How is the drive from Caernarfon to York? We weren't sure whether to turn the car in at Chester and train onward to York or just drive all the way. We want to spend a few hours wandering around Chester and likely have a bite to eat. If we keep the car we don't have to find a place to store our luggage or schedule buying advance train tickets.
Is there a preferred route from Chester to York that offers some scenery &/or sights to stop at along the way.
Thanks in advance for ideas or suggestions.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
6632 posts
It’s 57 miles from Caernarfon to Chester and it’s all interstate driving. I drove it in May. There are some places were traffic slows, but it was an easy drive. From Chester to York, it’s 92 miles all, or mostly, on interstates. It too should be an easy drive, but I haven’t driven it in years.
Posted by
OP
Ontario, Canada
26 posts
Thanks Jamie.
Is there a route from Chester to York that is interesting and scenic? Would just as soon avoid Liverpool & Manchester if possible.
Posted by
Royaume-Uni nul points, pas plus
2523 posts
Head to the Peak District then up to York
https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/travel/driving-in-the-uk/driving-in-the-peak-district/
Posted by
OP
Ontario, Canada
26 posts
Thanks for all the ideas & suggestions.
I guess there isn't much to see or do between Chester & York so the fastest route without construction is the best to use. I don't think there will be enough time in the afternoon to see much of the scenery though the Lakes District.
Posted by
white plains, ny, usa
4140 posts
I think you are confusing the Lakes with the Peak . The Peak District is in a fairly straight line from Wales , until you go north to York . You will also miss some of England's best beauty if you don't linger there a bit .https://www.google.com/maps/place/Buxton,+UK/@53.0258863,-2.7499042,8.25z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x487a2414c22d7fa1:0xca079a2151fbb5bf!8m2!3d53.259082!4d-1.91483
Posted by
Camano Island, WA, usa
1457 posts
We preferred the Peaks District to the Lake District which has too many day trippers. We drove everywhere in Wales, England and Scotland. We have stayed over in Chester a couple of times...it was a lot of fun with historic things like the city wall which goes thru the post Roman Town and gives you an elevated view. The Rows are Tudor style streets with shops and restaurants. The Peaks has some very scenic roads. One I really liked was steep sided valley with villages stuck to the sides. If you have time go to Chatsworth, a fabulous Georgian House with famous gardens. They have timed entry, so you can make advanced reservations. You can tour the gardens and fountains if you arrive with a wait time. Look at the Treasure Houses of England online for a preview of Chatsworth and other similar Houses. Look at the National Trust UK web site for some itinerary ideas. You can plan a route on Google Earth which can give you an idea of what the scenery looks like. You really can't go wrong even if you get lost. York also has a city wall you can walk on. The York Minster is the must see! Bon Voyage!
Posted by
2444 posts
I suggest that you take a look at this map:>https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@53.0921763,-2.9559446,134720m/data=!3m1!1e3!5m1!1e1
As has been said, you can go via the A55 expressway along the north Wales coast - I would definitely call into Chester if doing this route. Then, it is motorways eastward to York.
The alternative more scenic routes go through the mountains & hills to the south. However, these roads are very twisty and not really suitable when doing a relatively long trip such as Caernarfon to York. Zoom down, & go to streetview mode to see what the roads look like.