England road trip itinerary
The most beautiful routes for self-drivers
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Exploring England by car
A road trip through England takes you past fairytale castles, charming villages and vibrant cities, through impressive national parks to picturesque coastal, hilly and lake landscapes. A rental car tour offers you the opportunity to explore England's numerous regions and attractions at your own pace.
Marvin Luczynski
Travel Expert for England
Updated on 05/15/2025
Southern England in Detail
Embark on an unforgettable road trip through southern England and discover a variety of landscapes and sights. Stroll through manicured gardens in the Cotswolds, enjoy the romantic atmosphere of Bath and stop off in enchanting coastal towns along the way. For the last stop of your trip, London, hop on the subway and the red double-decker buses and fully immerse yourself in the big city feeling.
Highlights: Woodstock ➢ Bath ➢ Falmouth ➢ Dartmoor National Park ➢ Bournemouth ➢ London
➔ Plan a road trip through England
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| 🛫 Flight Duration: | approx. 6 to 7 hours |
| 🔆 Best Travel Time: | June - September |
| ⌛ Trip Duration: | from 14 days |
| ⟷ Distance: | approx. 578 miles |
| ⭐ Accommodations: | 3-5 star hotels |
| 🍴 Meals: | Breakfast included |
| 🏰 Activities: | Roman baths - Castle tours - Harbor cruise |
| 🚗 Vehicle: | Mid-size car |
| 💰 Cost: | From $3800 per person (excluding flight) |
1. Woodstock
Stroll through the historic old town of Woodstock in Oxfordshire. Marvel at the countless antiques while window shopping. Or take a stroll through the beautiful gardens of the imposing Blenheim Palace. A visit to Woodstock is also a wonderful opportunity for a trip to the Cotswolds.
2. Bath
With its breathtaking architecture, famous buildings such as the Royal Crescent and not least its spectacular thermal baths, the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bath invites you to enjoy a relaxing stay. Enjoy the unique flair of the town and reflect on your impressions over a champagne tea in the spectacular Pump Room Restaurant.
3. Falmouth
Discover Cornwall with a visit to the picturesque coastal town of Falmouth. This is where relaxation meets adventure: enjoy an unforgettable day at the beautiful Gyllyngvase Beach. Discover the countless tropical plants at Trebah Gardens. Or go on a journey through time at the historic Pendennis Castle.
4. Dartmoor National Park
Explore the fabulous Wistman's Woods on unforgettable hikes. Visit the charming village of Lustleigh. Follow the Lydford Gorge to Whitelady Waterfall. Refresh yourself in the emerald green Sharrah Pool surrounded by beautiful nature. Or explore the park on a traditional ride on the robust Dartmoor ponies.
5. Bournemouth
If you are looking for a sophisticated seaside resort with typical English flair, Bournemouth is the place for you. So don't hesitate to rent one of the colorful beach huts to enjoy the magnificent view of the sea in peace and quiet. In addition to a wide range of water sports, it is also worth taking a boat trip to enjoy the impressive chalk cliffs and the view of Bournemouth from the water.
6. London
Let yourself be carried away by the colorful hustle and bustle of the capital city of London and discover landmarks such as Big Ben, Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace. Taste your way through the delicacies at Borough Market. And enjoy the view over the city from Parliament Hill.
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The Most Beautiful Scenic Routes in England
Hadrian's Wall, Northumberland
Follow the nearly 2,000-year-old Hadrian’s Wall from Newcastle upon Tyne to Carlisle and explore one of England’s most scenic regions at your own pace.
This 75-mile route takes you past ancient wall remnants, watchtowers, fascinating museums, and historic landmarks like the Roman fort at Chesters. Along the way, enjoy sweeping views over the rugged moorlands of Northumberland National Park—a perfect blend of history and natural beauty.
Cliff Road, Sumerset
A road trip along Cliff Road is perfect for a scenic day trip. The route from Cheddar to Ashwick may be just 15 miles long, but it’s packed with flavor and beauty for foodies and nature lovers alike.Begin your journey in the charming village of Cheddar, where you can sample world-famous local cheese. Then drive through the dramatic limestone gorge that shares the town’s name. As you wind your way through the Mendip Hills, take time to soak in the breathtaking views before arriving in Ashwick.4o
Lindisfarne Nature Reserve
Discover England's stunning coastline and catch unforgettable views of the North Sea as you drive from Alnmouth to Lindisfarne Nature Reserve. Take in the spectacular hilly landscape of the region.
Visit the imposing Bamburgh Castle on your way to learn more about the history of England. Watch out for the tides as you ride over the natural causeway to Holy Island. And enjoy the view of the enchanting Lindisfarne Castle at the end of the route.
➜ Discover the best sights in England
FAQ & travel tips
When planning a road trip in England, it’s important to get familiar with local traffic rules—like driving on the left side. Be sure to check speed limits, learn common road signs, and understand rules around congestion charges and low-emission zones in some cities.
Also, don’t overpack your itinerary. While covering about 185 miles a day is doable with breaks, it’s a good idea to build in slower days to relax and really take in the experience.
To rent a car in England, you’ll need a valid U.S. driver’s license and a credit card in the driver’s name.
Roads in England are generally well maintained, especially the main arteries and highways. In rural areas, however, roads can be narrower and more winding. Traffic is often heavy, especially in major cities such as London. It is important to note that left-hand traffic prevails here, which is a change for visitors from countries with right-hand traffic. In addition, traffic rules are strict and speed limits are taken seriously.
The best time for a road trip through England is usually in spring and summer, from April to September, when the weather is milder and the countryside is particularly scenic. Avoid peak travel times during school vacations.
➔ Find out more about the best time to travel to England depending on the season, region, type of trip and activities.
The cost of a road trip through England can vary widely depending on your travel style and trip length. Rental cars start at around $60 per day for a compact vehicle. You’ll also need to factor in expenses for gas, accommodations, meals, and entrance fees to attractions. Fuel prices in England are generally higher than in the U.S., so be sure to plan accordingly.Want a clearer idea of your total costs? Our travel experts can create a free, personalized trip proposal just for you.
