Watch Britain's Best Drives

Name: Britain's Best Drives
Genre: Documentary & Biography
Released: 2009-02-19
Cast: Richard Wilson

2009
1 Season
7.2 (26)

Britain's Best Drives is a BBC Studios produced television show that follows actor Richard Wilson as he travels around Great Britain exploring some of the most scenic and historic driving routes. The show was first aired in 2009 and is known for its informative narration and stunning cinematography.

Throughout the series, Richard Wilson drives through some of the most picturesque regions in the UK, taking viewers on a journey through the country's rich history and culture. From the Scottish Highlands to the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, Wilson uncovers hidden gems and explores lesser-known roads, revealing some of the country's best-kept secrets.

Each episode of the show is devoted to a different region or route, with Wilson providing a detailed commentary on the history and culture of the area as he drives. The series is aimed at car enthusiasts and history buffs alike, with Wilson paying particular attention to the classic cars that he drives through the countryside.

One of the most popular episodes of the show sees Wilson driving through the Yorkshire Dales, admiring the stunning landscape that inspired writers such as the Bronte sisters. As he drives along winding roads and through charming villages, Wilson provides insights into the region's industrial heritage and rich cultural history.

Another episode takes viewers on a tour through the Lake District, with Wilson exploring the stunning natural beauty of the region and the literary history that surrounds it. As he drives along winding roads and through quaint towns and villages, Wilson provides a fascinating insight into the lives of famous writers such as William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter.

Throughout the series, Wilson drives a variety of classic cars, including a Triumph Stag, a Jaguar E-Type, and a Ford Mustang. These classic vehicles add an extra layer of nostalgia and glamour to the show, highlighting the timeless appeal of the open road and the freedom of travel.

In addition to showcasing the beauty of the UK, Britain's Best Drives also highlights some of the challenges faced by drivers on these routes. Wilson tackles twisty mountain passes, narrow country lanes, and steep gradients, providing useful tips and advice for anyone planning a similar journey.

Overall, Britain's Best Drives is a must-watch series for anyone interested in the history, culture, and natural beauty of Great Britain. With its stunning cinematography, informative narration, and classic cars, the show provides a captivating glimpse into some of the country's most breathtaking driving routes.

Britain's Best Drives is a series that ran for 1 seasons (7 episodes) between February 19, 2009 and on BBC Studios

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Seasons

7. The Trossachs

March 26, 2009

Richard Wilson returns to the country of his birth in a splendid 1950s Bentley. He drops in on his sister, takes to the water to find out how Sir Walter Scott inspired a deluge of sightseers to the region, drives Scotland's most famous road in the company of a bevy of vintage bikers, and discovers just what it is about great vistas that gives us all such a thrill.

6. Wye Valley

March 19, 2009

Using an Austin Cambridge to explore an area that claims to be the birthplace of British tourism, Richard learns about life before the Severn Bridge, finds out why thousands of tourists flocked to the Wye Valley in search of the 'picturesque' and discovers how ancient customs are still practiced in the medieval Forest of Dean, with his trip culminating at a renowned viewpoint.

5. Richard Wilson Learns to Drive

March 12, 2009

In preparation for a motor journey around Britain, Richard Wilson is put through his paces as he learns how to use a gear stick again, having driven only automatics for the past 30 years. He drives classic cars, goes off-road, experiences the thrills and spills of the skidpan and gets a lesson in driving high performance cars from five-time Le Mans winner Derek Bell.

4. Lake District

March 12, 2009

Richard drives a sporty, convertible Triumph TR3A around some of the Lake District's most famous roads. He gets the lowdown on the area from author and resident Hunter Davies, takes on a notorious road, celebrates his birthday at one of Britain's highest pubs, and learns how climate change is affecting this delicate landscape.

3. Cornwall

March 5, 2009

Richard struggles to get to grips with a retro VW camper van as he drives the coast road from St Ives to Land's End. He learns of St Ives's 1950s abstract art heyday and meets a 95-year-old painter still at work in Porthmeor Studios. He discovers why DH Lawrence was expelled from the county, hears legends of Cornish mermaids and gets to know his van on a blustery clifftop campsite.

2. North Wales

February 26, 2009

Richard takes the wheel of Ford Zodiac to drive the circular route from Caernarfon that loops through some of Snowdonia's most sensational scenery. He gets a Welsh lesson at Caernarfon Castle, learns the significance of the Dinorwic slate quarry, drives the Llanberis Pass, meets 71-year-old human fly Eric Jones and takes a trip down memory lane at a former Butlins holiday camp.

1. North Yorkshire Moors

February 19, 2009

Actor Richard Wilson takes a journey into the past, following routes raved about in motoring guides of mid-20th century. In a classic Morris Minor Traveller, he drives from Scarborough to Whitby via the Yorkshire moors. On the way, he learns about the rise and fall of the British seaside resorts and checks out the mythical roadside wonder that is the Hole of Horecum.

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Where to Watch Britain's Best Drives

Britain's Best Drives is available for streaming on the BBC Studios website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Britain's Best Drives on demand at Amazon Prime, FuboTV and Crackle.