One-Week England Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Leeds traveling south to York, Windermere, Liverpool, Chester, and Stratford-on-Avon
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Description
Explore the best of England on a 8-day road trip! Uncover hidden gems and experience the rich culture firsthand as you journey through Leeds, York, Keswick, Grasmere, Near Sawrey, Windermere, Liverpool, Chester, Stratford-on-Avon, Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Stow-on-the-Wold. This road trip itinerary in England seamlessly combines exploration with relaxation.
This perfectly planned road trip itinerary in England takes you through some of the best places to see in the country. You will spend 2 nights in Leeds, 1 night in York, 1 night in Windermere, 1 night in Liverpool, 1 night in Chester, and 1 night in Stratford-on-Avon. Anticipate well-spent days sightseeing, eating delicious food, and experiencing the highlights of each destination!
With this travel package, you can choose from an extensive selection of accommodations along your road trip route in England. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, including options for each budget. Whether you are in the mood for luxurious 5-star hotels or budget-friendly bed and breakfasts, we have got you covered.
Upon arriving in Leeds, the rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for collection. From there, the road trip can begin! Experience the ultimate freedom and uncover England on your own terms.
An expertly curated travel plan makes sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things to see and do on your road trip in England. Royal Albert Dock Liverpool and Chester Zoo are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery. Marvel at the remarkable National Railway Museum, learn more about the unique York Minster, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Shakespeare's Birthplace.
As you hit the open road and drive through Leeds, York, Keswick, Grasmere, Near Sawrey, Windermere, Liverpool, Chester, Stratford-on-Avon, Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Stow-on-the-Wold, you will also enjoy plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of England. Whether you are exploring enchanting towns and villages, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there is always something new and exciting to experience in England.
Throughout your road trip in England, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in England.
This package offers an all-in-one solution for your trip planning - choose flights, a rental car, accommodation, attractions, and tours that suit your needs and desires. You can customize each day of your road trip itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking.
The best services in England fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your road trip in England today!
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Day 1
- Leeds - Arrival day
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- Park Square
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Welcome to Leeds, the perfect starting point for your road trip in England! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 1 night immersing yourself in Leeds's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.
Leeds is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out Park Square, or just taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.
As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Leeds. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in England. We recommend staying at a hotel in a central location for easy access to the best attractions, restaurants, and bars in the city.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Leeds, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Enjoy a lovely dining experience at HOME, a popular restaurant in Leeds. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Leeds at The Whitehall Restaurant & Bar, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated Premier Inn Leeds City Centre (Leeds Arena) hotel. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Leeds tonight.
If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Pixel Bar Leeds offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Wax Bar is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. North Bar is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.
Raise a toast to the start of your 8-day road trip in England!
Day 2
- Leeds
- York
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Drive 47 km, 1 hour 20 min
- National Railway Museum York
- York Minster
- Shambles Market
- Jorvik Viking Centre
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Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 2 of your road trip in England. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of York. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in York, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.
Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several family-friendly attractions, picturesque spots, and history-rich sites. Whether you decide to explore Leeds on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. National Railway Museum is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this photogenic museum before continuing your journey. York Minster is your next stop. This interesting church is one of the best-rated sights in Leeds.
Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Shambles Market. This visually striking market is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Jorvik Viking Centre.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in York. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.
After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of York's best restaurants.
Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Yakamoz, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try House Of The Trembling Madness? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Turtle Bay York as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in York.
If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, The Habit Cafe Bar offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Shambles Tavern is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Pivní York is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.
Relax and reminisce about your day in England and look forward to more memorable moments to come!
Day 3
- York
- Bowness-on-Windermere
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Drive 246 km, 4 hours 9 min
- Castlerigg stone circle
- National Trust - Allan Bank and Grasmere
- National Trust - Hill Top
- Windermere
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On day 3 of your exciting self-drive vacation in England, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 4 destinations, Keswick, Grasmere, Near Sawrey, and Windermere. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Windermere, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.
Immerse yourself in York’s rich culture with today's sightseeing itinerary. Start your journey at Castlerigg Stone Circle. This breathtaking archeological site is sure to ignite your curiosity.
In between sights, stop by local stores, picturesque photo spots, and small eateries. When you’re ready for your next attraction, proceed to National Trust - Hill Top, an increasingly popular museum. For a change of scene, check out Windermere, known for its idyllic features.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Windermere. Windermere offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.
Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Windermere's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.
Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in England.
Day 4
- Bowness-on-Windermere
- Liverpool
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Drive 144 km, 2 hours 17 min
- Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral
- The Beatles Story
- Royal Albert Dock Liverpool
- Museum of Liverpool
- The Liverpool Waterfront
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Dive into day 4 of your remarkable road trip in England. Today you will explore Liverpool, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Liverpool. You’ll stay here for 1 night.
Get ready for an exciting day in Windermere. Today’s sightseeing agenda includes a church, a museum, a historical landmark, a public square and much more! Begin your adventure at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral. This is an increasingly popular church you should not miss. Another must-see is The Beatles Story, a beloved museum in Windermere.
