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.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Dartmoor National Park, a popular national park that everyone visiting Buckfastleigh should see.

When you’ve had your share of Buckfastleigh, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Buckfast. Your travel time is around 5 min.

Our first attraction recommendation in Buckfastleigh is South Devon Railway, a curiosity-inducing heritage railway that draws attention for its historic features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Buckfast Butterfly Farm And Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary, a peaceful butterfly garden that stands out in the town.

After soaking in Buckfastleigh’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Buckfast. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 5 min. When you arrive in Buckfast, it's time to take a break from the road.

Spend your afternoon discovering Buckfast Abbey, a locally appreciated monastery known for its breathtaking features.

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

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

Dine in style at Premier Inn Exeter (M5 J29) hotel, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Mercure Exeter Southgate Hotel boasts a menu that's sure to impress.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Henry's Bar, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Mill On The Exe, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Cuckoo Taproom And Bottleshop provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

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

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

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

Start your day at Exeter Cathedral. This majestic church is an intriguing place to see in Exeter.

After soaking in Exeter’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Northleigh. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 39 min. When you arrive in Northleigh, it's time to take a break from the road.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at East Devon National Landscape and explore the serene features.

Seaton’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Northleigh behind. This drive usually takes around 16 min. Seaton welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Seaton Tramway is an underrated tramway we recommend visiting today. Discover its eye-catching features before continuing your self-guided tour.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Salcombe Regis, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Seaton to Salcombe Regis may take around 12 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Salcombe Regis, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Our first attraction recommendation in Salcombe Regis is The Donkey Sanctuary, a beloved petting zoo that draws attention for its instagrammable features.

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 Nando's Exeter - Princess Hay, a top-rated dining destination in Exeter. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Cosy Club, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Boom Battle Bar Exeter after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Brewdog Exeter for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, The Lucombe Oak is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

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 4 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Exeter, where you have 4 nights left to stay.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Exeter and set your GPS to Tintagel. 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 1 hour 24 min. Upon reaching Tintagel, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Tintagel Castle is an interesting castle we recommend visiting today. Discover its awe-inspiring features before continuing your self-guided tour.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Newquay may take around 57 min. Upon your arrival in Newquay, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Newquay Zoo, a locally appreciated zoo in Newquay. Explore its photogenic features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

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.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at National Trust - Lanhydrock and explore the picture-perfect features.

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.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Toby Carvery Exeter, a top-rated dining spot in Exeter. If you're in the mood for something new, try The Old Firehouse, another premier location with a delectable menu.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Exeter Phoenix, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Ship Inn, a bar catering to every mood and preference. The Arcade Exeter likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in England!

On day 5 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 3 nights to spend in Exeter, there’s no need to rush. Experience Truro, Tresillian, and Pengrugla to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Truro. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 48 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

When you're ready for some sights, head to National Trust - Trelissick Garden, an underrated botanical garden in Truro. Explore its romantic features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next attraction, Truro Cathedral. This increasingly popular church is a top recommendation in the area.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Tresillian. This car ride takes around 8 min.

Spend your afternoon discovering The Roseland Heritage Coast, an increasingly popular nature reserve known for its eye-catching features.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Tresillian, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Pengrugla. This drive usually takes around 21 min.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Lost Gardens Of Heligan, an interesting botanical garden that everyone visiting Pengrugla should see.

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

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.

Don’t miss out on dining at Harry's Restaurant, a top-rated dining destination in Exeter. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider The Stand Off, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu.

As the sun sets, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in England.

Greet day 6 of your road trip in England with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You have 2 nights 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 Lizard, Porth Mellin, and Gweek.

Lizard is brimming with adventures.

Set your GPS to Lizard and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 2 hours 29 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Lizard beckons with new experiences!

Our first attraction recommendation in Lizard is National Trust - Lizard Point, a worthwhile cliff that draws attention for its instagrammable features.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Porth Mellin. This drive usually takes around 18 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at National Trust - Mullion Cove and explore the romantic features.

Set your GPS to Gweek and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 21 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Gweek beckons with new experiences!

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Cornish Seal Sanctuary. Spend some time admiring the stunning features of the wildlife reserve 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.

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.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at The Botanist Bar & Restaurant Exeter, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Coolings Gandy Street? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in England!

On day 7 of your road trip, you'll get the chance to experience Hayle and Helston. At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Exeter, where you still have 1 night left to stay.

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

Savor the day by heading to National Trust - Godrevy, a frequently visited beach that draws visitors from near and far.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Hayle, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Helston. This drive usually takes around 21 min.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Paradise Park And Junglebarn Cornwall, a curiosity-inducing wildlife reserve that everyone visiting Hayle should see.

Helston’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Hayle behind. This drive usually takes around 21 min. Helston welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Porthleven Harbour, an underrated marina in Helston. 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.

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

Have a fantastic dining experience at Rendezvous Wine Bar, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Zizzi - Exeter offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu.

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

Your itinerary for day 8 of your road trip in England includes 1 stop and features some of the highlights of London. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in London, where you'll spend 1 night.

After soaking in Exeter’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: London. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 3 hours 29 min. When you arrive in London, it's time to take a break from the road.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Hyde Park. Spend some time admiring the awe-inspiring features of the park before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Buckingham Palace. This globally renowned palace is a traveler-favorite in the city.

If you're keen to see more, continue to Big Ben. Feed your curiosity by learning something new about the monument. Next, take your journey to London Eye, a world-famous observation deck. Conclude your sightseeing at Trafalgar Square, known for its picture-perfect features.

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.

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

Get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey in London by reserving a table at Sketch, The Lecture Room and Library. Renowned as a 3-star Michelin restaurant, it offers an exceptional modern french menu. For a different taste experience, head to Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, recognized for its delicious french dishes. This 3-star Michelin restaurant consistently impresses guests, ensuring a memorable addition to your holiday. Looking for another option? Make sure to visit Hélène Darroze at The Connaught, a local favorite known for its delightful modern cuisine in London. Nestled in the heart of the city, this restaurant with 3 Michelin star is an ideal choice for modern foodies seeking culinary excellence.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Bar Américain, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, The Connaught Bar offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Juno Rooms. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in England!