There's no point having a beautiful car and a custom plate if it just sits in the garage. We've curated the best roads to stretch your legs.
From coastal roads and mountain backdrops to dramatic cliffside routes, Britain has some incredible places to capture that perfect car-and-plate shot. Here are five of the most Instagram-worthy routes to enjoy your car, take in the scenery, and show off your new plate in style.
1. North Coast 500, Scotland
The North Coast 500 is one of the most spectacular road trips in Britain.
Starting and ending in Inverness, the route takes you around the northern edge of Scotland, passing remote beaches, rugged coastlines, castles, lochs, mountain views, and open Highland roads.
For photos, it is hard to beat. One minute you can be parked against a wild coastal backdrop, the next you are looking across a loch or stopping near a dramatic mountain pass.
Why it is Instagram-worthy:
Endless scenery, big skies, remote roads, and some of the best car photo backdrops in the UK.
Best photo moment:
A quiet coastal stop with the plate visible, the sea behind you, and the Highland landscape stretching into the distance.
2. Atlantic Highway, Devon and Cornwall
The Atlantic Highway is a brilliant South West route for anyone who wants coast, countryside, and character.
Running along parts of the A39 through North Devon and into Cornwall, it gives you access to beaches, clifftop viewpoints, surf towns, hidden coves, and postcard-style villages.
For PlateSeller, this one feels close to home too. North Devon has some incredible places for car photos, from Woolacombe and Saunton to Hartland, Clovelly, Bude, and the surrounding coastal roads.
Why it is Instagram-worthy:
Golden beaches, coastal roads, sea views, and plenty of relaxed stopping points for a clean car shot.
Best photo moment:
A sunset coastal stop with the plate in focus and the Atlantic light behind the car.
3. Cheddar Gorge, Somerset
Cheddar Gorge is one of the most dramatic short drives in Britain.
The road winds through towering limestone cliffs, creating a setting that looks almost cinematic. It is not the longest route, but visually it is one of the strongest.
If you want a photo that feels bold and different, Cheddar Gorge gives you a natural backdrop that instantly makes a car image more striking.
Why it is Instagram-worthy:
Huge cliff faces, dramatic shadows, and a road that looks made for automotive photography.
Best photo moment:
A parked side-angle shot with the gorge rising behind the car and the private plate clearly visible.
4. Snake Pass, Peak District
Snake Pass is one of the Peak District’s most famous routes, and it has a very different feel from the coastal roads.
Expect open moorland, sweeping bends, long views, and a sense of space. On a clear day, the landscape gives you that classic British countryside-meets-driving-road look.
It is a great route for more atmospheric photos — especially if you like moody skies, wide open views, and a car that looks at home on a proper road trip.
Why it is Instagram-worthy:
Sweeping landscapes, dramatic weather, and strong “car enthusiast” energy.
Best photo moment:
A wide shot with the road disappearing into the moors and the car positioned naturally in the scene.
5. Black Mountain Pass, Wales
The Black Mountain Pass in Wales is one of Britain’s most recognisable driving roads.
It has bends, elevation changes, big open views, and a real sense of drama. It is the kind of place where a car looks like it belongs in a magazine shoot.
Of course, it is important to drive sensibly and respect other road users, but as a scenic location for photos, it is hard to ignore.
Why it is Instagram-worthy:
Big views, flowing roads, mountain scenery, and that “special journey” feeling.
Best photo moment:
A high viewpoint looking down across the road, with the car and plate framed against the landscape.
Tips for Getting a Great Private Plate Photo
You do not need a professional photographer to get a good image of your new plate. A few simple things can make a big difference:
Clean the plate and the front or rear of the car before taking photos
Shoot early morning or near sunset for softer light
Avoid harsh midday sun if possible
Park safely and legally before taking pictures
Keep the background simple so the plate stands out
Take a few close-up shots as well as wider scenic ones
Make sure the plate is assigned and fitted correctly before driving
The best photos usually feel natural. A private plate should complement the car, not overpower the whole image.
Your Plate, Your Story
A private plate is often more than a registration.
It might represent your initials, your business, your nickname, your car, your family, or simply something you have always wanted. That is why the first proper drive after fitting it can feel like a moment worth capturing.
Whether you choose a dramatic Highland route, a South West coastal road, a Peak District pass, or a Welsh mountain drive, the right setting can turn your new plate into a great memory — and a great photo.
Thinking About Buying or Selling a Private Plate?
At PlateSeller, we are building a safer and more transparent way to buy and sell private number plates online.
Our aim is simple: make private plate trading easier, clearer, and more secure for both buyers and sellers.
Whether you are searching for the perfect plate, wondering what your current plate could be worth, or thinking about selling, PlateSeller gives you a smarter way to approach the private plate market.
Free valuations. Free listings. A safer way to trade plates. https://www.plateseller.com/value