Interesting route from Tonbridge to Southampton

[TackMEU]

Hello people, I am picking up my New car from Tonbridge on 3rd June. I really do not know the area at all.

I am looking for some ideas on interesting roads on the way back. It really does not need to be the most direct or fastest, just fun to drive if that's possible?

Looking at the roads on google maps tells me nothing of course. I also don't expect anyone to plan my route for me, just some pointers will be greatly appreciated.

[dcb]

TackMEU said:

Hello people, I am picking up my New car from Tonbridge on 3rd June. I really do not know the area at all.

I am looking for some ideas on interesting roads on the way back. It really does not need to be the most direct or fastest, just fun to drive if that's possible?

Looking at the roads on google maps tells me nothing of course. I also don't expect anyone to plan my route for me, just some pointers will be greatly appreciated.

I think you might be asking for the impossible there.

There are very very few interesting roads and what few there are,
are populated by lots and lots of the 40 mph club.

Some folks will mention the A272 as motoring nirvana, but I've
always found it a dull road.

Best idea I can come up with is to set the Sat Nag on shortest route
and see what comes up, but quite honestly, I'd be doing A21 / M25 / M3
for that route and hoping there's something reasonable on the radio.

[greengreenwood7]

have to agree with the post above, the a272 is lauded as a cracking road, imho when its empty its fantastic and a likely license loser, when its busy its dire......

if you're set on trying the car out you could plot a route from TB to the m23 and then hop on the a27 in brighton, but what you gain in driving pleasure in the 1st part would be more than lost along the 27 when you hit worthing, arundel etc.....

unless of course you're wanting to take a really indirect route of say 3hrs+ !

in which case TB towards the m23 via ashdown forest to maresfield, along the 272 to to coolham, down towards thakeham, across towards pullborough, around the twisties towards Singleton ( out the back of g/wood) and then B roads across towards the west.....

[Red Devil]

greengreenwood7 said:

unless of course you're wanting to take a really indirect route of say 3hrs+ !

in which case TB towards the m23 via ashdown forest to maresfield, along the 272 to to coolham, down towards thakeham, across towards pullborough, around the twisties towards Singleton ( out the back of g/wood) and then B roads across towards the west.....

The eastern end of the A272 is dire.
Haywards Heath is a particular PITA.
I suggest Tonbridge to Coolham thus:

Head south on A26.
B2176 to Penshurst.
B2188/A264 to East Grinstead.
B2110 to Turners Hill & Handcross.
B2114 to Pease Pottage services.
A264/A24/A272 to Coolham

Then
B2139 via Storrington and Amberley to the roundabout at Whiteways Lodge.
Thence A29 to the A27 at Fontwell.

From there it's d/c all the way to the M27.

[TackMEU]

Excellent thanks. I have all day, so timing is unimportant. I shall look into this route.

Thanks for all the replies.

Jason

[Big E 118]

Red Devil said:

The eastern end of the A272 is dire.
Haywards Heath is a particular PITA.
I suggest Tonbridge to Coolham thus:

Head south on A26.
B2176 to Penshurst.
B2188/A264 to East Grinstead.
B2110 to Turners Hill & Handcross.
B2114 to Pease Pottage services.
A264/A24/A272 to Coolham

Then
B2139 via Storrington and Amberley to the roundabout at Whiteways Lodge.
Thence A29 to the A27 at Fontwell.

From there it's d/c all the way to the M27.

I'd second this route but avoid East Grinstead as you'll always get snarled up in traffic. On the A272 before you reach EG take a left onto Shovelstrode Lane then when you hit the A22 head south to Whych Cross, right there and head back to the B2110 and Handcross as above.

The other option is south from Tonbridge through Speldhurst, Groombridge, Withyham, Hartfield and to Handcross. There's a section that is a 40mph over the Ashdown Forest but the roads to and from it are good and it's pleasant for a cruise and ice cream stop off if a nice day!

Edited to add: Pick up from Porsche Centre? Anything interesting?

[Red Devil]

I've seldom had any problems in EG but then I'm never there at peak periods. I think you meant the A264 not the A272!

As for the alternative, the eastern section of the B2110 is a bit nadgery imo. Not too bad between Groombridge and east of Hartfield, but its 30/40/50 from there all the way to Coleman's Hatch. It's quite easy to miss the turning for Wych Cross as well (right by the village sign where it drops back down to 40).

Don't think I have ever seen an ice cream van on Coleman's Hatch Road. It's usually to be found up at the big parking area at King's Standing by the B2026/B2188 junction. So the OP would need to go off piste to get one.

[TackMEU]

Big E 118 said:

I'd second this route but avoid East Grinstead as you'll always get snarled up in traffic. On the A272 before you reach EG take a left onto Shovelstrode Lane then when you hit the A22 head south to Whych Cross, right there and head back to the B2110 and Handcross as above.

The other option is south from Tonbridge through Speldhurst, Groombridge, Withyham, Hartfield and to Handcross. There's a section that is a 40mph over the Ashdown Forest but the roads to and from it are good and it's pleasant for a cruise and ice cream stop off if a nice day!

Edited to add: Pick up from Porsche Centre? Anything interesting?

Thanks for that.

I am picking up an interesting to me 981 Cayman S. Very excited about it.

[Big E 118]

TackMEU said:

Thanks for that.

I am picking up an interesting to me 981 Cayman S. Very excited about it.

Great car, enjoy! I use Tonbridge OPC and they are good, they should look after you well.

[TackMEU]

Big E 118 said:

Great car, enjoy! I use Tonbridge OPC and they are good, they should look after you well.

I'm sure I will, thanks. Glad they have a good recommendation. I'd hate to just turn up and be uncermoniously flung some keys.

2 days to go!