12-Day England Road Trip from London traveling south to Brighton, Chichester, Southampton, Oxford, and Canterbury

Your road trip adventure in England begins as soon as you reach London and pick up your car. You’ll stay in London for 4 nights and explore the best things to see and do, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.

London 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 Trafalgar Square or 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 London. 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 in London. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Cahoots London, a highly-rated dining destination in London. If you're eager to try something different, consider Bill's Soho Restaurant, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Estiatorio Milos. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in London this evening.

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 Bar Polski. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

Raise a toast to the start of your 12-day road trip in England!

Wake up to day 2 of your extraordinary road trip in England. With 3 nights left in London, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

When you arrive in Westminster, it's time to take a break from the road.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Hyde Park. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 126,766 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Royal Albert Hall. This concert hall has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 37,841 reviews.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Kensington, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Richmond. This drive usually takes around 19 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Take the opportunity to see Science Museum. This attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 65,368 visitors and gets around 2,989,000 visits every year.

Victoria and Albert Museum is another sightseeing hotspot in the area. This museum has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 55,517 travelers. Up to 3,932,738 people visit Victoria and Albert Museum every year.

Set your GPS to Richmond and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 19 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Richmond beckons with new experiences!

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. This extraordinary non-departmental public body has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 45,021 visitors.

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

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

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at The Palomar, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Berners Tavern? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Burger & Lobster Leicester Square as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in London.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Artesian, known for its lively atmosphere. American Bar is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Old Shades offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in England!

On day 3 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in London, where you'll stay for 2 nights more.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Madame Tussauds London. This wax museum is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in London, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 71,843 visitors.

Regent's Park is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 44,079 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. London, 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 Camden Town to London may take around 9 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in London, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Tower Bridge. This much-appreciated bascule bridge is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars in 151,949 reviews.

After soaking in Camden Town’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 9 min. When you arrive in London, it's time to take a break from the road.

Journey into the unknown at Tower of London, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable castle has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 101,481 reviews. Every year, Tower of London welcomes more than 2,741,126 curious visitors.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Camden Town, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to London may take around 9 min. Upon your arrival in London, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at British Museum, a remarkable national museum where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 148,750 reviews. Each year, this popular place of interest welcomes approximately 5,906,716 visitors.

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

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

Make sure to reserve a table at Rules, an iconic dining spot in London. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Hawksmoor Seven Dials, a popular restaurant in London. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Simpson's in the Strand, a hidden gem nestled in London. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

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

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in England!

Day 4 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in London for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Big Ben, a remarkable cultural icon where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 61,373 reviews.

There are plenty of experiences you can choose from in England that will add excitement to your vacation. When you’re keen to discover what else London has in store for you, use this day to go on a tour. This tour allows curious travelers like you to experience the best of the country. You can make the most of your time in England by scrolling down and selecting tours and activities to include on your itinerary for the day.

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

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Smith & Wollensky, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Hawksmoor Air Street offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Premier Inn London County Hall hotel. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in London.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to The Ship & Shovell, known for its inviting atmosphere.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in England!

Dive into day 5 of your remarkable road trip in England. Today you will explore Weybridge and Reigate, 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 Brighton. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

When you’ve had your share of Weybridge, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Reigate. Your travel time is around 43 min.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Brooklands Museum. This extraordinary transport museum has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 6,777 visitors.

Next, make your way to Mercedes-Benz World. This museum is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 7,116 reviews.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Reigate, 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 Weybridge to Reigate may take around 43 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Reigate, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Priory Park, a remarkable park where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 2,138 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Brighton. Brighton offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Check in at the hotel of your choice and take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Brighton. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Dive into a culinary adventure like no other in Brighton by booking a table at Flint House. This popular restaurant holds a Bib Gourmand award, and offers an exceptional menu of modern cuisine. For another culinary dining option, venture to Burnt Orange, celebrated for its delectable mediterranean menu. This acclaimed Bib Gourmand-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, ensuring an essential addition to your holiday itinerary. You might also want to secure a reservation at Tinto Taperia. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Brighton this evening.

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

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

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 6 of your road trip in England. Today, you will make 3 stops and experience some of the highlights of Brighton, Warningcamp, and Chichester. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Chichester, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Royal Pavilion. This much-appreciated palace is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars in 11,457 reviews.

Next up is Brighton i360. This observation tower has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 13,119 visitors.

Set your GPS to Warningcamp and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 42 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Warningcamp beckons with new experiences!

Drop by the renowned Arundel Castle. This popular house museum has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 10,535 visitors.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Chichester, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Chichester.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at The Ivy Chichester Brasserie, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? The White Horse offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Brasserie Blanc - Chichester. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Chichester.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at The Rocking Horse, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, The Hornet Alehouse offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation.