When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Royal Albert Dock Liverpool. From there, take a leisurely stroll to Museum Of Liverpool, another of the city’s well-known attractions. We recommend continuing your self-guided tour at The Liverpool Waterfront, an UNESCO world heritage-designated place of interest in the city.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Liverpool, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.
As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Liverpool. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.
Enjoy a delicious meal at KURDINA RESTAURANT AND BAR, a top-rated dining destination in Liverpool. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Rudy's Pizza Napoletana - Castle Street, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at The Quarter. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Liverpool this evening.
Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Brass Monkey, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Sanctuary Bar provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, The Underground Gin Society offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.
Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in England!
Day 5
- Liverpool
- Cheshire West and Chester
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Drive 45 km, 1 hour 13 min
- Chester Zoo
- Chester Cathedral
- Escapism Chester
- Chester City Walls
- Eastgate and Eastgate Clock
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Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 5 of your road trip in England. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Chester. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Chester. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.
Prepare for a day full of family-friendly attractions, breathtaking views, and picturesque spots. When you’re ready, kick off your sightseeing adventure at Chester Zoo. This captivating zoo is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique vacation experience. Another sight you shouldn’t miss is Chester Cathedral, one of the city’s best highlights.
Next, check out Escapism Chester, one of the most curiosity-inducing places to see in Liverpool. This escape room is a favorite among locals and travelers alike. Enjoy some downtime and refreshments before continuing to your next stop, Chester City Walls. Wander around and soak in the picture-perfect atmosphere this historical landmark offers. Then, head to Eastgate And Eastgate Clock, a top-rated monument that adds another dimension to your day.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Chester. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.
As you explore more of Chester, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.
Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at 1539 Restaurant and Bar, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? The Church Chester Bar & Restaurant offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss BarLounge - Chester. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Chester.
Cap off your dinner by heading to Prohibition, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Liquor And Co is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Craft & Company is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.
As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in England.
Day 6
- Cheshire West and Chester
- Stratford-upon-Avon
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Drive 209 km, 3 hours 12 min
- Anne Hathaway's Cottage
- Holy Trinity Church
- Stratford Butterfly Farm
- Shakespeare's Birthplace
- Hall's Croft
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On day 6 of your road trip in England, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in Stratford-on-Avon. In the evening, you’ll end up in Stratford-on-Avon, where you will stay for 1 night.
Get ready for a day filled with fun adventures, romantic experiences, and scenic views in the charming town of Chester. Your adventure starts at Anne Hathaway's Cottage, an underrated local hot spot. Another notable attraction to explore is Holy Trinity Church. This frequently visited church is known for its instagrammable appeal.
After soaking in the highlights of these sights, take some time to wander Chester's streets and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. When you're ready to continue your sightseeing adventure, head to Stratford Butterfly Farm. This romantic butterfly garden offers a fascinating experience that many visitors find memorable. Shakespeare's Birthplace is also worth visiting, along with Hall's Croft. These standout landmarks offer unique experiences that add to the day’s enjoyment.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Stratford-on-Avon. Stratford-on-Avon offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Stratford-on-Avon. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the town, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Unwind after your meal by stepping into Garrick. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes.
Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in England!
Day 7
- Stratford-upon-Avon
- Leeds
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Drive 339 km, 4 hours 45 min
- National Trust - Bibury
- Bourton-on-the-water
- Birdland Park & Gardens
- The Model Village
- St Edward's Church
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Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 7 of your road trip in England. Today, you will make 3 stops and experience some of the highlights of Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Stow-on-the-Wold. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Leeds, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.
Discover a day packed with family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and scenic views in Stratford-on-Avon. Begin your sightseeing with National Trust - Bibury. This worthwhile historical landmark is one of the top attractions in the village. Proceed to Bourton-on-the-water, another must-visit attraction.
As you wander through the inviting streets of Stratford-on-Avon, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to Birdland Park And Gardens. This beloved zoo is a traveler-favorite. Not far away, you’ll find The Model Village, another key site on your sightseeing itinerary. St Edward's Church is yet another highly recommended place to visit nearby, offering plenty to discover for curious travelers.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Leeds, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.
After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Leeds. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.
Savor the flavors at Cosy Club, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Clayton Hotel Leeds beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Riva Blu Italian Restaurant & Bar, Leeds. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Leeds tonight.
Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Power, Corruption & Lies is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Brudenell Social Club, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Whitelock's First City Luncheon Bar. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.
Say good night to Leeds and look forward to another great day of your road trip in England!
Day 8
- Leeds - Departure day
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- Thackray Museum of Medicine
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Day 8 of your road trip in England is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Leeds before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
If you're up for some more sightseeing, begin at Thackray Museum Of Medicine. This up-and-coming museum is a popular place to see in the city.
Explore local shops for souvenirs to remember your trip or find unique gifts for loved ones. Discover boutiques offering an array of stylish fashion choices. Take a break with a cup of coffee or tea while savoring the local vibe in a coffee shop.
Before you conclude your road trip in England, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Leeds.
Have a fantastic dining experience at Gaucho Leeds, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Bill's Leeds Restaurant offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu.
You’ll then say farewell to Leeds. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in England!
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