Relaxed 12-Day England Road Trip from Southampton to Oxford and London

On day 3 of your leisurely self-drive tour across England, you’ll go deep into Southampton, where you'll stay for 1 night, 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 Southampton, and meet locals along the way!

Your sightseeing of the day begins at East Park, a remarkable park where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 804 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at SeaCity Museum. This maritime museum has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,539 travelers.

Southampton City Art Gallery is another must-visit attraction. This renowned art museum offers a memorable experience, well worth a stop on your self-guided sightseeing tour. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 599 travelers, it's one of the more popular places to see in the area.

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.

Exploring the food culture in Southampton 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.

Esteemed as a restaurant, it features an exceptional menu. Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Anesti Limited T/A Sulas Greek Taverna, a top-rated dining spot in Southampton. If you're in the mood for something new, try Everest Cuisine, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at CRIB Shuffleboard Cocktail & Pizza Bar. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Southampton.

Hang out and unwind at some of the top bars in Southampton.

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

Day 4 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 city of Salisbury. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Oxford, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 2 nights.

Salisbury’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Southampton behind. This drive usually takes around 43 min. Salisbury welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is National Trust - Mompesson House. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 517 reviews.

Continue your journey at Salisbury Cathedral. This anglican or episcopal cathedral is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 13,491 travelers from near and far.

Salisbury is also the home of Stonehenge. This tourist attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 51,913 visitors.

In the city of Oxford, you’ll find plenty of stay options that will accommodate your need for rest and relaxation after spending your day on the road. Our top recommendations perfectly complement your relaxed road trip vacation in England.

Exploring the food culture in Oxford 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.

Savor the flavors at The Big Society, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Antep Kitchen beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider The Victoria. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Oxford tonight.

After dinner, you can choose between heading back to your hotel to recharge, taking a leisurely stroll, or going out to a bar for a relaxed drink in great company.

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.

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.

Your laid-back and relaxed road trip in England continues on day 5, 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 Woodstock and beyond. With 1 night left in Oxford, you’ll have enough time to eat and unwind at popular restaurants and bars in the town.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Oxford Castle. This castle is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 6,316 visitors.

Carfax Tower Tower Of The Church Of St Martin Carfax is another popular attraction you could visit today. This steeple has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,639 visitors.

Covered Market is also highly recommended by travelers. This market hall has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 9,506 visitors.

Oxford University Museum of Natural History is an attraction you won’t want to miss. This natural history museum is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 10,413 reviews.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Woodstock. This car ride takes around 25 min.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Blenheim Palace. This house museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 15,013 visitors.

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

Exploring the food culture in Oxford 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.

Have a fantastic dining experience at La Cucina, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Bbuona offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Kazbar Restaurant is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Oxford.

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

Continue your lively evening at The Jolly Farmers, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Turf Tavern is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Sandy's Piano Bar ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

Raise your glass in celebration of your freedom and relaxed road trip adventure in England!

Day 6 of your self-drive tour in England is your opportunity to see and experience the diversity of the country. You’ll stay in London for 5 nights. Along the route of your relaxed road trip, you can get a glimpse of the locals’ way of life and visit some of the most amazing locations in England.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Leavesden, 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 Oxford to Leavesden may take around 1 hour 1 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Leavesden, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter. This exhibition room is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 82,133 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Diagon Alley. This point of interest has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 600 reviews.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Watford. This drive usually takes around 11 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Cassiobury Park. This park is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Watford, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 7,300 visitors.

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

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of England. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in London, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Cahoots London, a top-rated dining destination in London. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Bill's Soho Restaurant, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Estiatorio Milos. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in London 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 London. The bars in London make the perfect setting for a laid-back drink and chilled hangout with your travel companions.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Bar Américain, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, The Connaught Bar provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Bar Polski offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

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

On day 7 of your relaxed road trip, you’ll start your self-paced adventure in the city of London and visit amazing attractions in England that travel enthusiasts from around the world often include in their itineraries. Today is also another excellent opportunity to dine at some of the top-rated restaurants and bars in England.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Westminster, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Upon arrival in Westminster, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Journey into the unknown at Hyde Park, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 126,766 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Royal Albert Hall is a recommended place to visit. This concert hall is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 37,841 reviews.

When you’ve had your share of Kensington, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Richmond. Your travel time is around 19 min.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Science Museum. This much-appreciated science museum is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars in 65,368 reviews. Each year, 2,989,000 people visit this site to admire its unique features.

Next up is Victoria and Albert Museum. This museum has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 55,517 visitors. As one of the top places to visit in the city, Victoria and Albert Museum welcomes 3,932,738 visitors annually.

When you’ve had your share of Kensington, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Richmond. Your travel time is around 19 min.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Previous visitors have rated this non-departmental public body an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 45,021 reviews.

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

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.

Enjoy a delicious meal at The Palomar, a highly-rated dining destination in London. If you're eager to try something different, consider Berners Tavern, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Burger & Lobster Leicester Square. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in London this evening.

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.

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.

Grab a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your relaxed road trip experience in England!

On day 8 of your relaxed road trip across England, you’ll explore the area around London, where you’ll be staying for another 3 nights. With so many fun and inspiring experiences to offer, a tour of London will make you fall even more in love with the city and uniqueness of England.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Regent's Park. This extraordinary park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 44,079 visitors.

Next, make your way to Madame Tussauds London. This top attraction is a wax museum with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 71,843 visitors.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Camden Town. This drive usually takes around 11 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Kick off the day at British Museum, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. Attracting approximately 5,906,716 visits every year, this attraction is a must-see. This national museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 148,750 reviews.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Camden Town. This car ride takes around 11 min.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Tower of London. This castle is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in London, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 101,481 visitors. Around 2,741,126 people visit this attraction every year.

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

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.

Make sure to book a table at Rules, 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 Hawksmoor Seven Dials, 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 Simpson's in the Strand. As a dining spot that gains consistently high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to London tonight.

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.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Scarfes Bar offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, BFI IMAX is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. The Old Bank of England is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

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

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like National Gallery. This extraordinary art museum has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 48,134 visitors. Each year, around 6,011,007 people visit this remarkable site to admire its features and learn more about it.

Next, make your way to Trafalgar Square. This square is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 121,847 reviews.

While in London, we also recommend a visit to Big Ben. This cultural icon has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 61,373 reviews.

Another way to make your easygoing and relaxed road trip in England more special is by joining unique tours and activities in England. London offers a wide selection of experiences for every traveler.

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.

Make sure to reserve a table at Smith & Wollensky, 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 Air Street, 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 Premier Inn London County Hall hotel, a hidden gem nestled in London. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

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

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting The Ship & Shovell, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out.

Savor the rest of the night and celebrate another incredible relaxed road trip adventure in the magical London!

Day 10 of your relaxed road trip through England means 24 hours of making the best memories in Greenwich. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by the town of Greenwich!

England makes the perfect setting for a calming but fun exploration. Aside from amazing sights, England also offers plenty of tours to enhance your relaxed road trip experience.

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 The Red Lion, Parliament Street, a top-rated dining destination in London. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Holiday Inn London - Bloomsbury, an IHG Hotel, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at The Wolseley. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in London this evening.

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.

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