Relaxed 11-Day England Road Trip from Bournemouth to Reading, and London

Your relaxed road trip through England starts when you reach the incredible town of Bournemouth, where you'll stay for 3 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Bournemouth and begin your adventure in England.

Journey into the unknown at Bournemouth Parks - Lower Gardens, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable park has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 5,108 reviews.

As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Bournemouth. 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 town.

When you're hungry and ready to take a break from your laid-back adventure, treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants in Bournemouth.

Savor the flavors at Slug & Lettuce Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Premier Inn Bournemouth East (Boscombe) hotel beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Aruba. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Bournemouth tonight.

Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the town.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Smokin' Aces - Cocktail Bar & Whiskey Lounge after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Felsons Bournemouth for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Brewdog Bournemouth is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

Raise a toast as you look back into the highlights of today’s laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure in England. Enjoy your first taste of Bournemouth as you soak in the town’s unique vibe.

On day 2 of your leisurely self-drive tour across England, you’ll go deep into Christchurch, where you'll stay for 2 nights, and see some of the town’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the town's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Christchurch, and meet locals along the way!

Exploring one unique site after another provides you the much-needed variety during your leisurely self-drive tour across England. But to satisfy your curiosity or need for adventure, we recommend you add excursions in today’s agenda. You have a great selection of popular activities to choose from in England.

When it’s time to eat, the town has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Bournemouth, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Enjoy a delicious meal at The Green House, a top-rated dining destination in Bournemouth. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Harvester Neptune Bournemouth, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at The Cumberland Hotel Bournemouth. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Bournemouth this evening.

As the day is coming to an end, retreat to your hotel for some rest, or head out to a bar to celebrate your time in Bournemouth. The bars in Bournemouth make the perfect setting for a laid-back drink and chilled hangout with your travel companions.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Be At One - Bournemouth, known for its inviting atmosphere. Eden is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, The Four Horsemen Pub provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

Toast to another unforgettable and relaxing road trip adventure in England!

Day 3 of your relaxed road trip through England means 24 hours of making the best memories in Bournemouth. You’ll go sightseeing at famous attractions in Bournemouth. In the evening, you will experience one of the most popular dining spots in the town. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by Bournemouth!

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Bournemouth Beach, a remarkable point of interest where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 1,920 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Boscombe Pier. This point of interest has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 8,238 travelers.

Boscombe Chine Gardens is another must-visit attraction. This renowned park offers a memorable experience, well worth a stop on your self-guided sightseeing tour. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 375 travelers, it's one of the more popular places to see in the area.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across England by joining a traveler-approved tour in Bournemouth. There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Bournemouth that will make your slow-paced self-drive tour in England more memorable. Check out all the most recommended and top-rated tour options in the town of Bournemouth to find the best options for you!

Exploring the food culture in Bournemouth offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the town.

Make sure to reserve a table at Cafe Boscanova, an iconic dining spot in Bournemouth. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Best Western Plus The Connaught Hotel and Spa, a popular restaurant in Bournemouth. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Harvester Durley Inn Bournemouth, a hidden gem nestled in Bournemouth. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Before calling it a day, visit one of the best bars in Bournemouth. There, you can look back on the highlights of today’s pleasant and invigorating travel experiences, have friendly conversations with locals, and unwind.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at The Moon In The Square - Jd Wetherspoon, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists.

Look back at an amazing day filled with adventure in England. And don’t forget to get some rest so you can continue your relaxed holiday in England tomorrow with new energy.

Day 4 of your leisurely self-drive tour in England is another opportunity for an in-depth travel experience in the country. On this refreshing new day, you’ll travel from Salisbury and continue your laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure in the village of Stourton and the village of Avebury. You’ll stay in Reading for 1 night.

After soaking in Salisbury’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Stourton. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 33 min. When you arrive in Stourton, it's time to take a break from the road.

Drop by the renowned Salisbury Cathedral. This popular anglican or episcopal cathedral has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 13,849 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Stonehenge. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 53,470 visitors, this tourist attraction deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

Set your GPS to Stourton and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 33 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Stourton beckons with new experiences!

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Stourhead. This english garden is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 10,138 visitors.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Avebury. This car ride takes around 1 hour 5 min.

When you're ready to see some sights, Avebury is a great place to start. This village is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 9,280 visitors.

