road trip through english countryside

Add A Road Trip Through The English Countryside To Your 2024 Bucket List

Relax in the lap of luxury.

Need a change of scenery in the new year? Hop across the pond and cruise through the British countryside that has inspired countless authors, artists, poets, and playwrights. You’ll feel like you landed in a Jane Austen novel as you frolic through fields blanketed in snow, stroll down village sidewalks, and melt away stress next to a roaring fire.

While navigating narrow, tree-lined lanes and driving on the wrong side of the road poses a bit of a challenge, the picturesque pitstops teeming with hidden gems undoubtedly make the journey worthwhile. Stay in Elizabeth Taylor’s suite at her go-to abode, indulge in farm-fresh cuisine, see classic cars worthy of a king, or sip afternoon tea in a ballroom belonging to a real-life duke and duchess.

Plus, these tranquil towns rich in history and tradition operate at a slower pace than overcrowded cities like London and Birmingham, allowing you to relax, reset, and return home feeling refreshed. Who knows, you may even pick up a new skill during your stay (duck herding, anyone?).

Here, TZR asked five insiders to share their top tips for planning the ultimate English road trip so that all you have to do is pack a princess-worthy wardrobe and enjoy the ride.

Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire

This quaint and quiet town is about an hour from the hustle and bustle of central London but it feels worlds away. “If you come to Buckinghamshire, it is like proper England as you see it on a postcard,” says Paul Spires, president of Aston Martin Works , a modern workshop for the British brand’s classic cars. Once the primary home of Aston Martin, sightings of the company’s legendary models (like the DB5 driven by James Bond) are still fairly common on the streets of Newport Pagnell and will instantly transport you back in time.

What To See

Don’t miss crossing the iron Tickford Bridge (built in 1810) while driving through town. For a bird’s-eye view of the countryside, visit the nearby Sywell Aerodrome , where you can fly a vintage spitfire or watch these planes take off from the Aviator Bar . Racing fans can also make the quick, 30-minute trip to Silverstone Circuit (home to the Formula 1 British Grand Prix and the Silverstone Classic).

If you want to ogle over drool-worthy dream cars rarely spotted on the road, pop into the aforementioned showroom at Aston Martin Works . Visitors are welcome to window-shop, or if you have a cool £995,000 to spare, take home a vintage showstopper like a DB4 Convertible . If you’re especially lucky, you may even spot King Charles who gets his DB6 Volante, a 21st birthday present from the late Queen, serviced here.

Where To Shop

For more budget-friendly souvenirs, visit the Milton Keynes Shopping Centre , where you’ll find items from the likes of H Beauty, Kurt Geiger, and Reiss. Take note of the building’s ‘60s architecture and travertine floors while you stock up on fashion-forward souvenirs, says Spires.

Where To Eat

The Swan Revived Hotel is a local watering hole beloved by Steve Waddingham, Aston Martin’s resident historian. High-profile visitors to Newport-Pagnell, like the late King Hussein of Jordan, have dined here. If Michelin-starred restaurants are more your speed, consider Paris House and Le Manoir aux Quat’Saison — two of Spires’ favorites.

Where To Stay

In addition to its dining offerings, the Swan Revived Hotel also makes for epic accommodations if you want to stay in the heart of town at a 15th-century inn. Other nearby options Spires recommends: The Woburn and Whittlebury Hall .

Broadway, Worcestershire

“Broadway is known as the ‘Jewel of the Cotswolds,’” says Megan Engelbrecht, events coordinator at Dormy House , a 17th-century farmhouse that’s been transformed into a luxury boutique hotel and spa that overlooks this idyllic village. “A feeling of freedom is what brings people here.” Visitors can enjoy panoramic views while hiking local trails or zip around the country roads by car. “The only traffic you tend to face are the tractors,” says Engelbrecht. Broadway’s proximity to other picturesque English towns — including Chipping Campden and Snowshill (which served as the backdrop for scenes in Bridget Jones’s Diary ) — also make it the perfect home base for a weekend in the country.

Don’t miss climbing Broadway Tower , which dates back to the 18th century and boasts breathtaking vistas in every direction. You may even spot the resident herd of red deer that call this 200-acre parkland home.

“Every season has a unique personality,” says Engelbrecht. Autumn is a particularly stunning time to make the trip if you want to see the “leaves in flux” and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities , including axe throwing, clay pigeon shooting, duck herding, and more. You can even take a spin on a hovercraft through the open fields. A trail of twinkling lights at Sudeley Castle will leave you feeling merry and bright during the holidays, while the aroma of lavender fills the air in summer when fields burst with purple blossoms.

Hit the High Street, which is lined with shops, restaurants, and homes constructed of honey-colored Cotswold stone. “I don’t think I’ve ever left Broadway without buying something!” says Engelbrecht. Two of her favorite stores are Wild At Heart and Woodcock and Cavendish .

For impressive farm-to-fork cuisine, make a reservation at MO , an eight-course tasting menu that’s only open to a dozen guests at a time. If you can’t snag a spot at this intimate chef’s table, head to The Back Garden where you can enjoy the ingredients grown on-site at Dormy House. (Engelbrecht recommends ordering the cheese soufflé.) For more casual fare, visit Russell’s Fish and Chips in town.

Spend a cozy weekend at the aforementioned Dormy House . Other options located on the 500-acre Farncombe Estate include The Fish Hotel , Foxhill Manor , and Hillside Hangouts . If you want to stay in the heart of town, book a room at The Lygon Arms or Abbots Grange (a 14th-century monastic manor house that hosted guests like Claude Monet, Mark Twain, and Oscar Wilde).

Gaydon, Warwickshire

This quiet village likely contains more cars than people after Aston Martin moved its headquarters here 20 years ago. Aside from the occasional roar of a supercar, however, this serene setting is the perfect place to relax, recharge, and immerse yourself in England’s rich history. Wander the halls of a museum, enjoy a play by Shakespeare, or customize a luxury vehicle from the ceiling down to the seats while you’re in town.

Gaydon is about a 20-minute drive from Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Take a tour of the playwright’s home or book a ticket to a show at one of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s three theaters in town.

Waddingham recommends visiting the British Motor Museum , which boasts over 400 English vehicles. Watch technicians restore vehicles from the viewing gallery in the Collections Center or get up close and personal by booking time behind the wheel of a classic car . If you’re more interested in art than automobiles, pay Compton Verney — an 18th-century mansion turned gallery— a visit. Explore a variety of exhibitions and 120 acres of pristine parkland (much of which is lit up after dark during the Spectacle of Light ).

If a G&T is your drink of choice, there are several distilleries in the area to stock up on the spirit. Located inside the Castle at Edgehill, Pinnock Distillery offers several award-winning gins featuring locally sourced berries, honey, lavender, and quince. If you want to bottle your very own blend, enroll in Castle Gin School for a three-hour crash course.

Refuel at Gilks’ Garage Café , one of Waddingham’s favorite spots. This former blacksmith shop turned car dealership is now a restaurant and coffee house owned by the same family who started the business in 1904. Check out the retro décor while enjoying a full English breakfast.

Unwind at Mallory Country House Hotel and Spa , where you can enjoy afternoon tea complete with scones and clotted cream. If you want the keys to Warwick Castle , book a suite in the chateau’s 14th-century tower.

Leatherhead, Surrey

This quiet, country town has a surprisingly glamorous past. Stars of the 20th century — including Charlie Chaplin, Elizabeth Taylor, Winston Churchill, and Ian Fleming (a novelist best known for the James Bond spy series) — partied with Lord Beaverbrook at his sprawling estate, which is now a hotel. The area still attracts A-list visitors, especially during the Betfred Derby at Epsom Downs, a horse race the late Queen attended for nearly 70 years.

“ Hampton Court was home to one of the most notorious kings in English history: Henry VIII,” says says Ella Higgins-Anderson, sales and marketing assistant at Beaverbrook Country House Hotel. While walking the palace grounds, you may feel like you stepped onto the set of Bridgerton — and that’s because you have, as many of the scenes were shot here.

Hike Surrey Hills, “a place renowned for its rolling English countryside and footpaths, byways and bridleways,” says Higgins-Anderson. Go forest bathing or foraging for mushrooms in this lush landscape deemed an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty by the British government. You can also get your steps in at The Sculpture Park in Farnham or on the green at Woking Golf Club .

The town of Dorking “is brimming with some of the most sought-after antiques in the South,” says Higgins-Anderson. “It has a smorgasbord of well-renowned shops and traders that will pique the interest of those with a taste for the Old World and its treasures.” A few stores she recommends: Dorking Antiques , Holly and Laurel Emporium , Malthouse , and Chantecleer .

Beaverbrook is home to several restaurants and bars, the standouts being the Japanese grill in The Dining Room and Sir Frank’s Bar , where you can order the lavish Elizabeth Taylor cocktail garnished with a spoonful of caviar. You can also venture to Sorrel in Dorking for more gastronomic delights, visit one of Surrey’s many vineyards, or enjoy a tipple at the White Horse pub in Shere just like Cameron Diaz and Jude Law did in The Holiday .

After taking a spin around Beaverbrook’s ice rink, retire to one of 18 bedrooms in the main house, each of which is named after a famed occupant. Winston Churchill’s chamber is still outfitted with the secret escape passageway used by the former Prime Minister. Elizabeth Taylor’s suite overlooks the property’s Italian fountains, while the turret rooms feature balconies with spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.

Chichester, West Sussex

Steeped in history, this charming city has long served as a playground for British aristocracy and continues to come alive during world-class races and festivals that attract visitors from all over the globe. Hunker down at an enchanting English estate or take a short drive to West Wittering’s golden beaches where Kate Winslet and Keith Richards reside.

Catch a concert at Chichester Cathedral , tour the magical West Dean Gardens and Manor House, or hike the Trundle, an ancient hill where locals gather to celebrate the winter solstice. “Overlooking the entire Goodwood Estate, with the sea and the Isle of Wight in the distance, this is the very best view of the area,” says Grace Timothy, Revive and Thrive brands lead. Once you reach the top, warm up with soup and coffee from The T Box , or enjoy a steamy slice from Pizza on the Hill .

Goodwood Estate , home to the Duke and Duchess of Richmond and Gordon, hosts a variety of events and experiences throughout the year — ranging from horseracing to motorsport . One of the best times to visit is during Goodwood Revival , an immersive celebration that takes you back in time to the ‘40s, ‘50s, and ‘60s when Goodwood Motor Circuit was in its heyday. Dress to impress in period fashion, watch priceless race cars from the past whip around the track, take a spin on a retro ride at the fairground, and shop for vintage and upcycled treasures in Revive and Thrive Village . If you can’t make it to Revival, book a hot lap around the historic circuit.

“ St. Wilfrid’s Hospice Retro and Vintage is my favorite, especially for menswear which I love to reclaim for myself,” says Timothy. “There’s also Vintro , Willow & Eve , an Oxfam bookshop , and for interiors, Design Vintage is brilliant and has an excellent café.”

Cozy up next to a wood-burning fire at the Fox Goes Free ; enjoy local fare from the kitchen garden at The Pig ; or sip the best hot chocolate in town at The Barn, Little London . To sample Goodwood Estate’s organic and sustainable produce, Timothy recommends booking a table at Farm, Butcher, Chef or indulging in a proper afternoon tea at The Kennels (once the most luxurious dog house in the world) or the Goodwood House ballroom (from March to October).

Live like British nobility at The Goodwood Hotel , retreat to The Pheasantry (a secluded cottage), or fill the 10-bedroom Hound Lodge with friends who will appreciate a private chef and butler service. Other options outside the estate include The Pig and The Rubbing House .

This article was originally published on Dec. 20, 2023

2-Day Southern England Road Trip Through the English Countryside

Table of Contents

Things to do in Cardiff, Wales

This is actually in Wales (it is the capital), not England, but was our starting point and was a town I was pleasantly surprised with. Although, its past history of an industrial capital was apparent, it is obviously evolving into a smaller, art-forward cosmopolitan city. We began here for a couple of reasons. It was the location of The Doctor Who Experience, as well as a major setting in the show, and two of my family members are big fans and really loved their time here. Sadly, the exhibit has closed, but you can still check out the locations. It is also just a short flight from Ireland from which we were coming from. It is, geographically, a great starting point for seeing western England.  I was glad to have experienced a bit of a country I otherwise would have skipped, which would have been a shame because it is beautiful.

Cardiff Highlights:

• Cardiff Castle – My son had just finished studying castles in school and this one has everything he learned about. Book your Cardiff Castle Entrance Tickets here.
• Cardiff Hop on Hop off Bus Tour-  Book the tour here.
• Cardiff Bay-   A large bay, with numerous art installations. Before it was dammed,  it had the largest tidal change in the world.
• Walking tour with Paul at Cardiff on Foot.
• Ice cream made in front of us using liquid nitrogen at Science Cream .
• The Cardiff Hilton ‘s location was ideal.

Our first stop was Bath, an old Roman town where they used the area’s springs to make baths around 60 AD. In the 17th century it became a popular Georgian spa town. The town is very busy, but quite picturesque. Strangely the scent of the town is curry. The U.K. really does have lovely Indian food and I’ve been told curry is a secondary unofficial national food. This is a beautiful little town and I wish I had a whole day just to spend here.  I will return and do this in a couple of years when I return to England for Wimbledon.

Bath Highlights:

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• The historic Baths after which the town was named where you can learn about it Roman origin and even try the water.
• Have a cream tea (tea and scones) on Pulteney Bridge .
• Bath Abbey Church
• Bath Costume Museum

If you need to get to Bath through a tour, you can search for one here.

You can’t hit up England without stopping to view the stones of Stonehenge and there is a great museum.

For more information read How to Experience a Great Day at Stonehenge from Tracy’s Travels in Time.

Be sure to book your tickets ahead of time online . If you don’t have a car, but still want to get to Stonehenge from London, you can book a tour here.

Stow-on-Wold in the Cotswolds

When I asked for about what to see on a road trip through England, the Cotswolds were mentioned over and over, and for good reason. This collection of quaint old market towns with honey-colored stone villages set in rolling hills (wolds) made me feel like I was transported back in time to the Middle Ages, but only the happy parts. It is one of the most picturesque and peaceful places I have been.

My Stow-on-the-Wold Highlights-

• Shopping and dining on the beautiful market square where 20,000 sheep herded through alleyways in the past.
• Hiking through country- we hiked right outside of the town’s surgery center. What a wonderful area to see after waking up from surgery.
• Breakfast or tea at Lucy’s Tea Room

The Cotswolds is a place I would love to return, maybe to visit towns such as the Slaughters.  Read more about my time in the Cotswolds.

If you don’t have a car and want to book a day trip from London, explore the options here.

Warwick Castle

I wanted to go to this castle after reading Phillipa Gregory’s historical fiction , The Kingmaker , about the Earl  of Warwick. You can definitely spend the whole day in this castle wandering among the normal castle features like the grounds and impressive interior, including an arms exhibit. This castle has also been turned into an amusement park of sorts with many shows, including a dungeon show that my son liked.

Honestly, I could have skipped this castle and spent more time in the Cotswolds or Strattford-Upon-Avon, but my kids were big fans.

Book your entrance tickets to Warwick Castle here.

Strattford-Upon-Avon

This cute little town contains the birthplace of William Shakespeare. If you are a fan of The Bard, it is more than worth a visit. If you are not, I imagine that you will leave with a much greater appreciation of the effect this poet, who was born 400 years ago, still has on the current world. His house also provides an insight into the lives of the middle class of the time and the town is worth a visit. Visiting his house will take about an hour, but there are other related homes and gardens that you can visit, including that of his wife, Ann Hathaway.

Book your tour from London to Stratford-Upon-Avon and the Cotswolds.

We returned our car in Luton so that we could spend the next few days exploring London and The Warner Brothers Harry Potter Studios , which is a must-do for any Potterphile! You can buy your tickets for the studio tour here – this is one that you have to buy tickets for before you go or you won’t get them!

If you follow the blog , you know that I don’t sit down very often . I was very happy with my taste of England, but most would probably spend more time on this road trip. When I will return to England I will definitely take more time to return to Bath and the Cotswolds,  but without this trip I don’t think I would have discovered the Cotswolds at all. Visit A Broken Backpack for some interesting UK hotel ideas .

Check out some books to read to enhance your travels to England , such as Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett.

If you liked it, please share it. Thank you!

4 thoughts on “2-Day Southern England Road Trip Through the English Countryside”

I love the reason of road trip, you write. I am also the big fan of Bard. Its really nice post vote up for this.

Great post! I already wanted to visit Cardiff, Stonehenge and other smaller areas and villages and now I want it even more! Gotta plan this trip!!!

I have lived in Bath for ten years and my husband was born and raised there – and in his teens he was Night Watchman at the roman Baths, with all the booklets to read in the empty hours – and he never learned that fact.

If you return to Britain, I recommend Hadrian’s Wall, the Yorkshire Dales (breathtaking – and the food is great up there); and if you want the real Cream Tea experience – you’ll only get it in Devon or Cornwall – look for a private farmhouse where the farmer’s wife offers them – you’ll not need an evening dinner later!

In any case, the Cornish coast should not be missed, (little fishing villages, cliffs, roxk pools, old mining engine houses).;l or Dartmoor and the coast in Devon – probably our most beautiful county, with little thatched cottages nestling under round humpty hills. Clovelly is special…

Jackie Usher

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England Road Trip: 50 Unmissable ideas (for every UK itinerary)

Planning an England road trip? Here are some of the best itinerary ideas for all schedules, including London to Cornwall, the Cotswolds and Kent in southern England, National Parks like the Lake District or Peak District, Northern England and all the way up to the Scottish border.

Whatever your cup of tea, there’s a UK road trip idea here for you. We’ve also provided a helpful map so you can visualise your route.

*We work hard to make this the best motorhome travel blog and road trip website possible, full of helpful content for you. The website is supported by our readers, so if you buy through links on this site we may earn a commission- at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain our own .

If you find this post useful, you can also treat us to a coffee – we promise to enjoy it while creating more useful content like this- we might even indulge in a biscuit (or two!)

JUMP AHEAD TO...

UK Road Trips- How to Plan

Planning a UK road trip to England or elsewhere can be tough. 

There are SO MANY places, ideas, options and reviews- how on earth are you supposed to choose the best way or most scenic drives?

Then, you have to factor in how long you have for your UK road trip (remembering that much of rural UK has smaller, slower roads, so it takes a lot longer to get there than you might expect. 

So, if you’re planning a road trip around England (and the UK) and feeling overwhelmed, here are some of our favourite road trips and itinerary ideas to help you. We’ll discuss the best bits of each area, why and when you should visit, how far it is from London and where you should allow extra time to explore.

England Road Trip Ideas- Where to Start

The first thing to decide is where you want to visit on your road trip. Also, remember that England is only one section of the UK- there are several other countries to explore (England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland make up the United Kingdom).

So, if you want to do a full UK road trip, you’ll need more time than if you were just doing an England road trip.

Our biggest tip is not to overface yourself. Whether you only have a long weekend for a quick trip from London or a week to get out on the open road and tour, make sure you leave time to actually get out of your vehicle and explore the places you’re visiting- you’ll find plenty of historic sites, sandy beaches and incredible routes to enjoy. 

Roughly speaking, you can split England in half- the South of England and the North  (the line roughly goes through Birmingham) or even further into quarters if you only have time for a one-week road trip. 

Again, how far you can travel will depend on how much time you have, as well as how you are travelling (rental car, motorhome or public transport), but to do each half ‘properly’ we would recommend at least 2-3 weeks- especially if it’s your first time in England.

Having said that, you can see some of the best sights in less time than that- here’s our one week in England road trip itinerary .

Make planning your next road trip EASY (& fun!)

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Where to stay during your England road trip

If you’re planning a motorhome or campervan trip , you’ll be able to travel and stop along the way, often without booking in advance, using schemes like Brit Stops or wild camping in your motorhome .

If you’re in a car or motorbike, there are PLENTY of hotels and BnBs to use en route. If you’re travelling in summer we recommend booking at least the first stop in advance- if you use Booking.com for all your accommodation you’ll find you can get a great deal and save a lot of money.

England Road Trip Map

I know how hard it can be to visualise places if you don’t know the country well, so here’s a map of England with several of the road trip destinations shown on it.

Out of interest, if you did this route, it’s about 1056 miles (1700km) long. You could technically do it in a week, but you’d barely have time to get out of the car!

Common England Road Trip Questions

How long does it take to drive the whole of england .

Many people wonder “ How long does it take to drive the whole of England ?” That’s a tough question, as there are so many places to go and depends a lot on your starting point.

Most people allow 2-3 weeks to drive through as much of England as they can, but that will involve a LOT of driving. Of course, you can take a look at the road trip itinerary ideas below and see which scenic route or quaint villages most appeal to you- and then plan your trip around that.

One common UK road trip idea is to drive from Land’s End in Cornwall all the way up to John o’Groats in Scotland, which is about 838miles (1350km). Obviously, this is a road trip which involves England AND Scotland, and that brings me to another important point.

Want to rent a vehicle for your road trip?

These might help:

• Discover incredible deals for motorhome/ camper rentals
• Find the best deals for car rental

READ: 10 essential questions to ask before you rent a motorhome

Can we go to England by road?

This is a common question for anyone who doesn’t live in the UK- and the short answer is yes, you can drive to England from mainland Europe.

Whether you’re enjoying a European road trip (here are some ideas for you ), or want to combine a trip to England with another country, you can drive to England from Europe via either the Eurotunnel or taking one of several car ferries (they also take motorhomes/ campervans on most of the ferry routes.)

If you’re planning a road trip from France to England, which route you take will depend on which part of France and England you want to visit- find out more in our Eurotunnel vs Ferry post.

And if you’re going the other way and will be driving in Europe, make sure you are aware of the new rules for driving in Europe after BREXIT .

If you’re like more help planning your trip, this post about how to plan an epic UK road trip will help.

Is England the UK or Great Britain?

Neither. And part of both 🙂

It’s common for people to confuse an England road trip with a UK road trip. England is just one country within the UK, along with Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. If you want to extend your trip and see more of those countries, you might enjoy our post on the best UK road trips and scenic drive ideas.

The UK is short for ‘The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland’.

Great Britain is the LANDMASS of the largest island in the British Isles (the one which makes up England, Wales and Scotland). Northern Ireland, Isle of Man and the Channel Islands are not included in this.

And, to make things even more odd, the British Isles includes ALL the islands, including the whole of Ireland, which isn’t part of the UK at all.

Thoroughly confused? Ok, let’s just stick to England road trip ideas! 🙂

South England Road Trip Ideas

If you’re visiting London and want to explore part of the country for a few days, southern England is a good place to start. Of course, there are a HUGE number of places to explore in ‘South England’ (which is roughly classed as anywhere below Birmingham), so I’m just going to pick a few highlights to inspire you.

Cornwall- South West England

Cornwall is one of my favourite places to road trip in England. I spent 2 years living there whilst I was in the Navy, and have been back many times since. There are plenty of things to do in Cornwall , but there are some important tips you need to know before you arrive!

Why is Cornwall one of the best England road trips?

If you want cute villages, incredible beaches and more history than you can shake a stick at, Cornwall is perfect. Also, they have some of the best ice cream IN THE WORLD (no kidding) and it’s perfectly acceptable to eat a scone with jam and clotted cream EVERY day and no one will judge you.

IMPORTANT NOTE : There is intense rivalry between Devon and Cornwall over whether jam or cream should go first on a scone. In Cornwall, they do jam and THEN cream, which is apparently the way the Queen preferred her scones .

(Don’t worry, they’re used to tourists and won’t stone you if you get it wrong. But be warned if you want to live there…!) 

In Devon, they do it the other way. I’ve tried both, and I’m a jam first girl (because you can then put more cream on!)

When should you visit Cornwall?

Cornwall is best anytime between Easter and mid-October.

TOP TIP : Avoid July and August if you possibly can. The schools are on holiday and it feels like EVERYONE in England has travelled to the same small Cornish village as you.

Beaches are overcrowded, parking becomes a struggle and there’s a very real chance of shops running out of ice cream. Don’t do that to yourself. You deserve that ice cream.

Also, many businesses and attractions close after mid-October for the winter, so you might find you can’t do everything you want to outside the season.

Having said that, we find Cornwall one of the best places to enjoy Autumn in Europe – the weather is still warm, but everywhere is quieter and easier to get to.

How long should you spend roadtripping Cornwall?

How long is a piece of string!! But, as you can see on our Cornish road trip itinerary , we recommend 7-10 days minimum to see all the best places.

Where are the best places to visit in Cornwall on a road trip?

Did I mention that I used to live here? I have SO many recommendations for places to visit we could be here all week!!! Some of my absolute favourites (and this is like choosing my favourite child… or chocolate bar) include:

• Tintagel Castle (the home of Arthur and the round table)
• Minack Theatre (built onto the side of a cliff)
• St Michael’s Mount
• Boscastle (where one of the best witchcraft museums in the world is!)
• Newquay beach (and bars!)

READ MORE: Discover our complete Cornwall road trip itinerary (45 places you HAVE to see!)

Recommended by Ben at Driftwood Journals

Famed for its endless rolling hills, craggy coastlines and clotted cream delights, Devon is unsurprisingly one of the most popular destinations in the UK – and a dream for rural road-trippers! With wild moors galore, cutesy towns and villages, and bountiful beaches, you don’t have to drive far in Devon to stumble upon scenes of unparalleled beauty.

Highlights and best places to visit in Devon

• Dartmouth- one of the best towns in the county (and home of the Royal Naval Officer training. I spent a year here…running up those bl***y hills!) Hire a boat and explore the river.
• Paignton- the beach with the red sand and is also known as the English Riviera.
• Dartmoor National Park
• Exmoor National Park
• Exmouth with its beautiful painted houses
• Salcombe Harbour – a holiday hotspot for all generations.
• Dulverton- head to the Copper Kettle tearoom; you won’t regret it!

Devon road trip ideas

Pack up your motorhome/ camper (or car with tent) and find a site with views across the Devonshire cow-grazed hillsides of the Lyn Valley, or out over Dartmoor. You can wild camp in Devon, but not on the moors. Find out more about motorhome wild camping in the UK.

For a coastal trip, explore sea towns like Salcombe and Dartmouth (where you can take a boat up to Greenway, Agatha Christie’s summer home) and round to Exmouth, before heading north to Woolacombe, Dawlish and the fishing boat bobbing harbour of Ilfracombe. Enjoy the bustle and culture in the capital of Exeter or discover the notorious prison of Dartmoor.

Alternatively, head to North Devon and enjoy the wilder seas and views of the north coast. This is a great area for surfing and watersports.

If you have more time (and fuel) to burn, take to the A386 between Appledore and Plymouth, traversing through forested valleys to picture-perfect towns like Great Torrington and Tavistock, where you can tour the tearooms and plan the rest of your trip in the park while dangling your toes in the River Tavy.

But the true beauty of road tripping in Devon is that you don’t really need to plan too extensively. You’ll never be far from a cream tea pitstop, and the verdant country roads will offer up some of the most perfect picnic spots you’ll ever see. All you need is is a full tank, and a little patience when stuck behind tractor after tractor!

When is the best time to visit Devon on a road trip?

As with Cornwall, the best time to visit Devon is Spring to Autumn, but avoid the high summer months if you can, especially if you’re on a UK motorhome holiday .

Can you visit Devon on a day trip from London?

You can, but it’s quite a long drive. I’d say you’d need at least 2 or 3 days to really be able to explore anything.

Dorset- One of England’s Best Road Trips

Recommended by Paul | Anywhere We Roam

The Jurassic Coast stretches 95 miles across Dorset in southern England. With an iconic coastline of towering white cliffs, it’s an excellent destination for a classic road trip. Stunning scenery, historical sites and local breweries make the Jurassic Coast one of the best places to experience the beautiful English countryside.

Dorset road trip- best places to visit?

The main highlight of a road trip to Dorset in the area has to be Old Harry Rocks – a collection of white stone monoliths that have been carved out along the coast. It’s one of the most impressive stretches of scenery in the UK with dazzling chalk stacks assembled like a jigsaw puzzle waiting to be completed. If you get time, be sure to enjoy one of the many fabulous Dorset walks- you won’t regret it.

A thirty-minute drive away, Corfe Castle stands as a reminder of England’s 11th-Century past. It was one of the earliest Norman castles built and today it glows in its dilapidated glory overlooking the Dorset hills. It’s a stunning, photogenic inclusion on a UK road trip.

For another natural phenomenon, Durdle Door is possibly one of the most recognisable symbols of the Jurassic Coast. Over time, crashing waves have eroded limestone stacks in the sea leaving a glorious natural arch.

It’s a beautiful stretch of beach, ideal for a long summer stroll. It’s also next to the famous Lulworth Cove, which is a wonderful place to enjoy an ice cream!

Editors note: (I (Kat) actually jumped off the top of Durdle Door on my hen party!)

After soaking up the stunning scenery, head west to Lyme Regis, a quaint town with a vibrant independent retail scene. The historic Cobb Harbour set against moody cliffs is well-preserved and houses some of the best coffee in the area.

