Driving near the West Coast in a day

I would call in to the Ironbridge Gorge Museum - birthplace of the Industrial Revolution

https://www.ironbridge.org.uk/

(BTW - the route you intend is not the west coast)

Well................
Depends what you wanna do really.
Blackpool is on the way, seaside resort town. (Amusement park with some old gear there)
Liverpool is on the way as well. Check out some Beatles stuff.
We have never had an itinerary on a trip ever. We actually just go day to day.
We look at Maps, pick some towns, go there...... It's a fun way to explore and makes you actually feel like you have discovered something when you find something sweet.

Hi -

Personally I would avoid Blackpool like the plague. Even the esteemed Mr Steves could only find the word ‘tacky’ to describe it. I’d have gone with ‘godawful’.

It might be a little too close to your final destination, but the Malvern Hills are a lovely stop off, not far off route and not too touristy.

Near Worcester, if you are interested in that sort of thing, is Lower Broadheath and the Museum/birthplace of Sir Edward Elgar, famed British composer. You are probably familiar with the ‘Pomp and Circumstance’ marches, but personally I’d go with the cello concerto.

Incidentally I’d be in no real hurry to leave the Lakes. But if the weather isn’t cooperating....

Have a great trip!

Ian

P.S. if any readers have a particular soft spot for Blackpool, apologies, some might find it enjoyable, but frankly you are most unlikely to catch me there!

echoing emma and ian

don't rush to get away from the Lakes. you need to get behind the rush hour in Lancaster and then the string of industrialness all the way to the M5.

The M6 is one big construction zone from Liverpool or Preston all the way to Birmingham, with the added thrill of a likely accident or two on the way, especially near Crewe. Speed averaging cameras throughout the roadworks, strictly enforced 50 mph or 40 mph limits obeyed by almost everybody except heavy trucks from across the sea which appear to be exempt.

Great fun. Sit back and enjoy the ride. Stop a couple of times at services for a break.

That will be enough excitement I expect.

You are leaving one fabulous area and going to another, Anywhere else you stop will just encourage you to leave too soon and then delay your arrival.

Where in the Cotswolds are you heading for?

Without knowing I would expect that M6 - M5 - M42 - M40 - Junction 15 to either the A429 towards Stow on the Wold (where the Wind Blows Cold, in doggerel from my childhood) or into Stratford-upon-Avon for Chipping Campden...

Yes, I see that i'll be on the M6 most of the way, finishing up near Stow on the Wold. My accomodations are all set, 3 nights in the Lakes, 4 in the Cotswolds.

I'm just starting specific planning now that accommodations and itinerary is set so things like highway construction is not on my radar yet (late August visit to this area). Would you recommend taking more back roads to enjoy the scenery and staying off the freeways?

late August visit to this area

Not over the August Bank Holiday week by any chance?

Driving from London up north on the 25th (Sunday) and 26th (Monday), driving back down on the 29th.

The bank holiday driving is just Sheffield to the Lake District, lots of time to get there, no worries about traffic, wouldn't bother me much. Thanx for the tips though, much appreciated!