Last of the British colonie

The Coastal Way is Wale’s answer to the North Coast 500 and offers the same mix of epic roads and stunning scenery. Starting in Aberdaron, the 180-mile route runs the entire length of Cardigan Bay, tucked between the beautiful coast and the soaring mountains. Like the NC500, the Coastal Way is more than just great driving roads, cutting through official Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and incorporating everything from fine dining and history to adventure sports and culture, allowing you to plan an itinerary to suit your interests and schedule. It also passes within 30 miles or so of the famous Evo Triangle, much loved among performance car fans.

Queen Elizabeth will become officially become the longest serving monarch in British history this week, beating out her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria to take the title. During her almost 64-year-long reign, the queen has seen a remarkable amount of change in the world, but perhaps no change has greater affected her life than the remarkable decline of the British Empire.

In 1947 India, having contributed enormously to Britain's war effort, became independent. Less than a year later, communist guerrillas launched a violent campaign aimed at forcing Britain from Malaya. Thousands were killed, but an effective political and military response prevented a Communist take-over. Malaya became an independent democracy on 31 August 1957. In the Middle East, Britain hurriedly abandoned Palestine in 1948. Ghana became Britain's first African colony to reach independence in 1957. By 1967 more than 20 British territories were independent.

First explored by Spanish settlers in the mid-16th century, St. Marys is an old town, but it also boasts a more modern heritage related to the US Submarine Force. In fact, the aptly named St Marys Submarine Museum charts the history of submarines throughout the history of America. Speaking of history, you will find plenty more of that in St. Marys Historic District, where plenty of buildings point to the old past of this place, including the First Presbyterian Church (1808), amongst other pretty structures.

One of the coolest things about this town in North Georgia is that it features the region’s only drive-in cinema. Dating back to 1955, this old-school drive-in is a classic slice of Americana and even boasts its own retro snack bar serving up – you guessed it – burgers, amongst other things.

Settlers started arriving in Brunswick in 1738. This town boasts an Old Town Historic District to match its long history. Featuring beautiful old houses oozing Southern charm, there are also grand examples of the town’s civic heritage, like the Victorian style Old City Hall (1889), the Neoclassical style Old Glynn County Courthouse, and even the impressive New City Hall – both built in the early 1900s.