Relax and reminisce about your day in England and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

On day 7 of your exciting self-drive vacation in England, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Portsmouth. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Southampton, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Portsmouth. This car ride takes around 29 min.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is HMS Victory. Previous visitors have rated this first-rate an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 7,050 reviews.

Mary Rose Museum is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This maritime museum is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 5,672 reviews.

Another attraction you won't want to miss is Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. This military museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 14,679 reviews.

Spinnaker Tower is another outstanding experience in Portsmouth. Around 7,458 travelers have rated this observation tower an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Southampton, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

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

Enjoy a delicious meal at Lakaz Maman, a top-rated dining destination in Southampton. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Soleto Bistro, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Ennio's. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Southampton this evening.

Cap off your dinner by heading to The Hobbit Pub, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Firehouse is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, The Guide Dog is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in England!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 8 of your road trip in England. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - Salisbury and Bath. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Oxford. You will spend 2 nights here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Set your GPS to Salisbury and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 41 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Salisbury beckons with new experiences!

When you're ready to see some sights, Salisbury Cathedral is a great place to start. This anglican or episcopal cathedral is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 13,491 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Stonehenge. This tourist attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 51,913 travelers.

Bath’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Salisbury behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 3 min. Bath welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Make Roman Baths one of your first sightseeing stops in Bath. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 31,875 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Pulteney Bridge is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This road bridge is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 7,931 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Oxford. Oxford offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Check in at the hotel of your choice and take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Oxford's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Dine in style at The Big Society, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Antep Kitchen boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out The Victoria. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Oxford.

Keep the evening going at The Mad Hatter, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to The White Horse, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is The House, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in England!

At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Oxford, where you'll stay for 1 night more.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Oxford University Museum of Natural History, a remarkable natural history museum where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 10,413 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Covered Market. This market hall has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 9,506 travelers.

Oxford Castle is another must-visit attraction. This renowned castle offers a memorable experience, well worth a stop on your self-guided sightseeing tour. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 6,316 travelers, it's one of the more popular places to see in the area.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Oxford and set your GPS to Woodstock. 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 22 min. Upon reaching Woodstock, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Blenheim Palace. Previous visitors have rated this house museum an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 15,013 reviews.

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

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Oxford.

As a top-rated it is an ideal choice in the city. Enjoy a lovely meal at La Cucina, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Bbuona is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Kazbar Restaurant. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Oxford tonight.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at The Jolly Farmers, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Turf Tavern offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Sandy's Piano Bar provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Relax and reminisce about your day in England and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

On day 10 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 Eton, Maidstone, and Broomfield. In the evening, you’ll end up in Canterbury, where you will stay for 1 night.

Eton’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Oxford behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 4 min. Eton welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Journey into the unknown at St George's Chapel, Windsor, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable castle chapel has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 5,434 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Windsor Castle is a recommended place to visit. This historic house museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 53,263 reviews.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Eton and set your GPS to Maidstone. 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 22 min. Upon reaching Maidstone, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Mote Park. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 6,480 reviews.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Canterbury, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

As you explore more of Canterbury, 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.

Prepare for an extraordinary culinary adventure in Canterbury by booking a table at The Sportsman, a 1-star Michelin restaurant that boasts an exceptional modern british menu. If you're eager to try something different, consider Il Posticino, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Cafe du Soleil. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Canterbury this evening.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting The Bell & Crown, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Pegasus Tap Room is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Houdini’s Magic bar also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

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

Dive into day 11 of your remarkable road trip in England. Today you will explore Canterbury and Dover, 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 London. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Canterbury Cathedral. This extraordinary anglican or episcopal cathedral has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 11,666 visitors.

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

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is National Trust - The White Cliffs of Dover. Previous visitors have rated this park an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 4,887 reviews.

Dover Castle is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This castle is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 14,595 reviews.

At the end of the day, you will drive to London, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in London. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Make sure to book a table at The Red Lion, Parliament Street, a popular restaurant in London. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of London at Holiday Inn London - Bloomsbury, an IHG Hotel, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Another top-rated restaurant to try is The Wolseley. As a dining spot that gains consistently high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to London tonight.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in England!

Day 12 of your road trip in England is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of London before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

As your final day in England unfolds, don’t miss the chance for a last-minute shopping spree in London’s best shopping location. Your accommodation’s convenient location near the city’s shopping area offers the luxury of time, so you don’t have to limit yourself from leisurely strolling its streets amidst a collection of establishments.

Look for the perfect gift for your loved ones back home, or buy yourself a little keepsake to remind you of England. Keep the spirit of your trip to England alive with these special souvenirs.

Before you conclude your road trip in England, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in London.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Social Eating House, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? The Ivy offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu.

You’ll then say farewell to London. 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!