When is the best time to visit Dorset on an England road trip?

The best time to visit the Jurassic Coast on a road trip is from May to early July when the surrounding countryside will be verdant green and covered in wildflowers, but there’s not too much traffic!

Hampshire road trip

Hampshire is another county in England we know well, having lived here for 14+ years. There’s plenty to enjoy on a road trip to Hampshire, from beautiful cities to picturesque country houses.

Highlights of a Hampshire road trip

Some of our favourite places to visit in Hampshire include:

• Winchester- be sure to visit the Cathedral where Jane Austen is buried and you can see one of the oldest Bibles in the world. If you’re lucky enough to be visiting in December, don’t miss the famous Winchester Christmas Market , held in the Cathedral grounds each December.
• Highclere Castle (or Downton Abbey, as you might know it!)
• Lymington – for the oldest open sea water baths in the UK – and the New Forest (check out the Wildlife park there and make sure to take some memorable photos).
• Hinton Ampner- 18th century famous manor house known for its gardens.
• Portsmouth (you MUST go to the Mary Rose museum and HMS Victory)
• Isle of Wight (see below)

Isle of Wight road trip

Recommended by Darek | DarekandGosia

The  Isle of Wight , famous for its beautiful views, is an island on the south coast of England, just below Southampton. Technically, it’s part of Hampshire, but feels like a different world.

With a motorhome or car, you can reach the island by ferry from either Southampton or Portsmouth – book in advance during summer. There are also a couple of foot passenger ferries and a hovercraft from Southsea.

Why is it one of England’s best road trips?

The Isle of Wight is like going back in time. It’s worth a road trip here for even a weekend, to escape the hustle and bustle of normal life, ride bikes and take a walk on the cliffs.

Also, there are some wonderful places to stay. If you’re on a road trip, check out these amazing Isle of Wight campsites – some with stunning sea views!

What is there to do?

You can start exploring the island in Shanklin – one of the coastal villages famous for its beautiful beaches. On the promenade along the sea you will find many restaurants and hotels – most of the Island is typically tourist-oriented.

From Shanklin drive to the western part of the island. The most characteristic point is The Needles – three chalk rocks emerging from the sea with a small lighthouse built at the end of one of the columns. You can get to Needles by car and then follow the path on foot to the cliff slope. It’s a fabulous place for a picnic.

Next to Needles is Old Battery, a military fortification dating from the nineteenth century. There you can find World War II memorabilia or visit one of the various exhibitions are also taking place.

While driving around the island make sure you get to Carisbrooke Castle near Newport. Its construction began in the 12th century. It is worth taking a moment to walk around the castle, relax in the Edwardian-style garden.

One of my favourite places on the Island is Osborne House- Queen Victoria’s summer home. You can walk around the gardens and the house and even enjoy an ice cream on her private beach. Osborne House is run by English Heritage.

When is the best time to visit the Isle of Wight?

The Isle of Wight is a must-see for anyone who wants to admire the British climate and above all fantastic views. It is worth going here all year round – it’s actually one of the best places to visit in Europe in October , when there are fewer tourists and you can enjoy the views & roads!

Norfolk Broads

Recommended by Mandi | Big Family, Little Adventures

Sometimes you want nothing more than to escape the hustle and the bustle of everyday life, the noise, the bright lights, the never-ending pace of life. If you want to get away, the Norfolk Broads is pure escapism; big skies, plenty of peace and quiet and an abundance of wildlife.

Best places to visit in Norfolk on a road trip

• The Old Roman Fort at Burgh Castle with an elevated position and commanding views over the marshes – perfect for a walk in both winter morning frost or a hot and hazy mid-summer evening
• If you prefer a bit of activity, Wroxham is a bustling Broads village- home to Roy’s of Wroxham, possibly the largest village shop you have ever seen
• Plenty of riverside pubs and restaurants in Wroxham and all around the Broads- the perfect places to stop for a bite to eat
• St Benet’s Abbey – an 11th century monastery defying time, standing in a stunning green valley.
• If you are an animal lover, you will enjoy a visit to Wroxham Barns to feed the lambs or spot the grey seals on the Norfolk beaches

Norfolk Road Trip- when is the best time to visit?

You can explore Norfolk all year. In summer, if you would like to explore the best Norfolk beaches or Broads up close, why not hire a dayboat; these can be hired at various boatyards throughout the Broads. Waveney River Centre is another stunning place to stop and admire the view, either by boat or car.

The challenge is (as always in England!) the weather. In dry conditions, most paths are excellent, but it can get a bit more challenging in wet weather.

However, over the years, an increasing number of boardwalks have been developed, increasing safe access to the Broads whatever the weather. Also, seeing the windmills and rivers on a crisp winter morning is unforgettable.

Time does not stop in Norfolk, but it really does feel like it slows down.  To be able to watch the sunset across the broads any time of year is a magical experience and the perfect place to enjoy a chilled road trip.

Sussex, Kent and Surrey

Ahhh, the picturesque south-east corner of England, which includes the Garden of England (that’s the other name for Kent). This area is lush, green and has some many historic buildings and castles you’ll find it impossible to avoid them.

It’s also home to plenty of gorgeous sandy beaches, white cliffs (such as Dover and Beachy Head) and some truly wonderful parks to walk in.

Even better, it’s all easily reached from London by car and train, so it’s easy to get away from the city for a few days if you’d like a countryside break or a trip to the beach.

Best Places to visit in Sussex include:

Sussex is actually split into East and West Sussex, but to make things easy on your road trip I’ve made one list for you. They’re not that far apart from each other!

• Brighton : A vibrant seaside city famous for its pebble beach, iconic pier, and the Royal Pavilion with its distinctive architecture. Explore the Lanes for unique shops and enjoy the city’s lively arts and music scene. See below for more ideas
• Arundel : Home to Arundel Castle, a medieval and Victorian castle that overlooks the River Arun. The town itself is picturesque with cobbled streets and antique shops.
• Chichester : A historic cathedral city with Roman origins, Chichester offers a mix of history, culture, and shopping. The Chichester Cathedral and Pallant House Gallery are notable attractions.
• Lewes : Known for its medieval architecture, Lewes Castle, and historic streets. The Lewes Bonfire Night is a famous annual event.
• Eastbourne : A traditional seaside town with a Victorian pier, beautiful seafront, and the iconic Beachy Head cliffs nearby.
• Rye : A charming medieval town with cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, and views of the surrounding marshland.
• Battle : Famous for the Battle of Hastings in 1066, this town is home to Battle Abbey and the Battlefield. Explore the historic sites and learn about this pivotal event in English history.
• Petworth House and Park : A stately mansion with an impressive art collection set in a vast deer park. The gardens are also worth exploring.
• Seven Sisters Country Park : A stunning coastal area with dramatic chalk cliffs and rolling hills, perfect for hiking and enjoying breathtaking views.
• Bodiam Castle : A 14th-century moated castle surrounded by water and picturesque landscapes.
• Sheffield Park and Garden : A National Trust property known for its stunning gardens, lakes, and vibrant displays of plants.
• Birling Gap and Beachy Head : More stunning chalk cliffs and coastal views, with the added beauty of the natural arch at Birling Gap.
• Glyndebourne Opera House : Known for its world-class opera productions, the opera house is set in beautiful countryside and offers a unique cultural experience.

Best places to visit in Kent include:

• Canterbury – home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Canterbury Cathedral
• Dover : Known for the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, this coastal town is home to Dover Castle, which boasts a complex history and offers panoramic views of the English Channel.
• Rochester : A charming town with a medieval castle and cathedral. It’s also the birthplace of Charles Dickens, and you can visit the Dickens World theme park.
• Whitstable : This coastal town is famous for its oysters and seafood. Enjoy the quaint streets, beach huts, and seafood restaurants along the coast.
• Margate : A seaside town with a revived artistic scene, featuring the Turner Contemporary art gallery and the scenic Margate Sands.
• Leeds Castle : Often referred to as the “loveliest castle in the world,” Leeds Castle is set on an island in a lake and surrounded by beautiful gardens.
• Hever Castle : The childhood home of Anne Boleyn, with historic architecture, gardens, and a maze.
• Chatham Historic Dockyard : A maritime museum where you can explore historic warships, submarines, and learn about Britain’s naval history.
• Biddenden Vineyards : If you’re a wine enthusiast, Kent has several vineyards. Biddenden is one of the oldest and most well-known.
• Canterbury Tales Visitor Attraction : An interactive museum where you can step back in time to experience Chaucer’s famous tales.
• St. Augustine’s Abbey : A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this abbey in Canterbury dates back to the 6th century and is a significant historical site.
• Chartwell House : The former home of Winston Churchill, now a museum showcasing his life and legacy.

These are just a few highlights of what Kent has to offer. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or culture, you’re likely to find something appealing in this diverse and beautiful county.

Best Places to Visit in Surrey

• Box Hill : A National Trust site known for its stunning views and walking trails. It’s a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts and offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding countryside.
• Polesden Lacey : A grand Edwardian estate with beautiful gardens, Polesden Lacey is a National Trust property that offers a glimpse into the lives of the wealthy in the early 20th century.
• Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village : Located in Compton, this unique attraction is dedicated to the works of Victorian artist George Frederic Watts and his wife Mary Watts. The village includes a gallery, chapel, and artist studios.
• Hampton Court Palace : While part of the palace is in Greater London, the stunning Hampton Court Palace is right on the border of Surrey. It’s famous for its Tudor history, grand architecture, and beautiful gardens.
• RHS Garden Wisley : A flagship garden of the Royal Horticultural Society, Wisley offers a wide variety of plants, landscapes, and garden designs to explore.
• Brooklands Museum : A museum dedicated to motorsport and aviation history, located on the site of the world’s first purpose-built motor racing circuit.
• Loseley Park : A grand Elizabethan manor house surrounded by beautiful gardens and parkland, open to the public during certain times of the year.
• Denbies Wine Estate : England’s largest vineyard, Denbies offers tours, wine tasting, and beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
• Newlands Corner : Another viewpoint offering breathtaking views of the Surrey Hills, perfect for picnics and outdoor activities.
• Epsom Downs : Known for Epsom Downs Racecourse and the famous Epsom Derby, this area offers open spaces and walking trails.
• Virginia Water : Part of Windsor Great Park, Virginia Water features a lake, ornamental cascades, and woodland walks.

Surrey’s mix of historic sites, natural beauty, and cultural attractions make it a delightful destination for a variety of interests. Whether you’re into history, outdoor activities, or simply enjoying scenic landscapes, Surrey has something to offer.

Brighton – East Sussex

I’ve given Brighton it’s own section because it’s one of my favourite cities in England and you should try to add it to your England road trip itinerary, especially if you’re heading toward East Sussex.

Brighton is a city renowned for its diverse communities and innovation, the quirky shopping areas, its music and art scene, and its large LGBT population. Read more about Brighton in Autum .

Why is Brighton one of the best England road trips?

Brighton is less than an hour away from London (76 km) and on a direct train line. It offers plenty of fun and exciting activities to enjoy (more than just fish and chips at a pier!)

Brighton has been famous as a cultural centre for over a century. It’s home to the world’s oldest operating aquarium (which opened in 1872- now called ‘’Brighton Sea Life’’), and you can even ride the world’s oldest operating electric railway, the Volks Railway, built in 1883.

Other Brighton Highlights include:

• See the Palace Pier
• Catch the latest release in the Duke of York Picturehouse, Britain’s oldest cinema.
• Have a stroll down the North Lane- home to over 400 independent shops
• Discover the Victorian innovations still in operation in the city.

How long should you spend in Brighton?

You will want to spend at least two days in Brighton to truly take in the city, but you can easily make a week of your itinerary if you want to explore more places in Sussex, Kent and Surrey.  

What is the best month to visit Brighton?

The sunniest (and therefore warmest!) time of the year in Brighton is from May to September. July and August are peak tourist season, with hotel prices skyrocketing, so be aware of that and plan your stay accordingly.

Cambridgeshire & Cambridge

Cambridgeshire is a county in the East of England with plenty to do. The jewel of the county is Cambridge, with a historical, 800-year-old centre you should definitely not skip.

Why should you include Cambridge on your England road trip?

Only 1 hour and 30 minutes away from London via M11, Cambridge offers so much: a rich history of English heritage, a buzzing local community, and a picturesque setting. You’ll even find a gift Henry VIII gave to Anne Boleyn!

Cambridge Highlights

• See the King’s College Chapel 
• Enjoy breakfast at Fitzbillies
• Go punting in the River Cam
• Have a picnic by the river.
• Enjoy walking the historic streets

Cambridge Trip Itinerary idea

Leaving London, head up to Cambridge via the M11.

Start the day with drinks and a meal in one of the many deli and brunch places in Market Square before setting off to explore the city. I highly recommend the famous Fitzbillies- the food is delicious.

From there, you can choose from a variety of activities: visiting King’s Chapel, punting in the River Cam (pass under the Bridge of Sighs), hiking on the Cam Towpath (lots of hidden gems if you know how to look for trails!), or taking in the city views from St. Mary’s Tower.

If you’re staying overnight, end the day by attending the Evensong at the King’s College Chapel (select days only)

When is the best (and worst) time to visit Cambridge ?

Cambridge is beautiful all year round. However, the worst time to visit would be spring – the university students sit their finals between April and June, which means many of the college sites are closed to visitors. 

What are some of the best places to visit in Cambridge?

The King’s College Chapel in the University of Cambridge is the third-oldest university in operation and the most iconic and instantly-recognisable building in the county.

Don’t miss out on an opportunity to drink at the Eagle, a historic pub in the heart of Cambridge’s city centre famously linked to Watson and Crick’s discovery of DNA.

If you are feeling adventurous and are ready to brave the British winter, visit Cambridge in December. It’s off-peak season and features one of the best UK Christmas markets you should visit. Read all about the Cambridge Christmas market here.

How long should you spend in Cambridge?

One day in Cambridge is usually enough time to visit the majority of the main sights, especially if you are visiting during the summer. You’ll need tickets for most of the chapels and university buildings, so go first to buy those.

Wiltshire & Cotswolds Road Trip – 3 day trip from London

Recommended by Ann | The road is life

The Cotswolds is the largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in England and Wales. If you look at a map of England, find Bristol (west coast, just below the indent of southern Wales) and the Cotswolds is the area north-east of Bristol.

There is so much beauty and fascinating history to discover around the Cotswolds region and luckily you don’t have to travel far from London to get there! You can reach Bath or Bristol easily in a day from London, but we recommend at least 3 days to really explore the area by car/ motorhome, plus explore Stonehenge and Salisbury on the way back to London. If you’re travelling with children, don’t worry- there’s plenty of things to do in the Cotswolds with kids.

Highlights & Best Places to Visit in the Cotswolds and Surrounding Area

• Explore the charming stone villages of the Cotswolds
• visit the historic city of Bath
• marvel at the mysterious ancient stones of Stonehenge
• Indulge in some shopping at Daylesford farm
• stop at the magnificent Salisbury Cathedral.

When is the best time for a Cotswolds road trip?

Although the Cotswolds can be visited all year, this road trip is best completed in the spring or summer months to ensure warmer and sunnier sightseeing weather.

The days are also longer- allowing you to see more each day. However, unlike Cornwall and Devon, most places to NOT shut during winter, so feel free to explore whenever suits you!

Wiltshire & Cotswolds road trip itinerary from London

• Departing London, drive out to the Cotswolds. This is where you should spend 3-4 days exploring as many lovely little towns and villages as you wish to.
• A few of the prettiest Cotswolds villages include Bibury, Stow-on-the-Wold, Lower Slaughter, Bourton-on-the-Water, Castle Combe and so many more! The beauty of the Cotswolds region is that the villages are all located in close proximity with minimal driving time in between them.
• Once you have seen your share of lovely English villages , carry on to Bath which is only a 30-minute drive from the village of Castle Combe- well worth a visit.
• Spend a full day and night in Bath visiting the Roman baths.
• From there continue to Stonehenge. A visit to this incredible ancient site can easily take half a day. We camped overnight at Stonehenge and saw the most INCREDIBLE sunrise we’ve EVER seen. (Seriously, watch the video. It’s breathtaking)
• From Stonehenge, it’s only a short 20-minute drive to the medieval town of Salisbury which brings you to the final stop of this road trip.
• The highlight of Salisbury is the stunning Salisbury Cathedral which has the tallest spire in all of Britain! Spend one night in Salisbury before making the final 2-hour road trip back to London.
• Another option is to return to London via the historic city of Oxford. Don’t miss a meal in Sticks and Sushi- one of the best restaurants in Oxford and with incredible views over the city.

North England Road Trips- Why You Should Visit

It’s easy when planning an England road trip to get sucked into famous places like Cornwall, Devon or the Cotswolds- and those are all AMAZING places to visit.

However, I strongly encourage you to visit the north of England as well if you have time. You’ll find villages just as pretty, delicious food (chips, pie and gravy is the best thing in the world) and incredible history.

Again, we were lucky to live up here for 4 years- here are some of our absolute favourite places to road trip, although there are of course many more we have yet to discover! I hope they give you some ideas and inspiration for your next trip.

Don’t forget to Grab your ULTIMATE road trip planner here – it has everything you need to help you pack for your road trip.

Peak District National Park

The Peak District is a huge and stunning area in Derbyshire, just to the east of Manchester. It’s a perfect place for a road trip because there are so many things to see!

A car or motorhome makes it easy to travel between the sites and there are plenty of campsites or hotels to use as you explore.

There are a multitude of hikes, walks and tors to climb and the area is famous for its caves, which people still lived in as recently as 1910!

The Peak District was the UK’s first National Park and is also considered the real ale capital of the world! If you’re exploring the Peak District with kids , there are steam trains, tramways, cycle paths and even a cable car taking you up to see some stunning views! There’s also Alton Towers theme park – one of the best in the UK.

Best places to explore in the Peak District

Some of the highlights include:

• Chatsworth House
• Ladybower reservoir
• Alton Towers theme park
• Heights of Abraham cable car

Lake District road trip

Recommended by Fiona/ Passport & Piano

The Lake District National Park is a UNESCO heritage site that makes for the perfect road trip.  Walking around the lakes and fells to see the magnificent scenery is one of the many pleasures of the area.

Quintessential villages are plentiful as are traditional English pubs with real ale and hearty food. Don’t just rush by on your way from England to Scotland; take a few days and enjoy all that the lakes have to offer.

Best places to visit on a Lake District Road Trip

Most people arrive from the south via Windermere, but to explore the areas hidden gems its worth spending at least three days here. The Lake District has some of the worlds best scenic drives and a trip along the Honister Pass and Kirkstone Pass are a must.

In the South Lakes, I’d highly recommend a  visit to Grasmere . Here you can visit several homes of the famous poet William Wordsworth and enjoy Sarah Nelson’s delightful gingerbread.

If you love Beatrix Potter, you can follow in her footsteps at Beatrix Potter World in Bowness- on- Windermere.  Her home near Hawkshead is open to visitors, and Wray Castle is a beautiful spot where she enjoyed her family holidays.

In the North Lakes, the towns of Keswick and Cockermouth have plenty to explore. The Castlerigg stone circle, with its stunning views across the fells, is worth stopping at, and the “Surprise View” across Derwent Water is spectacular.

If you’re not exploring in a motorhome or campervan, accommodation throughout the area is plentiful. There are boat rides and water-based activities to enjoy on most of the lakes and a plethora of outdoor pursuit centres for the more adventurous.

When is the best time for a Lake District road trip?

In the summer months, the National Park can be rather busy particularly on the main A66 road which runs through the centre. Hence if you want to avoid the crowds, consider visiting in the spring or autumn.

While you’re not guaranteed sunshine at any time of the year, the weather is probably at its best between April and September.

England Road Trip- Yorkshire & The Dales

Recommended by Sinead | Map Made Memories

England’s largest county, Yorkshire, is a perfect destination for a road trip. There are so many diverse attractions to see within a relatively short drive of each other.

Highlights and some best places in Yorkshire to visit

• Hardraw Force–England’s highest single-drop waterfall
• White Scar–The longest show cave in England
• Visit the ‘Best Street in Britain’
• Visit the cobbled Shambles, named ‘the Best Street in Britain’.
• Marvel at the Ribblehead Viaduct, the 24 arches that span the Yorkshire Dales, a true masterpiece of Victorian engineering.
• Castles and ruins all over the place
• Stand on Hogsmeade station (or at least the station which played it in Harry Potter!)

Yorkshire Road Trip Itinerary

Start your road trip in the rolling hills and river valleys of the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. Visit the 11th century Skipton Castle or descend underground to marvel at the formations in White Scar Caves, the longest show cave in England.

Clamber over Brimham Rocks or hike the stunning landscape around Malham Cove. Browse the independent shops in the Victorian spa town of Harrogate.

Places to visit on the Yorkshire Dales

The Yorkshire Dales are packed with attractive waterfalls. Choose between the plunging falls around Ingleton, popular Aysgarth Falls or, my favourite waterfall, Hardraw Force which is England’s highest single drop waterfall. Before leaving the Dales, visit the impressive monastic ruins and landscaped gardens of Fountains Abbey.

Continue your road trip by exploring the historic city of York . This compact city is easily navigated on foot and is an ideal location for history buffs. You can visit Viking, Roman, Georgian and Victorian sites all in one day!

See the iconic York Minster, walk the city’s medieval city walls and stroll along the cobbled Shambles, which has been voted the ‘ Best Street in Britain’ and was the inspiration behind Diagon Alley from the movie adaptation of the Harry Potter series!

Road trip over the Yorkshire Moors

End your Yorkshire road trip with a drive across the wild Yorkshire Moors. Take a scenic trip on a steam train across the Moors to visit charming Goathland train station which doubled as Hogsmeade station in the Harry Potter movies. Alternatively, your legs with a hike at the Hole of Horcum, a huge ancient natural amphitheatre.

How long should you spend exploring Yorkshire on a road trip?

You could ‘cover’ Yorkshire in a couple of days but to truly appreciate all it has to offer I would recommend at least one full week.

When is the best time to road trip to Yorkshire?

Yorkshire can be explored all year around- and expect rain at any time! But Spring is incredible on the moors- with the wildflowers blooming and the days getting longer, it’s a perfect time to visit. Autumn also offers spectacular views with the leaves turning colour, providing an incredible backdrop.

England Road Trip Idea – North East Coast

Northern England’s east coast is full of charming towns and villages, and is the perfect destination for a road trip.

Best places to visit on a North East coast England road trip

• Saltburn-by-the-Sea (to search for fossils)
• Lemon top ice-cream – Its legacy goes back over 100 years!)
• Staithes- picturesque fishing village
• Whitby Abbey – the inspiration behind Bram Stoker’s Dracula
• Robin Hood’s Bay (where smuggling was commonplace
• Scarborough Castle

North East England road trip itinerary

Start in Saltburn-by-the-sea. Be sure to search for fossils throughout your visit. I actually found one in Saltburn-by-the-Sea, but you can get lucky in any of the places on this list! Saltburn-by-the-Sea is home to the historic Saltburn Cliff Tramway and affords beautiful views from the bluffs above town.

You can walk along The Cleveland Way, a historic trail that runs through each of the 5 locations mentioned. I’d also recommend trying Lemon Top Ice Cream, or vanilla ice cream with a dollop of lemon sorbet on top.

Staithes is a quaint fishing village laden with narrow pathways and quirky cottages.

The Whitby Abbey towers above the town, giving it an eerie feeling – it’s even credited as the inspiration behind Bram Stoker’s Dracula!

Robin Hood’s Bay has a long history with smugglers, and its red rooftops and crowded buildings conceal hidden routes. In Scarborough, you can enjoy rides at the Luna Park amusement park or visit the historic Scarborough Castle!

When is the best time to road trip England’s north-east coast?

Although you can visit this area all year round, I’d suggest visiting in the summer or fall. It rains much of the year in this region of England, but there’s a higher likelihood of sunshine from July through October.

How long to spend on this England Road trip?

You can complete this road trip in less than 2 hours, but I’d suggest spending at least a few days exploring the region. Each Yorkshire coastal town has its own charm and activities to offer, so you certainly don’t want to rush!

How far is it from the North east coast to London?

Scarborough to London takes about 5 hours by car. Avoid travelling Friday afternoons or Monday morning- those are the peak road traffic times.

Don’t miss Durham

We spent a lovely couple of days exploring the city of Durham. There are so many wonderful places to explore, but one of the highlights for us was Durham Cathedral. This incredible building was built in the 11th Century and is the largest surviving stone vaulted ceiling of its size.

However, if I’m honest, I was more excited by the fact that several scenes in Harry Potter were filmed here, including in the cloisters and many of the covered walkways.

It was also in Durham Cathedral that Harry, Ron and Hermione encounter ‘Fluffy’- the forbidden corridor was also part of the cathedral.

Other fantastic things to see in or near Durham include:

• Durham Castle
• High Force Waterfall (one of the best waterfalls in Europe )
• Finchale Priory

Northumberland Coast

Recommended by Tracy | Travels in Time

The Northumberland Coastal route stretches for over 35 miles from Alnmouth in the south to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne in the north.

The drive takes you through an area of outstanding natural beauty with many beautiful villages and places of interest to visit along the way.

How long to spend on a Northumberland coast road trip

This itinerary covers a day trip but you could spend a few days exploring the area or even walk the Northumberland Coastal Path along the same route if you are feeling up to it!

Northumberland road trip itinerary

The first village to visit is Craster – famous for its kippers and overlooked by Dunstanburgh Castle. If you’re looking for impressive castles in England , Northumberland is the place to go- there are more castles here than any other county in England!

After exploring Craster and the castle, head to Seahouses. A popular seaside town for families with lots of arcades and fish and chip shops this is the place to stop for a bite to eat.

If the weather is good why not hop on a boat over to the Farme Islands? With large colonies of seals and puffins the islands are popular with nature lovers.

Bamburgh Castle dominates the horizon and is worth exploring. It was once the home to the Royal Seat of the Kings of Northumbria and also has a ghost or two!

After Bamburgh head to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. Make sure you check the tides before you go- the island is tidal and is only accessible during certain times.

Once on the island take a stroll up to the castle. Don’t miss exploring the ruins of Lindisfarne Priory. This is the place famous as the home of Christianity in England until Viking raids eventually led to the abandonment of the priory.

When is the best time for a Northumberland road trip?

The best time to visit Northumberland and places in North East England is in the summer – the days are long and the sun will hopefully be shining! Be aware that on occasions during the summer a sea fret (mist) can hang over the coast and cool temperatures and decrease visibility. Make sure to check the weather forecast before you travel.

Wow- anyone else want to jump in their motorhome/ camper/ car/ bike and head off to start exploring? What a fantastic list of England road trip destinations!

As you can see, it really doesn’t matter where you go or how long you have to explore England- you’ll have plenty of places to enjoy. And who knows- next time we set off for Norfolk, we might even make it there without swinging by Cornwall first!! 🙂

Planning an England road trip? You might find these posts useful:

• How to plan an epic UK road trip
• How to create a road trip itinerary with Google Maps
• 100 best road trip driving songs
• How to plan a motorhome trip to UK or Europe

See all our UK travel ideas and tips

Kat never planned to buy a motorhome. She also never planned to quit her job as an air traffic controller, go touring around Europe in said motorhome, start one of the UK’s largest motorhome travel websites… or get a cocker spaniel.

Find out how she went from stuck in the rat race to being a digital nomad and inspiring thousands of people to have their own epic adventures here.

If you’d like to connect with Kat, send her an email or follow her adventures on social media.

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Cornwall is such a beautiful part of the UK to visit in a motorhome, although it can be a little tight around those country roads.

So true- some of those roads are tiny, but worth it for the incredible views and places to visit.

Have you been on the welsh coast much

Our very first motorhome trip EVER was to the Welsh coast. We’ve put together some of our favourite Welsh road trips here if you want some ideas: https://wandering-bird.com/wales-road-trip/

Although all road trips are lovely, I particularly enjoy traveling in a campervan through Devon in the UK. I appreciate you sharing this list of road trip suggestions.

Fantastic article for anyone travelling England on a road trip

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themagicaltrips

By Experience

Food & culture, best of the best, featured destinations.

• Travel Tips
• Places To Stay

Introduction

Are you dreaming of a peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life? Look no further than exploring the picturesque English countryside on a road trip! From quaint villages to stunning landscapes, there’s something for everyone in this dreamy itinerary. Buckle up and get ready for an adventure through some of England’s most beautiful destinations: The Cotswolds, The Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, Peak District and North Norfolk Coast. Let’s hit the road!

The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is a picturesque region in south-central England that spans six counties. It’s known for its rolling hills, charming villages, and stunning architecture. The area is rich in natural beauty with miles of walking trails to explore.

One of the must-visit villages in the Cotswolds is Bourton-on-the-Water, often referred to as the “Venice of the Cotswolds”. This village has an idyllic setting with quaint stone bridges spanning over the River Windrush.