When you’re not exploring beautiful places, you’ll have a relaxed time at Reading. Here, you can choose from the best selection of hotels and places to stay as you get to know more about this spectacular town.

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Reading has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the town.

Make sure to reserve a table at Coconut Bar & Kitchen, an iconic dining spot in Reading. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of The White Eagle, a popular restaurant in Reading. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary.

After dinner, it’s time to fall in love with the amazing nightlife in Reading and unwind at some of the best bars in the town.

Keep the evening going at Be At One - Reading, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to The Allied Arms, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is The Alehouse, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

Soak in the unique atmosphere of Reading as you commemorate this day of your relaxed road trip through England with a toast. Cheers to a memorable leisurely self-drive holiday in England!

On day 5 of your laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure, you’ll have the chance to visit more than one remarkable area in England. Since this self-drive tour offers freedom and flexibility, you can decide how much time you want to spend in each place to enjoy the memorable travel destinations in England.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Eton and set your GPS to Windsor. 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 11 min. Upon reaching Windsor, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Windsor Castle. This historic house museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 54,973 reviews.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Eton, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Windsor. This drive usually takes around 11 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Legoland Windsor Resort. This extraordinary amusement park is rated an average of 4.1 out of 5 stars by 44,248 visitors.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Windsor, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Cheapside may take around 14 min. Upon your arrival in Cheapside, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Windsor Great Park. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 4,367 reviews.

You’ll be staying at the incredible city of London in this laid-back road trip in England. You'll stay here for 5 nights.

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

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 culinary dining option, venture to Hélène Darroze at The Connaught, celebrated for its delectable modern menu. This acclaimed 3-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, ensuring an essential addition to your holiday itinerary. Seeking an alternative? Discover Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal, a top local restaurant known for its tantalizing modern french menu. With a 2-star Michelin recognition, it promises an exceptional dining experience not to be missed.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in London.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Bar Américain, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out The Connaught Bar, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Bar Polski provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your leisurely paced road trip in England!

Day 6 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in London, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in England are extraordinary.

Make British Museum your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this national museum an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 151,665 reviews. More than 5,906,716 people visit this place of interest every year.

Next up, make a stop at National Gallery. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 49,550 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this art museum every year. In fact, this attraction welcomes 6,011,007 annual visitors.

Trafalgar Square is another attraction you can visit on this day of your vacation. This square has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 123,506 visitors.

Tours often allow you to see beyond what books and social media feature about London, its culture, and people. So for a more meaningful travel experience in the city, we recommend you join one of the most popular tours available for your relaxed road trip across England.

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, London has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

Dine in style at Estiatorio Milos, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, The Palomar boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Berners Tavern. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in London.

Experience the amazing nightlife in London and unwind at the coolest bars in the city.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Artesian, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, American Bar offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Old Shades provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Soak in the unique atmosphere of London as you commemorate this day of your relaxed road trip through England with a toast. Cheers to a memorable leisurely self-drive holiday in England!

On day 7 of your leisurely self-drive tour across England, you’ll go deep into London, where you'll stay for 3 nights, and see some of the city’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in London, and meet locals along the way!

Drop by the renowned Big Ben. This popular cultural icon has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 65,522 visitors.

Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about England. Check out all of the tours you can join this day of your leisurely self-drive holiday in England and ensure the experience of a lifetime.

When you’re not driving and exploring some of the best places in England, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in London.

Don’t miss out on dining at Burger & Lobster Leicester Square, a top-rated dining destination in London. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Wiltons Restaurant, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Rules. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in London this evening.

After dinner, it’s time to fall in love with the amazing nightlife in London and unwind at some of the best bars in the city.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Scarfes Bar. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Heliot Cocktail Bar offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Bfi Imax, another top-rated bar in the area.

Cherish every minute of your relaxed road trip vacation across England.

On day 8 of your relaxed road trip, you’ll start your self-paced adventure in London and visit amazing attractions in London, Westminster, and Greenwich destinations, just outside of the city. You still have 2 nights left in London. This means today is also another excellent opportunity to dine at some of the top-rated restaurants and bars in the area.

When you're ready to see some sights, Regent's Park is a great place to start. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 44,964 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Madame Tussauds London. This wax museum has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 73,606 travelers.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of London, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Westminster may take around 16 min. Upon your arrival in Westminster, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to St James's Park. This much-appreciated park is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars in 56,264 reviews.

