5-Day England Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Bristol to Cheltenham 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 Bristol, Bath, Stourton, Salisbury, Cheltenham, Gloucester, Rendcomb, and Westonbirt.

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary takes you through some of the best places to see in England. You will spend 3 nights in Bristol and 1 night in Cheltenham. 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 Bristol, 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 Roman Baths are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.

As you hit the open road and drive through Bristol, Bath, Stourton, Salisbury, Cheltenham, Gloucester, Rendcomb, and Westonbirt, 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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Driver’s age is 30 - 65
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Pick-up: 10:00
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Day1

Day 1

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

Bristol 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 Queen Square. Taking a stroll in the city center is a great alternative. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Bristol. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in England. We recommend staying at a central location for easy access to key areas in the city.

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 Bristol, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Dine in style at Radisson Blu Hotel, Bristol, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Hotel du Vin Bristol boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Avon Gorge by Hotel du Vin. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Bristol.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at The Boardroom, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Gin & Juice. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Watershed, another top-rated place in the area.

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

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Day2

Day 2

  • Bristol
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Drive 32 km, 1 hour 23 min

  • Blaise Castle Estate
  • Clifton Down
  • Clifton Suspension Bridge
  • Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery
  • Brunel's SS Great Britain
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On day 2 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to discover what to see in Bristol. You’ll stay in Bristol for 1 night.

Visiting Blaise Castle Estate is always a good idea. This intriguing castle is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike. Next, immerse yourself in the romantic wonders of Clifton Down, a must-see park in the city.

Consider stopping for a small bite to eat or a drink at a local eatery to keep your energy going. When you’re ready, continue your discovery with a visit to Clifton Suspension Bridge. This captivating monument offers an enriching experience. For a change of pace, head to Bristol City Museum And Art Gallery, where you can take in heritage-rich features. Conclude your self-guided sightseeing tour with a visit to Brunel's Ss Great Britain These sights offer a fulfilling end to a perfect day.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in England. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

Bring home unique finds from Bristol's bustling shopping hub, The Galleries Shopping Centre. Enjoy a leisurely exploration of unique stores where locals shop. Don’t forget to browse souvenirs and local specialties that make perfect gifts for your loved ones. Beyond shopping, The Galleries Shopping Centre offers plenty of options, including restaurants, primary services, unique landmarks, and community events.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Bristol. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Start your culinary exploration in Bristol by securing a reservation at COR. This renowned restaurant holds a Bib Gourmand award and offers an exceptional menu of modern british cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Bulrush, celebrated for its delectable modern british menu. This acclaimed 1-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday. Looking for a different experience? Discover Blaise Inn, a top local spot known for its tantalizing traditional menu. With a Bib Gourmand recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Hyde & Co, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Bar Humbug. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Filthy Xiii, another top-rated place in the area.

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

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Day3

Day 3

  • Bristol
  • Bath
  • Stourton
  • Salisbury
  • Cheltenham
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Drive 201 km, 3 hours 41 min

  • Thermae Bath Spa
  • Roman Baths
  • Pulteney Bridge
  • Stourhead
  • Stonehenge
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On day 3 of your road trip in England, your travel plans include 3 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Bath, Stourton, and Salisbury are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Cheltenham, where you will stay for 1 night.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Bristol, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Bath. This drive usually takes around 42 min.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Thermae Bath Spa, a locally appreciated spa that everyone visiting Bath should see. Next, head to Roman Baths. This UNESCO world heritage-listed archeological site is one of the most locally renowned attractions in the region.

If you're keen to see more, don’t miss out on Pulteney Bridge, a romantic historical landmark popular among locals as well as travelers.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Bath, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Stourton. This drive usually takes around 43 min.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Stourhead, a well-known park that everyone visiting Stourton should see.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Salisbury may take around 32 min. Upon your arrival in Salisbury, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Spend your afternoon discovering Stonehenge, an extraordinary archeological site known for its historic features.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Cheltenham. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the town.

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

Experience a harmony of flavors at Le Champignon Sauvage in Cheltenham by securing a reservation in advance. Known for its 1-star Michelin status, Le Champignon Sauvage offers a delightful variety of dishes highlighting its delicious modern menu. If you're seeking an alternative culinary experience, be sure to explore Lumière, a highly recommended restaurant known for its enticing modern cuisine. This popular 1-star Michelin-awarded venue consistently exceeds expectations, ensuring a memorable holiday experience.

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

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Day4

Day 4

  • Cheltenham
  • Gloucester
  • Rendcomb
  • Westonbirt
  • Bristol
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Drive 129 km, 2 hours 16 min

  • Gloucester Cathedral
  • Cotswolds AONB
  • Westonbirt Arboretum
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Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 4 of your road trip in England. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 3 places, which are Gloucester, Rendcomb, and Westonbirt. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Bristol, where will spend 1 night.

Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Gloucester.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Rendcomb may take around 34 min. Upon your arrival in Rendcomb, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Gloucester Cathedral. Spend some time admiring the historic features of the church before you continue to your next stop.

Set your GPS to Rendcomb and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 34 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Rendcomb beckons with new experiences!

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Cotswolds Aonb and explore the romantic features.

Set your GPS to Westonbirt and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 40 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Westonbirt beckons with new experiences!

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Westonbirt Arboretum. Spend some time admiring the stunning features of the botanical garden before you continue to your next stop.

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

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Bristol. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Dine in style at Rainbow Casino Bristol, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Bravas boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Future Inn Bristol Cabot Circus. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Bristol.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting London Cocktail Club, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Brozen Bar - Bristol is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, The Clockwork Rose also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

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Day5

Day 5

  • Bristol - Departure day
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  • Brandon Hill
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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 Bristol 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, we recommend visiting Brandon Hill, Bristol, a romantic park before you head out.

Make the most of your final day in England by visiting Bristol’s iconic markets and shopping establishments in the buzzing Cabot Circus. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing vacation. You can also browse through boutiques for stylish fashion choices.

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

Have a fantastic dining experience at Catch22 Restaurant, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Pieminister offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu.

You’ll then say farewell to Bristol. 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.

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

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