Another highlight of this region is Broadway Tower which offers breathtaking views from its hilltop location. Visitors can climb up to the top for panoramic vistas that stretch out over miles of countryside.

The Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens are also worth visiting while you’re here. This park boasts a collection of exotic animals including lions, giraffes, and penguins among others.

In short, The Cotswolds is an enchanting destination where visitors can escape into nature or simply relax amidst stunning scenery.

The Lake District

Nestled in the North West of England, The Lake District is a picturesque destination that boasts vast expanses of rolling hills and tranquil lakes. This region has been capturing hearts for centuries with its stunning landscapes, charming villages, and breathtaking natural beauty.

The Lake District National Park covers an area of over 2,300 square kilometers and contains an array of majestic mountains such as Scafell Pike – England’s highest peak. You can explore the park by foot or bike along its various trails or take to the water on a canoeing or paddleboarding adventure.

But it’s not just about outdoor activities; there are also plenty of cultural attractions to enjoy here too. Visit Wordsworth’s house in Grasmere or Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top Farm in Near Sawrey to discover more about these famous literary figures who were inspired by this beautiful landscape.

The region is home to many quaint villages such as Ambleside and Keswick which offer great foodie experiences with local produce like Cumberland sausages and sticky toffee pudding. Enjoy your meals amidst stunning views across lush green valleys while sipping on ale brewed at local breweries.

With so much beauty surrounding you, it’s easy to see why The Lake District has become one of Britain’s most popular tourist destinations – perfect for those seeking tranquility away from city life.

Yorkshire Dales

Nestled in the heart of Northern England, the Yorkshire Dales offer a picturesque landscape of rolling hills and valleys. This area is known for its stunning natural beauty, charming villages and historic landmarks.

A road trip through this region will take you on a journey through winding roads surrounded by greenery with occasional glimpses of waterfalls. You can also explore the small market towns where you can shop at local markets selling fresh produce and handmade crafts.

One highlight of visiting Yorkshire Dales is hiking or walking along one of the many trails available. The Malham Cove limestone formations are popular among hikers offering breathtaking views once you reach the top.

Moreover, history enthusiasts will be delighted to know that they can visit Bolton Castle, which dates back to 1399. This castle was used as a prison in the past but now serves as a museum showcasing Yorkshire’s rich history.

In addition to all these attractions, there are plenty more reasons to add Yorkshire Dales to your UK itinerary. Whether it’s exploring unique shops or simply enjoying nature’s tranquillity – this place has something for everyone!

Peak District

Nestled in the heart of England, the Peak District is a picturesque region that’s truly breathtaking. It is home to some of the most stunning landscapes and natural wonders that you won’t find anywhere else.

The Peak District has something for everyone; whether you’re an adventure-seeker or someone who wants to relax and enjoy nature at its finest. You can go hiking, cycling, rock climbing, horse riding or simply stroll around the quaint villages dotted throughout the region.

One of the main attractions in this area is Chatsworth House – a magnificent stately home set amidst beautiful gardens and offering visitors an insight into English history and architecture. Another must-visit spot is Monsal Head – a viewpoint overlooking one of Derbyshire’s most iconic valleys.

But it’s not just about sightseeing here; there are plenty of local pubs where you can sample some delicious food made from locally-sourced ingredients while enjoying a pint with friendly locals.

So if you’re looking for an idyllic escape from city life then add Peak District to your bucket list!

North Norfolk Coast

To wrap up this dreamy road trip itinerary, we head to the North Norfolk Coast. This region is home to some of England’s most stunning beaches and charming villages. It’s a perfect place for those who love wildlife, birdwatching or simply want to relax in nature.

The coast has an abundance of traditional seaside towns such as Cromer and Wells-next-the-Sea that offer sandy beaches, colourful beach huts and local seafood delicacies. Don’t forget to visit the beautiful National Trust-run Holkham Beach with its vast open spaces and sand dunes – it’s truly breathtaking!

In addition, you can explore charming coastal villages like Blakeney where you can take a boat ride out onto the marshes or spot seals basking on the shore at Horsey Gap.

As our journey comes to an end, we hope that this road trip itinerary will inspire you to pack your bags and explore these picturesque destinations in England’s countryside. From rolling hills covered in wildflowers, quaint market towns steeped in history, pristine lakes reflecting towering mountainsides – there are so many hidden gems waiting for you on your next English adventure!

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Road Trip England – 10 of the Best Routes

This post may contain affiliate links, from which we earn an income.

The tiny country of England is famous for its long history, the Royal family and quaint traditions. It is also known for impossibly pretty villages, hedgerow-lined country lanes and a wonderfully diverse landscape and coastline, all of which make England a must for travelers.

Perfect for a road trip, England is small enough to get around easily, meaning you can see more of the country in less time! From the capital city of London, most of the country and its attractions can be reached by car in a day!

We’re Brits who are addicted to being on the road and have years of experience road tripping in England. We got together with some road trip pals and have put together a round-up of our favourite road trips in England for you, to help you see the very best of this amazing country.

Are You in the Right Place?

England is a country of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland , also known as the United Kingdom or UK for short. The other countries in this sovereign state are Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Great Britain is not a country but a landmass, which is home to the countries of England, Scotland and Wales.

The British Isles is the name of the group of islands which are made up of Great Britain, the entire island of Ireland, The Isle of Man, The Isles of Scilly, The Channel Islands (including Guernsey, Jersey, Sark and Alderney) and lots of other much smaller islands.

So, if you’re looking for road trips around the rest of the UK , in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, check out these awesome posts. If you’re in the right place, then read on for the very best English road trips!

• For Northern Ireland and the Causeway Coastal Route >>> Causeway Coastal Route: The Best Road Trip In Ireland?
• For the North Coast 500 , Loch Ness , Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands >>> Eight Incredible Scotland Road Trips
• For the Brecon Beacons National Park and Snowdonia National Park >>> Wales Road Trip – A Stunning Route & Itinerary

Getting to England

Fly into London’s airports of Heathrow, Gatwick, Standted and Luton for the south of England, Birmingham for the Midlands and Newcastle and Manchester for the north of England. We recommend booking through Skyscanner for live deals and the best prices.

You can hire a car  at any of these airports and be on your chosen UK driving route within an hour of landing. Book your rental car well in advance and use a car hire booker like Rentalcars.com  who will provide the best deals from all the top car hire companies.  How?  Because they have such a large market share, they’ve got way more buying power than individuals and can negotiate much harder on price.

For a real adventure , hire a motorhome or campervan in the UK. We recommend Motorhome Republic , an aggregate booking site who pull together all the best deals from a number of rental agencies, to offer you a wide choice of options alongside an excellent English speaking expert motorhome Concierge Team.

Best Time to Take an England Road Trip

December to february.

The winter months in England are generally cold and wet. It is likely to be even colder and wetter, and possibly snowy, in the north, which can cause disruption on the roads. Although other visitors will be thin on the ground, this would be our least favourite time to road trip England!

March to May

Late spring is a wonderful time for visiting England, as the cold and wet retreats. Wildflowers appear, baby animals abound and life picks up a lively pace again – we Brits even start to wear t-shirts! But, remember that England is so lush because it rains, so always be prepared for a downpour, or a few drizzly days at this time of year.

June to August

Summer brings sunshine to all of England, with Devon and Cornwall getting the best of the warm Gulf Stream weather. The south coast enjoys the hottest summer with temperatures well into the 70s, whilst East Anglia is the driest part of the country. This is the perfect time to road trip around England, especially if you want to stop and hike or spend time enjoying the beautiful coastline.

September to November

Autumn is a fantastic time to visit England . The roads will be quieter but the weather still warm, and the glorious colours of autumn bring vibrancy to the countryside. Don’t leave your trip to England too late though, it will be cold and wet again by mid-October!

Is this your first time visiting the UK? Get all the information you need in our United Kingdom Travel Guide , including what to pack, the best time of year to go, getting there and practical tips to help you have the best trip!

The Best Road Trips in England

The yorkshire coast.

Explored by Hannah of Get Lost Travel Blog

For some of the most diverse and dramatic views on an England roadtrip, you’ll want to explore the Yorkshire coast. This seven day road trip will take you from the seaside town of Whitby to the stunning nature reserve at Spurn Point, as you meander between the eastern edge of the desolate North York Moors and the coast.

Stops along the route include Robin Hood’s Bay, Scarborough, Filey, Flamborough and Hornsea. However, with so many beautiful stops available on the Yorkshire coast, you can easily customise the trip to fit your preferences.

The Yorkshire coast is renowned for its striking natural beauty and undulating bays and headlands, created by the unique geology of the coastline. This road trip includes the best seaside towns, shingle and sandy beaches and natural wonders along the coast.

To make the most of each stop on the trip, you will ideally want to spend one night at each destination. However, Whitby’s charm and Scarborough’s nostalgia could easily tempt you to extend your stay to two nights in both these locations. 

• Whitby is a charming seaside town full of unique handicraft stores and spectacular cliff-top views. Similarly, the neighbouring Robin Hood’s Bay is a smaller but equally enchanting town you don’t want to miss. 
• One of the oldest seaside resorts in the UK, Scarborough is a town packed with the nostalgia of a traditional British seaside escape. From donkey rides on the beach and penny arcades to fish and chips and fairground rides, you’ll find plenty of memorable  things to do in Scarborough .
• The final stop on the road trip is the remarkable Spurn Point. This narrow peninsula is over three miles long but only 50 metres wide in parts. It is an incredible walking trail and nature reserve to explore.

The Lake District

Explored by Phil & Izzy of The Gap Decaders

The rugged Lake District in Cumbria is known as ‘Wordsworth Country’ and boasts some of the most scenic roads in the United Kingdom. Whether you’re looking to get away from it all or have an adventure, this road trip has something for everyone, and is one of the best road routes in England for active families and couples.

Head for the busy towns of Ambleside and Keswick or find peace and quiet by one of the sixteen beautiful bodies of water in this stunning English national park. Enjoy great hiking, biking and outdoor activities in the warmer months, or spend time on the water, with boat hires, kayaking and SUP all on offer. 

Start your Lake District road trip at Ullswater, the second largest of the national parks lakes. Ullswater is nestled amongst some of the best fells the area has to offer and is home to the stunning Aira Force waterfall.

To the west of Ullswater, Keswick is a busy market town that lies between the natural beauty of Derwentwater and the imposing Skiddaw mountains.

Hike up to the prehistoric Castelrigg stone circle, literally surrounded by fells and sky in every direction, or try an easy trail like Catbells, which also has the added benefit of incredible views of the rugged and far-reaching landscape.

At the southern end of Derwentwater is the valley of Borrowdale, leading to the Honister Pass and the home of the Honister Slate Mine, the last working slate mine in England.

The mine has a visitor centre which provides underground guided mine tours and a range of adventure activities including a Via Ferrata (by ropes) course, a ropes course actually in the mine and a daring infinity bridge – kids big and small will love it here!

• Fell walking around the Lake District will reward you with magnificent views and you’ll get to see the lesser visited parts of this busy national park – conquering Hellvellyn is at the top of the list of best Lake District hikes.
• Seeking out all of the eighteen waterfalls the Lake District National Park has to offer – best done in spring so you can enjoy the cascades in full flow!
• Getting out on the water, whether that’s in a boat or kayak, or on a paddle board, or even going for a swim, the lakes are what this glorious part of England is all about.

RELATED POST: Europe Road Trip – 16 Incredible Routes

London To Salisbury

Explored by Ann of The Road is Life

There are so many incredible sights to see and fascinating history to be discovered surrounding London. From historic cities to charming English villages and ancient monuments, the best way to see these highlights is by embarking on an England road trip. If you’re seeking an exciting adventure beyond the city, this epic  one week road trip from London  is just for you!

Departing from London, this road trip itinerary runs in a loop and passes through a few of the most beautiful Cotswolds villages, the historic cities of Oxford and Bath, Stratford-upon-Avon, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stonehenge and the majestic Salisbury Cathedral.

Each of these places has its own story to tell; take your time wandering the cobbled streets, stopping for a drink in a medieval pub and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of village life.

• Only one hour from London, the first place to stop is Oxford. Admire the impressive architecture and learn all about the oldest university in the English-speaking world! Not far from Oxford, the medieval town of Stratford-upon-Avon is where you’ll take a step back in time and walk in the footsteps of William Shakespeare!
• Spending a few days exploring the lovely Cotswolds villages will be a big highlight of your English road trip. Some of the must-see villages to include on your itinerary are Stow-on-the-Wold, Lower Slaughter, Bourton-on-the-Water, Bibury, and Castle Combe. Driving through this region is truly stunning as you pass through rolling green hills and picturesque scenery. 
• Once you finish up in the Cotswolds, make your way to the city of Bath to marvel at the incredible history by visiting the Roman Baths. On the way back to London, make sure to stop at Stonehenge, followed by a visit to the equally as impressive Salisbury Cathedral.

Make sure you have travel insurance you can trust when visiting England . We recommend True Traveller for their 5-star TrustPilot reviews, variety of cover options, best activities cover as standard, great prices and excellent service.

The Atlantic Highway

Explored by Trisha of P.S. I’m On My Way

When I was  living in London , I discovered so many road trips but the Atlantic Highway is my favorite. It is one of the best England road trips to do during the summer. In this itinerary, you will get to see the southwest coastal route of England.

Starting in Bath, I would suggest doing this road trip for seven days but if you don’t have more time, five days will do. You have to check the stops I recommended here to see how many days you want to stay in each location, but for you to have an idea, I did one night at each stop.

Bath Highlights

• Don’t miss the Roman Baths, the ancient complex built by the Romans which Bath is famous for. You can’t actually get in the famous waters here, but you can at the wonderful rooftop pool of the Thermae Bath Spa , an indulgent treat.
• Visit Bath Abbey and climb the 212 steps up its iconic tower to learn and see more of the church and city. 
• Literature geeks, the Jane Austen Center is a must when in Bath! Both ‘Persuasion’ and ‘Northanger Abbey’ are partly set in Bath, a city that Jane Austen called home for five years.

Bristol Highlights

• Take a boat trip in the Floating Harbour. There are many thematic boat cruises to choose from wildlife cruising to visiting the Avon Gorge or a simple afternoon tea cruise on the River Avon.
• In England, you’ll never really know when it rains so a suggested activity will be visiting Bristol museums like Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, MShed, and Arnolfini. 
• Bristol has a great nightlife scene so if you’re feeling like checking out some bars, pubs, and even big clubs, I suggest having a cocktail at The Milk Thistle .

From Bristol, slowly head to Somerset, picking up the A39 coast road. I love Somerset and there are many more things to see and do here compared to other destinations.

Somerset Highlights

• Explore National Trust Dunster Castle , a former motte and bailey castle and now a spectacular country house, which was home to the Luttrell family for 600 years.
• Marvel at the dramatic Chedder Gorge, home of the delicious cheese of the same name.
• Visit the Wookey Hole Caves in the beautiful Mendip Hills for an underground adventure, brilliant for families traveling with kids.

The drive through Somerset to Devon is about an hour, but in between these two destinations, you can swing by Exmoor National Park where you can actually spend the night wild camping if you’re road tripping with a tent!

I spent a whole day here and this was my favorite highlight on this road trip – there are many things to do within the park and it’s best for adventure travelers! From Exmoor, head to Devon early in the morning.

Devon Highlights

• Go to Roadford Lake in Wolf Valley where you can ride kayaks and canoes, go paddle boarding, do fishing charters, and even learn archery. 
• Test your balance and learn to surf in the big seas of North Devon at Croyde, the most popular surf spot on the coast.
• Tackle the South West Coast Path, or some of it! A great place to head for is the Valley of the Rocks, an expansive area with fantastic prehistoric rock formations & sea views.

If you have time, finish in Cornwall, where you’ll find gorgeous fishing villages like St Ives and Mousehole, St Michael’s Mount just off the coast of Penzance, glorious beaches and Land’s End, the southernmost tip of England – enough for a Cornwall road trip in itself!

RELATED POST – Cornwall Road Trip: The Best Itinerary, Map & Tips

Don’t forget your road trip essentials! Our free road trip checklists help you remember everything, including road trip snacks , podcasts and road trip songs for the journey!

Norfolk Coast

One of the most beautiful counties of England, Norfolk enjoys an incredible and unspoilt heritage coastline and the famous Norfolk Broads, where you will find huge skies and mesmerising landscapes, making it one of the best road trip destinations in England.

The historic city of Norwich is one of the hidden gems of Norfolk. Considered the UK’s best-preserved medieval city, Norwich boasts a fine Norman cathedral, a lively and well-respected food scene, and the Norwich Lanes, a muddle of pedestrian alleys full of independent shops and boutiques.

Head from Norwich through the Norfolk Broads , stopping at pretty Wroxham for a boat trip – by far the best way to explore. From here it’s a pretty straight road to the coast, which is dotted with blue-flag beaches and seaside towns like Cromer to explore. Inland there are castles to scramble around, gardens to admire and stately homes to discover.

As you continue along the coast, you’ll come to the more wild part of Norfolk, and the North Norfolk Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This is where you’ll find the vast swathes of sand, blue seas and huge skies that the county is famous for, as well as a couple of outstanding nature reserves made up of salt marshes, sand dunes and horizons stretching far out to sea.

Stop at Blakeney to admire the traditional flint cottages, practice your crabbing skills in the harbour, or take a trip out to Blakeney Point to visit the UK’s largest Common and Grey seal colony.

On the west coast and close to King’s Lynn lies the royal estate of Sandringham. Set in beautiful woodlands, perfect for walking, you can also visit the house, gardens and transport museum before heading to see the St Mary Magdalene church, where the Queen and her family attend services when they are staying at Sandringham.

• Hiking the Norfolk Coast Path for the best views and wildlife encounters, before stopping at a coastal pub for a pie and a pint after a good day’s walking.
• Spending a day on the huge sandy beach at Wells-next-the-Sea. You’ll have an even better experience if you hire one of the colourful beach huts Wells is famous for.
• Discovering the history of Holkham Hall , one of the UK’s finest Palladian mansions, complete with its own deer park, nature reserve and beach!

For more information about all things Norfolk, visit the local’s guide to Norfolk at Norfolk Travel Guide .

Dover to Dorset

Explored by Paulina from Ukeveryday

If you are traveling from France and looking for the best road trip in England, start your journey in Dover. You can get to the port of Dover from France by ferry, or on a train using the Eurotunnel. There are beautiful white cliffs in Dover, as well as Dover Castle, from which to admire the views of this coastal town.

A road trip in England without visiting London cannot be complete, so make sure to spend at least one day in the capital. It takes around two hours to drive to London from Dover. We suggest parking on the outskirts and using public transport like the London Underground to visit the city center.

It’s easy to see the main London attractions in a day, using our London one day itinerary . Make sure not to miss the highlights of Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the London Eye.

Make sure to also stop at Virginia Water which is a hidden gem just outside London. Walking around the lake and admiring beautiful flowers is one of the best  things to do in Surrey .

Next day, visit Salisbury which is a two hour drive from London. When you get there, explore the impressive Salisbury Cathedral and the pretty market town, before heading the 20 minutes north to Stonehenge. The trip to see this magical stone circle is so worth it.

On your last day, relax at Durdle Door beach. The incredibly pretty village of Lulworth, where you need to park to walk to the beach, is around an hour’s drive from Salisbury, through the beautiful rolling countryside of Wiltshire and Dorset.

This iconic landmark on the ancient UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast attracts many visitors, so make sure to arrive there early, especially in the summer months. Spend the day admiring one of the most famous natural landmarks in England, the spectacular Durdle Door arch.

• Getting an incredible bird’s eye view of the centre of London from the top of the London Eye.
• Your first view of Durdle Door as you stand at the top of the cliff path, with the sparking English channel stretching away in front of you.
• Enjoying traditional fish and chips at the end of a long day on the road.

RELATED POST – A South England Road Trip to Dorset & The New Forest

Want to plan your own road tri p? Get our step-by-step road trip planning guide to help you organize the perfect trip.

The Yorkshire Dales

In ‘God’s Own Country’ of Yorkshire, the roads ribbon between glacial valleys, patchwork fields, flat-topped hills and rocky outcrops, punctuated by pretty villages with quaint pubs, and windswept hiking trails.

There’s history aplenty too, in this land that was once host to the War of the Roses, the bloody struggle between the royal houses of Lancaster and York.

Start in the well-heeled and elegant Georgian town of Harrogate, known then as ‘The English Spa’. On the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, this is a great starting point for your Yorkshire road trip.

Malhamdale is in the Pennines, at the southern end of the Yorkshire Dales. Malham itself is a pretty village, surrounded by the limestone buildings and the dry-stone walls so common in the Dales, with a stream bubbling through the centre of the village. 

Malham is best known though for the glacial lake, Malham Tarn, and the majestic Malham Cove, a vast curving amphitheatre-shaped cliff formation of limestone rock. The sheer cliff face is about 80 metres high. If you’re lucky, you may see Malham Cove waterfall, which appears in the centre of the cliff face in spring and after heavy rain.

The lush sweeping valley of Wensleydale is distinct for its wooded hillocks and rushing waterfalls, the most famous being the triple flight Aysgarth Falls and Hardraw Force, England’s largest single-drop waterfall.

The capital of Upper Wensleydale, Hawes, is a lively market town with many hotels and tearooms. Local craft and artisan industries thrive making pottery, wooden toys and the famous Wensleydale cheese, Wallace and Gromit’s favourite.

One of the northernmost dales in the national park is Swaledale, a deep and winding valley that is home to the pretty cobbled market town of Richmond, which boasts a rich and vivid history.

Sitting high above the town,  Richmond Castle  dominates the skyline. The views from the top of the massive keep are far-reaching between the hills of Swaledale to the west, the Vale of York to the south and in the far distance to the east, the stunning North York Moors.

Be aware that this whole area is a mecca for tour buses which cause major headaches both on the roads and in car parks at the most popular spots. We say avoid the summer months if you possibly can.

• Famous for its hardy breed of horned sheep, Swaledale also puts on a spectacular wildflower display in its meadows, which are a riot of wildlife and colour in June and early July.
• Discovering how cheese experts craft delicious Wensleydale cheese by hand, and how creamy Yorkshire butter is batch churned from rich Yorkshire cream at the Wensleydale Creamery .
• Wandering the pretty streets of Harrogate and stopping at the famous Bettys Café Tea Rooms for afternoon tea.

The Peak District

Explored by Moumita & Sankha from Chasing the Long Road

Britain’s first national park, the Peak District is one of the best places for a road trip in England. There are plenty of amazing  things to do in the Peak District  to keep you busy. The road trip adventure starts at Sheffield and ends in Buxton, and it typically takes about four days to explore this national park. The drive following the twists and turns of Snake Pass is spectacular and rivals that other famous UK road, the Black Mountain Pass of Top Gear fame.

• Located on the banks of the river Wye, the idyllic town of Bakewell is best known for inventing the famous delicious dessert, Bakewell Pudding. The popular Monsal Trail starts from here. Just a few minute’s drive from Bakewell is the magnificent Chatsworth House . Built in the 16th century, it has been the home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. Once here, you can explore the grand Painted Hall, historic State Rooms and the Sculpture Gallery of the Cavendish family. They have one of the finest gardens in Britain.
• The pretty village of Castleton is situated at the head of Hope Valley in the Peak District. It is a great base to explore the famous caves and taverns of the Peak District National Park. Close to this village lies Winnats Pass, one of the most spectacular mountain passes in the UK. The road is very photogenic, having limestone ridges on either side. Also, you can hike Mam Tor hill nearby.
• Ladybower Reservoir offers plenty of opportunities to walk, cycle and fish. Located in the Upper Derwent Valley in the Peak District, the reservoir opened in 1945. For the best view of the surrounding landscapes of Hope Valley and the Ladybower Reservoir, climb the nearby Bamford Edge. It’s quite an easy hike and extremely popular with walkers and climbers in all seasons.

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The Cotswolds

Explored by Joanna of The World in My Pocket

The best way to explore the Cotswolds is by road trip. The public transport in the Cotswolds is not very reliable and, if you want to explore the best villages at your own pace, you must go there by car. 

A good way to split your Cotswolds road trip  is to explore the south one day and the north the other. For this, the best base for your day trips would be Gloucester, which is located fairly in the middle.

On the first day, you can explore the town of Gloucester, which is famous for its cathedral as well as the marina area where you will find plenty of trendy restaurants and bars. 

On the second day, explore the north of the Cotswolds. Some of the most beautiful villages here are Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, Moreton-in-Marsh, Broadway, Bibury, and Lower Slaughter.

Bourton-on-the-Water is a very popular village and this is why it is advisable to make it your first stop of the day, to avoid the crowds. Bourton-on-the-Water also has very limited parking, which is another reason to arrive here as early as possible. 

On the third day, check out the south of the Cotswolds. The most beautiful villages here are Castle Combe, Painswick, known as the ‘Queen of the Cotswolds’, Nailsworth, and the Roman town of Cirencester, the capital of the Cotswolds. 

If you have more than three days, you can always extend the road trip and spend more time in each of the villages.

• The pretty canals of water from the Windrush river as it crisscrosses picture perfect Bourton-on-the-Water.
• The iconic and very photogenic Old Mill in Lower Slaughter often touted as the prettiest village in the Cotswolds.
• The Rococo Garden in Painswick is a restored and very beautiful 18th century garden with flower & vegetable plots and a lovely cafe – one of the Cotswold’s best-kept secrets!

RELATED POST – UK Road Trip – 18 Unmissable Routes

Northumberland Coast Route

This northern England road trip takes you along the stunning Northumberland coast, passing through the beautiful landscapes and seaside fishing villages of the county.

Northumberland is home to some of England’s most dramatic castles, an iconic holy island and Hadrian’s Wall, on the border with Scotland. There is fantastic coastal walking in the region, huge sandy beaches that seem endless and a warm welcome for visitors.

Start at Alnwick for the spectacular Alnwick Castle and country house, the seat of the 12th Duke of Northumberland. It was built following the Norman conquest in 1071 and renovated and remodelled a number of times, to the castle you see today.

Film and TV fans shouldn’t miss a visit here – the castle has been featured in Transformers: The Last Knight, Elizabeth, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, as the magnificent Brancaster Castle in Downton Abbey, and probably most famously, Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter movies.

As you head north, spend a night in one of the traditional fishing villages such as Craster, Seahouses, Bamburgh and Beadnell.

End your trip on the tidal island of Lindisfarne , which lies off the northeast corner of England near Berwick-upon-Tweed. Also known as Holy Island, it is one of the most important centres of early English Christianity. Irish monks settled there in 635CE and the monastery became the centre of a major saint’s cult celebrating its bishop, Cuthbert.

In 793CE the Vikings attacked Lindisfarne, looting the monastery and killing or enslaving many of the monks. It was the first time the Vikings had attacked a monastic site in Britain, and the attack came as a major shock for medieval Christians.

• Hiking out to the historic island of Lindisfarne which is accessible on foot across a paved causeway, but only when the North Sea tides permit! Safe times to cross are predictable and can be found here , and the route takes around two hours to walk.
• Your first sight of Bamburgh Castle perched above its huge stretch of sandy beach.
• Enjoy a bracing beach walk and a traditional fish and chip supper from the local chippie in one of the many villages along the coast.

England Road Trip Resources

Here are the websites and services we personally use and recommend for traveling in England.

• Search for affordable flights to England with Skyscanner
• Search for availability and book hotels and accommodation in England with Booking.com
• Find and book the best campsites in England with Eurocampings
• Book the cheapest and most reliable hire cars in England with Rentalcars.com
• Find and hire your perfect motorhome or campervan with Motorhome Republic
• Get highly rated, reliable and trustworthy travel insurance with True Traveller
• Check if you need a visa and arrange your documents with Visagov

Information About Driving in England

Whether you’re road tripping England in a car, camper or motorbike, make sure you’ve got all your documents handy and your spare tyre is in good condition. If your England road trip itinerary is longer than a few weeks , you may want to consider a vehicle service before you go, and breakdown cover is probably a good idea.

• Drivers from non-EU countries may require an International Driving Permit. The general rule is that if your licence is not in Latin script, then an IDP will be required. Check with your hire company or embassy if you’re in doubt.
• You must have at least 3rd party insurance for your vehicle.
• Your car must be considered roadworthy in the country in which it is registered.
• Your headlights must be adapted for driving on the left if your vehicle is registered outside the UK.
• Unlike France, the UK does not have laws that require you to carry certain equipment in your car, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t. Being prepared in the event of an accident or a breakdown is invaluable. Ideally, you should carry a reflective jacket, a warning triangle, a first-aid kit and a fire extinguisher.
• Understand insurance options, mileage limits and fuel policies before booking a rental car.
• Check the car for damage on collection and make sure anything you spot is noted, and the same again when you drop it off.
• Remember to drive on the left during your trip to England!

RELATED POST: Driving in Europe – Everything You Need to Know

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Helene in Between

Lifestyle and Travel blog helping Bloggers Succeed Online.

