12-Day England Road Trip from Southampton traveling east to Oxford, Nottingham, Birmingham, London, and Canterbury

On day 2 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 Southampton. In the evening, you’ll end up in Oxford, where you will stay for 1 night.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Mayflower Park. This extraordinary park has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,453 visitors.

Next, make your way to Southampton City Art Gallery. This art museum is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 599 reviews.

While in Southampton, we also recommend a visit to SeaCity Museum. This maritime museum has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 2,539 reviews.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Solent Sky. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,033 travelers, this aviation museum is a highly recommended stop on your sightseeing around Southampton.

Make your way to Southampton Common, perhaps the most famous common land in Southampton. This attraction is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 5,033 reviews.

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

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

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

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to The Mad Hatter, known for its inviting atmosphere. The White Horse is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, The House provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

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

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 3 of your road trip in England. Today, you will make 4 stops and experience some of the highlights of Oxford, Woodstock, Stratford-on-Avon, and Warwick. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Nottingham, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Covered Market. This much-appreciated market hall is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars in 9,506 reviews.

Next up is Oxford University Museum of Natural History. This natural history museum has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 10,413 visitors.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Oxford, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Woodstock. This drive usually takes around 24 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Blenheim Palace. This house museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 15,013 visitors.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Nottingham. Nottingham 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 dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Nottingham. 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.

Experience a harmony of flavors at Kushi-Ya in Nottingham by securing a reservation in advance. Known for its Bib Gourmand status, Kushi-Ya offers a delightful variety of dishes highlighting its delicious japanese menu. If you're seeking an alternative culinary experience, be sure to explore alchemilla, a highly recommended restaurant known for its enticing modern british cuisine. This popular 1-star Michelin-awarded venue consistently exceeds expectations, ensuring a memorable holiday experience. Ready for another culinary adventure? Indulge your senses at Ibérico World Tapas, a highly acclaimed restaurant celebrated for its exceptional mediterranean and asian influences menu.

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

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

Dive into day 4 of your remarkable road trip in England. Today you will explore Castleton, Edensor, Alrewas, and Lichfield, 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 Birmingham. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Castleton. This car ride takes around 1 hour 27 min.

Take the opportunity to see Peak District National Park. This attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 32,768 visitors.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Edensor. This drive usually takes around 30 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Kick off the day at Chatsworth House, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This english country house is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 20,015 reviews.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Birmingham, 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 Birmingham.

Begin your culinary exploration in Birmingham by securing a reservation at Purnell's. This renowned restaurant offers an exceptional menu of modern cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Opheem, celebrated for its delectable indian menu. This acclaimed 2-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday. Looking for a different experience? Discover Adam's, a top local spot known for its tantalizing modern menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Equator Bar Birmingham, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Bacchus Bar is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Be At One - Brindley Place Birmingham also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

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

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 5 of your road trip in England. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 4 vibrant destinations - Birmingham, Dudley, Sutton Coldfield, and Leavesden. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in London. You will spend 5 nights here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Journey into the unknown at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable art museum has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 8,255 reviews. Every year, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery welcomes more than 856,000 curious visitors.

Set your GPS to Dudley and hit the road. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Dudley beckons with new experiences!

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Black Country Living Museum. This living museum is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Dudley, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 11,335 visitors.

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.

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

Esteemed as a restaurant, it features an exceptional menu. Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Cahoots London, a top-rated dining spot in London. If you're in the mood for something new, try Bill's Soho Restaurant, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Estiatorio Milos. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in London.

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

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

On day 6 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in London, where you'll stay for 4 nights more.

Take the opportunity to see Madame Tussauds London. This attraction has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 71,843 visitors.

Regent's Park is another sightseeing hotspot in the area. This park has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 44,079 travelers.

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 13 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Buckingham Palace. This royal palace is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 164,776 visitors.

St James's Park is another popular attraction you could visit today. This park has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 55,261 visitors.

Set your GPS to Camden Town and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 13 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Camden Town beckons with new experiences!

