic Highway:

Bude

One of most photographed and visited parts of the south west, Bude is one of the first major Cornish towns you visit on the route.

Best known for its stunning sandy beaches, it is popular for families and outdoor enthusiast alike.

From the Summerleave Beach to the Bude Canal, there is a lot to see and do in the area. Water sports are complimented by the classic tourist past items of shopping in independent town shops and cafes.

This is a must visit for anyone on the Atlantic Highway.

Tintagel

Perched on Cornwall’s rugged northern coastline, the location is most linked to the legend of King Arthur.

As a result, the village attracts visitors from across the world who want to visit the dramatic ruins of Tintagel Castle, which overlooks the sea.

Beyond its legendary stories, the area offers stunning coastal views, dramatic cliffs, and many famous walking routes.

Boscastle

Another one of the routes picturesque harbourside villages, this one is managed by the National Trust.

Renowned for its natural beaty, as well as its stone cottages and surrounding cliffs, it is regularly visited by those walking the South West Coastal Path.

This location also has many medieval connections for history enthusiasts.

Port Isaac

A traditional fishing village that has been used for several famous TV shows, which includes Doc Martin and Poldark. Its winding narrow streets down to the sea are lined with whitewashed cottages and feature an ancient harbour.

Very picturesque, it also has a loaded history relating to the county’s maritime past. This area is popular with photographers and is a great place to stop on your road trip.

Padstow

Combining its place as an important hub for fishing and a location for many globally respected restaurants, Padstow has something for everyone.

Stunning beaches, outstanding seafood, and a storied past, this is a must visit place.

From taking boat trips from the Camel Estuary to the many walking routes, it a great location to visit year-round.

• Our guide to the UK’s best beaches
• National Parks to visit in the UK – where will you go next?
• Where are the longest roads in the UK?

Wadebridge

Located on the banks of the River Camel, it is the start point for the famous Camel Trail walking route that also follows the former railway line between Padstow and Bodmin.

Like many other places on this list, it also has a great beach, independent shops, and cafes, as well as an amazing history.

It is very popular with tourists, and is a great place to stop and stay on the journey due to its central location along the Atlantic Highway.

Clovelly

Perhaps the most district town or village on this list, Clovelly is built into the steep hillside overlooking the Bristol Channel.

However, for drivers, no vehicles are allowed on its cobbled streets. So, parking nearby and walking in will be required. Visitors can wander the narrow streets, filled with colourful cottages.

Hartland

This peninsula offers one of the most unspoilt areas of natural beauty along the entire route.

With many walking trails that overlook the steep and towering cliff edges, it is a less travelled area – so can be a great escape compared to the popular destinations further south.

The harbour is surrounded by spectacular rock formations, and is popular with wildlife photographers.

It is the most north western part of the Atlantic Highway.

Bideford

Situated on the River Torridge in northern Devon, this historic market port town has a rich tourism and maritime history.

Once one of the UK’s most important trading ports, it is now a hotbed for visitors who want to experience the riverside scenery and history of the area.

The medieval bridge is the central point, and has remained a key landmark for centuries.

Visitors remark on how great the quayside is, as was as its access to other nearby towns and attractions.

Newquay

One of Britain’s most famous seaside resorts, the town of Newquay is known for its surfing and water sport-friendly beaches.

There are also popular zoos and aquariums to visit – and has a wide range of accommodation and entertainment options for all the family.

This is the perfect place to end your Atlantic Highway adventure.