Southern England Itinerary: A Storybook Road Trip

By Helene Sula

Narrowly missing the bright yellow daffodils and stone fences, we drove through the English countryside on the other side of the road. Thick hedgerows buffer the meadows as swans, sheep, and bunnies wander the green grass. You’ll feel like you’re in a fairy-tale, and perhaps, you are. My Southern England itinerary will show you the best places, most charming villages, and quaint hideaways and highlights of the area.

From the magnificent White Cliffs of Dover, the historic university towns of Cambridge and Oxford, the ancient stones that date back 5,000 years, and the countryside manors that inspired writings that will last for all of time, there is something to uncover nearly everywhere you turn. My nearly two-week England itinerary will cover everywhere you need to see as well as where to stay and how to get around. I've always been fascinated by historical sights, and there are many important and beautiful places in the south of England.

Having traveled countless times to London, it’s been years since I made the trek to the countryside. Now, I see what I’ve been missing. There’s a lot to see and do in Southern England, it can be confusing to know what’s best. So I made sure to go everywhere for you. This comprehensive guide to Southern England will share the best of so many wonderful areas: Sussex, Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Cotswolds and some in-between spots you can’t miss.

How much time should you spend in Southern England

How to get around southern england, southern england itinerary at a glance, places to visit in southern england, day 1 – cambridge & canterbury, day 2 – dover, rye, sissinghurst gardens, day 3 – battle, beachy head, brighton, portsmouth, day 4 – portsmouth, exeter, moors, penzance, day 5 – st michael’s mount, mousehole, penberth cove, minack theater, geevor mine, day 6 – tintagel, bath, day 7 – bath, glastonbury, wells, day 8 – stonehenge, avebury, cotswolds, day 9 – cotswolds, day 10 – cotswolds, day 11 – stratford-upon-avon, day 12 – oxford, where to stay in southern england.

We spent 12 days driving from Cambridge to the Cotswold's and we really packed it in. I think two weeks in Southern England is a great amount of time to spend in the cities and the countryside. Of course, you could spend much more. But if you’d really like to see as much as possible, I’d recommend at least two weeks to cover a good chunk of the country.

I highly recommend a car. A road trip around Southern England is the best way to experience the sights and get a feel for this lovely country as well as discover some of the remote hidden gems. It was a bit treacherous to learn to drive the narrow roads, and switch to the left, but it was worth it to get to the smaller, less accessible towns. Plus, it made our journey that much quicker. Buses often mean you’ll do a lot of waiting around. There are trains and public transportation, but it’s going to take a bit more time to get to your destination.

So let's hit the road and see some of the best of England with my complete guide!

I've mapped out the prettiest places in Southern England to explore. Without a doubt, you will find yourself wanting to spend more and more time in this fairy tale area of the United Kingdom. I felt like I was in a live version of Pride and Prejudice and acted out the part for this photo:

This itinerary covers the highlights of the region as well as can't miss places that are quirky and memorable.

Day 1 – Cambridge & Canterbury Day 2 – Dover, Rye, Sissinghurst Day 3 – Battle, Beachy Head, Brighton, Portsmouth Day 4 – Portsmouth, Exeter, Penzance Day 5 – St Michael’s Mount, Mousehole, Penworth Cove, Minack Theater, Geevor Mine Day 6 – Tintagel, Bath Day 7 – Bath, Glastonbury, Wells Day 8 – Stonehenge, Avebury, Cotswolds Day 9 – Cotswolds Day 10 – Cotswolds Day 11 – Stratford-Upon-Avon Day 12 – Oxford

A bit of a warning, we tend to see as much as we can when we travel. I understand some people aren’t exactly like that. Feel free to adapt this itinerary to your liking. If you want to spend more time, let’s say, seeing the museums in Portsmouth, skip Battle and Brighton to make time to do what you like. There are many places in England to see, it's hard to pick only a few. I did my best to bring you exactly what to do in each!

Cambridge is a university town rich in history and full of fun pubs, restaurants, and students. I suggest spending the day by taking a walking tour, or punting on the river. I found it particularly interesting that Cambridge is twinned with Heidelberg, Germany (you’ll find many cities in England are twinned with another one), and that happens to be where I live! This city is bursting with energy and that might just be spawned by the rivalry with another university close by, Oxford. This rivalry is reminiscent of one akin to Texas A&M and University of Texas. When the scholars OF OXFORD were run out of town by the peasants, Cambridge was formed. There’s a wealth of history behind the colleges so it’s well worth it to go on a walking tour with a graduate to learn more.

Strolling the streets is a great way to see the highlights of Cambridge: Trinity College , the Mathematical bridge , Corpus Clock (aka the Cambridge clock), and the incredibly historic King's Chapel and grounds. Inside the chapel, you'll find the largest fan vaulted ceiling in the world. This chapel has a beautiful wooden organ screen, originally dedicated to Anne Boleyn, but since Henry VIII cut off her head before it was finished, the dedication to Boleyn is rather small. Make sure to search for it when you go!

Cambridge is also a great place to go “punting.” You can row the boats yourself, or get a tour from a university student and ride along “the backs” to see the backs of all the historic colleges.

Next, we drove on to Canterbury . This is the perfect place to spend the night, explore, and travel from. We stayed in the most adorable B&B, Harriet House , with a delectable breakfast and ease of access to the city center. I'll be describing exactly where to stay in more detail below.

Canterbury's cathedral simply can't be missed. But what I found most charming were the houses swelling out onto the street. You can't help but feel like you're in a storybook with Chaucer's Canterbury Tales echoing in your head. If you skipped cruising the river in Cambridge, you'll have ample opportunity to do it here.

I found there to be plenty of great pubs and restaurants near the main square ( Buttermarket ) and High Street. For dinner, check out A La Turka for Turkish cuisine. Falstaff or the Pound (a former jail) are great for drinks.

From Canterbury we made the drive down to Dover to check out the castle, cliffs, and war history. However, we did find that in March many places are still operating on winter hours, things were closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Make sure to check the hours before you arrive. Having both been to the area before, we decided instead to take some pictures at the castle (I do recommend a tour through if you've never been) and a hike along the famous white cliffs.

You'll easily find parking, a cafe, and toilets at the visitors center. Here, we walked near the chalky cliff edge. This well-worn path gives you epic views, and you can even see France! Just don't get too close to the edge as the ground will crumble away.

Next, we headed to the small and pretty town of Rye . Not expecting much, we discovered an adorable, well-preserved town. I suggest popping in to the tourist's office. You can find a town model and audio explanation of the town's unique history.

Everything in Rye is miniature so it’s easy to enjoy the whole city. This East Sussex Town has great fish and chips, I recommend Marino's, and plenty of cute shops to explore. Rye is believed to have retained more of its historic buildings than any other city in Britain. Picturesque, delightful, and quirky it's easy to see why this small town is a favorite among the Brits.

At sunset we meandered over to Sissinghurst Castle Garden . Created by the poet and writer Vita West and her husband, it's one of the most pristine gardens in England. You can see how this would be such an inspiring place for a writer. Make sure to go up the tower for a beautiful view of the gardens.

Although we saw quite a few cities today, after reading my guide you might want to skip around. We're hopping from county to county: exploring East Sussex and Hampshire.

Battle is aptly named for the 1066 Battle of Hastings between the Norman-French army and the English. This important battle meant that France ruled the English. You can see the entire story of the Battle in Normandy at Bayeux (the Bayeux Tapestry). But in Battle, you can see and explore the same grounds where thousands fought and lost their lives. There's also a small museum here explaining more about the battle.

We ventured toward the coast and stopped at Beachy Head , the highest sea cliff in Britain at 531 feet. This weather-beaten but beautiful cliff was the major operational route for WWII. The chalky white cliffs mix with the seawater, creating a beautiful turquoise color.

You can make your way down the coast for more pristine views of the iconic white cliffs at Seven Sisters.

I dare say that Brighton has perhaps seen better days. Maybe it was the off-season, but the busy Brighton pier was in serious need of some paint. And the same goes for the popular Royal Pavilion . In 1800 Brighton was established as a resort since a train connected London with Brighton. Pleasure Pier allows everyone to enjoy the sea with amusements, candy floss, and rides. Most of the food was hot dogs or fish and chips.

To enter the Royal Pavilion, a former royal residence of George, Prince of Wales, is pricey. I was disappointed to see it looking a bit rundown. Maybe it was off-season, but I'd suggest skipping Brighton and heading instead to the harbor town of Eastbourne . A stop just on the way to Brighton.

To round out the day, we drove to Portsmouth and spent time at the historic dockyard and home of the Royal Navy. If I was disappointed by Brighton, I was pleasantly surprised by Portsmouth. Here, we went to the HMS Victory ship . This memorable ship fought in many battles but is best known as the victory ship from the Battle of Trafalgar where Nelson died.

The next day, we headed back to the pier and to the Portsmouth Royal Navy Museum to learn more about some of the battles that took place at sea for Britain. When you go to buy a ticket make sure you buy for however many attractions you'd like to see to get a price break. For example, we did two: the museum and the HMS Victory ship. We bought the tickets for both at once and the tickets are valid for a year. There are many museums and points of interest in Portsmouth. Luckily, most are located in a very confined area, so you're able to see them all in a day.

After learning about Britain's history, it was time to switch gears and learn about the Romans in the Devon region. Exeter is an ancient city dating back to the Roman era where ruins still remain. Exeter was heavily bombed in WWII and many old buildings were destroyed, but the cathedral remained. From here, it's easy to move on to the Moors.

The Moors are part of the United Kingdom's national parks and a natural habitat full of grasslands as well as diverse ecosystems. In Dartmoor, you can see wild horses run through the meadows as you stumble over “clapper bridges” and gaze at ancient stone circles.

After museums and exploring, we tucked in at Penzance to get a head start on tomorrow's exploring in Cornwall.

While there are many sights on the list for what to see and do in Southern England today, most are quick, so you can fit them all in.

I was struck by the beautiful St. Michael's Mount seemingly rising out of the sea, reminding me of Mont St. Michel . Of course, this is a Cornish counterpart to Normandy's Mount. Both share the same tidal island characteristics. When the tide recedes, you can walk on the sand and straight into the castle.

Hungry, we went to Mousehole , a tiny town with a curious name. It comes from the small harbor with an entrance as narrow as, you guessed it, a mouse hole. The boats rest along the sand and mud at low tide, you'll get a different view depending on what time you come. We stopped to buy Cornish pasties (one of my favorite dishes of the trip), and brought them to our next stop for a picnic.

Idyllic Penberth Cove is just a short drive away on the coast. We parked and walked along the splendid tight alleyways spilling over with greenery and rose bushes. We passed a darling thatched roofed house stepping over a brook to head to the pier. We sat on the warm stones while we ate the delicious cheese and onion pasties. If you're a fan of the British series Poldark, you'll recognize this spot from the TV show.

If you'd like, you can go to Land's End to see the site once considered to be the end of the known world.

From here, it was a short drive to Porthcurno to see the incredible Minack Theatre , one of the best places in Southern England to visit! This theater was handmade into the rocky cliffs, mostly by a woman, Rowena Cade. Pay the £5 to walk around and see Cornwall's famous theater and learn about how the builder created it.

In 1929 the play, A Midsummer Night's Dream took place about a mile away with great success. Next, they wanted to stage The Tempest . Cade decided the cliffs below her garden would be the perfect setting, so she and her gardener, Billy Rawlings, hand cut the earth and granite to create the incredible theater.  After Rawlings died, she maintained the theater nearly by herself, “We moved enough earth to make a little bit of heaven.” I have to agree. I was astonished at the bright green grassy seats, beautiful garden, and gorgeous scenery below.

Expect to spend a couple hours here looking over the cliffs, learning more about Rowena's story, and even seeing performers rehearsing for a show. Keep your eye out for seals!

If you have some extra time (and energy) for the day, make your way to Geevor Tin Mine in Pendeen. This is the largest preserved mine site in the country and was a key reason for Cornwall's wealth in the Industrial Age. The mining industry died when cheaper tin was discovered overseas. Today, you can tour the mine to get a feel for the mining industry and the extreme conditions they worked under.

From here, we breezed through the old seaside town of St. Ives and picked up the best pasties of the trip at Philips Bakery in Hayle. Can you tell I really liked this dish?! While not a must see, it's certainly worth it to add this eatery to your itinerary for Southern England.

Straddling the tiny roads where branches touched both sides, maneuvering the winding lanes, and watching for oncoming traffic we made our way to Tintagel . Tintagel is not to be missed in Southern England as this is home of the legendary King Arthur. From the town, it's a short hike to the Tintagel Castle where it's speculated that the medieval castle was the home of King Arthur. Whether you believe in the myth or not, this is a beautiful spot to look over at the Cornish sea as the waves lap up below the ruins. Don't forget to look out for Merlin's cave!

Feeling tantalized by the story of Camelot and King Arthur, we went to another magical spot: St. Nectan's Glen . A 20-minute drive takes you to a spot to park, from here you walk about a mile in a pretty wooded forest along a river, and find a waterfall. You do have to pay for entry, make sure to check for opening hours . Once there, you're given a pair of wellies, and you can walk around for spectacular views of the sixty-foot waterfall cascading through a hole in the rock.

Spent from our hike, we relished in the 3-hour drive to Bath . Just driving around the countryside is such a treat. There is beauty around every corner: natural and historical wonders, windswept grass, sheep and lambs grazing, and suicidal pheasants trying to cross the road to find a mate.

We headed straight to the Royal Crescent in Bath for one of the most delightful meals you can have: afternoon tea. This historic hotel and spa is the perfect example of Georgian architecture and an iconic landmark of Bath dating from 1774. Upon arrival, we were whisked into the stunning gardens and headed to The Dower House Restaurant for our teatime treat. Deep blue water glasses accented the crisp white tablecloths, and the setting was complete with a beautiful garden view. Greeted with a simple menu offering classic tea along with sweet,  savory, or vegetarian we chose one of the classics (sweet) and savory offerings.

After ordering, sit back and relax and the waitstaff will treat you like king and queen. We started with champagne as we perused the tea menu. There were many delectable options it was hard to choose which one. You don't have to! I started with the rich Masala Chai, one of my favorite teas, added a bit of milk and a cube of sugar and it was perfect. Next I tried the Roobis Orange Cream which was so fragrant, the notes of vanilla wafted in my nose as I sipped. Michael had the Smoked China which somehow, as Michael exclaimed, “smelled like the countryside.” We both loved our choices.

The smoked salmon toast was delectable and the orange dessert was bursting with flavor. The entire spread is aesthetically pleasing, especially with the royal blue curtains framing the gardens outside. From the dainty sandwiches to the homemade pastries, everything was delicious.

I especially like the “Bath Bun” topped with sugar that you spread with cinnamon butter- a perfect melding of flavors. We took our time and savored each bite, relishing in the picturesque atmosphere. After tea, we strolled around the secluded gardens and peeked in at the spa. I believe a visit to Bath isn't complete without stepping in and having tea at The Royal Crescent .

We headed to our lovely abode, the Westgate Apartments in the heart of Bath. This place was particularly welcome since it had all the modern necessities we needed after six days on the road. Below you'll find everywhere I recommend staying.

Bath is a particularly exceptional place, not just in Southern England, but in the whole of Europe. The entire city is listed as UNESCO, and this honor is only granted to one other city, Venice, Italy. The city dates back to Roman times when people from all over came to enjoy the healing waters that sprung up from the grounds. The same is still true today. You can tour the Roman Baths , have tea at The Pump Rooms (or head inside and taste the healing waters), and soak in the warm waters at Thermae Bath Spa .

Because Bath is only 2 hours from London and a short ways to Stonehenge, the city can get crowded. I recommend going to see the baths in the morning and buying your tickets in advance .

I also recommend going to The Jane Austen Centre to learn more about the author who lived in Bath for a period of five years. The staff are dressed in period costumes and characters from her novels. You'll start by hearing a briefing on Austen and her short, but impactful life and family, then discover more about her books and life. If you're a fan of her work, you'll love the museum.

The Mayor's Guides offer completely free – no tips accepted – walking tours. It was simply one of the best I've ever been on. Our guide, Adrian, not only shared about Bath's vast history but described unique details and wove in stories along the way.

With a few hours of daylight left, we stopped in Glastonbury . Here, you'll find a wealth of alternative shops selling crystals and signs saying, “fairies welcome.” Glastonbury has long been a pilgrimage site, as it's thought to be the burial place of King Arthur. Also, England's first church was built here, Glastonbury Abbey . You can tour Glastonbury Abbey and take a tour of the ruins.

I also recommend going to Chalice Well and Gardens . The holy well is thought of as a sacred place and associated with healing properties. Known as the “Red Spring” or “Blood Spring” because of the red iron deposits the water leaves behind, there are many legends associated with the spring. Some say it represents the blood of Christ from when Joseph of Arimathea buried the cup used for the Last Supper here, and these waters sprang from the ground.

At sunset, we headed to Wells to see the remarkable cathedral, tour the grounds, and attend Evensong. “Evening Prayer” or evensong derives from the middle ages and is a great way to enjoy the church and hear some music for free.

I particularly loved the well-preserved Vicars' Close . Right by the cathedral, you'll find Britain's only complete medieval street. This street used to house members of the clergy and choir, today it's a beautiful street to peruse.

After dark, we drove back to Bath but on the way stopped for hard cider at Wilkins Land's End Farm . You'll enter a somewhat dark farmhouse and you might not be sure if you're at the right place. Just keep going and you'll arrive at the best cider in the world. I can't recommend this experience enough. Cheap, delicious cider produced in the most traditional way. You'll have so much fun chatting with Roger Wilkins and staff about their passion for cider. Don't forget to ask about the world-famous cheese.

Leaving Bath in the morning, we headed straight for 5,000-year-old Stonehenge . Buy tickets in advance and get there upon opening to avoid the crowds. Once there, you can park and take a bus over to the prehistoric monument. This world wonder is a marvel to see and to try and understand why thousands of years ago people arranged these gigantic stones, some from hundreds of miles away, in this circular shape. Could be a burial place, a celestial calendar, or a religious site, but no matter what, it's a masterpiece of magnificent architecture and engineering.

Expect to spend about two hours here seeing the stones and visiting the Visitor's Center to learn more about Stonehenge.

Next, we made our way up to the Cotswolds , but first stopped at Silbury Hill outside of Avebury . The hill is the largest prehistoric chalk mound from 4,000 years ago. You can walk up or, like we did, save your steps and take some photos.

Late in the day we drove to Cowley Manor , the most incredible stay on an estate nestled in central Cotswolds. This was the perfect place to explore more of this area and feel like I was living in a storybook. Upon entering the gates of the estate I knew I was in for a treat, I just didn't realize how much I would fall in love with Southern England and the Cotswolds because of this place!

We had dinner at the Manor , a divine feast of steak and duck paired with excellent wine, homemade bread, and salted butter. The dining room is exquisite and elegant with fresh flowers, soaring shuttered windows, and an open fire. The room is intimate,  the servers are quick and kind, offering up wit and service along with your meal.

The English cuisine at Cowley Manor is some of the best I've ever had with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. The English toffee pudding and rich chocolate mousse nearly put me in a food coma (in the best way possible) it was nice to climb the stairs up to our room and snuggle up under the soft duvet.

The Cotswolds are some of the prettiest spots in Southern England. Take time to relax and enjoy the beautiful villages packed with history. There are many lovely places to explore in this area, so I've highlighted some of my favorites we saw each day. You'll find almost everything made of stone: houses, bridges, and churches in the Cotswolds. If you'd like to learn more of each place's history, pop into the tourist shop and, for around a £1, you can get a map with information on the historic sites.

Cirencester was popular in Roman times and a museum shows the treasures from the past. You'll also find great shopping here.

Bibury is known for its famous street, Arlington Row, dotted with old wool houses. Here, you'll find a small town perched along the River Coln dating back from 1086. There's a trout farm that's one of Britain's oldest and most well-preserved.

Another city on the water is Bouton-on-the-Water known as the “Venice of the Cotswolds” with pretty bridges and parks. Broad Campden has a small church and a cute pub, perfect for picnicking.

Keeping up with the “b” towns, Blockely is an idyllic village and was once the main center of the silk industry in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Lastly, we stopped in the north of the Cotswolds in Chipping Camden where wool made the town rich. There's a church dedicated to wool, marketplace, and beautiful thatched roof houses.

See my full guide to the Cotswolds here .

After exploring, it's time for a quintessential English delicacy: high tea at Cowley Manor . Sitting outside on the terrace we dined with delight as we looked at the meticulous green grounds of the estate. This tea was extra special after learning that the author of Alice and Wonderland, Lewis Carroll, visited Cowley often and drew inspiration for the book! I felt like we were sitting with the Mad Hatter as we poured the tea and reveled in the stunning day.

We started with traditional tea and dined on the savory sandwiches. The rolling green landscape of Cowley Manor stretched out in front of us as we sipped hot tea and ate fancies. The bleating sheep in the background complemented the chirping birds and the occasional horse trotting by.

To cap off this truly exceptional day, we luxuriated in a massage at the C-Side Spa of Cowley Manor . With a gym, two heated pools (outdoor and indoor) you could easily just stay here for the rest of the trip!

Waking up bright and early for breakfast, we gazed out the windows and devoured the warm toast, butter, local jams, and pastries at Cowley Manor.

For day two in the Cotswolds, I've listed out a few more villages you need to peruse. But first, we headed to Cotswolds Farm park since it was “lambing” season and there were hundreds of baby animals you can feed. Call me a child, but I absolutely loved getting to give the lambs milk and seeing the goats and piglets run about the grounds. This is a fun, family-friendly activity everyone will love.

On to some of the small villages of the Cotswolds, we headed first to Naunton . Naunton is a nice break from the touristy villages and is complete with cozy pubs and rolling hills.

Venture over to the Upper and Lower Slaughters for honey-colored stone architecture and pretty green fields.

Castle Combe is a traditional Cotswold village made of limestone. My favorite was Stow-on-the-Wold , a lively hilltop town with great restaurants, a market square, and a door that inspired Tolkien's Lord of the Rings. Driving around this area I've never seen this many daffodils in my life.

Find out the best places to see in the Cotswolds here .

You can't get more English than the home of the most famous writer ever: William Shakespeare. Here, we did a walking tour of this deeply historic town. You'll pass by dozens of Tudor buildings, can take a cruise on the river Avon, and see Shakespeare's childhood home.

If you're a fan of the writer there are plenty of activities to enjoy. You can find his birthplace and take a tour, see his old school, see Anne Hathaway's cottage (the wife of Shakespeare), and visit Mary Arden's farm (his mother). We went to a play, As You Like It, at the Royal Shakespeare Company . See all the Shakespeare activities here . Pictured below is Shakespeare's home.

Of course, there's much more to the town than just Shakespeare. I recommend a walking tour or a visit to a museum. There are also two other theaters: Swan Theater showing contemporary plays and “The Other Place” (yes it's really called that) showing, well, other plays. When we were there they were performing the modern Shakespeare adaptation: 10 Things I Hate About You .

Winding down for the last day of the trip, head to wildly popular Oxford. Whether you're a fan of Harry Potter, or just interested in seeing the oldest university in the English speaking world, Oxford delights all. Take a tour of the university to get an understanding of it's past and famous students.

Nicknamed the “City of Dreaming Spires” it's fun to just walk around the town and High Street to see the medieval architecture. For starters, spend some time in the city center, visit some of the colleges, and get a good view at Carfax Tower . For Harry Potter fans, visit Christ Church College where the dining room was closely copied for Hogwarts. C.S. Lewis taught at Magdalen college and you can find Einstein's chalkboard at the Museum of History and Science .

If you have extra time, I suggest going to Winston Churchill's birthplace, Blenheim Palace . Now home to the descendant of Duke of Marlborough, you'll find majestic gardens designed to compete with Versailles and gilded state rooms with exquisite furniture and tapestries. Churchill's golden locks were cut at age five and still hang above the bed.

Now that you know some of the best places to visit in Southern England, let's see where to tuck in at night. I suggest that you get the best of everything by staying in a classic B&B, a modern apartment with all the necessities, and cap off your trip by feeling like royalty at a manor. That's precisely what we did. Here are three recommendations that I highly endorse for your trip:

Harriet House B&B   in Canterbury

Situated just a short walk from the town center of Canterbury, you'll find the bright and cheery Harriet House . Friendly Heidi and Paul greet you like members of their family. I watched as they interacted with guests to ensure they had the perfect stay.

Our room was comfortable and refined, the perfect place for couples. With soft linens and modern amenities such as a mini fridge and great internet access, you will feel right at home. I particularly loved the small details like the Cole & Lewis soaps and toiletries products as well as the lighted mirror that also displayed the time. This was perfect as I was getting ready for the day!

As a B&B, the best part of our stay was the breakfast. The night before you can pick what you’d like to order, in addition to the croissants, fruit, and yogurt. I have to say I don’t like eggs buffet style. And having stayed at countless hotels with eggs in silver buffet trays, this was a welcome change.  And these eggs were divine. The well-lit dining area and patio are the perfect way to start your day. Homemade bread, marmalade, fruit salad, coffee, and hot tea are all available. I had delicious avocado toast with poached eggs. Michael had eggs with sausage and mushrooms along with pancakes. The breakfast was exceptional. Having stayed at many large hotels with buffets, it was so nice to have a personalized breakfast.

A 10-minute walk along River Stour brings you to Canterbury Cathedral and the center of town. If you're short on time in Southern England, it's only an hour away from London, so you can easily venture from here. There's a private car park, delicious food, a cozy room, and ease of access to everything you need- you can't ask for more!

Book Harriet House directly here.

Westgate Apartments in Bath

After all that driving around the English countryside, it was wonderful to have a posh apartment with all the amenities in Bath. I was first struck by the enormity of the place. It was great to have an open floor plan with a large living room, dining room, full kitchen, and bathroom.  The cherry on top was the fully stocked fridge- including full bottles of wine, vodka, and tequila, offered at a fair price. Included in the stay are bottled water, milk, chocolate, Nespresso with a grocery store just around the corner.

I absolutely loved the walk-in shower and the full-size bottle of Cowshed toiletries. There was even additional products like toner and moisturizer which was such a treat.

The apartment is spacious, clean, and well laid out. There was super fast WiFi, two flat-screen TVs, in an overall stylish space. Rooms are cleaned every day (sometimes this is not the case at an apartment) and the room was very quiet, despite being close to the city center. You get the best of both worlds here: the amenities and space of an apartment, but the service of a hotel. One thing to note is parking it a bit farther away and is not included in the price.

Conveniently, you can walk right out the door and be directly in front of Thermae Spa. Looking out our window we could see the bustling scene from below of people mingling at restaurants and bars. Truly, the Hiding Space Westgate Apartments are the perfect base to explore Bath and the surrounding area.

Book Westgate Apartments right here .

Cowley Manor in the Cotswolds

Quite frankly, Cowley Manor, A Curious Group of Hotels , was my favorite stay of my entire life. I actually wrote an entire post dedicated to this lovely estate. With its extensive grounds, funky bar, incredible food, and fairy tale setting there's just too much to cover!

Upon entering the estate you feel as if a storybook is coming to life. On my left was a lovely brook, lush green grass, and huge trees. On my right were fluffy, light flowering trees, and a bright blue pool. We parked our car and headed into reception and were greeted with tea while we checked in.

Once in our room, I felt like I had been dreaming. The four-poster bed loomed over soft linens. The large windows looked out over the pond and hills of the estate. I love making the room very dark, and I was delighted to see shutters and blackout shades for this purpose. There is a DVD player and a hook up for a laptop so I could easily watch a movie. Of course, I had to watch my all time favorite, Pride and Prejudice . It was only fitting for the movie-scene setting. I felt like I was on the set of this gorgeous movie.

I could have spent the entire day in the large bathroom, with a cleverly hidden toilet. The green tiled shower has great water pressure and hot water- many places lack actual hot water and a lukewarm shower just doesn’t cut it. There are 30 rooms in total between the main house and the stable block. I opted for the main house for the particularly wonderful views.

We dined here daily and had a fabulous breakfast. You can start with oatmeal, cereal, pastries, fruit, or order separately and have fresh eggs or pancakes. The toast was brought out on a vertical plate, so as not to moisten it and individual pads of butter were placed on the table.

Afternoon tea is scrumptious, and on a nice day, it's the perfect way to imagine yourself as a character in Alice in Wonderland. Carroll is said to have been inspired by the gardens here.

Dinner is set in the sumptuous dining room and the low lighting and delicious food make for the most romantic evening. Despite being just two hours from London and centrally in the Cotswolds, I felt like I was in a secluded palace, tucked away safely from the rest of the world. It's easy to see how an author might come here to write and find inspiration.

Cowley Manor is the perfect fusion of romantic English countryside with functional and comfortable design. I felt like English royalty staying here, I couldn't recommend this place more. Treat yourself and go to Cowley Manor.

Check out Cowley Manor here.  Find my full review of Cowley Manor here .

