Travel packages in England

Road trips in England

5-Day England Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Bournemouth to Southampton and surrounding area

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Photo of Bournemouth garden park in the summer. A lot of people are here for relax with giant balloon.

Photo of the sun rises over the sea at Bournemouth illuminating the clouds and the sea.

5-Day England Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Bournemouth to Southampton and surrounding area

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Experience the freedom of the open road on an unforgettable 5-day road trip in England! Embark on a self-drive tour that caters to every traveler, featuring destinations like Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole, Stourton, Horningsham, Salisbury, Southampton, Ashley Heath, Corfe Castle, West Lulworth, and Bovington.

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary takes you through some of the best places to see in England. You will spend 3 nights in Bournemouth and 1 night in Southampton. Anticipate well-spent days sightseeing, eating delicious food, and experiencing the highlights of each destination!

With this travel package, you can choose from an extensive selection of accommodations along your road trip route in England. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, including options for each budget. Whether you are in the mood for luxurious 5-star hotels or budget-friendly bed and breakfasts, we have you covered.

Upon arriving in Bournemouth, the rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for collection. From there, the road trip can begin! Experience the ultimate freedom and uncover England on your own terms.

An expertly curated travel plan makes sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things to see and do on your road trip in England. Stonehenge and Longleat Safari Park are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.

As you hit the open road and drive through Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole, Stourton, Horningsham, Salisbury, Southampton, Ashley Heath, Corfe Castle, West Lulworth, and Bovington, you will also enjoy plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of England. Whether you are exploring enchanting towns and villages, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there is always something new and exciting to experience in England.

Throughout your road trip in England, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in England.

This package offers an all-in-one solution for your trip planning - choose flights, a rental car, accommodations, attractions, and tours that suit your needs and desires. You can customize each day of your road trip itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking.

The best services in England fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your road trip in England today!

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Day1

Day 1

Bournemouth - Arrival day
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Bournemouth Parks - Lower Gardens
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Your road trip adventure in England begins as soon as you reach Bournemouth and pick up your car. You’ll stay here for 2 nights and explore what to see in Bournemouth, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the town.

Bournemouth is a beautiful town 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 Bournemouth Parks - Lower Gardens. Taking a stroll in the town center is a great alternative. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

When you're ready for some downtime, make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Bournemouth. Make yourself at home and unwind before heading out again.

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

Make sure to reserve a table at Slug & Lettuce Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, 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 Hermitage Hotel Bournemouth, 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 Premier Inn Bournemouth East (Boscombe) hotel, a hidden gem nestled in Bournemouth. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Smokin' Aces - Cocktail Bar & Whiskey Lounge, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Felsons Bournemouth provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Brewdog Bournemouth offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

Raise a toast to the start of your 5-day road trip in England!

Day2

Day 2

Bournemouth
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
Poole
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Drive 50 km, 1 hour 49 min

Mudeford Quay
Christchurch Priory
Bournemouth Beach
Boscombe Pier
Hamworthy Park
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On day 2 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Bournemouth, where you still have 1 night left. You'll spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate town, including Christchurch, Bournemouth, and Poole.

Let Bournemouth Beach set the tone for the day. Spend some time admiring this idyllic beach before continuing your journey. Boscombe Pier is your next stop. This often recommended pier is one of the best-rated sights in Bournemouth.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Christchurch, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Bournemouth. This drive usually takes around 14 min.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Mudeford Quay, an underrated pier in Christchurch. Explore its romantic features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next attraction, Christchurch Priory. This underrated church is a top recommendation in the area.

Set your GPS to Poole and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 27 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Poole beckons with new experiences!

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Hamworthy Park Junior School. Spend some time admiring the stunning features of the park before you continue to your next stop.

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

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

Have a fantastic dining experience at Aruba, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Langtry Manor Hotel offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, The Green House is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Bournemouth.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Be At One - Bournemouth, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Eden offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Bournemouth. The Four Horsemen Pub is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

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

Day3

Day 3

Bournemouth
Stourton
Horningsham
Salisbury
Southampton
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Drive 182 km, 3 hours 23 min

Stourhead
Longleat
Stonehenge
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Your itinerary for day 3 of your road trip in England includes 3 stops and features some of the highlights of Stourton, Horningsham, and Salisbury. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Southampton, where you'll spend 1 night.

Horningsham’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Stourton behind. This drive usually takes around 30 min. Horningsham welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Stourhead and explore the eye-catching features.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Horningsham. This car ride takes around 30 min.

Our first attraction recommendation in Horningsham is Longleat Safari Park, a captivating safari park that draws attention for its standout features.

When you’ve had your share of Horningsham, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Salisbury. Your travel time is around 35 min.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the village's best attractions, visit Stonehenge, an extraordinary archeological site that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Southampton. Southampton offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

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

Enjoy a delicious meal at Dhaba 59 Sports Bar & Grill, a top-rated dining destination in Southampton. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Blue Island, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Shenanigans. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Southampton this evening.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Oasis Bar, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, The Hobbit Pub provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, 5 Rivers Sport Bar & Grill offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

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

Day4

Day 4

Southampton
Ashley Heath
Corfe Castle
West Lulworth
Bournemouth
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Drive 159 km, 3 hours 3 min

Moors Valley Country Park & Forest
Corfe Castle
Durdle Door
Lulworth Cove
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On day 4 of your road trip in England, your travel plans include 4 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Ashley Heath, Corfe Castle, West Lulworth, and Bovington are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Bournemouth, where you will stay for 1 night.

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

Set your GPS to Ashley Heath 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. Ashley Heath beckons with new experiences!

Spend your afternoon discovering Moors Valley Country Park & Forest, an often recommended park known for its visually striking features.

When you’ve had your share of Ashley Heath, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Corfe Castle. Your travel time is around 46 min.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the village's best attractions, visit Corfe Castle, a notable castle that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — West Lulworth, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Corfe Castle to West Lulworth may take around 24 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in West Lulworth, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Durdle Door and explore the majestic features. Next, make your way to Lulworth Cove, another highlight in West Lulworth.

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

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Bournemouth. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Harvester Neptune Bournemouth, a top-rated dining spot in Bournemouth. If you're in the mood for something new, try The Cumberland Hotel Bournemouth, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at The Nici. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Bournemouth.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, The Moon In The Square - Jd Wetherspoon stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail.

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

Day5

Day 5

Bournemouth - Departure day
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Bournemouth Upper Gardens
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Day 5 of your road trip in England is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Bournemouth before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

If you're up for some more sightseeing, begin at Bournemouth Upper Gardens. This up-and-coming park is a hotspot among locals.

For a last-minute shopping spree in Bournemouth, Westbourne is nearby. Enjoy a variety of retail stores, dining options, and essential services in one convenient location. When you need a break, visit a cafe and relax with a cup of coffee or tea.

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

You’ll then say farewell to Bournemouth. 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!

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Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.

Personalize your itinerary

Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.

Easily make changes

Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.

Enjoy seamless planning

With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.

Explore with confidence

From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.

Secure your spot

Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.

Get instant confirmation

Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.

Personalize your itinerary

Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.

Easily make changes

Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.

Enjoy seamless planning

With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.

Explore with confidence

From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.

We guarantee

Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

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