Your privacy is as important to us as your safety on the road
To provide you with the best online experience, Kwik Fit and our partners use technologies such as cookies to store local information on your device. Consenting to our recommended technologies allows us and our partners to process data such as your browsing behaviour or individual identifiers on this website.
Click the green button below to consent with our recommended settings or you may switch the performance and targeting categories on or off individually, then save your settings. You can freely update your choices at any time and view the full list of cookies that may be placed by clicking the Cookies link in the footer of every page of our website.
London is a fantastic city to live in, with bars, cultural institutions, and amazing parks, there’s enough to keep everyone busy. However, sometimes the best way to unwind is by hitting the open road for a new adventure. Fortunately, London is ideally situated for this, with several Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and some of the country's most beautiful coastlines just an hour or two away. Whether you're coasting past beaches or winding through hills, there are countless scenic drives and exciting stops along the way.
Read on to find out more about our favourite scenic drives that you can do from London
Chiltern Hills
The Chiltern Hills, located to the northwest of London, is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that spans 660 square miles. It offers stunning scenery, quirky pubs, and fantastic walks. Just over an hour from the capital, there’s plenty to do and see, making it the perfect destination for a long scenic drive.
Aylesbury to Henley-on-Thames
A journey from Aylesbury to Henley-on-Thames cuts through the Chilterns north to south perfectly. Starting on the A418, take the A329 southbound towards Thame. Continue on the B480 through Watlington, and then follow signs for Henley-on-Thames. After the beautiful views of the Chilterns, a walk along the stretch of the Thames that the iconic regatta takes place on is a must.
Hambledon via Wendover
Hambledon is famous for being a backdrop for a number of films and TV shows, ranging from Band of Brothers, Sleepy Hollow, and even Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Take the A40 out of London, then the M40 to exit 4. Continue on the A4010 through High Wycombe, and then take the B4009 towards Wendover. Follow signs to Hambleden.
Kentish Coast
Sandy beaches, historic towns, and dramatic cliffs. The Kentish Coast is an ideal place for a drive this summer, with plenty of places to stop off for an ice cream or for a quick paddle in the sea.
Whitstable to Margate
Coast along the A229 between these two seaside gems and stop off at any one of the fantastic beaches or classic seaside towns. Go for a stroll at Reculver and see the fascinating towers, play the arcades at Margate’s amusements, or go just beyond to Botany Bay and sunbathe next to the amazing chalk stacks. There’s also a great pub at the top of the hill to keep you fuelled on your adventures.
Surrey Hills
Another Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Surrey Hills, are known for their amazing downs and woodlands. There’s plenty to do and explore in this AONB, and at just over an hour from London, it’s a perfect destination for daytrippers.
London To Newlands Corner via Dorking
Take the A3 out of London, exiting onto the A25 towards Dorking, a pretty little market town, and well worth a wander round its boutiques, galleries, and coffee shops. Continue on the A25 to Newlands Corner, a nature reserve with some of the best views stretching over the Surrey Hills.
Leith Hill
Starting in Dorking, take the A25 like above, but this time turn onto Hollow Lane after just over 3 miles. Continue north on Leith Hill road, and then there’s a car park on your right. It is easy to miss, so be sure to keep an eye out. The woodland walk takes you to the highest point in Surrey at 294 metres!
Road Trip General Tips
Before you head out on your next adventure, it’s important to make sure that your vehicle is in working order, as well as knowing where your nearest, local Kwik Fit centre is.
Here are a few tips to help your next drive feel like plain sailing.
Tyre Health: Make sure you have enough tread and have the right pressure
Check your Fluids: Oil, coolant, and windshield washers should be topped up if needed
Emergency Kit: It’s sensible to carry a high-vis, a first-aid kit, and a warning triangle or cone.
With so many amazing areas so close to London, there’s sure to be a scenic drive for every one. Whether you’re after an active day in the hills, with unbeatable views over a dynamic landscape, or just want to relax by the coast, ice cream in hand and feet in the sea, there’re plenty of options easily accessible from the capital.
Your local vehicle maintenance experts
Wherever you end up going, make sure your car is ready to take you there with Kwik Fit. From regular services to recharging air conditioning, the experts at your local Kwik Fit are always ready to help. Simply get in touch with our friendly team today.
Want to know why ADAS calibration is important for vehicle safety & performance? Read our blog to learn more about the impacts of not calibrating your ADAS.
Your tyre size can be found on the sidewall of your current tyre and is a sequence of numbers and letters. The most common tyre size in the UK is 205/55R16 but there are many variations so it’s important to check your existing tyre first before searching for tyres.
Tip: Take a photo of your existing tyre sidewall to make it easier to identify your tyre size using the guide below.
The first three digits. This displays the width of the tyre in millimetres. A tyre marked 225 will measure 225mm across the tread from sidewall to sidewall.
Aspect Ratio
The fourth and fifth digits of the tyre code that immediately follow the tyre width. The aspect ratio or profile height of the tyre sidewall is expressed as a percentage of the tyre width. So an aspect ratio of 55 for example means that the profile height of the tyre is 55% of its width.
Rim Diameter
The next two digits represent the size of the wheel rim that the tyre can be fitted to. It is also the diameter of the tyre from bead to bead. So a tyre marked 16 will fit on a 16-inch wheel rim.
Speed Rating
The speed rating of a tyre is represented by a letter of the alphabet at the end of the tyre size code and indicates the maximum speed capability of the tyre. Tyres receive a speed rating based on a series of tests which measure the tyres capability to handle a set speed for a prolonged period of time.
Select your tyre speed rating to find out the maximum speed your tyres can maintain.
If you are unsure what speed rating you need, be sure to check your vehicle handbook. Choosing a lower speed rating than that recommended by your vehicle manufacturer could potentially invalidate your insurance.
Load Rating
The load index provides information on the maximum weight capability for the tyre. The load index is a numerical code that can be located just after the tyre size marking and before the speed rating.
Select your load index to find out the maximum load capability for your tyres.
Although not illegal, it is not advisable to have tyres with a lower speed rating or load index than the manufacturer recommended tyre specification for your vehicle, or to have a combination of different tyre construction types. Consult your vehicle handbook to confirm your vehicle’s tyre speed rating and load index as well as any additional requirements.
Contact our team for help and advice with a new or existing booking. We’ll help direct your enquiry to the appropriate department.
{MODALTITLE}
{MODALBODY}
{MODALTITLE}
{MODALBODY}
{MODALTITLE}
{MODALBODY}
Select Tyre Size
Front Tyre Size
Rear Tyre Size
We endeavour to ensure we are displaying the correct tyres for your vehicle. However, we recommend all customers check the tyre size printed on the side wall of their tyres before proceeding with a tyre purchase as occasionally discrepancies do occur. By selecting the tyre sizes above and clicking 'Continue', you are indicating that you have checked your tyre sizes.
Please select your front and rear tyre size before clicking 'Continue'.
We have identified the tyre size(s) that may fit your {VEHICLE}. Please select your front tyre size and rear tyre size below before clicking 'Continue'.
Filter Your Results
You have selected:
To continue with your booking, please select your appointment time from the list below.
Please note: There is a slope that the vehicle must be driven up to reach the vehicle ramp at this centre. This may prevent us from being able to work on some high-performance vehicles, Tesla vehicles or vehicles that have been lowered. If your vehicle has low ground clearance, please contact the centre team on 01342 314 111 before booking.
Appointment time:
This is the only appointment time available on this day. To continue with your booking, please select "Reserve Your Appointment" below.
Please note:
If you selected an appointment on a Bank Holiday Monday, please bring your car to the centre at 10:00am rather than the time shown below.