You simply cannot go wrong in Southern England. The picturesque countryside is embedded with ancient secrets and mysteries, the towns are quaint and charming full of rich history, and the rolling hills, animals, and cathedral steeples all add to the beautiful landscape. It's easy to see why so many writers, artists, Romans, and even prehistoric people flocked here to relish in the beauty and wisdom. I think we should all do the same.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Helene Sula

I believe that one trip can change your life. It did for me. I'm a self proclaimed home body that quit her job, moved abroad, and more often than not, lives out of a carry-on bag. If I'm not traveling, I'm most likely re-reading Harry Potter or watching "Midnight in Paris" while snuggling my dogs. I'm a digital marketing expert who turned my love of travel into a full-time career. And I help others do it too.

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And Traveling the World

Lady’s England Road Trip Itinerary and Map

Today I want to share my England road trip itinerary and map with you. I love a great British road trip, not least because the cities, villages, and countryside in the UK are stunning.

I’ve done many road trips in England over the years. They’ve ranged from short drives in the Cotswolds to 5-week odysseys covering the length of England and Wales.

Through them I’ve seen big British travel destinations and off-the-beaten-path locations alike. Now I want to share the highlights with you.

England Road Trip Itinerary

My England road trip itinerary covers my favorite bits of this part of Britain. From cities to towns, coast to countryside, it has a variety of destinations that make this one of my favorite places to travel.

You can visit them all in one trip, or you can split the itinerary up into shorter ones. Some of them even make for great scenic drives near London if you only have a day.

1. London (3 Days)

Since I live in the UK capital, I’ll start my England road trip itinerary in London. If you haven’t been here before, it’s worth spending at least 3 days in the city to see the highlights.

You can use my 3-day London itinerary to get ideas for what to do. It’s a great guide for visitors.

2. Cambridgeshire (1 Day)

From London, my England road trip itinerary goes north to Cambridgeshire.

Cambridge is one of the prettiest cities in England . Its colleges feature stunning historic architecture and beautiful grounds. It’s worth spending a day here soaking up the atmosphere and going punting on the river.

Just north of Cambridge, under-the-radar Ely often gets overlooked. It’s worth a visit for its stunning cathedral and great markets, though. The side streets and riverfront are pretty, too.

3. Norfolk (2 days)

From Cambridgeshire my England road trip itinerary will take you to Norfolk . Norwich is one of the best cities in England , not least because its historic streets are bursting with colorful houses. Its cathedral is impressive, too.

The coast in North Norfolk is worth a visit as well. Driving to places like Wells-next-the-Sea and Holkham Beach is worthwhile, and towns like Burnham Market are great places to stay.

4. Nottingham (1 day)

From Norfolk, my England road trip itinerary will take you to Nottingham .

Famous for its Robin Hood connections, this city in the Midlands is worth a stop for its historic castle, heritage buildings, and shops. It’s even home to one of the oldest pubs in England.

5. Derbyshire and the Peak District (2 days)

From Nottingham, my England road trip itinerary continues with a stop in Derbyshire. This place is great for Peak District stately homes and outdoor activities.

Chatsworth House, Kedleston Hall, and Haddon Hall are all worth touring (and they’re famous filming locations for many movies set in England ). There are lots of great hikes and country walks in the Peak District, too.

6. Yorkshire (2 days)

From the Peak District, it’s not far to Yorkshire. No England road trip itinerary would be complete without a trip to York . It’s one of the most beautiful cities in the UK, and its pretty streets and spectacular minster are worth discovering.

Over on the east coast of Yorkshire, Robin Hood’s Bay is a coastal gem with a storied past, and Whitby is famous for its abbey ruins and Dracula connections. (Don’t worry, I’ll get to West Yorkshire soon).

7. Durham & Newcastle (1 Day)

Leaving Yorkshire, my England road trip itinerary will take you north to Durham and Newcastle . The former is home to a hilltop cathedral, castle, and university. The nearby Angel of the North sculpture is worth seeing when you’re here, too.

The latter is packed with stunning bridges, historic streets, and great nightlife. You can do a side trip to Hadrian’s Wall if you like Roman history as well.

8. Northumberland (2 Days)

Way at the top of England, the next stop on my itinerary is Northumberland . Alnwick Castle is a popular place to visit, and Alnwick itself is adorable (don’t miss the bookshop).

Farther up the coast, Bamburgh Castle takes over a hilltop next to the beach. It’s stunning both inside and out.

Right on the border with Scotland, Berwick-upon-Tweed is a great seaside town, too.

9. Lake District (2 Days)

From Northumberland, my England road trip itinerary will take you west to the Lake District . This part of the UK is famous for its outdoor activities, and it’s a great place to go walking and hiking.

There are also a lot of famous houses here, from Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top to John Rusin’s Brantwood and Blackwell, the Arts and Crafts house .

Towns and villages like Windermere , Keswick, Ambleside, and Grasmere are worth popping into as well. I particularly like the gingerbread shop in Grasmere.

10. Yorkshire Dales National Park (1 Day)

From Cumbria, my England road trip itinerary will take you into the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

This is another great place for country walks , including the famous peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough, and Whernside. Malham Cove is beautiful, too.

11. Chester (1 Day)

From the Yorkshire Dales, my England road trip itinerary continues south with a stop in Chester .

This place is one of the most underrated cities in the UK , and it’s worth a special trip. With stunning streets and layers of history dating back to Roman times, Chester is magical.

12. Birmingham (1 Day)

From Chester, you can drive down to Birmingham . This city is packed with things to see and do, from shopping arcades to art museums and an eye-catching contemporary library.

13. Wye Valley (1 Day)

South of Birmingham, it’s worth spending a day in the Wye Valley . From market towns like Ross-on-Wye to hikes around the cliff at Symonds Yat Rock, there’s a lot to take in here.

15. Cotswolds (2 Days)

No England road trip itinerary of mine would be complete without a stop in the Cotswolds. From beautiful countryside to picturesque Cotswolds villages like Painswick and Upper Slaughter , there’s a lot to love about this part of Britain.

It’s worth spending a couple days driving through this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to soak up the scenery. It’s one of the most beautiful places in the UK .

16. Bath (1 Day)

Next on my England road trip itinerary is Bath . This city is famous for both its Roman baths and its Jane Austen sites . It’s packed with scenic streets and great independent shops , too.

17. Cornwall (2 Days)

From Bath, it’s worth heading west to Cornwall for a few days. My England road trip itinerary will take you to St Ives , which is one of the most beautiful places in England .

Basing yourself there, you can drive to places like Land’s End, St Michael’s Mount, and the Eden Project. There are great coastal walks in Cornwall, too.

18. Devon (2 Days)

From Cornwall, you can drive to Devon , where it’s worth spending a couple days exploring the coast and countryside.

You can stay in Salcombe , a pretty seaside town, and drive to places like Dartmoor National Park. You can also explore some of the walks along the water in the area.

19. Wiltshire and Hampshire (2 Days)

From Devon, my England road trip itinerary will take you to Wiltshire and Hampshire . The former is home to everything from cathedral cities like Salisbury to historic sites like Stonehenge and villages like Lacock.

The latter is home to cities like Winchester and great countryside around places like East Meon. Jane Austen’s House Museum is here, too.

Both Hampshire and Wiltshire are home to the New Forest , one of the best places to get outdoors in England. It’s worth taking a walk here and spotting some of the area’s famous ponies.

20. Brighton (1 Day)

Next on my England road trip itinerary is Brighton . This seaside spot in East Sussex boasts of one of the most famous beaches in Britain.

And that’s to say nothing of the historic pier and Royal Pavilion. They make Brighton one of the best places to visit in the UK .

21. Kent (2 Days)

Last on my England road trip itinerary is Kent . The Garden of England features everything from coast to castles, and it’s a great place to get both a seafood fix and a dose of history.

From Dover Castle to Canterbury Cathedral and the Charles Dickens highlights in Rochester , there’s a lot to discover here.

From Kent, it’s a short drive back to London, where my England road trip itinerary ends. You can spend more time in the UK capital if your head isn’t already spinning from all the amazing places you’ve seen during your journey.

England Road Trip Itinerary Map

If you want to follow my route, the places on my road trip in England are on the interactive map below. You can click on the pins to see more about each one. I hope the map helps you plan a great British adventure of your own.

England Road Trip Itineraries and Beyond

If you’re looking for additional inspiration, I’ve published blog posts about UK road trips , a great British road trip itinerary for England and Wales, a legendary Scotland road trip , a road trip in North Wales , and road trip packing tips .

I’ve even written about road trip movies . Happy driving!

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3 perfect England itineraries for every type of traveler

May 12, 2022 • 10 min read

London is the ideal starting point for exploring England by rail or road © Franckreporter / Getty Images

Want to see as much of England as possible on your trip but don’t know where to start? Here are three of our best 7-10 day itineraries to give you some inspiration.

Each of these classic trips will give you a different insight into this green and pleasant land. But the one thing they have in common is you’ll leave with a deep appreciation of everything that makes England special: a contrast of wild and idyllic landscapes, fascinating history and captivating urban destinations.

Essential England – a 10-day itinerary

A week and a half is long enough to tick off many of England’s classic highlights. This tour takes in a dozen of the nation's top sights, from London to the Lakes.

Day 1: Tour the streets of the capital

What better way to kickstart your perfect England itinerary than starting with a full day in the nation's vibrant capital, London ? If you only have one day to explore, simply set out on foot to admire such world-famous sights as Buckingham Palace , Tower Bridge , Trafalgar Square and more.

How to get from London to Winchester: Drive or take the train from London to Winchester; direct trains take an hour and run from Waterloo Station.

Day 2: Captivating cathedral cities

Moving southwest, you can explore one or both of the grand cathedral cities of Winchester and Salisbury . Winchester is slightly closer to London and is a history-lover’s dream with long connections to King Arthur, Sir Walter Raleigh and Alfred the Great. Another 45 minutes by road will take you to Salisbury Cathedral and one of only four surviving copies of the Magna Carta.

Go from Winchester to Bath: A hire car will open up some interesting side-trips en route to Bath. Don’t leave the area before making a detour to see the iconic megaliths of Stonehenge .

Day 3: A literary day in Bath

A short hop northwest leads to the beautiful city of Bath , for Roman history and fabulous Georgian architecture. For literature fans, the city has many connections to Jane Austen and, more recently, it formed the stage for Netflix’s smash hit TV series Bridgerton . 

Go from Bath to Oxford: The quickest route to Oxford is by train, connecting at Didcot Parkway. However, if you have a car and can afford a bit more time on the road, traveling by road has its benefits. You’ll be able to cruise across the classic English countryside of the Cotswolds with plenty of scenic pit stops on the way.

Day 5: Study the beauty of Oxford

An hour and a half trip by road or train will deliver you to that ancient seat of learning, Oxford . After you take in the sights and sounds of the famous university, find an idyllic English pub to cozy up in with a classic English novel.

For an optional extra day, just an hour’s drive away from Oxford is Stratford-upon-Avon . The official home of everything Shakespeare, Stratford is a pilgrimage destination for fans of the Bard and there are plenty of must-sees for anyone with an interest.

Go from Oxford to the Lake District: Circling back to London, you can pick up a direct train from Euston station that will get you to Oxenholme in the Lake District in under three hours. Alternatively, driving from Oxford to the Lakes will take you four hours.

Day 6 & 7: Find an outdoor paradise in the Lake District

Deservedly the most popular national park in the UK, the Lake District is a dream for outdoor enthusiasts. There are plenty of walking routes, swimming spots and cycling trails; stay the night and you can enjoy some of the country’s best stargazing.

Go from the Lake District to York: Navigate around the fringes of Yorkshire Dales National Park to York. Driving is the quickest route – otherwise expect a three-hour train journey with multiple changes available.

Day 8: Discover the delights of York

History buffs will love York for its Viking remains and stunning gothic Minster (cathedral). A medieval marvel, the highlight of the city is the Shambles , surely one of the most photographed laneways in England.

Go from York to Cambridge: The last long travel portion of this itinerary – the drive to Cambridge – will take three hours, though the train (connecting at Stevenage) will have you there slightly faster.

Day 9: Punt around Cambridge

Break up your trip back to the capital with a visit to learned Cambridge , England's other great university city. If the weather is good and you’re feeling energetic, rent a punt to explore The Backs of the colleges, or sit back and take a guided punt tour.

Go from Cambridge to London: From here it’s a short one-hour train journey or an hour and a half drive back to the capital.

Day 10:  Back to London

Enjoy a final day back in London, immersing yourself in galleries, museums, parks, street markets, West End shows or East End cafes – or whatever takes your fancy. Best of all, many of the top cultural experiences are free .

The wild side of England – a 10-day itinerary

This trip is a tour through the best of England's natural landscapes, the inspiration for generations of poets, writers and composers. Put on your hiking boots as we meander through some of the country's finest national parks and open countryside.

There are several different entry points and bases to choose from for each of the parks so driving distance and public transport connections can vary. Generally, the driving distance between each point on this itinerary is between 1.5 and 2.5 hours.

Day 1: Ramble along Hadrian’s Wall

Start at the spectacular Roman remains of Hadrian's Wall , one of England’s finest reminders of the classical era, where you can explore the ruins of Roman forts and stride, centurion-style, beside ancient ramparts.

Day 2: Unleash your inner poet in Lake District National Park

Continue into Cumbria to view the high peaks and deep lakes of the Lake District National Park. Once the spiritual home of Wordsworth and the Romantic poets, Lakeland is now a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts, with hikes for all abilities, plus cozy inns and country hotels to retreat to afterward.

Day 3: Find literary inspiration at Yorkshire Dales National Park

Traveling east from the Lakes carries you across the Pennines – the chain of hills known as 'the backbone of England' – to reach the green fells (hilltops) and dales (valleys) of the Yorkshire Dales National Park . Nearby are the dramatic moors around Emily Brontë's former home at Haworth – inspiration for Wuthering Heights .

Day 4: Take a spa break in Peak District National Park

Travel south through the hills and dales of the Peak District National Park . Buxton makes a great base for an overnight stop – you can enjoy the town’s Thermal Spa and duck into the magnificent Poole’s Cavern . Stop off to explore the lovely parklands around Chatsworth House near Bakewell if time allows.

Day 5: Feel a natural symphony in the Cotswolds

Travel through central England, via Elgar's beloved Malvern Hills, to reach the classic English countryside of the Cotswolds . Named for its famous rolling hills, this lovely landscape is worth meandering through slowly, by car or bicycle, on foot or on horseback.

Day 6: Unravel the mysteries of Salisbury Plain

Continue southwards to enjoy the epic emptiness of Salisbury Plain, home to Stonehenge and other intriguing archaeological relics. Nearby is Avebury , England’s other great stone circle, with cozy pubs for a mid-walk pint. 

Day 7: Find fossils on the Jurassic Coast

A few miles more and you're on Dorset 's spectacular fossil-ridden Jurassic Coast. There are dozens of circular walking routes to explore, and Lyme Regis makes for the perfect seaside pit stop.

Day 8: Track down wild ponies in Exmoor National Park

Head further west to take in the lush farmland of Devon and the heathery hills and sandy coves of Exmoor National Park . This otherworldly landscape is often graced by the appearance of wild ponies and deer so keep a camera to hand.

Day 9: Get uplifted on the moors of Dartmoor National Park

Onward to the eerie granite tors of Dartmoor National Park , which offer some of the country's most bleakly beautiful views. The famous mist adds to the haunting magic, although not without some navigation challenges. It’s easy to see how Dartmoor inspired Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles .

Day 10: Finish is cozy coves in Cornwall

Finally, enjoy the famous vistas of pretty ports, gorse-clad cliffs and sparkling bays in Cornwall . Finish this bucolic excursion at Land's End, where the English mainland finally runs out of steam and plunges headlong into the restless ocean.

Introducing Roman England – a 7-day itinerary

What did the Romans do for us? Find out on this south-to-north train trip back into England’s past, covering 572 miles (920 km) of landscapes and history.

Day 1: Hello Londinium

Londinium, the largest city in ancient Britannia, was a Roman creation. For an overview, start with the Museum of London ’s excellent Roman galleries, then see the remains of the 2nd-century amphitheater at Guildhall Art Gallery , the Temple of Mithras in the Bloomberg Building, and parts of the original Roman city walls just outside the exit of Tower Hill Underground station.

Go from London to Fishbourne: Take the train from Victoria Station to Fishbourne (1hr 50min).

Day 2: The villas of Fishbourne Palace

Romanized Britons built lavish country villas with all the latest mod-cons of the age, and one prime example is Fishbourne Palace near Chichester. Inside, the mosaics, especially the famous Dolphin Mosaic, are exquisite. Outside, the recreated villa gardens are the oldest in the UK.

Go from Fishbourne to Bath: Take the train from Fishbourne to Bath (3hrs).

Day 3: Take a bath in Bath

The Romans didn’t discover the waters at Bath, but they did build a huge bathing complex over them in the city they named Aquae Sulis. The 19th-century building over the site today contains the original Roman pools and a museum. For more modern dunking, the Thermae Bath Spa is just around the corner.

Go from Bath to Chester: Take the train from Bath to Chester (4hrs).

Day 4: Stand in the amphitheater of Chester

The amphitheater at Deva Victrix (ancient Chester ) was the largest in Britannia, built for the entertainment and training of the Roman soldiers stationed here. Excavated sections include two entrances used by performers. Nearby, in the middle of a former Roman quarry, the Minerva Shrine has a sculpture of the goddess of war and craftsmanship.

Go from Chester to York: Take the train from Chester to York (3hrs).

Day 5: Enjoy Eboracum (aka York)

When two Roman emperors die in your city and one is proclaimed there (Constantine the Great – his statue sits outside York Minster ), you’ve earned your place in Roman history. Eboracum, the Roman city of York, was founded by soldiers in 71 CE. Roman-era remnants include the remains of a basilica beneath York Minster and a bathhouse in the Roman Bath pub.

Go from York to Hadrian's Wall: Take the train to Hexham (1hr 45min).

Day 6: Patrol along Hadrian’s Wall

Hadrian’s Wall was a full stop in stone, marking the northernmost limits of the expansion of the Roman Empire. Built up from 122 CE onwards, this fortified wall stretches (almost) coast to coast across northern England. Highlights include Housesteads Fort and the Vindolanda Museum with handwritten letters from Romans stationed on the wall. Connect the sites along the wall using the AD122 bus , which starts from the abbey town of Hexham.

Go from Hadrian's Wall to London: Trains run from Hexham back to London, with a change in Newcastle (from 4.5 hrs).

Day 7: Back to Londinium

Spend a final day in the capital, admiring some of the finest Roman treasures unearthed in England at the stunning British Museum . Seek out the Mildenhall Treasure – a remarkable haul of Roman silver discovered by a farmer in Suffolk in 1942.

Destination expert AnneMarie McCarthy reviewed and updated this text for accuracy and relevance. Some content has been adapted from Lonely Planet's print edition.

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12 Beautiful English Countryside Getaways to Enjoy in 2024

Sometime’s I become so preoccupied with exploring the world that I forget about all the beautiful English Countryside getaway locations right on my doorstep.

The English countryside is often, sadly, overlooked. Visitors from abroad flock to London , stay a few days before moving onto the rest of Europe. But they are missing the best bit!

Whilst England is famed for its pretty countryside with rolling hills, forests and rivers, the charming villages themselves are well worth a visit. There is so much history in England and old buildings, castles and churches galore to reflect this.

The English are notoriously a friendly bunch with a cracking dry sense of humour (if a little eccentric at times…)

Ok, full disclosure; I am English though living in Wales so I may be a tad biased when I tell you the English are the most friendly people worldwide. I’m sure there are some facts out there somewhere to back me up..?!

My favourite thing about an English countryside getaway is the multitude of cafes for afternoon tea, the beautiful walks and spending evenings in a cosy old pub, warming myself by a roaring fire and tucking into some hearty pub food.

So if I’ve convinced you to explore beyond London next time, here are 12 beautiful English Countryside getaways suggested by travel bloggers to inspire your trip to rural England!

But first one of my own favourite places…

** Pssst, this article may contain affiliate links. If you have no idea what this means, click here and everything will be explained!**

What you can expect from this article...

• 1 English Countryside Getaway to Monmouth
• 2 English Countryside Getaway to The Lake District
• 3 English Countryside Getaway to Exmoor
• 4 English Countryside Getaways in The New Forest
• 5 English Countryside Getaway to Hambledon in Hampshire
• 6 English Countryside Getaway to Wensleydale in The Yorkshire Dales
• 7 English Countryside Getaway to Lacock, Wiltshire
• 8 English Countryside Getaways in Northumberland, North England
• 9 English Countryside Getaways to The South Downs
• 10 English Countryside Getaways to Teesdale, The North Pennines
• 11 English Countryside Getaways to The Cotswolds
• 12 English Countryside Getaways to The Peak District

English Countryside Getaway to Monmouth

Well, you could argue that this is a Welsh countryside getaway as in truth, Monmouth borders both England and Wales. It’s the town where I grew up and recently I heard it was Britains happiest town according to Capitol radio!

It’s no wonder why really. Monmouth is one of those places where community spirit is really strong. There’s always so much going on whether that be a free music festival or a country fair. The pubs are always bustling and lively and there are plenty of cafes for a cream tea or two.

Monmouth is also home to the only remaining fortified medieval bridge in the UK making it a popular place for history buffs to visit. Read more about Monmouth in my  Monmouth Visitors Guide .

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Over to the other bloggers…

English Countryside Getaway to The Lake District

By Kathi Kamleitner

English Countryside Getaway to Exmoor

By Suzanne Easton

Exmoor is located on the border of Somerset and Devon and is one of the smaller National Parks in England.

It is a beautiful area to explore with deep wooded valleys, streams and high moorland.  It was used as the inspiration for the Lorna Doone book by RD Blackmoore and still has a romantic wilderness feel.

Exmoor reaches the coast with the seaside town of Minehead being on the boundary of the national park, perfect for a beach walk or supplies before heading away from the town.

One of our favourite places is Tarr Steps.  An ancient clapper bridge with beautiful walks and wild swimming in the river during the summer months.  Nearby is Liscombe Farm with gorgeous dairy ice cream from the cows that you see grazing near the river.

Exmoor is also known for its deer rut.  High on the moorland in the autumn months, the stags collect their hinds and congregate showing great displays of their strength, fighting other stags and generally being aggressive and loud.

Staying on Exmoor is really special as it has Dark Skies status and the stars really do shine on the moors at night.  We love the Dunkery Beacon Hotel , indulgence but worth every penny.

English Countryside Getaways in The New Forest

English countryside getaway to hambledon in hampshire.

By Kelly Mongan

With its stunning vineyard and charming village pub, there’s no better place for a weekend away than Hambledon.

Located in Hampshire, this town is often referred to as “the cradle of cricket”, since it is where the modern cricket rules were first played (head to the Bat & Ball pub if you’re a cricket fan!).

Hambledon is located in South Downs National Park and therefore offers stunning countryside walks, through the vineyard and cabbage fields, or even up Butser Hill.

It’s also a Dark Sky zone, meaning you’ll be treated to the most wonderful view of the stars at night.

If you want to truly experience the English countryside, there is no better place to stay than Wriggly Tin Shepherds Huts . Wriggly Tin offers glamping in its finest form and is just a ten-minute walk from Hambledon Vineyard.

At the vineyard, it’s possible to do a tour and taste their award-winning sparkling wine.

If you’re looking to explore more of the area, Winchester is an easy day trip, as is Arundel Castle. Or, for walking/cycling trips, you have the whole of South Downs National Park at your disposal!

English Countryside Getaway to Wensleydale in The Yorkshire Dales

By Sarah Poitras

This summer, we spent four days in the Yorkshire Dales for our first English countryside getaway. We based ourselves in Wensleydale for our Yorkshire Dales holiday .

If you like walking, Wensleydale is a great place to visit in the English countryside. You’ll be treated to rolling green hills, picturesque stone fences, and of course tons of sheep. And it’s a great place for people of all abilities as there are many different walks of varying difficulty levels.

There are also castles! We particularly enjoyed our visit to Bolton Castle, which is quite well preserved and has beautiful grounds to explore. It would also make for a good family outing (we saw a lot of kids enjoying themselves).

We based ourselves in two towns, Hawes and Masham, for their locations and for their local culinary delights. Hawes is home to Wensleydale Creamery which makes truly delicious cheese. And Masham has not one but two local breweries: Theakston Brewery and Black Sheep Brewery.

In Hawes, we stayed at Spring Bank House , a traditional B&B, and in Masham, we stayed at The Bay Horse , a traditional pub. Both served tasty and hearty breakfasts and had friendly and helpful owners. We would highly recommend both if you’re looking for places to stay in Wensleydale.

Read More | The ultimate Yorkshire bucket list

English Countryside Getaway to Lacock, Wiltshire

By Chandrima Chakraborty

If you’re looking for some beautiful English countryside getaways, the village of Lacock definitely needs to be on your list.

Located in the English county of Wiltshire (around 30 minutes from the city of Bath by car), this little village will transport you back in time, to almost 200 years ago. It’s maintained entirely by the National Trust. And mind you, it’s not a museum. It’s very much a functioning village.

Take a stroll down its many alleys and admire the cute traditional cottages in the village. There’s also an old tithe barn, church, and workhouse.

Here you can see the honour system still in use. Residents lay out their homemade jams, marmalades, buns, and scones outside their homes – unguarded and unsupervised. You’re expected to take what you want and leave the payment right there.

If you feel hungry, stop for a bite at one of its cute little bakeries or cafes. Also, don’t forget to check out the Fox Talbot Museum and the Lacock Abbey (especially if you’re a Harry Potter fan).

The village has also been a filming location for many popular movies and TV shows including Harry Potter, Downton Abbey, and BBC’s Pride and Prejudice.

Lacock can easily be covered on a day trip from London . You might even want to combine it with a visit to Bath and Stonehenge like we did.

English Countryside Getaways in Northumberland, North England

English countryside getaways to the south downs.

Picture proper English countryside and there’s a good chance you think of bright yellow flowering fields, rolling green hills and winding tracks. That’s the South Downs.

This enormous Sussex and Hampshire national park is a prime picnicking spot, with great cycling and walking – and all just 20 minutes from the bustle of Brighton and Hove.

Come for the next eclipse or to stargaze (it’s a Dark Sky Park) or pop over on a sunny day to soak up the country air and get away from it all. Spotting wildlife will have you keen to stay and there’s a cracking pub, The Devils Dyke, where you can refuel with good food and drink.

For day trips, you shouldn’t miss exploring colourful spots on the South Coast like Brighton , Eastbourne and Worthing, which will also offer great hotels. The Courtlands Hotel in Hove is a great option for those looking to splash out, while The Brighton Breeze Hotel is somewhere budget that I have stayed and can recommend.

English Countryside Getaways to Teesdale, The North Pennines

By Sarah Carter

Getaway to the little known Teesdale – part of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The River Tees flows down through the dale, providing stunning waterfalls at Cauldron Snout, High Force and Low Force, with spectacular and easy walks along her banks.

The gateway to this glorious dale is the market town of Barnard Castle, named after the castle of the same name which was built in the 12 th century. Famous visitors to the town have included author Charles Dickens and landscape painter JMW Turner.

Here you’ll find great places to stay, including the friendly and welcoming 17 th century Old Well Inn , which backs onto the castle walls.

There are other fabulous cosy pubs and the magnificent Bowes Museum which boasts links to the Queen Mother. Explore the famous Butter Market or Market Cross, now serving as a beleaguered traffic island, but which was once the town jail!

There are great walks – a short 6km round trip takes you between the two main waterfalls further up the dale from Low Force to High Force and back. This is a stunning area of England in which to take a break, no matter what the time of year!

English Countryside Getaways to The Cotswolds

By Emily Cole

The Cotswolds is full of fantastic countryside; think thatched, honey coloured cottages nestling in the hollows of gently rolling hills, perfect for country walks.

There’s something for everyone in the Cotswolds. The most famous villages are Castle Combe, Bibury and Bourton on the Water, which are usually voted among the prettiest villages in the UK.

The Cotswold Way runs for 100 miles along the top of the hills linking Chipping Campden in the north of the region to Bath in the south.  Any section of this walk gives fantastic views and access to quaint towns.  Broadway Tower is a highlight along the route.

You can also discover a wealth of history in the region.  Sudeley Castle is a former royal palace and lies half in ruins, half still lived-in stately home.  Blenheim Palace is on the edge of the Cotswolds and is one of the most fantastic buildings in the UK. Cogges Manor Farm is a historic farm which was used in the filming of Downton Abbey.

There are numerous places to stay in the Cotswolds, although choosing a central location such as Barnsley House near Cirencester will allow you to get to both the north and south of the Cotswolds in less than an hour.

The Cotswolds are only a couple of hours away from London, making the region a perfect weekend getaway.

English Countryside Getaways to The Peak District

Just about an hour outside of Manchester lies the Peak District, a landscape like no other in Britain.

You will find rolling hills, moorland plateaus, and steep-sided deep dales. When you pair the amazing landscape with quaint villages housing amazing places to eat and drink, market towns, and historic houses, you are bound to have a vacation like no other.