Next up is Buckingham Palace. This royal palace has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 168,513 visitors.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Westminster, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Greenwich. This drive usually takes around 38 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Make Greenwich Park one of your first sightseeing stops in Greenwich. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 45,003 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

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

Exploring the food culture in London offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

Dine in style at The Royal Horseguards Hotel & One Whitehall Place, London, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Hawksmoor Seven Dials boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Simpson's in the Strand. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in London.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of London’s best bars to celebrate this day of your slow-paced adventure in England.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like The Old Bank Of England, known for its lively atmosphere. The Ship & Shovell is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance.

Grab yourself a drink and savor every moment of your relaxed road trip experience in England!

Your laid-back and relaxed road trip in England continues on day 9, allowing you to create more unforgettable memories. Today’s travel plan offers you the chance to have a more in-depth understanding of England and its people by visiting the offerings and top attractions of Richmond and beyond. With 1 night left in London, you’ll have enough time to eat and unwind at popular restaurants and bars in the town.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to London and set your GPS to Richmond. 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 32 min. Upon reaching Richmond, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

When you're ready to see some sights, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is a great place to start. This non-departmental public body is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 46,237 visitors.

When you’ve had your share of Richmond, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Kensington. Your travel time is around 20 min.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Victoria And Albert Museum. This museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 56,963 visitors. Victoria And Albert Museum welcomes around 3,932,738 visitors every year.

Science Museum is another popular attraction you could visit today. This science museum has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 66,659 visitors. Science Museum attracts up to 2,989,000 visitors every year.

London’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Westminster behind. This drive usually takes around 19 min. London welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Royal Albert Hall. This concert hall is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 39,115 visitors.

When you’re finished at Royal Albert Hall, head to Hyde Park. This one-of-a-kind park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 128,167 reviews.

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

When you’re not driving and exploring some of the best places in England, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in London.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Kerridge's Bar & Grill, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? The Northall offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Great British Restaurant. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in London.

Before calling it a day, visit one of the best bars in London. There, you can look back on the highlights of today’s pleasant and invigorating travel experiences, have friendly conversations with locals, and unwind.

Raise your glass to celebrate another day of your laid-back and relaxed road trip experience in England!

Day 10 of your easy and relaxed road trip through England gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience more than one place in one day. You will start your day by exploring some of the best sights in the village of Leavesden. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the town of Bournemouth, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 1 night.

When you’ve had your share of London, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Leavesden. Your travel time is around 57 min.

Journey into the unknown at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making Of Harry Potter, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable exhibition room has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 84,358 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Diagon Alley is a recommended place to visit. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 608 reviews.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Watford, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Leavesden to Watford may take around 11 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Watford, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Journey into the unknown at Cassiobury Park, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 7,463 reviews.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Watford, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Three Rivers. This drive usually takes around 12 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Kick off the day at Rickmansworth Aquadrome, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 3,650 reviews.

After a day of exploration, relax at one of the top hotels or accommodations in Bournemouth. Staying in the town enhances your laid-back road trip experience in England by offering a comfortable and welcoming environment to recharge in this charming destination.

When it’s time to eat, the town has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Bournemouth, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Dine in style at The Mary Shelley - JD Wetherspoon, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Flirt Cafe Bar boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out yobu Frozen Yogurt & Bubble Tea, Bournemouth. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Bournemouth.

If you’re not yet ready to call it a night, head back out to celebrate your vacation with a drink. This is a great time to slow down, look back at your day, and raise a toast to your wonderful holiday in England.

Free your mind of worries as you enjoy the taste of freedom on your laid-back, relaxed road trip adventure across England.

Day 11 of your relaxed road trip in England is your departure day. If you have a flight to catch, you’ll drop off your rental car well in advance before your departure. Choose a late flight to enjoy a stress-free last day in Bournemouth.

Maximize your last day in England and go on a shopping spree in Bournemouth’s shopping center. Browse for souvenirs to remind you of your wonderful journey in England.

If you'd rather pass the time visiting some attractions, this is your chance to go to places you may not have had the chance to explore yet.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Bournemouth is the remarkable Bournemouth Upper Gardens. This park and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,104 visitors.

Unwind and look back at the past 11 days of your relaxed road trip over a bite to eat. This is your chance to enjoy one last traditional meal in Bournemouth or just grab something light to keep you going.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Cosy Club, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? 1812 offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Urban Reef.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Bournemouth and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 11-day relaxed road trip in England is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.