10-Day England Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Exeter to London and surrounding area

On day 2 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Exeter, where you still have 6 nights left. You'll spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city, including Buckfastleigh and Buckfast.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Dartmoor National Park and explore the serene features.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Buckfast. This car ride takes around 5 min.

Savor the day by heading to South Devon Railway, a worthwhile heritage railway that draws visitors from near and far. When you're done, continue to Buckfast Butterfly Farm And Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary, where you can soak in the peaceful surroundings.

Set your GPS to Buckfast and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 5 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Buckfast beckons with new experiences!

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Buckfast Abbey. Spend some time admiring the standout features of the monastery before you continue to your next stop.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Exeter.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Exeter. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Savor the flavors at Premier Inn Exeter (M5 J29) hotel, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Mercure Exeter Southgate Hotel beckons with its unique menu offerings.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Henry's Bar. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Mill On The Exe offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Cuckoo Taproom And Bottleshop, another top-rated bar in the area.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in England!

On day 3 of your road trip, you'll get the chance to experience Northleigh, Seaton, Salcombe Regis, and Exeter. At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Exeter, where you still have 5 nights left to stay.

Whatever your travel style is, Exeter Cathedral is an essential stop in Exeter. This intriguing church provides an insightful glimpse into the village's identity.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Northleigh. This car ride takes around 39 min.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is East Devon National Landscape. Spend some time admiring the mesmerizing features of the nature reserve before you continue to your next stop.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Seaton, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Northleigh to Seaton may take around 16 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Seaton, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Seaton Tramway is a frequently visited tramway we recommend visiting today. Discover its picture-perfect features before continuing your self-guided tour.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Seaton, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Salcombe Regis. This drive usually takes around 12 min.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at The Donkey Sanctuary and explore the enchanting features.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Exeter and your accommodation.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Exeter. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Dine in style at Nando's Exeter - Princess Hay, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Cosy Club boasts a menu that's sure to impress.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Boom Battle Bar Exeter after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Brewdog Exeter, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, The Lucombe Oak also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

Say good night to Exeter and look forward to another great day of your road trip in England!

On day 4 of your road trip in England, you’ll start and end your day in Exeter, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you still have 4 nights to spend in Exeter, there’s no need to rush. Experience Tintagel, Newquay, and Trebyan to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Exeter, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Tintagel. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 24 min.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the village's best attractions, visit Tintagel Castle, a captivating castle that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Newquay. This drive usually takes around 57 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Newquay Zoo and explore the visually striking features.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Trebyan may take around 31 min. Upon your arrival in Trebyan, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the village's best attractions, visit National Trust - Lanhydrock, an up-and-coming castle that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Exeter.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Exeter's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Toby Carvery Exeter, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, The Old Firehouse is another top choice with a popular menu.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Exeter Phoenix. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Ship Inn, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, The Arcade Exeter provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in England.

Wake up to day 5 of your road trip in England. On this day, you’ll embark on an exciting expedition discovering the enchanting sights and activities of Truro, Tresillian, and Pengrugla. With 3 nights to stay in Exeter, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

Truro is brimming with adventures.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings.

After soaking in Exeter’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Truro. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 48 min. When you arrive in Truro, it's time to take a break from the road.

Savor the day by heading to National Trust - Trelissick Garden, an increasingly popular botanical garden that draws visitors from near and far. When you're done, continue to Truro Cathedral, where you can soak in the historic surroundings.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Truro and set your GPS to Tresillian. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 8 min. Upon reaching Tresillian, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Our first attraction recommendation in Tresillian is The Roseland Heritage Coast, an often recommended nature reserve that draws attention for its mesmerizing features.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Pengrugla, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Tresillian to Pengrugla may take around 21 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Pengrugla, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Lost Gardens Of Heligan, a well-known botanical garden in Pengrugla. Explore its romantic features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Exeter and your accommodation.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Exeter's best restaurants.

Make sure to reserve a table at Harry's Restaurant, an iconic dining spot in Exeter. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of The Stand Off, a popular restaurant in Exeter. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary.

Head back to your accommodation in Exeter and get some rest to prepare for another magical day of your road trip in England.

On day 6 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Exeter, where you have 2 nights left to stay.

Whether you decide to explore Lizard on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Exeter and set your GPS to Lizard. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 2 hours 29 min. Upon reaching Lizard, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

National Trust - Lizard Point is an often recommended cliff we recommend visiting today. Discover its mesmerizing features before continuing your self-guided tour.

Porth Mellin’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Lizard behind. This drive usually takes around 18 min. Porth Mellin welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is National Trust - Mullion Cove. Spend some time admiring the eye-catching features of the pier before you continue to your next stop.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Porth Mellin and set your GPS to Gweek. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 21 min. Upon reaching Gweek, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Spend your afternoon discovering Cornish Seal Sanctuary, an increasingly popular wildlife reserve known for its gorgeous features.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Exeter.

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 Exeter, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at The Botanist Bar & Restaurant Exeter, a popular restaurant in Exeter. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Exeter at Coolings Gandy Street, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in England!

Greet day 7 of your road trip in England with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You have 1 night to stay in Exeter, so get ready to make the most of your time in the region. On the agenda for this day, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in Hayle and Helston.

Spend your afternoon discovering National Trust - Godrevy, an up-and-coming beach known for its eye-catching features.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Helston may take around 21 min. Upon your arrival in Helston, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Spend your afternoon discovering Paradise Park And Junglebarn Cornwall, a worthwhile wildlife reserve known for its stunning features.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Helston. This drive usually takes around 21 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Porthleven Harbour is a curiosity-inducing marina we recommend visiting today. Discover its visually striking features before continuing your self-guided tour.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Exeter and your accommodation.

Exeter is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Exeter.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Rendezvous Wine Bar, a highly-rated dining destination in Exeter. If you're eager to try something different, consider Zizzi - Exeter, another top spot with a tantalizing menu.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in England.

Dive into day 8 of your remarkable road trip in England. Today you'll explore 1 destination, including London. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in London, where you'll spend 1 night.

When you’ve had your share of Exeter, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of London. Your travel time is around 3 hours 29 min.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Hyde Park, a globally renowned park that everyone visiting London should see. Next, head to Buckingham Palace. This breathtaking palace is one of the most world-famous attractions in the region.

If you're keen to see more, don’t miss out on Big Ben, a picture-perfect monument popular among locals as well as travelers. London Eye is an excellent attraction to visit next. Spend some time learning more about this globally renowned observation deck before you continue your journey. Lastly, visit Trafalgar Square, a culturally significant public square and a top attraction in the city.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in London. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the city.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of London's best restaurants.

Dive into a culinary adventure like no other in London by booking a table at Sketch, The Lecture Room and Library. This popular restaurant holds 3 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of modern french cuisine. For another dining option, venture to Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, celebrated for its delectable french menu. This acclaimed 3-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, ensuring an essential addition to your holiday itinerary. Seeking an alternative? Discover Hélène Darroze at The Connaught, a top local restaurant known for its tantalizing modern menu. With a 3-star Michelin recognition, it promises an exceptional dining experience not to be missed.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Bar Américain stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, The Connaught Bar offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Juno Rooms is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in England.