Many people visiting the Peak District enjoy going out for a day hike that ends with a proper meal and ale at one of the many historic pubs you will find along the way.

Besides just hiking, you can go spelunking in a cavern, cycle the windy roads or even take a cable car up the famous Heights of Abraham.

If you don’t quite fancy the outdoor activities, there are plenty of villages to stop over and shop till you drop.

There are also plenty of charming bed and breakfasts to choose from if you would like to stay the night. While we were visiting we found a quaint little Airbnb to stay at where we were able to cook a full English fry up in the morning!

With everything the Peak District has to offer, it is definitely a must for anyone looking to visit a charming English countryside!

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• Accommodation

The Perfect Itinerary for a Road Trip in England

We’ve lived in London for over 8 years now and we have a weakness for road trips – this dangerous combination has led us to make many a road trip in England 🙂 So far, we’ve written about a long weekend away in Devon , a road trip from London to Cornwall , and our favourite road trips around London .

But this summer we thought we’d tell you everything you need to know about planning an epic road trip in England – one that will take you through unending fields of flowers, quaint British villages, seaside towns, urban centres such as London, and UNESCO Heritage Sites. You can dine at English gastro pubs, try your hand at making English cheese, unwind at an English beach, marvel at intricate cathedrals, and hop on a pub crawl or food tour to taste the best that England has to offer.

Distance covered on this road trip in England : 800 miles

Time required : 2-3 weeks

I) Start in London  (5 days)

Before you rent a car, get a taste of the capital by exploring it via tube.

Accommodation in London

When it comes to choosing accommodation in London, there is no dearth of hotels and apartments to suit all budgets. But if you’re travelling to London during summer months, you will struggle to get accommodation that is both affordable and central. It’s usually one or the other.

But we do have a great option for you if you are lucky enough to be travelling to London between 2 July and 23 September (exact dates vary each year). Did you know Imperial College opens its doors to guests every summer? We love their summer accommodation because of a couple of different reasons. It’s clean, well-equipped, spacious, and located in one of the nicest areas of London. It’s easy to spend your days walking around South Kensington’s alleyways but you will have a lot of London’s iconic sites at your doorstep too. This includes the V&A, Natural History Museum, The Royal Albert Hall and Hyde Park! What’s more, all the other London landmarks are just a hop, skip, and jump away. This makes it our top choice for a short summer getaway in London

As for things to do, there’s nothing that hasn’t been said about London. On Bruised Passports alone, we’ve written a dozen articles on the ever-fascinating city. But allow us to rave a bit more 🙂 London has a bit for everyone. Of course you will want to check off primary attractions such as The Big Ben, The London Eye, or Westminster Abbey off your list. If you’re a keen shopper, you will want to hit the shopping mecca that is Oxford Street. But also make sure you experience luxurious afternoon tea in London  , take an offbeat food tour , sample street art, and hit a few alternative bars in town . Check out our Guide To London for loads of offbeat and fun ideas of things to do in London.

Accommodation for the rest of the trip

T here is no dearth of hotels and apartments to suit all budgets on this road trip in England. But we would suggest booking scenic cottages or quaint apartments on Air BnB for the rest of this trip for a truly English experience.

II) Drive to Cornwall (3 days)

It’s time to say goodbye to urbanity for a taste of the English countryside. Pick up your rental car and kick off your roadtrip. It’s only fair to start your road trip of England in a area laden with character. Cornwall is a stunning area at the south-western tip of England and the Cornish coastal road has repeatedly been adjudged as one of the most scenic drives in the world.

But first it’s time for a pit-stop or two along the way. Depending on the time you have at hand, spend a few hours or a couple of days in Bath and Stonehenge. Bath is a historic town, known for its historic buildings. Stonehenge, is one of the most famous pre-historic monuments in the entire world. It has a pagan air about it and is definitely worth a visit.

There is no shortage of things to do in Cornwall. You can spend your days indulging in archetypal English delights. Don’t leave without exploring the fishing village of Cadgwith, the bustling town of St. Ives, sampling Cornish pasties, walking along the coastal route at Lizard Peninsula, and watching a play at Minack Theatre (an open-air theater overlooking the sea)

II) Continue onto Devon and Dorset (3 days)

The charm turns up a notch in neighbouring Devon. Here thatched cottages, picturesque farms, and holiday homes dilly dally with gorgeous coastal drives and UNESCO Heritage Sites. Devon seems to be rimmed with a halo of magic and you are bound to love every bit of it.

Make sure you stay in a holiday cottage or a working farm. Spend your days picnicking amidst canola fields, going for long walks in the countryside, and admiring the sylvan landscape. Don’t come away without driving along the Jurassic Coast, a natural UNESCO Heritage site. It’s littered with pebbled beaches, hidden coves, fishing villages, and the famed Durdle Door – a natural limestone arch overlooking the sea. This drive is bound to be one of the highlights of your long road trip in England.

III) Experience Brighton (2-4 days)

After spending a week in the English countryside, you’re bound to crave the hustle-bustle of cities. Brighton is the perfect pit stop on your way to London. This small city is one of the most vibrant in all of England. There is no dearth of vintage boutiques, independent cafes and eateries, street art in Brighton and there’s something for everyone.

Brighton’s seafront offers all the charms of an English sea-side resort – there are ice-cream vendors, carousels, casinos, and dozens of fish-n-chip takeaways. Truly as English as it gets!!

IV) Fall in love with Canterbury

There are a few things only a road trip in England can offer – Canterbury is one of them. Time stands still in this cathedral city, made famous by Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales . The idyllic city is straight out of the pages of a fairy-tale. Explore the Canterbury Cathedral and go for a river tour to acquaint yourself with the city. You will fall in love.

VI) Be awed by Oxford (1 day)

Oxford is just an hour’s drive away from London. It’s home to the one of the oldest and most famed universities in the world – University of Oxford. Explore the hallowed corridors of the colleges, listen to one of the college chapel choirs, or explore Bodleian Library (perfect for bookworms!).

Make sure you get a good night’s sleep in order to prepare yourself for the long drive the next day.

VII) Visit York and the surrounding moors (3-5 days)

A long drive will take you to the northern part of England. You could stop at a pick-your-own farm on the way. Pick your own fruit (choose from strawberries, raspberries, pears, and apples) farms lends a typical English edge to this road trip.

York, a quaint cathedral city, provides the perfect base to explore the area. The city itself is home to one of the prettiest cathedrals in England but the rugged countryside surrounding York acts as the proverbial cherry on top of the cake. The North York Moors national park includes wide expanses of moorland straight out of the pages of Wuthering Heights. The spa town of Harrogate is the getaway to the moors. We love the little known Ilkley Moors but there are a number of hikes and walks in the area.

If you love all things outdoorsy, you might want to consider camping in the neighbouring Peak District for 3-4 days. There are a variety of options – pitched tents, camping sites, caravans, and holiday homes – for keen campers.

VIII) Lake District National Park

We saved the best for the last – we truly did. The Lake District National Park is famous for being home to the Romantic poets, especially Wordsworth. It is said to have provided inspiration for a lot of his poetry – looking around, it’s easy to see why. The entire landscape is peppered with perfect cottages, fields full of daffodils, rolling mountains, and dazzling lakes. The panoramas in The Lake District National Park will leave you hankering for more. We won’t blame you if you stay on for a week (or two) 🙂

If you find yourself in London, the best way to explore the city is to get a   London Pass (get 6% off passes using the code JULY6 at checkout)

Planning a road trip in England? Read all our articles on England, including detailed articles on Devon, Cornwall, and London here .

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70 thoughts on “ the perfect itinerary for a road trip in england ”.

I absolutely agree, this Roadtrip sounds perfect. Oxford and York are my favorite cities in the UK and the Lake District is stunning. I would love to get to know Cornwall. Unfortunately I haven’t been to this part of the UK yet.

Glad you enjoyed it Stef 🙂

Hello what’s this place postcode or name I really want to go with my family but I don’t where this is.

Which place?

What a great itinerary! A little bit of city, a little bit of country, a whole lot of English loveliness. I’m definitely tucking this away for when I move over in a few years and have the time to do this road trip right.

You’ll have a great time, Stacey 🙂

Hi! I am planning to do a road trip in July. Would it be possible to send me your itinerary? Thank you so much!

Hey Yoke – you can see a detailed breakdown of the itinerary above in our articles on England. Here’s the link to all our articles: https://www.bruisedpassports.com/category/england

Hi , planning to come to London for 2 weeks , it would be better if you can sugeest me any road trip .

hey we have articles on two of our favourite road trips from London – to Devon and Cornwall on the website. Check those out 🙂

Thank you so much for this article. It is great you have taken the time to help others. Do you have name or links to where you sleep on this trip?

Hey Lisa – we slept in li’l cottages and B&Bs along the way. Unfortunately we weren’t into blogging then, so never jotted down names 🙁

My mother and I are planning a 3 1/2 week holiday to England and Ireland in April next year. Your itinerary is really helpful. We will fly into London hire a car for the duration, only stay in London for two days then head down the coast as you have done and then make our way to the family in Manchester. Any ideas, hints would be appreciated.

That sounds like a great trip 🙂 You can read our articles on Cornwall, Devon, day trips from London etc. here: https://www.bruisedpassports.com/category/england to get more details 🙂

If you can, do go further north to the Lake District – it’s amazing 🙂

Have a great trip!

Hi Savi and Vid, Love all your pics and articles. Could you give us a detailed itinerary for Lake district?

Hello Merin,

All our suggestions and the places we visited in Lake District are already included in the article 🙂

Thank you so much for finally being a tourist venturing up North, I hope you enjoyed York and the national parks! If you ever get the chance – Come up to Northumberland and visit Morpeth, Alnwick, Bamburgh and Berwick – you will not regret it, all these towns are beautiful and all contain a castle – Alniwck castle being where Harry Potter was filmed and Bamburgh constantly being voted as the uk most beautiful castles!, plus it only an hours drive from Berwick to Edinburgh so it would work out great.

Sounds great Alex – we love York – will definitely try and visit Morpeth, Alnwick, Bamburgh and Berwick soon 🙂

Hi, did you guys travelling by car ? Your own car or rent ? If rent, can you please share the details.

Thank you !

Hi Fateha – we rented a car with Hertz 🙂

Ahhh!!! This is perfect!!! Planning on road tripping through England this November so that we can visit the Bath Christmas Market and do some other holiday shopping and your post has made us so excited for our trip! Thank you for posting! This will be so helpful!

Dear Yohanna,

So happy to hear that 🙂 Have a great trip!

Hey Savi, can you suggest an itinerary on Scotland Ireland or may be one of them.we would ideally have 10 days. Thanks a ton

You should spend a few days in Edinburgh, then drive to Inverness maybe? from there you could fly to Dublin or Belfast even and rent a car again and explore Northern Ireland (if you decide to fly to Belfast) 🙂

Just an update to this post. York doesn’t actually have a Cathedral, it’s a Minster. But its beautiful nonetheless!

True that – will correct it 🙂

York does not have a Cathedral, it has a Minster! But York is still a beautiful place to visit.

But minsters are cathedrals too, just ones that were used for teaching during Anglo-Saxon times. Quoting wikipedia “The Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of Saint Peter in York, commonly known as York Minster, is the cathedral of York, England, and is one of the largest of its kind in Northern Europe”

I’d like a bit of help please. We are doing this: arrive Heathrow and get car and 3 nights in Bath. Then 2 in Oxford. Then 4 in the Lakes District and 4 in Broadway and then finishing it out w/5 in London. We’ve been to Oxford. Do you recommend we skip Oxford altogether and replace it w/York or skim a night off of Oxford and The Lakes to get 2 nights in York. This is a very helpful post! Thanks for your advice….jon

Like the sound of your itinerary. If you’ve been to Oxford already, we’d suggest skipping that and spending those 2 nights in York. York is truly magical and you’ll love it 😀

Thanks very much. Greatly appreciate your help.

Cheers Jon!

Hey Savi Vid, Hope you guys doing well. 🙂 Well I’m sure you guys are. Both me and my wife are such a celebrity fan of both of you. We wait to see all your posts and your write ups from all your tours. We would first like to inform you, that we had taken two complete holiday itinerary from your website, they being the one for Bali and the other road trip in New Zealand, we followed both the tours of yours religiously, From choosing the same hotels, the same road navigations, restaurants etc. We literally followed, stalked you guys for those two vacations of ours. and trust us, those two vacations were just breathtaking, it changed our idea of travelling. We have never been such a followers of anybody, and we are so proud of following your holidays, We recommend it to all our family members and friends all around.

At this point We are looking to take another holiday to UK this summer, and was browsing up your itinerary. we are so happy too be following them and making sure we cover the most of it through Bruised Passports.

Thank you so much you guys. Keep Writing and sharing the photographs. They mean so much to us. Its the time when we share and discuss about your work, makes us so happy.

Have a great day.

Hey Nikhil,

Thank you so much for your message and for trusting our itineraries 🙂 Our work here is done in that case 😀 Please do share photos from your trip to Bali and New Zealand – we’d love to see them 🙂

Have a great trip in UK.

Thanks once again for your love and support.

Hi Savi Vid,

I will second the earlier post on being truly inspired by your holidays. We too in last 10 months first google whether you have been to a destination and then decide as it makes things so much quicker for us.

we too followed your garden route itinerary and loved it.

We really identify with your holiday style.

We are planning a road trip with our parents and infant in October end-mid nov for like 17-18 days from New Delhi.

We are torn between New Zealand or England with Scotland.

England would suit us more in terms of flight time with an infant but we are not really sure whether this would be the best time to go, we are interested in visiting scotch distilleries in england and also follow the above mentioned itinerary by squeezing a few days or follow your new zealand road trip itinerary.

Please make the decision for us 🙂

Hey Randhir – that’s great to know. So happy to hear that you enjoy Bruised Passports SO much. Given its October/November, we’d recommend going for New Zealand as the weather in UK can get really grey and cold at that time 🙂

Hey thanks a lot, Will the England one be a feasible option in March first week ?

Hey Randhir – the weather in UK is always unpredictable. However it is still quite cold in March

Hi!! I was looking for some inspiration as to where to go this August with a 2-year-old and a 1-month-old baby from London with a car, and have decided to do York and Lake District after reading your post!

Could you give me any recommendations of where to go within the Lake District? And any stops you’d suggest on our drive back or where we could stop for the night so the drive isn’t as long?

Ps. Already followed your Cornwall road trip tips and loved that part of England!

So happy to hear our Cornwall itinerary was helpful 🙂

Within the Lake District you could go to Ambleside, Windermere, Bowness, or Lakeside. You could also drive further up to Rydal or Grasmere. On your way back, you could break your journey at Cheshire or perhaps Stratford-upon-avon?

Have a great trip 🙂

Hi me & hubby john are planning a week road trip in UK, we fancy going to Devon we live in fleetwood, Lancashire. We welcome your ideas? Thank you.

Hey Carol and John – that’s a great idea. We have detailed itineraries on Devon and Cornwall if you’re interested 🙂

Hi Savi and Vid,

Its always nice reading your posts. Very informative indeed. We are planning to take this road trip in June 2018. Please tell us how viable would it be with a 1 year infant? Thanks in advance.

Hey Prachi – You can get a car seat for your infant. Other than that England is extremely kid-friendly, so you won’t have a problem at service stations, restaurants, or anywhere else. Have fun 🙂

planning to visit uk in july.plz suggest ireland vs scotland which is better.we are luking at 6 nights in london n 3 nights either in scotland or ireland.cant do both. what day trips can we take from london.. Really luking forward for your suggestion..

Regards punam

Hey perhaps go with Northern Ireland for 3 nights 🙂

There’s plenty of information on our website for what to do in and around London – please search for “London” and you’ll see all the articles.

Hi Savi & Vid,

Firstly, thank you so much !

We planned our Honeymoon day by day according to your Seychelles Itinerary and trust me, that has been the best holiday for me and my husband.

Now, We are planning for a holiday in December, somewhere cold and a place which will have a magical vibe considering it will be Christmas & New Years. Is the chain across Scotland worth it or should we explore some place elsewhere across the world?

Hey so happy to hear that – you have to share photos with us (from Seychelles) 🙂

Do consider Finland/Lapland for your next winter holiday – you’ll love it

Hi Savi Vid, My husband and self live in Australia and we are planning a road trip as you have in England, you have given us great inspiration where to start and where to go, we were unsure about what we could do. Thank you kindly Cassa and Jeff

Thank you so much and hope you had a great time driving in England / UK 🙂

If I have 2 days in Lake District, where do you reccomend we stay? Also I’m traveling with a 1 year old, does LD make sense with a baby?

I m planning to go 1st week of July. The iteniary is 3 days in Edinburgh >2 days in Lake District> 7 days in London.. pls suggest

Perhaps you could stay in Windermere as there’ll be more options to shop/dine especially with a baby 🙂 Your itinerary for United Kingdom sounds just fine. Assuming you’ll be driving down from Edinburgh to London via Lake District?

My sister is visiting from Canada from mid to the end of February – but I know the weather won’t be very good and the wonderful countryside won’t be very beautiful. If we were to stay in the UK, would you recommend doing more castles and things like that or should I just avoid altogether and we will go to Rome or something LOL

Thanks so much! Lindsay

Hey Lindsay,

Some of the countryside, especially castles and cathedrals, are beautiful at that time of the year. Perhaps you could split that time between UK and say Rome or any other European city – lots of inspiration here: https://www.bruisedpassports.com/category/europe 🙂

Completely misses East Anglia?

Next May myself, my mother and my daughter are travelling to the UK from Australia. We arrive in London for 2 nights, then have a hire car to head off exploring. We have 3 weeks before heading off to France.

In those 3 weeks we’re hoping to cover England, Scotland and Ireland! Would have loved to get to Wales, but time doesn’t allow it this trip!

Your itinerary is amazing. And we will certainly be using it to our advantage, but may have to condense it somewhat. Are there any suggestions you have re Scotland and Ireland?

Hey Brooke,

Thanks a lot for your message and we hope you had a great trip in UK. WE don’t really have driving suggestions for Ireland but a road trip in Northern Ireland is dreamy 🙂 (there are articles about that on our site)

We are looking at doing a 3 week road trip from the Yorkshire moors down to Devon in 2021. Would love to get a map of the route you took and the towns that you stopped in. We were thinking about doing a pub crawl!

Dave & Ros

This perfect itinerary for a road trip in England has been curated over many trips – we have shared the map in the article 🙂

hi guys..is this itinerary doable by public transport

Yes, it should be possible but you will lose out on the possibility of taking random detours which are always the fun part 🙂

Loved the description

Love it, can wait to start my road trip

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Excellent blog with some insightful information. Must Read

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Our Guide to the Best English Countryside

Home > Blog > Our Guide to the Best English Countryside

Where is the best English countryside? A tough question – but we’ll try to answer!

At Absolute Escapes, we’re always discussing our favourite spots to visit in the UK. As someone who grew up in Scotland, I fondly remember crossing the border to England and observing the changing landscape from the backseat of my parents’ car during the summer holidays.

With recommendations from the team, I’ve put together a list of a few of our all-time favourite spots in the English countryside. Despite being a relatively small country, England ’s countryside is very varied and diverse. From steep grassy hills and rugged moors to tranquil lakes and gently flowing rivers, the English countryside has so much to offer.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by North York Moors National Park (@northyorkmoors)

These classic landscapes are not the only reason why countryside retreats are loved by so many. There’s something particularly idyllic about village life in the English countryside. Many pubs and restaurants are proud to serve local produce and there is something to be said for enjoying a fresh meal when you know the ingredients were grown just a few miles down the road.

For history lovers, the countryside can also be a real treasure trove. While large cities can offer multiple museums and endless visitor attractions, the countryside is also full of history and unmissable sightseeing opportunities.

The Yorkshire Dales: Cherish A Classic Favourite

The Yorkshire Dales National Park is an area which never fails to amaze its visitors. Situated in the North of England, the Yorkshire Dales are an ideal location for those looking to escape the crowds and relax in the beautiful countryside. Rolling hills dotted with sheep, charming villages and endless walking opportunities make the Yorkshire Dales a real sanctuary for nature enthusiasts. The quintessential dry stone walls of Yorkshire stretch as far as the eye can see and are an integral piece of the landscape.

Some of our favourite spots in the Yorkshire Dales include Malham, Keld and Hawes.

Malham is famed for its impressive limestone rock formations (which even featured in the Harry Potter films!) Malham Cove can be easily accessed from the village of Malham and makes an excellent spot to take in the views.

Gordale Scar is another popular attraction. The gorge is extremely impressive and the true size of this natural phenomenon can only be appreciated in real life.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Discovering Yorkshire (@discovering_yorkshire)

Situated in North Yorkshire, the pretty village of Keld is perhaps one of the most tranquil spots in the Dales. Lying in Swaledale, this village is relatively secluded and makes the perfect spot to enjoy the surrounding countryside and nearby walks.

Keld has become a popular spot for walkers, with the Pennine Way , the Coast to Coast and the Herriot Way all crossing through this village. Kisdon Force Falls are a short walk from the village and the surrounding woodland has been named a ‘Site of Special Scientific Interest’ due to its abundance and variety of flora and fauna.

The pretty market town of Hawes in Upper Wensleydale is a great location to explore the Yorkshire Dales from, with fantastic walking opportunities in the surrounding area.

The circular route which includes a visit to the famous Hardraw Force Falls – the highest single-drop waterfall in England – is a must if you are in the area.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Yorkshire Dales National Park (@yorkshiredales)

The North York Moors: Explore the Rugged Moorlands

Perhaps less famous than the neighbouring Yorkshire Dales, the North York Moors National Park offers some of the most remarkable scenery in England. The beautiful heather-clad hills and extensive woodlands offer fantastic walking opportunities.

For nature lovers, the moorland is a great place to discover different species of wildlife, such as the Merlin, the UK’s smallest bird of prey.

A Place to Stargaze

The North York Moors National Park became an International Dark Sky Reserve in 2020, and the countryside is one of the best places to stargaze in the UK due to the clear skies and low light pollution. The more remote the better and in some spots up to two thousand stars can be visible in the night sky.

If you’re looking for a change of pace and a breath of fresh air, you’ll love Yorkshire.

Interested in visiting the Yorkshire countryside? Take a look at our itinerary Classic Yorkshire: Whitby, York & The Dales which encompasses the Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors and the historic city of York.

For a self-drive holiday which is more focused on walking opportunities, we’d recommend looking at our Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks multi-centre walking holiday which allows you to explore these two fantastic national parks.

Kent: Discover The Garden of England 

Situated in the southeast of England, the countryside of Kent cannot go unmentioned and is another popular destination for the Absolute Escapes team.

With miles of beautiful pastures and landscapes dotted with enchanting cottages, the historic county of Kent is a wonderful destination frequently referred to as the ‘Garden of England’. The region is also famed for its hop production and abundance of National Trust attractions.

The Perfect Retreat

The Kent Downs AONB is a protected landscape which encompasses the vibrant, bluebell-studded woodlands and pastoral villages from the white cliffs of Dover to the London border. It’s hard to believe that these beautiful gardens and stunning countryside views are less than an hour away from bustling London.

A couple of days in the Kent countryside would make a wonderful addition to a trip to London and would be a great way to combine rural and urban England.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Kent Downs AONB (@kent_downs_aonb)

The enchanting Scotney Castle is well worth a visit and the mansion on the estate is a fine example of classic Victorian architecture. Oldbury Hill is another excellent place to visit and combines a fantastic woodland walk with a visit to one of the largest remains of an Iron Age hill fort in the country.

Take a look at our South of England Road Trip itinerary which passes through some of this incredible countryside as well as the beautiful Kent coast. You can also speak to one of our Travel Specialists about adding additional days to this itinerary if you would like to explore the region in even more detail.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Absolute Escapes (@absoluteescapes)

The Cotswolds: Enjoy A Timeless Haven

The Cotswolds AONB stretches through five counties in England and is the perfect place to explore those charmingly classic English villages. Explore quaint villages where gentle rivers are lined by honey-coloured cottages, traditional tea rooms and atmospheric pubs.

Bourton-on-the-Water

Nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds , Bourton-on-the-Water is the perfect place to soak up the timeless charm of southern central England and is often referred to as ‘the Venice of England’ due to its impressive stone bridges.

The famous Model Village of Bourton-on-the-Water has been delighting visitors since 1937, when it was officially opened to commemorate the Coronation of King George VI.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Cotswolds accommodation in Bourton-on-the-Water (@lansdowne_bourton_on_the_water)

Castle Combe

Many consider Castle Combe to be one of the prettiest villages in England. Castle Combe has been a popular filming location for several years and has featured in various acclaimed pictures such as War Horse.

Glorious Walks

The Cotswolds offer both excellent sightseeing opportunities and fantastic walks. From long and challenging walks to more relaxed rambles, there are many well-loved walking routes which will allow you to explore the area at an easygoing pace.

Our Cotswolds and Jurassic Coast multi-centre walking holiday enables you to explore the delightful areas with a focus on exploring the wonderful countryside on foot.

Discover the English countryside

If you’d like to experience classic England for yourself, why not have a look at our Classic England: Oxford & The Cotswolds self-drive itinerary?

The English countryside offers a unique blend of majestic landscapes, delightful villages and world-class heritage sites. For me, England’s most impressive feature is its sheer variety of landscapes, each with its own rich history and extraordinary character for you to discover.

While the areas I have mentioned are particular favourites of mine, it’s important to note that there are still so many more spots waiting to be explored! If you’re looking to plan the perfect holiday to the English countryside, please get in touch and our Travel Specialists will be delighted to assist you.

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2-week Great British Road Trip Itinerary: From England to Scotland

By: Author Angela Price

Posted on Last updated: July 15, 2023

Do you want to explore the UK on a British Road Trip but are unsure where to start? This two-week itinerary will help you plan the perfect road trip from England to Scotland.

I am almost too embarrassed to admit that I’ve travelled all the way to Australia from the UK, but I hadn’t ventured to Scotland until recently.

Well, I guess that’s not completely true; I took a weekend break to Edinburgh after winning the trip in a raffle. Still, it seems to me that when people talk about the “real” Scotland , they always seem to refer to the diverse natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands, and so with this in mind, I decided to plan a great British road trip and check out this area of Scotland for myself.

Of course, it’s a long drive from England to the Scottish Highlands (this is where hubby comes in handy), and so I included stops during the drive “up North” and also on the return journey back “down South” to break up the time spent on the road.

This travel guide may contain affiliate links – For more information, please read my  disclaimer and privacy policy.

Do you need to arrange travel insurance, car hire or accommodation? Please check out my  resources page  to help you plan your trip.

Table of Contents

Why Every Traveller Should Make a British Road Trip

I have made road trips through Australia , New Zealand, South Africa , Iceland, Europe and the UK , and I love the freedom of adventure that driving gives you. You can stop whenever you want, take photos, stretch your legs, visit restrooms, and if you suddenly see somewhere interesting, you can explore it without anyone else’s time constraints.

Road trips make you feel like you are having lots of exciting mini-breaks. For a person like me that gets stir-crazy being in one place for too long and has FOMO (fear of missing out), I enjoy packing my things up every few days and heading off to see the next new thing. If I ever get regressed (don’t laugh, I’ve thought about it), I’m sure I would live a nomadic, gipsy life in a forest somewhere and foraging for berries and hugging trees.

British Road Trip Travel Tips

Anyway, back to the topic at hand! I have detailed the best places to stay during a British road trip , the best landmark destinations to visit on a British road trip, and the driving routes and times between locations to help you enjoy the perfect British road trip. This interactive Google map will also help you follow my route or plan your own British road trip itinerary.

UK British Road Trip Map

The United Kingdom 14-Day British Road Trip Itinerary

2 nights in the Lake District – England

4 nights in the Trossachs National Park – Scotland

1 night in Fort Augustus – Scotland

3 nights on the Isle of Skye – Scotland

2 nights in Pitlochry – Scotland

2 nights in Harrogate – England

Drive to the Lake District

We left home early on a bright September morning, around 9 am, for the first part of our British road trip from Surrey to Windermere in the Lake District. We knew the drive would take around 5 hours with good driving conditions, so I planned our first stop at the Trentham Monkey Forest in Stoke on Trent.

I had never heard of this place before, but when I realised it was a sanctuary for 140 Barbary macaques , I knew I would love it.

The great news is that Trentham’s monkeys roam freely , though exterior fencing contains them within the forest. Let’s face it – monkeys on the loose on the M6 would probably not be the best thing!

It was gratifying to wander around and see them in a natural setting, and we stayed for feeding time and a talk given by the keepers before continuing our drive to Lake Windermere.

Trentham Monkey Forest to Lake Windermere via M6 – 2hrs 45 mins

Lake district – 2 nights.

The Lake District in Cumbria offers abundant natural beauty and is the perfect place to stop on a trip to the North of England and beyond.

A Unesco World Heritage Site and England’s largest National Park , the Lake District has so much to offer, from huge mountains, quintessential English villages, lush green valleys, and of course, sixteen world-renowned lakes.