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 for the day, you’ll return to London and your accommodation.

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

Make sure to book a table at The Palomar, 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 Berners Tavern, 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 Burger & Lobster Leicester Square. As a dining spot that gains consistently high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to London tonight.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by going to a bar or two. Artesian is an excellent place to start. You could also check out American Bar, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Old Shades. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in England!

Day 7 of your road trip across England promises a magnificent time exploring London. You have 3 nights left in London. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Your discoveries in London do not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in London on this day of your trip. You can select your tours below.

As you explore more of London, 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.

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.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Scarfes Bar, known for its lively atmosphere. BFI IMAX is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, The Old Bank of England offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the 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 in England.

At the end of the day, you'll drive back to London, where you'll stay for 2 nights more.

Upon your arrival in Westminster, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

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.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Richmond, 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 Kensington to Richmond may take around 19 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Richmond, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Science Museum. This science museum typically receives around 2,989,000 visitors every year and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 65,368 reviews.

Continue your journey at Victoria and Albert Museum. This museum is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 55,517 travelers from near and far. Approximately 3,932,738 people come to this place of interest every year to enjoy a unique experience in Kensington.

After soaking in Kensington’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Richmond. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 19 min. When you arrive in Richmond, it's time to take a break from the road.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. This much-appreciated non-departmental public body is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars in 45,021 reviews.

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

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

Enjoy a delicious meal at Smith & Wollensky, a highly-rated dining destination in London. If you're eager to try something different, consider Hawksmoor Air Street, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Premier Inn London County Hall hotel. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in London this evening.

Keep the evening going at The Ship & Shovell, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink.

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

Day 9 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Westminster for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Big Ben. This much-appreciated cultural icon is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars in 61,373 reviews.

Next up is Trafalgar Square. This square has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 121,847 visitors.

Another top sightseeing recommendation is National Gallery. This art museum has been rated 4.7 out of 5 stars in 48,134 reviews. Every year, 6,011,007 travelers include this attraction on their travel itinerary.

You can learn more about Westminster today by going on a tour. Westminster offers many top-rated tours and unique experiences that will inspire you. You can browse and select your favorites below.

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

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.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in England!

On day 10 of your exciting self-drive vacation in England, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, Broomfield, Dover, and Canterbury. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Canterbury, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

When you’ve had your share of Broomfield, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Dover. Your travel time is around 50 min.

When you're ready to see some sights, Leeds Castle is a great place to start. This house museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 11,372 visitors.

Dover’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Broomfield behind. This drive usually takes around 50 min. Dover welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Take the opportunity to see Dover Castle. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 14,595 visitors.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Canterbury. Canterbury 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 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.

Set out on a gastronomic journey in Canterbury by reserving a table at The Sportsman. Renowned for its , this restaurant presents an outstanding menu of modern british cuisine. Looking for something different? Il Posticino offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Cafe du Soleil. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Canterbury.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by going to a bar or two. The Bell & Crown is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Pegasus Tap Room, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Houdini’s Magic bar. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

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

On day 11 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, Cheapside, and Winchester. In the evening, you’ll end up in Southampton, where you will stay for 1 night.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Eton, 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 Canterbury to Eton may take around 1 hour 46 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Eton, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Make Windsor Castle one of your first sightseeing stops in Eton. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 53,263 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

St George's Chapel, Windsor is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This castle chapel is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 5,434 reviews.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Cheapside. This car ride takes around 17 min.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Windsor Great Park. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 4,319 reviews.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Southampton, 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 are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Southampton. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

This renowned restaurant holds , and offers an exceptional menu of cuisine. Make sure to reserve a table at The Bedford, an iconic dining spot in Southampton. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Smugglers Bar & Restaurant, a popular restaurant in Southampton. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Bill's Southampton Restaurant, a hidden gem nestled in Southampton. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Beards & Boards Craft Beer Bar, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. London Hotel is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Heartbreakers is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

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