5-Day England Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Manchester traveling north to York and Windermere

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Explore the best of England on a 5-day road trip! Uncover hidden gems and experience the rich culture firsthand as you journey through Manchester, York, Windermere, Rydal, and Ambleside. This road trip itinerary in England seamlessly combines exploration with relaxation.

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary in England takes you through some of the best places to see in the country. You will spend 2 nights in Manchester, 1 night in York, and 1 night in Windermere. 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 got you covered.

Upon arriving in Manchester, 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. Lake District National Park and National Railway Museum are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery. Marvel at the remarkable York Minster, learn more about the unique Science And Industry Museum, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Heaton Park.

As you hit the open road and drive through Manchester, York, Windermere, Rydal, and Ambleside, 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, accommodation, 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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Itinerary summary

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Days
Destination
Attractions
Overnight
Day
City & Overnight
Attractions
Northern Quarter
Manchester Art GalleryManchester CathedralScience and Industry MuseumThe Crystal Maze LIVE ExperienceHeaton Park
Jorvik Viking CentreYork DungeonShambles MarketYork MinsterNational Railway Museum YorkRowntree Park
The World of Beatrix Potter AttractionWindermereLake District National ParkRydal Mount & GardensRydal CaveStock Ghyll Force
Sackville Garden

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Day 1

Day 1

  • Manchester - Arrival day
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  • Northern Quarter
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Your road trip adventure in England begins as soon as you reach Manchester and pick up your car. You’ll stay in Manchester for 1 night 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.

Manchester 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 Northern Quarter, a must-see neighborhood, and taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

Make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Manchester. Make yourself at home and enjoy some downtime 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 Manchester, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Premier Inn Manchester Central hotel, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Fazenda Manchester is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Peaky Blinders Manchester. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Manchester tonight.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Corbieres Bar offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Manchester. Directors Box is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

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

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Day 2

Day 2

  • Manchester
  • York
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Drive 120 km, 2 hours 9 min

  • Manchester Art Gallery
  • Manchester Cathedral
  • Science and Industry Museum
  • The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience
  • Heaton Park
  • More

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 Manchester. In the evening, you’ll end up in York, where you will stay for 1 night.

Get ready for an exciting day in Manchester. Today’s sightseeing agenda includes an art gallery, a church, a museum, an escape room, a park and much more! Begin your adventure at Manchester Art Gallery. This is an often recommended art gallery you should not miss. Another must-see is Manchester Cathedral, a worthwhile church in Manchester.

When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Science And Industry Museum. From there, take a leisurely stroll to The Crystal Maze Live Experience, another of the city’s locally appreciated attractions. We recommend continuing your self-guided tour at Heaton Park, a history-steeped place of interest in the city.

At the end of the day, you will drive to York, 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 York's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Yakamoz, a highly-rated dining destination in York. If you're eager to try something different, consider House Of The Trembling Madness, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Turtle Bay York. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in York this evening.

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

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in England!

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Day 3

Day 3

  • York
  • Bowness-on-Windermere
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Drive 182 km, 3 hours 10 min

  • Jorvik Viking Centre
  • York Dungeon
  • Shambles Market
  • York Minster
  • National Railway Museum York
  • Rowntree Park
  • More

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 3 of your road trip in England. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - York. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Windermere. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Get ready to discover some of the most iconic wonders in York, including a museum, a haunted house, a market, a church, a park and much more! Start your day at Jorvik Viking Centre. This instagrammable museum is a captivating place to see in York. Then, wander over to York Dungeon. If instagrammable sites excite you, this haunted house will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Shambles Market. This visually striking market is a favorite among visitors.

York offers plenty to explore, ensuring every moment of your visit is filled with excitement and discovery. If you're up for more, York Minster is a popular spot in the city that will captivate you with its unique charm. When you’re done at the church, don’t forget to check out the instagrammable National Railway Museum. Take a moment to appreciate the fascinating details of this captivating museum in York.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Windermere. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the town.

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

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

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Day 4

Day 4

  • Bowness-on-Windermere
  • Manchester
  • More

Drive 198 km, 3 hours 44 min

  • The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction
  • Windermere
  • Lake District National Park
  • Rydal Mount & Gardens
  • Rydal Cave
  • Stock Ghyll Force
  • More

On day 4 of your exciting self-drive vacation in England, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, Windermere, Rydal, and Ambleside. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Manchester, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several family-friendly attractions, picturesque spots, and historic treasures. Whether you decide to explore Windermere on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. The World Of Beatrix Potter Attraction is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this eye-catching museum before continuing your journey. Windermere is your next stop. This increasingly popular lake is one of the best-rated sights in Windermere.

Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Lake District National Park. This serene national park is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Rydal Mount and Rydal Cave. If time allows, end your day with Stock Ghyll Force, a mesmerizing waterfall that offers a memorable conclusion to your exploration.

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

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

Enjoy a delicious meal at MR THOMAS'S CHOP HOUSE, a top-rated dining destination in Manchester. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Sam's Chop House, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Annies. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Manchester this evening.

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

Say good night to Manchester and look forward to another great day of your road trip in England!

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Day 5

Day 5

  • Manchester - Departure day
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  • Sackville Garden
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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 Manchester 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 Sackville Gardens, a noteworthy park before you head out.

Explore local shops for souvenirs to remember your trip or find unique gifts for loved ones.

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

If you're in the mood for something new, try Bill's Spinningfields Restaurant, another premier location with a delectable menu.

You’ll then say farewell to Manchester. 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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