The Lake District’s largest lake is Windermere. Scenic lake cruises, kayaking, walking and hiking are a must here. The circular walking route of Lake Windermere is great fun.

Throughout the Lake District, hiking trails cater for all abilities. From visitors who want to enjoy a gentle stroll around the lakes to advanced hikes that scale iconic landmarks such as Scafell Pike , the highest mountain in England.

We arrived at The Belsfield Hotel at Bowness-on-Windermere for our two-night stay. The Laura Ashley Group owns this chic hotel, and the design is not surprisingly beautiful. It also happens to be one of the most prestigious hotels in the Lake District, with unrivalled views across Lake Windermere – I was going to enjoy this!

Luxury Accommodation in Bowness

I had booked into a classic double room as I knew we wouldn’t spend much time in it, but there are larger, grander rooms to choose from.

The rest of the hotel was fabulous, with views over the lake from every turn. The outside terrace was a hit with guests, a great spot to watch the sun go down. The indoor lounge was cosy and the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail before dinner (well, it would be rude not to).

The only thing I didn’t like was that our weekend stay coincided with a wedding function, and to say wedding guests overtook the hotel was an understatement.

It became noisy and chaotic and was not the peaceful boutique experience we expected. My advice would be to check before you book to see if any functions are being held during your stay to avoid noisy disruptions on your trip.

Where to Dine and Stay in Lake Windermere

As we were tired and didn’t fancy anything too formal tonight, we headed into town and enjoyed dinner at Baha Restaurant . Bowness is really charming, and its cobbled streets are home to dozens of restaurants and cafes. I was surprised to see such a choice of modern eateries for a small Cumbrian town.

If you are looking for a more traditional place to eat, then The Hole in T Wall is the oldest pub in Bowness and was even frequented by Charles Dickens.

Alternative places to stay in Bowness-on-Windermere

Lakes Hotel and Spa

Linthwaite House Hotel

The Angel Inn

If you want a more exclusive stay in the Lake District, you may enjoy the many Lake District cottages with hot tubs scattered around the area.

Lakeside Cruise and Walk

After a hearty breakfast, we decided to cruise across the lake – the most popular thing to do in the Lake District. Hop on a Windermere Lake Cruise from the pier at Bowness – just below the hotel. To make sure of a seat pre-book, especially in the height of summer.

Cruise and Walk Lake Windermere

We opted for the Lake Windemere walker’s ticket , which allowed us to cruise from Bowness to Ambleside , disembark and then walk four miles along the western shore to Ferry House pier.

Make sure you have the ferry timetable to plan the timings of your return trip to Bowness Pier.

Points to explore during the lakeside walk include Wray Castle , a Gothic revival castle complete with a superb little cafe where we stopped for lunch.

The next stop on the walking route is Claife Viewing Station to admire the view of Lake Windermere.

Check out the coloured glass viewing panels that supposedly recreate the lake’s colours through the seasons – an interesting idea, but I’m not sure it worked for me.

At the end of the walk, we caught a ferry back from Ferry House Pier to Bowness – it was a great day out and a fabulous way to see the best of Lake Windermere by water and land.

Angie’s Top Tip – Hill Top, the former house of Beatrix Potter, is a 2.5-mile walk from Ferry House Pier ( or hop on the Mountain Goat Bus ). You could include a visit either at the end of your walk or make the whole trip in reverse, starting in Bowness and sailing to Ferry House.

Drive to The Trossachs National Park

Crossing the border from england to scotland.

After a breakfast fit for a king (and Queen!), we set off for the next location on our British road trip itinerary, Arrochar, in the Trossachs National Park. It would be another long drive, and so to break things up, we stopped at Gretna Green , the location for eloping couples to wed. Please don’t get too excited; we made our vows 30 years ago; however, we had now crossed the border into SCOTLAND!

Lake Windermere to Gretna Green via M6 – 1hrs 45mins

Gretna Green in Scotland is a location where English couples under the age of 21 could marry without their parent’s consent. They would elope and seal the deal in the blacksmith’s barn over the anvil.

Confused? Check out the Gretna Green official website for more on this Scottish landmark’s history and folklore.

I wanted to see what all the fuss was about, and to be fair, it is quite a magnet for tourists. It seemed our friends from the USA were here in their masses.

A quick wander around the small museum, a photo of our hands on the blacksmith’s anvil (obviously had to get that one) and then a stock-up of Scottish produce (not sure we needed quite so much shortbread and fudge!), and we were off to our forest cabin at Arrochar in the Trossachs National Park.

Gretna Green to Arrochar in the Trossachs National park via A74 & M8 – 2 hrs 30 mins

Arrochar, trossachs national park – 4 nights.

The Trossachs National Park, often referred to as “ the Highlands in miniature “, is an area of incredible beauty with lowland landscapes in the south and huge mountains in the north ( 21 mountains all above 3,000ft ).

The park has 22 large lochs (water bodies), including the famous Loch Lomond and woodland, scrub and forest covering every part of the area.

The Trossachs also lay claim to one of the UK’s largest National Nature Reserves –  The Great Trossachs Forest , and 50% of Scotland’s population lives within an hour’s drive of the National Park!

In this area, you will also find Queen Elizabeth Forest Park . The park was established along with five others in 1953 – the year of Elizabeth ll’s coronation.

It holds some of Scotland’s best-loved locations, from the magnificent Loch Lomond to the rolling Trossachs mountains. 

For the next four nights, our home was at Ardgarten Hot Tub Forest Lodges in Arrochar, with unparalleled views of Loch Long .

This is a perfect base to explore the surrounding towns, including Inveraray and its castle, Oban and its distillery and Luss with its charming village and boat rides.

Angie’s Top Tip – Make sure you stock up on provisions before you arrive at Arrochar. There are a couple of small convenience shops nearby, but they only stock the basics. The nearest is Braeside grocery and newsagent, a 10-minute drive from the lodge.

Alternative places to stay in Arrochar can be booked here on Booking.com .

Exploring the Local Area

Did I mention it rains a lot in Scotland? And in September, when we travelled, there were many wet days.

Of course, it didn’t come as a shock, and I had already packed everything in my wardrobe to keep me warm and dry, so we were ready for any eventuality.

Unfortunately, as we pulled back the curtains that first morning, we couldn’t even see Loch Long , just swathes of grey fog slowly moving across the landscape and the tops of a few mountains in the distance.

Not to be deterred from getting out (after already having wallowed in the hot tub for about 2 hours!), we took a trail that started near our lodge and headed into the unknown (actually the Argyll Forest ) to see what we could find.

After what seemed like a rather wet couple of hours, we had seen a river, a waterfall, lots and lots of woodlands and a fairy house – I kid you not – check out the photos, and finally decided to head back to the lodge because if we got any muddier, we might get mistaken for bog monsters by the locals.

Angie’s Top Tip – Check out The Village Inn in Arrochar for a real taste of Scotland. Haggis, neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes) topped off with whisky sauce are delicious.

Inveraray – St Conan’s Kirk – Oban

Arrochar to inveraray – 30 minutes.

Hurray – there were blue skies this morning, and after a quick dip in the hot tub, we were in the car and on our way to the town of Inveraray.

For a small town, there are many things to do in Inveraray, including exploring a castle, hiking up a hill, taking part in a whisky tasting, visiting a prison museum and generally soaking up the beautiful surroundings of this lochside setting.

If you want to stop here for coffee or lunch, then Campbell Coffee Roasters on the high street serves great coffee, and Loch Fyne restaurant serves freshly caught seafood from the loch.

Love the sound of Inveraray?

Read more about it in my post – 7 great things to do in inveraray ..

Inveraray to St Conan’s Kirk – 25 minutes

After a morning wandering around Inveraray, we were back on the road and heading for Oban. Thirty minutes into the journey, we happened upon an eerie Gothic-looking church, and of course, I had to have a closer look.

It turns out that it was called St. Conan’s Kirk and was voted one of the top 10 buildings in Scotland of the last 100 years .

The minute I walked through the doors, I felt the building had a spiritual vibe, and I was amazed at all the different styles of architecture used in its design. Gothic, Norman, Saxon and Celtic decorations all shared the same space making it a unique place to visit.

We got lucky as there were only a few other people there when we visited, so we got to enjoy St Conan’s peacefulness and its beautiful views across Loch Awe.

Back in the car, and after a cup of tea from my flask and a shortbread biscuit (yes, we still had some left), we continued to Oban.

St Conan’s Kirk to Connel Bridge – 25 minutes

Almost in Oban, we spotted The Falls of Lora near Connel Bridge. They are a spectacular sight as they form a tidal rapid, which occurs naturally when the tidal level in the Firth of Lorn drops below the water level in Loch Etive.

We stopped at the car park viewpoint in Connel village to get the falls’ best views and were amazed to see kayakers riding the rapids. Afterwards, we discovered that the falls are a popular destination for kayakers and divers – who would have imagined all that going on under a bridge?

Connel Bridge to Oban – 10 minutes

Finally, we arrived in the coastal town of Oban. Known as the departure point to catch ferries to some of the beautiful outlying Scottish Hebridean islands as well as the home of the famous whisky distillery, and that was where we were heading.

Want to find out more about the Scottish Islands?

Read about them in my post: the best and most beautiful scottish islands you must visit in scotland ..

Oban distillery has been producing whisky since the 18th century and running tours to give visitors a peek into how this spirit is made. Ensure you have pre-booked your spot on the tour, as they fill up very quickly.

Let me say that I am not a whisky drinker (or wasn’t until I went to Scotland), but still found the tour fascinating. We both learnt so much about making whisky and now know all about “ fairy tears ” and whisky taxes which is useful should we ever start up a distillery in the garden shed!

After the tour, we walked along the vast sandy beach, which was not what I expected in Scotland. No chance of taking our coats and scarves off in September, though; this was just a time for us to soak up the scenery before finishing off with dinner.

We ate in Coasters, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it – there are other better restaurants in Oban to choose from.

Oban to our lodge in Arrochar via A85 & A83 – 1hr 30 minutes

Day trip to the village of luss.

Our last day in the Trossachs was a dry one, and we set off to explore the village of Luss on the banks of Loch Lomond, the largest freshwater lake in Great Britain . We particularly wanted to go for a cruise across the loch and arrived mid-morning to buy our tickets from the boat pier.

Unfortunately, everyone else had the same idea, so our timed tickets weren’t until 4 pm. We were leaving the area the next day to head to Fort Augustus – home of Loch Ness – so it was today or never!

Arrochar to Luss – 20 minutes

The village of Luss is a popular place for tourists and has charming 18th-century stone houses, lovely Scottish artisan craft shops, a historic church and plenty of cafes and coffee shops – what more could you want?

Luss also has several walks to allow the visitor to explore the area – a favourite is the Heritage Trail, a one-hour walk around the town.

I learned from the Luss Visitor Centre that fairies were living in Luss (they get everywhere) and that the Loch Lomond fairy trail would take us through the woods to see their homes. I didn’t need to be told twice, and with hubby in tow, we set off to find some pixie magic.

The clouds came in as the day went by, and by 4 pm, it looked pretty grim. We boarded our boat and set off for a cold and bumpy ninety-minute ride. It was not the leisurely cruise I was looking forward to, but at least we can say we cruised Loch Lomond!

Drive to Fort Augustus

We packed our stuff early and headed to our next destination, Loch Ness, in Fort Augustus.

The thought of cruising on the loch and listening to stories about Nessie the Loch Ness monster probably got me a little more excited than it should, but having grown up hearing about this fictional (or should I say factual) creature, I couldn’t wait to get there! But there were plenty of other things in Scotland that I wanted to see on the route.

Arrochar to Falls of Falloch – 25 minutes

As soon as I hear mention of a waterfall, I have to check it out; it doesn’t matter where I am in the world; they seem to call to me. Some of the best waterfalls in the UK can be found in Scotland, like the 30ft Falls of Falloch . Approached by the A82 near the village of Crianlarich, a woodland track leads from the car park to the falls and the River Falloch.

A funky viewing platform allows you to view the waterfall in all its glory and is a great structure to see in its own right – not something you would expect to see in a woodland glen!

Falls of Falloch to Glencoe – 50 minutes

Scotland’s landscape seems to get better and better the further north you go (though it is all stunning). After passing through the Bridge of Orchy with its white-washed houses and positioned on the famous Scottish walking route –  the West Highland Way  – we arrived at the magnificent mountain range of Glencoe.

Glencoe is predominately a ski and outdoor pursuits area. As we were driving through, it reminded me of the dramatic landscape in Iceland and Norway; foreboding and mighty.

We pulled into Glencoe Mountain Resort to buy some tickets for the chair lift; however, when I saw how high it went, I got cold feet, so we popped into the restaurant instead to warm up and grab some lunch!

Angie’s Top Tip  – If you love outdoor activities, then it may be worth adding a night to your British road trip itinerary and spending longer in Glencoe to really see it at its best.

Glencoe to Fort William – 40 minutes

Not to give up on the chance to get an amazing view across the Scottish mountain range, we headed to Fort William and the  Nevis Range Mountain Gondola.  The 650m high enclosed gondola is the only one of its kind in the UK, so it was only fitting that we tried it out.

Built to transport skiers to the top of Aonach Mòr,  the 8th highest mountain in Britain , it is now one of the most popular things to do in Fort William – after visiting the Glenfinnan Viaduct and waiting for that magical opportunity to catch the  Harry Potter train of course!

We stepped aboard and luckily had the gondola to ourselves. I think the grey skies and threat of rain had put many visitors off, but I can imagine it gets swamped on warm sunny days. It takes 15 minutes to get to the top, and then you are rewarded with views of  Ben Nevis,   Britain’s highest mountain .

Angie’s Top Tip  – There is a big drop in temperature from the bottom to the top of Aonach Mor, so make sure to wrap up warm.

Fort William to Fort Augustus – 45 minutes

Back in the car and aware that time was getting on, we decided only to have one quick stop on the route to Fort Augustus, and that would be to look at the  Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge .

Three 17ft bronze figures are depicted in full uniforms and dedicated to WW2 service members that lost their lives.  If you have the time, it is worth stopping, a small car park is located along the B8004, and the views alone are incredible.

Fort Augustus – 1 Night

Arriving in Fort Augustus, the rain stopped, and the sun shone – our luck had changed!

We were staying here for one night in the award-winning boutique hotel The Lovat, but before we settled in for our stay, we had arranged a rib cruise with the company Cruise Loch Ness .

There are two ways to view Loch Ness – a fast rib cruise or a scenic cruise – we opted for the 90-minute rib cruise to Urquhart Castle, which was an informative ride telling us about the loch, the landscape, the castle and, of course, the monster!

Is the Loch Ness Monster Real?

Because we were on the last cruise of the day, we got the rib to ourselves, which was fantastic. However, our captain told us many stories about the Loch Ness monster but never quite confirmed his own sighting, so we still don’t know the truth!

A cruise is the most popular thing to do in Loch Ness, and I would definitely recommend it.

Angie’s Top Tip – If you suffer from a bad back, then don’t take the rib – it jolts you about a fair bit, and I felt quite tender afterwards. The scenic cruise may be more suitable.

Love the sound of Fort Augustus and Loch Ness?

Find out more in my post: loch ness scotland: is it really home to a monster.

Back on dry land and feeling a little like we had been through a washing machine, we strolled back to the hotel through the pretty town of Fort Augustus.

It is full of Scottish craft shops, delicatessens and a few traditional-looking pubs, The Lock Inn and The Bothy , all scattered around the Caledonian Canal, which runs through the town. The picturesque Scottish scenery all around is just wonderful.

Luxury Accommodation in Fort Augustus

Back at our family-run hotel, The Lovat , we checked into our Double Garden Room – accommodation within the courtyard. The design was beautiful, with muted colours echoing the Scottish landscape – green and heather tones and we were pleased we had chosen this hotel.

As well as being the only four-star hotel in Fort Augustus , the restaurant is run by a head chef who has worked in several Michelin restaurants. Our taste buds were tingling, waiting to sample our evening fayre, and we weren’t disappointed – the food was superb.

Alternative places to stay in Fort Augustus can be found here on Booking.com .

Drive to the isle of skye.

After a hearty Scottish breakfast at the hotel, we packed up and headed into town to grab some provisions for the drive (shortbread, obviously, Scotch eggs and Highland coffee). This part of our British road trip would take us to the furthest location on our Scottish trip itinerary – the Inner Hebridean island of Skye .

Fort Augustus to Rogie Falls via A82 – 1 Hour

By now, you will have realised that I like to make a few diversions when I am heading to my next overnight stop on a British road trip, and Rogie Falls ( yes, it’s a waterfall) was one such place.

A series of forest walks, a suspension bridge , a waterfall, and the chance to view salmon in the summer months make this one of the best places to visit in Contin, near Ullapool. There is a small car park just off the A835.

We were lucky that Rogie Falls wasn’t very busy when we arrived. It was lovely to be at one with nature and wander around the woodland area taking in the beautiful Scottish scenery and viewing the falls from the bridge suspended across the Black Water River.

Rogie Falls to Eilean Donan – 2 hours via A890 and A87 ( with lots of photo stops!)

Leaving Rogie Falls, we were now deep in the Scottish Highlands. We were heading to Eilean Donan, the fabled Scottish Castle, perched on a tidal island on the main tourist route into the Isle of Skye.

But before that, we stopped a million times to take photos of the stunning Scottish landscape – there’s simply no way you can just drive past it without capturing a memory.

Isle of Skye – 3 Nights

We were in the Scottish Highlands now, and I have to say it has to be one of the best scenic drives we have done. Every inch of this part of our British road trip left me mesmerised.

With every mile we drove, I was commenting, “look at that”, and “Oh wow”, much to my hubby’s despair as he navigated the winding narrow Scottish roads while still trying to glimpse the amazing sights I had spotted!

Love the sound of the Isle of Skye?

Find out more in my post: 8 amazing places you must visit on the isle of skye ., exploring eilean donan.

Before we headed over the bridge into Skye, we stopped at Dornie on the A87 to tour the iconic Eilean Donan, probably the most photographed castle in Scotland . The mystical and romantic Scottish castle sits on a tidal island where three lochs (lakes) meet and is steeped in history and folklore.

We headed into the castle and were shown around and told the history and “hidden secrets” of Eilean Donan. If you have ever heard of the saying “the walls have ears,” it comes from the wall slits in this castle where the chieftain’s soldiers would listen discreetly to important clan meetings, ready to do battle if things turned sour. Hence the saying!

Angie’s Top Tip : Pre-book your entrance/tour tickets as Eilean Donan is a popular tourist attraction in Scotland, and tickets often sell out.

After our Eilean Donan tour, we headed across the Skye Bridge (no toll charges) into the Isle of Skye and headed to our accommodation.

We had booked our stay on the Dunvegan Castle Estate in Rose Valley Cottage for three nights. A traditional white-washed stone-built self-catering Scottish cottage – Perfect!

After a cosy sleep, but with no wi-fi to check that the outside world was still functioning (location too remote and cottage walls too thick!!!), we layered on our cold-weather gear and headed to Dunvegan Castle. As we were staying on the Dunvegan castle estate, admittance was free.

Dunvegan Castle and Estate has been owned by the McLeod clan (family) for 800 years and is steeped in Scottish myths and legends . When you visit, ask about the fairy flag, it is very interesting.

After your history tour, head to the castle gardens to discover pretty gardens complete with walkways, bridges and a waterfall! You can also take a boat trip to the Dunvegan seal colony from the castle pier.

Dunvegan Castle to Coral Beach at Claigan – 10 minutes

We had heard stories of a beach near Dunvegan castle that has crushed white coral on its shores. In summer, when the sun is out, the water is the same blue colour as the Caribbean – who would have known this kind of beach existed in Scotland!

We decided to check it out and headed 10 minutes further on from the castle until we arrived at the gravel car park at Claigan.

An easy 25-minute walk through farmland takes you to the beach, and I’m sure on a sunny day, it is glorious. Sadly we had freezing temperatures and a harsh wind blowing, so we wandered along its shores and then headed back to the warmth of the car!

Angie’s Top Tip – There are no facilities here, so I recommend that you use the toilets by the castle gift shop.

Coral Beach to Portree via Struan – 1 Hour

Part of the beauty of visiting the Isle of Skye is that you can drive around its winding roads and will be guaranteed to see some of the most majestic views on the planet.

Rugged wilderness, majestic mountains, mystical lochs, Highland cows, and many sheep await your arrival. We loved driving around Skye and stopping in random locations to take photographs and immerse ourselves in the landscape.

Portree is a fishing village with pretty pastel cottages lining its harbour and is also Skye’s capital. We had a delicious lunch at Cuchillin – one of the best restaurants in Portree .

From Portree, you can jump aboard one of the boat trips that will take you around Portree Bay and Raasay Sound on the lookout for local wildlife, including dolphins and grey seals.

We didn’t have the time to experience this as the tour had already gone out; however, if you schedule it in your itinerary, it sounds like you will have a good chance of encountering Scottish wildlife from the water.

Portree to Quaraing – 30 minutes

Leaving Portree, we had an eerie view of the Outer Hebrides covered in an ethereal mist. On our next trip to Scotland, we will be planning to visit some of the more remote Scottish islands and seeing them from Skye made us want to cross the water and explore them even more!

We continued driving to see the monolith columns known as the “Old Man of Storr” and the Quaraing before returning to our cottage.

Remember that when you are driving in Skye, it takes a long time to get from A to B .

Roads are narrow and winding, cattle are often on the roads, and you have to wait for them to be ready to move. Also, the weather can suddenly turn, so your speed needs to be kept down.

We awoke this morning to torrential rain and wind and hunkered down with a good book before finally venturing out and heading to the Talisker Distillery . We had already done a whisky tour in Oban, so I looked forward to another one here in Skye.

Dunvegan to Talisker Distillery – 40 minutes

Sadly, that was not going to be the case as the tours were all booked for the next three days, at which point we would have moved on from Skye. The nearest next best thing was to visit the Talisker on-site shop and buy a miniature selection to take home with us!

By now, it was lunchtime, and we were ready for some haggis ! We found a pub called the Old Inn at Carbost and headed inside to eat and get warm.

It seemed everyone visiting Skye had stumbled into the pub as it was full of nationalities from every corner of the globe. We sat close to a group from Sweden while a South African family sat on the other side – it is a popular place for tourists – us included!

Tasting Scotland’s National Dish

If you are coming to Scotland, then at some point, you will have to try haggis – Scotland’s national dish. At first, the thought of the ingredients in haggis turned my stomach, but I was hooked once I had tasted it.

I can vouch for the haggis at the Old Inn – it was delicious.

The mist had come down since we had been in the pub, and it again gave an ethereal look to the landscape.

We were heading to the Fairy Pools, known for their waterfalls, brooks and delightful walks and, in warmer months – swimmable pools!

Once again, the weather had turned on us, and to say we nearly got swept off our feet is an understatement. We didn’t feel it was appropriate weather to set off on a walk around the pools and so we captured a few pictures from the roadside and headed back to the cottage for our last night in Skye!

Talisker Distillery – Fairy Pools 15 minutes

Our time on the Isle of Skye had been wonderful, and we were sad to be leaving but, at the same time, excited to be staying in Pitlochry for a couple of nights.

Dunvegan to Pitlochry on the A87, A86, A889 and A9 via Newtonmore – 4 hours

We headed away from Skye on the A87 ( the only way to get in or out) and passed by several lochs with names such as Loch Garry and Loch Laggan; the latter even had a beach .

No matter where you go in the Scottish Highlands, you will see a loch!

The drive would take several hours, but that was no hardship with so much stunning scenery.

We stopped in Newtonmore on the edge of the Cairngorms – the largest National Park in the UK , to have a coffee break and take even more photos of the lush countryside and the mountains.

Angie’s Top Tip – If you have time, then take a detour and check out the majestic scenery at Glen Roy National Reserve or pay a visit to Dalwhinnie Distillery on the A889 near Loch Ericht – remember only the passenger gets to try a dram of whisky!

Pitlochry – 2 Nights

We arrived at our accommodation, Craigatin House , early evening. After freshening up, we headed to the Auld Smithy Inn , a mere 10-minute walk from the hotel, for our evening meal.

After our meal, we treated ourselves to a whisky ice cream (yes, you read that correctly!) from Scotch Corner before exploring the circular Pitlochry river walk, taking us past the dam.

Alternative accommodation in Pitlochry can be found on Booking.com

Pitlochry is a charming town in Perthshire by the River Tummel. What we loved about it was even though it was small, there were many things to do in Pitlochry.

We did a lovely river walk, visited the famous “ Queens View “, and visited Blair Castle and the House of Bruar and its waterfalls. I would recommend staying in Pitlochry for more than one night to see everything in the area.

Love the sound of Pitlochry?

Please find out more in my post: 13 fun things to do in pitlochry on a weekend break., day thirteen.

After two wonderful days in Pitlochry, we said goodbye to our time in Scotland . We were back on the road and heading for Harrogate in Yorkshire for a 2-night stay at the exclusive Rudding Park Hotel and Spa .

Pitlochry to Harrogate – 5 hours

Yorkshire is England’s largest historical county, packed with ancient landmarks, beautiful towns and villages and stunning countryside.

Harrogate is a town in North Yorkshire, east of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and west of the North York Moors National Park – both areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONB).

It is a Victorian spa town, so naturally, the Turkish Spa Baths are one of the most popular places in Harrogate for visitors to relax and unwind after shopping in the town’s trendy boutiques and galleries.

Love the Sound of Yorkshire?

Please find out more in my yorkshire 7-night road trip guide, harrogate – 2 nights, luxury accommodation in harrogate.

This was the longest continual drive we had done on our British road trip, as we wanted to make the most of our time at Rudding Park Hotel .

We had decided that after such an action-packed two weeks, we would wind down at the hotel and enjoy its amazing state-of-the-art spa facilities. That didn’t mean that we weren’t privy to some wonderful views on the way there; the Yorkshire countryside really is stunning.

Arriving at Rudding Park in the early evening, we were welcomed and shown to our beautiful room.

The hotel was everything I had been looking for and more. It is luxurious, beautifully designed, and nestled in a vast estate with fine dining restaurants, an amazing indoor pool, and a roof-top spa. I was ready to be pampered!

Love the sound of the Rudding Park Hotel and Spa?

Please find out more in my hotel review: rudding park: the most luxurious hotel in harrogate ..

Alternative places to stay in Harrogate

White Hart Hotel

Studley Hotel

The Yorkshire Hotel

Day Fourteen

After an amazing sleep and a sumptuous breakfast, we went to the sauna and for a swim in the indoor pool before heading out to explore Fountains Abbey – England’s oldest monastic ruins. They are located near the historic town of Ripon, famed for its cathedral.

Rudding Park Hotel to Fountains Abbey – 35 minutes

Fountains Abbey UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-visit landmark in Yorkshire. Its ruins date back to the 12th century, and it shares its site with Studley Royal Water Gardens, which are absolutely beautiful to wander around.

Both are National Trust properties, and a visit is most definitely recommended. We were shocked at how much of the abbey ruins were still intact after so many centuries.

Love the sound of Fountains Abbey?

Please find out more in my post: fountains abbey and studley royal water gardens..

We spent about 3 hours wandering around Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal grounds and finished our day with tea and cake at the Mill cafe with lovely lakeside views.

You can also walk across the deer park to the Gothic revival church of St Mary’s from here.

Back at Rudding Park, we headed straight to the spa area for a relaxing massage and to spend some time on the roof-top terrace where a hot tub, sauna and steam room awaited us – albeit in the rain, the only downfall of it being outdoors!

Later that evening, we had dinner at The Clocktower, which was incredible. The food was great, and the ambience and service were second to none.

Day Fifteen

After a sensational two weeks on our ultimate England to Scotland Road Trip, it was time to start our drive home.

Of course, by now, you will know that I always like to make route stops and explore interesting locations, and Warwick Castle fits that description.

Rudding Park to Warwick Castle via the M1 – 2 hours 35 minutes

We had pre-booked one-day entrance tickets to avoid the queues. We were looking forward to visiting this medieval castle originally built as a wooden fort in 1068 by William the Conqueror . Remodelled over the centuries, Warwick is now one of the most famous castles in England.

Even though they were so high, we loved walking along the battlements and wandering around the gardens to watch the birds of prey demonstration. We stayed for around 3 hours, giving us plenty of time to do everything we wanted.

Angie’s Top Tip – Bring a picnic with you as the eateries are busy and mainly sell fast food.

Time to Go Home

We left Warwick late afternoon and jumped in the car for the last time on our British road trip. We had been on an epic journey from the South of England to the North of Scotland and had enjoyed every minute of it.

True, the weather may not have been great for some of our trip, but it didn’t stop us from ticking off everything we had planned on our two-week British road trip itinerary.

If you have ever wondered where to go in England and Scotland, I hope this extensive British road trip guide has given you some good ideas.

Of course, you can spend longer or shorter in each place depending on your time availability and whether you prefer slow travel or a more action-packed itinerary.

If you have any questions about going on a British road trip, I would be happy to answer them.

Because the greatest part of a road trip isn’t arriving at your destination. It’s all the wild stuff that happens along the way. Tamed Quotes by Emma Chase

 I would like to receive occasional updates and new travel posts.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Tuesday 5th of December 2023

I appreciate you for sharing amazing information and ideas about road trips and travel in the UK. This post is very thorough and easy to follow. I will be saving it for a trip in 2024.

Mahesh Nandish

Sunday 16th of October 2022

Thanks for helping in making a memorable itinerary for our trip to UK/Scotland last 10 days back. Your blog really helped us with clear perspective on Scottish Highlands, Lake District etc. Truly, it was a memorable vacation, inspired by above itinerary.

WhereAngieWanders

Hello Mahesh, It is so wonderful to read this comment and to hear that my Great British Road Trip Itinerary helped you to identify and plan which parts of the UK you wanted to visit. I am so happy I have helped you in making your trip to the UK one that you will always remember. I hope you will continue to check out my website for more useful travel posts to help plan other trips around the UK and abroad. All the best Angie

Saturday 14th of August 2021

A destination I have always wanted to visit. Not that I needed any inspiration. Such a wonderous and beautiful natural environment awaits.

Yvonne Keeler ( Cheshire UK)

Tuesday 22nd of June 2021

Loved reading your blog on Waheiki Island Nr Auckland NZ . We concur with your reviews and advice . Our son lives inAuckland so we visit each year( in normal non Covid times) in fact they are looking to book a vineyard for their wedding over there. Your trip up to Scotland looks wonderful and like you, we must explore what is only a drive away, and enjoy the beauty , scenic delights we have here in Uk. So you have inspired us to plan and follow your route some time soon. Look forward to more of your travel blogs as we too are intrepid travellers in normal times. Stay safe !

Thanks for taking the time to comment; it makes me so pleased when I hear I have helped someone else plan a trip to somewhere I loved. Lovely to hear that your son will be getting married in one of Waiheke's vineyards - I couldn't think of a better place to tie the knot! I hope you enjoy future blogs that I publish

Suzanne Jones

Wednesday 14th of April 2021

What a fabulous road trip. We're heading to the Highlands this September and will be visiting a few of the places on your itinerary. I'll be referring back to this post nearer the time to remind myself of some excellent tips!

Thursday 15th of April 2021

You will have an amazing time in the Scottish Highlands, there is so much to see and do up there. I'm glad my Scotland Road Trip blog post was of help with planning.

The Happy Days Travels

A Weekend in The Cotswolds Road Trip | England Staycation Idea

In The Cotswolds, you’ll find the English countryside you’ve imagined in your mind and British culture at every cobbled street. From the beige, iconic Cotswolds-stone buildings to the independent cafes serving British afternoon tea, a weekend in The Cotswolds road trip is the ultimate England staycation.

I enjoyed 2 days in Cotswolds road trip in what I describe as village hopping. Kind of like island hopping in Thailand but the British version. I visited 6 villages over a weekend in The Cotswolds, enjoying everything local about the West of England like cream tea, gin, cheese and marvelling at the quaint cottages.

A weekend break to The Cotswolds is exactly the staycation in the UK you need and here’s a sample Cotswold road trip itinerary for you.

Updated June 2021

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Contents – A Weekend in The Cotswolds Road Trip

Contents (jump to)

Where are The Cotswolds England and Other Information

The Cotswolds is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty located in the West of England between the cities of Stratford-Upon-Avon and Bath , covering several English counties such as Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire. If you’re wondering where should one go in The Cotswolds, look no further.

Visiting The Cotswolds by car is definitely your best option so you can village hop with ease, either self-guided or taking one of the many Cotswold tours England. How to get to Cotswolds:

From Cardiff by car , it takes just over an hour to reach one of the most southerly Cotswolds villages and 2.5 hours to reach North Cotswolds.

From London or Birmingham by car , it takes just over 2 hours to start your Cotswolds weekend itinerary.

By Air: The Cotswolds nearest airports include Bristol, Stansted, Gatwick and Heathrow. Get Heathrow transfers to and from Cotswolds here.

Let’s get to the staycation in The Cotswolds!

I wondered how many days in Cotswolds we’d need but we agreed that 2 days in The Cotswolds was enough for our first road trip Cotswolds. Exploring villages and towns of The Cotswolds is best seen by car so buckle up for this weekend in The Cotswolds road trip itinerary.

Weekend in the Cotswolds Road Trip – Cotswolds Itinerary 2 days

For every place we visit in The Cotswolds itinerary, I’ll give you the driving travel time between each stop. As we did the road trip from Cardiff to Cotswolds, I crafted the itinerary to start from the closest places to visit in The Cotswolds, to our Cotswolds accommodation and back.

I have always and will continue to refer to the travel bible: my Lonely Planet guidebooks! You can grab an England guide or a Best Of Great Britain guide but this pictured pocket guide is ideal for The Cotswolds (and costs under £7)!

Weekend Trip to Cotswolds – Cotswold Itinerary 1 Day

Head off early in the morning for the start of Saturday in The Cotswolds, touring popular places and enjoying quirky pub names in the towns. Read on for how to spend a weekend in The Cotswolds with marker map below. Read on for The Cotswolds tour itinerary.

Where are The Cotswolds England and Cotswolds road trip map:

Castle Combe

• Bibury Court Hotel

Chipping Norton

• Snowshill Manor & Gardens

Stow-on-the-Wold

Bourton-on-the-water.

Cardiff to Castle Combe = 1 hour

Start the bar high by visiting, according to some (including me), The Cotswolds’ prettiest village of Castle Combe for where to go for a long weekend in The Cotswolds.

This little treasure town in Chippenham is as small as they come and even though we got there pretty early, it was fairly busy so visit before or after lunchtime to avoid the crowds. For what to see in one day in The Cotswolds, Castle Combe would be enough for prettiness.

We parked at the top of the village, walked down past the market cross and Castle Inn and to the bridge with a gorgeous cluster of houses.

Take home a souvenir from the honesty boxes found around The Cotswolds towns such as below where you take what you want and leave a donation. Would love to hope everyone remains honest. I have faith!

Being Welsh, I kept pronouncing this place as ‘castle cwm’ but it’s actually pronounced the same as a comb you use in your hair and rhymed with home.

Castle Combe to Tetbury = 30 mins

The second stop on the weekend Cotswolds itinerary is the village of Tetbury. Here, we laughed at the names of hotels like Snooty Fox and wandered the central market.

Afterwards, explore the unique store called Artique for some Indian goods or window-shop. Don’t forget your mask.

Tetbury has a quirky, independent coffee shop called Veloton that doubles as a bike store. I went to an exact replica cafe in Chiang Mai , Thailand so had to get myself a flat white here. Their coffee is a must-visit on a weekend in Cotswolds itinerary.

Oh, and their bakeries have gotten creative during the pandemic. Look at how they decorate their hand sanitiser, encouraging you to spread butter not germs. 😉

Next, we’re driving to one of the best places to visit in The Cotswolds.

Tetbury to Bibury = 30 mins

We swiftly arrived smack bang at lunchtime in Bibury, one of the most famous places to visit in The Cotswolds, and to no surprise it was packed with Cotswolds tourists just like us. After 2 laps, we swooped into a parking spot and were glad to be visiting Cotswolds by car.

Bibury is home to Arlington Row, arguably the prettiest street in England. This is a must-visit if you’re seeing the Cotswolds in one day.

Did you know Arlington Row is featured on the first page of the British passport?! Along with major players like Big Ben, it’s definitely a top sight to see in The Cotswolds, and the UK.

If you want to avoid crowds, book a private day tour of The Cotswolds for up to 4 people !

Bibury to Chipping Norton = 40 mins

Chipping Norton is a town in North Cotswolds where we stayed for the night of my Cotswolds staycation. It isn’t the most obvious Cotswolds places to visit but easy if touring The Cotswolds by car.

I’d pre-booked luxury afternoon tea in The Cotswolds trip at The Tea Set , Chipping Norton (they also have one in Broadway) because when visiting The Cotswolds for staycation, having afternoon tea is essential for the proper British trip.

The afternoon tea was delicious at £16.75 per person and for my friend who doesn’t like salmon or egg sarnies, they gave her extra ham ones.

The main question asked at every afternoon tea is do you spread the jam first, or the cream?

Chipping Norton At Night

My accommodation was called The Kings Arms Hotel above the namesake pub in the heart of small Chipping Norton. It’s within walking distance of everything in the town and a perfect place for one night.

You know one of those places that is so local that when you walk in everyone instantly knows you’re an outsider? That was how it felt in the Chipping Norton pubs. I love it because it’s so British of us!

At The Kings Arms, we had to walk up metal steps to get to our room and my charmingly, clumsy friend slipped and rolled her ankle and we spent an hour in the pub with her ankle elevated, covered in ice, medicating with Gin and researching how far the nearest A&E was.

Luckily, it eased and the hospital wasn’t necessary (she did eventually go at home where they told her it was a torn ligament and to take ibuprofen)!

We went to two more pubs: The Blue Boar and Crown & Cushion Hotel ‘s courtyard before wrapping up the night with a kebab from the lone burger van in the middle of the Main Street.

Weekend in The Cotswolds Road Trip UK – Day 2

Waking up for the second day of your weekend in The Cotswolds road trip takes you to a filming spot, a literary inspirational spot and for a spot of lunch.

Book in advance an 8 Hour Private Driving Tour of The Cotswolds if you’d prefer to be chauffeured than self-guided road trip to The Cotswolds.

Chipping Norton to Snowshill = 30 mins

For today’s Cotswolds driving itinerary, we start in Snowshill nestled in The Cotswolds Hills.

You can visit Snowshill Manor and Garden for £7 to marvel at Charles Wade’s (famous English architect) collections. Other than this there’s not much to do so we just strolled through the little streets and soaked in the Cotswold staycation.

This picture-perfect village was a Bridget Jones filming location when she visits her parents in one of the very first scenes of the famous film franchise.

This is why Snowshill is a famous village to visit in The Cotswolds. Do you recognise these shots? In the film, they are covered in snow, to be fair.

Read Next: Gavin & Stacey Filming Locations

Nearby is Broadway where I’d visit on my next day trip to Cotswold.

Snowshill to Stow-on-the-Wold = 20 mins

Stow on the Wold is another famous Cotswolds place and was one of the busiest towns I visited. We parked for free outside Lucy’s Tearoom.

Lunch in Stow-on-the-Wold

For lunch, we wanted to go to the oldest Inn in England dating back to 947AD, The Porch Inn which is also a hotel, but there was no room at the inn. Be sure to book in advance!

Instead, we got a table at the hotel/restaurant, The Sheep on Sheep Street Hotel . It was a fortunate find with no crowds, tasty options and in the heart of the village.

For starters, we tried the Dough Balls with Mozzarella, Dough Balls with Tomato and Pesto, Chicken Wings and Pulled Pork Nachos.

My main meal was a burger, homemade slaw and fries. My friends had wood-fired pizza which was the better option.

What to Do in Stow-on-the-Wold

• For what to do in Stow on the Wold, find an independent book store and browse small boutique shops where I bought quirky-quoted plaques. Marvel at the sandstone buildings.

• Visit St Edward’s Church for a pleasant stroll through the gardens and find the door that supposedly inspired the Door to Moria in J R R Tolkien’s famous Lord of The Rings. Unmissable on a Cotswolds weekend away.

• Stow on the Wold is a great place in The Cotswolds for souvenir-shopping such as lavender, chocolate, sweets or cheese. We visited all of these shops and I got some Cotswolds chocolate.

Stow-on-the-Wold to Bourton-on-the-Water = 10 mins

Cotswold Driving Tours:

Okay, Bourton-on-the-Water is on every Cotswold itinerary 2 days because it’s the ‘Venice’ of The Cotswolds and a gorgeous place to visit. But we only drove through the village because as soon as we pulled in we gasped at the amount of people, all very social-undistancing, like sardines on the canals. We agreed on this spot for a different weekend in The Cotswolds road trip and drove home.

All in all we visited 6 Cotswolds Villages on our weekend in Cotswolds, covering over 100 miles and I’m happy with that.

A side note about Gloucester Services: these services are the most sophisticated services I’ve seen, all independent and not a WHSmith in sight so we stopped here on our way home.

Where to Stay in The Cotswolds for Weekend Road Trip

For where to stay in The Cotswolds, check out booking.com ‘s vast range of accommodation to suit all budgets and in every village/town of this 2 day itinerary Cotswolds.

I stayed in a lovely guesthouse called The Kings Arms Hotel above a traditional English pub in the countryside town of Chipping Norton. It cost just £85 for one night in a large family room for four so it was the shoestring end of the budget. If you’d rather a nicer stay in Chipping Norton, try Cotswolds Hotel and Spa for an upmarket night’s sleep.

For where to stay for a weekend in The Cotswolds in some of the villages from this Cotswolds driving itinerary, try these:

• Castle Combe – View latest prices for The Manor House Hotel and Golf Club
• Tetbury – View the latest prices for The Lighthouse
• Bibury – The Swan Hotel latest prices here
• Snowshill – Apple Cottage, see the up to date prices here
• Stow-on-the-Wold – See latest prices of Stow Lodge Hotel
• Bourton-on-the-Water – The Lamb Inn latest prices here

If you want to prolong your Cotswolds weekend itinerary, there are places you can visit such as Broadway Tower, Chipping Campden, Lower Slaughter, Upper Slaughter, Blenheim Palace, Burford and more.

Day Trip to Cotswolds Itinerary

Rather than a weekend staycation, if you’re looking for a Cotswolds one day trip I would pick a few of the above that take your fancy and set out bright and early for the best place to visit in Cotswolds.

1 Day Cotswold Tour Options:

Alternatively, if you join one of the following tours you can guarantee to make the most of village hopping in the cotswolds as you’ll have a guide and structured itinerary for your Cotswolds one day trip.

• Visit four villages (Bourton-on-the-Water, Burford, Bibury, and Stow-on-the-Wold) in this Klook tour with lunch, a guide and coach from London included on this Cotswolds day tour.
• For undiscovered spots of The Cotswolds, this Get Your Guide tour is guided and stops at Minster Lovell, Bibury, River Coln, Arlington Row, Northleach, Windrush Valley and Burford.
• This tour is from Oxford and is ideal for any Downtown Abbey fans as it stops at Bampton, Kelmscott, Lechlade, Bibury, Winchcombe, Stow-on-the-Wold and Blenheim Palace.
• You might want to travel in style in this luxury Mercedes tour with Viator including 11 stops: Chipping Campden, Stow-on-the-Wold, Blockley, Lower Slaughter, Guiting Power, Broadway, Snowshill, Hailes Church, Naunton, Upper Slaughter and Bibury.
• Or a cycle tour may be more up your street in this Viator tour with a local guide, bike included stopping at Moreton-in-Marsh, Ebrington, Chipping Campden, Broad Campden and back.

Day Trips from The Cotswolds

You can choose many places in England to explore after The Cotswolds. There are many places to explore in Bath, Harry Potter spots in Gloucester, free things to do in Bristol , more villages in the Lake District, famous sights in London and nearby hills in Somerset.

And that’s a wrap for our Weekend Cotswolds Itinerary and 1 day in Cotswolds ideas. Thanks for reading!

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13 comments.

I can’t tell you how many blog posts I’ve read, vlogs seen on YouTube, about the Cotswold area. It’s such a cute place that looks so quaint and English! When I was in the UK, I never made it to this area but hopefully next year I’ll make it back and visit!

We’ve had our eye on visiting The Cotswolds for some time now, and this article really took us there! Fantastic photos, ad we will definitely be referencing this whenever we do get ourselves there. Thank you for your hard work on this. it’s really wonderful!

Hey Stephen and Andie! Thanks for reading and leaving a lovely comment, I appreciate it. So happy that you will be referencing my article, hope you enjoy The Cotswolds!

I love how informative and insightful your article is! All the picturfes look amazing as well! English countryside really looks lovely 🙂

Thank you for your kind comment 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed!

The Cotswolds are on my doorstep so am often driving around there, even if just passing through. Am often in Castle Coombe as they have a great country hotel there for coffee n cakes that I take visiting friends to, to impress them. This is a great guide to the area and the hotel and food info is amazing.

Oh wish I’d known about the cake in Castle Coombe!! Thanks Barry 🙂

We love the way you wrote this article, like a sample itinerary if you only have a few days to visit. Very helpful and enticing.

Thanks for your comment, glad I’m writing in ways people like to read 🙂

You’re trip – and even more so, your photos – left me with a feeling of want. I so much to go the English countryside and enjoy an experience like this. This seems like a beautiful road trip, from the lovely tea set at The Tea Set during your luxury afternoon tea, to the quaint family room at The Kings Arms. I can see that you put a lot of time, work, and love into this blog post. Thank you for all the additional info and external links.

Thanks so much for your thoughtful comment. Glad you liked the pictures and the classic cream tea is a must in England haha!

We heading to Chipping Campden next week, so hope to see a lot of these villages. Looks like you had a fun weekend!

Lovely Jan! Thanks for reading my post. I loved The Cotswolds and hope you do too 🙂

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UK Road Trip Itinerary: London to the picturesque Cotswolds in the English Countryside

Welcome to our travel blog! In this post, we’ve shared with you, our road trip from the bustling streets of London to the idyllic landscapes of the Cotswolds in the month of May, just at the start of summer in the UK. We leave London’s urban jungle behind and venture into the heart of rural England, where time seems to slow down and the beauty of nature takes center stage. The Cotswolds, with its rolling hills, meadows filled with wild flowers and honey-colored stone cottages, beckons us to discover its timeless charm. Here we traverse charming villages and towns, feed animals on a working farm, come face to face with flamingos in a country park and unwind in a cozy cottage nestled amidst the countryside.

Here’s a a Google Map of our road trip. Our stay was at a village called Kingham. The blue circles were our main stops and we’ve also marked places we visited nearby the villages, be it farms, parks, cafes and restaurants etc. (see purple icons).

Our rental car was a Toyota Corolla Hybrid that we rented via the TURO app. As first time users of the app, we must say the experience was excellent. The communication via the app was prompt, making the logistics hassle free and the whole trip very convenient.

  The drive from London to our first stop, a town called Stow-on-the-wold, was about 80 miles which took us about 2.5 hours with a coffee stop in between. The drive was fairly easy mostly via the M40 motorway but quite monotonous. However, it was a completely different experience as soon as we entered the countryside. Navigating the winding country roads surrounded by greenery and passing through the pretty villages was a treat to the senses.

And now for the breakdown of how we divided our time on this 3-Day Road Trip:

Day 1: London to the Cotswolds + Stow-on-the-Wold, Cotswold Farm Park

• Stow-on-the-Wold was our first stop and we reached here, a little before lunch time. This is a historic market town and a popular destination in the Cotswolds. Its name, “Stow,” comes from the Old English word for “meeting place,” reflecting its historical significance as a gathering point and market town. We parked the car and walked around the Market Square, which is lined with charming shops, boutiques, cafes, and antique stores, offering a delightful shopping experience. After some time we stopped at a lovely Italian restaurant, called Sheep on Sheep Street to get something to eat.
• After a couple of hours, we were on the road again driving towards the Cotswold Farm Park . This is a working farm and a visitor center that offers an interactive and educational experience for all ages. Here we got the opportunity to get up close with several animals such as highland cows, sheep, goats, chickens and more. Our toddler, Pixie really enjoyed seeing all the different animals right in front of her as opposed to in her picture books. We also bought animal fodder and fed several animals through a chute, an activity that Pixie seemed to enjoy quite a lot as well.
• By now, we were spent and headed to our cottage stay that we’d booked through Airbnb . It was a cozy little cottage surrounded by farms and offered us unobstructed, picturesque views of the area around. Here we unwound and relaxed for the rest of the evening.

Watch our Cotswold Road Trip travel vlog, here.

Day 2: Bourton-on-the-Water, Birdland Park & Garden

Our Day 2 started with a quick breakfast in our cottage, and then we were off again to explore more of the countryside and villages.

• Bourton-on-the-Water is a charming village known for its idyllic riverside location. The village is built on the banks of the River Windrush, which flows through its center, earning it the nickname of “Venice of the Cotswolds.” Here we spent a long time just sitting by the river, watching the ducks swim by and soaking in the lively atmosphere that beautiful Sunday. After a while, we walked around exploring the little shops and cafes and got ourselves a Cornish pasty from a shop called Cornish Bakery . As the day was busy, a lot of restaurants were full, so we settled for this simple cafe called Bourton Riverside Cafe and enjoyed an egg-mayo sandwich, a vegetarian panini and some coffee while enjoying the pretty view from the window.
• While Bourton-on-the-Water has a Motor museum and a model village, we chose a more child-friendly activity and opted to visit the Birdland Park & Gardens . This is a wildlife park that is home to a variety of exotic bird species, where you can observe penguins, flamingos, parrots, owls, and many others up close. Our toddler had a great time in this park, she was really excited to see the Penguins and the colourful flamingos, especially the bright orange ones. She also had fun getting up close with the tortoises and even got the chance to touch them with her bare hands.

By now, we all were tired and decided to call it a day. We drove back to our cozy little cottage in Kingham and enjoyed preparing a meal together. The experience of actually living in a place versus just renting a room is why we love and prefer home-stays on our travels. We enjoyed the simple meal in the quiet dining nook of our cottage and relaxed at home till the sun went down.

Day 3: Lower Slaughter, Burford

On Day 3, we checked out of the Airbnb and then headed out to explore two more villages, before leaving back for London the same day.

• Lower Slaughter is another charming village, situated on the banks of River Eye. Crossing the river are several stone footbridges, allowing you to stroll along the riverside and enjoy the scenery. Unlike its more bustling neighbour, Bourton-on-the-Water, Lower Slaughter offers a quieter and more intimate experience. Moreover, the combination of the gently flowing river, the quaint cottages and the moody weather created a serene and enchanting ambiance that let us appreciate the timeless charm of rural England. We spent about an hour here and then we were off to our next destination, the town of Burford.
• Burford is another historic town located in the Cotswolds region, often referred to as the “Gateway to the Cotswolds,”. One of the iconic landmarks here is the Church of St. John the Baptist. This medieval church stands as a testament to the town’s religious heritage. Inside, we admired beautiful stained glass windows, intricate stone carvings, and a sense of tranquility. The High Street here is particularly enchanting, with buildings that showcase the town’s prosperous past. It’s lined with independent shops, antique stores, traditional pubs and tea rooms, offering you a delightful shopping and dining experience.

Burford was our last stop on the trip and now it was time to head back to London. As we reflected on our time spent in the Cotswolds while driving back, we can say we felt rested and rejuvenated and would recommend the Cotswolds for anyone looking for a break from their routine city life. 

We hope our itinerary and experiences gives you a starting point for planning your own trip to this part of England. As always, feel free to leave any questions or thoughts down below. Bye for now and see you back here soon.

Wander Bunnies

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6 Easy But Exciting Walks Through The English Countryside

E ven though I am a city girl through and through, and I love my urban hikes , the occasional sojourn to the countryside or seaside for a nice walk is always a treat. It’s especially rewarding when there is something special to see along the way.

And, for this article, I do mean walk rather than hike . I am really not that interested in carrying all my belongings in a backpack and taking too strenuous and too long hikes through the undergrowth. But I am very happy to walk — preferably fast and without people hindering my stride — for a couple of hours or more. I’m even happier if there is a goal ahead or something exciting enroute.

Here are some personal favorite walks through the English countryside and along the English Coast, all with that little bit extra added that should give you something to look out for.

1. Kennet & Avon Canal

Bath to bradford.

Having previously lived in Bath , I learned to love the Kennet & Avon Canal slowly, stretch by stretch. Covering a total distance of 87 miles between Bristol and Reading, just outside of London, this is a lovely canal popular with canal boat tours connecting the River Avon with the River Kennet. Obviously, there are certain logistical problems with walking in one direction. If you are staying overnight in one place, how should you return to it after your stretch of walking? Here, I have chosen what is in fact one of my favorite stretches, all the way from Bath to Bradford-on-Avon, where you can then hop on the regular train back to Bath.

Start in Bath — past the Sydney Gardens made famous by Jane Austen and more recently by the Netflix romp Bridgerton — and up to Bathampton, where The George Inn pub offers a perfect excuse to stop for a drink. Continue onward past Claverton and the absolutely wonderful Dundas Aqueduct, where the entire canal crosses the River Avon on a bridge. A little further along, cross the river again at Avoncliff, where there is a weir and a gorgeous pub with perfect views and a rather good glass of Pimm’s. It’s not much further until you reach Bradford-on-Avon, which is historic and quaint, and has a train station with regular connections back to Bath . This stretch of the canal walk is around 10 miles, but flat and scenic all the way.

2. Whitby To Sandsend

North yorkshire.

The beach walk from Whitby to Sandsend is roughly 2 miles each way along the beach all the way at low tide. But even when the tide is in, you can still walk all the way. You will just need to follow the paved coastal path when rounding the headland. 

This is a gorgeous walk along the North Sea Coast. I would suggest that you base yourself in Sandsend and walk to Whitby from there and back. Why? Simply because you will be walking toward the Whitby Abbey ruin, made famous by Bram Stoker’s Dracula , standing high on a promontory. You can enter the picturesque harbor town from the top, which gives you great views. Also, you can then stay for lunch before walking back. 

Whitby is famous for fish and chips and the best traditional serving is to be had at the Magpie Cafe . If you like seafood but maybe not deep-fried, then head straight to The Marine Hotel , right by the harborside, which is also a good place to stay overnight if you are there for a little longer.

Please note that entering Whitby from the beach walk involves a short but steep stretch leading you up to the top overlooking the harbor and then down again into town, with a choice of steps or ramps.

3. Walking Trails At Leigh Woods

Leigh Woods is a forest and nature reserve on the opposite side of the Avon Gorge from Bristol , just across the lovely Clifton Suspension Bridge. This is a natural forest that offers two trails: one short one, the Red Trail ; and the 1.5-mile-long Purple Trail . You can combine both for a longer experience. 

What I love about these trails is not only the forest, but also that you have viewpoints across the Avon Gorge, which is really quite stunning, and you also have some archaeological sites within the wood. Called the Stokeleigh Camp , there are remains of an Iron Age fort and settlement, adding a bit of historical discovery to the walk. The forest walk is easy, if at times uneven, but suitable for off-road mobility scooters.

4. Pilgrim’s Way To Holy Island

Lindisfarne.

Lindisfarne is a tidal island connected to the mainland by a causeway that is underwater at high tide, so this walk takes a little bit of planning ahead, but it is worth it. Long a pilgrim site with the ruins of a monastery eerily beautiful, and also a castle on the highest point of the island, it can be easily walked around in an hour, but walking across the causeway adds some sparkle. 

From the causeway, you can enjoy views along the coast of Northumberland with further castles on the horizon, many birds visiting the mudflats at low tide, and often seals in the distance; it can turn into a nature walk. Set off an hour or so before low tide and proceed at a steady clip to enjoy your time on the island, while giving you enough time to get back to the mainland with dry feet.

If you prefer to not risk it, you can drive across the causeway at low tide and park on the outskirts of the village with plenty of time to head back, or even stay the night.

5. Hadrian’s Wall

Northumberland.

When the Romans built a wall at the northern end of their empire, they did it properly, as with everything they did architecturally. Today, Hadrian’s Wall is still amazingly intact, spanning the country between the Atlantic and the North Sea Coasts. You can walk the length of it, all 73 miles, up and down the hills and across the lovely countryside. Or you can take it bit by bit, preferably a circular route that will allow you to connect back to your car. 

The Sill and Sycamore Gap is a roughly 2-mile walk, taking you just under an hour, offering views, and giving you a closer look at the ruins along the path. The tree in the Sycamore Gap, by the way, is also called Robin Hood’s Tree, after its cameo appearance in the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves . The film made the tree into somewhat of a celebrity, being absolutely picturesque in a picture-perfect location.

If you prefer to walk the whole length, there are companies to help you plan your transportation, baggage storage, and overnight stays along the way.

6. Forest Of Dean Sculpture Trail

Gloucestershire.

I love a forest walk even better when it is dotted with art along the way. The roughly 4.8-mile Sculpture Trail through the Forest of Dean is one of the first of its kind (opened in England in 1986) with nearly 20 sculptures en route. Roughly 25 miles southwest of Cheltenham (the gateway to the Cotswolds ) and 30 miles north of Bristol, the Forest of Dean straddles the England and Wales border, offering some lovely countryside all around.

The sculpture trail itself presents visitors a part open-air gallery, part forest hike, and part treasure hunt because some of the sculptures are off the main trail in the woods, asking for a bit of exploring off road. To see all of the sculptures, you will need to complete the 4.8 miles, but there is a shorter, 2-mile loop with six sculptures and a shortcut after 3.1 miles, allowing you to find 13 sculptures before heading back to the entrance. The walk is easy throughout, if a little uneven in places. While not all of the trail is accessible for wheelchairs, there is a shorter and smoother marked trail starting just behind the forest challenge course Go Ape .

This article originally appeared on TravelAwaits