5-Day England Road Trip from Manchester traveling south to Stratford-on-Avon, and Birmingham

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 Cathedral Gardens or 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 in Manchester. 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.

Make sure to reserve a table at Premier Inn Manchester Central hotel, an iconic dining spot in Manchester. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Fazenda Manchester, a popular restaurant in Manchester. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Peaky Blinders Manchester, a hidden gem nestled in Manchester. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Kimpton Clocktower Hotel after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Corbieres Bar for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Directors Box is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

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

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, and Dunham Town. In the evening, you’ll end up in Stratford-on-Avon, where you will stay for 1 night.

Make Manchester Art Gallery one of your first sightseeing stops in Manchester. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 9,279 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Science and Industry Museum is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This science museum is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 17,698 reviews. Up to 830,000 travelers visit this site every year to make their time in Manchester special.

Today is also the perfect opportunity to drop by Heaton Park. This english country house has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 14,359 visitors.

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

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is National Trust - Dunham Massey. Previous visitors have rated this park an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 10,591 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of your accommodation in Stratford-on-Avon. Stratford-on-Avon offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

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

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Garrick. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in England!

Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in England. Today you will explore Stratford-on-Avon, Warwick, and Leavesden, 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.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at The Mad Museum, a remarkable 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 2,354 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Shakespeare's Birthplace. This birth house has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 16,619 travelers.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Warwick. This drive usually takes around 19 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Drop by the renowned Warwick Castle. This popular castle has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 21,820 visitors.

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

Get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey in Birmingham by reserving a table at Purnell's. Renowned as a 1-star Michelin restaurant, it offers an exceptional modern menu. For a different taste experience, head to Opheem, recognized for its delicious indian dishes. This 2-star Michelin restaurant consistently impresses guests, ensuring a memorable addition to your holiday. Looking for another option? Make sure to visit Adam's, a local favorite known for its delightful modern cuisine in Birmingham. Nestled in the heart of the city, this restaurant with 1 Michelin star is an ideal choice for discerning modern foodies seeking culinary excellence.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Equator Bar Birmingham stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Bacchus Bar offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Be At One - Brindley Place Birmingham is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

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

On day 4 of your exciting self-drive vacation in England, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Alrewas, and Alton. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Manchester, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Set your GPS to Alrewas 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. Alrewas beckons with new experiences!

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to National Memorial Arboretum. This extraordinary arboretum is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 12,319 visitors.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Alrewas, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Alton. This drive usually takes around 54 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Alton Towers Resort. This amusement park is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 50,421 reviews.

Next up, make your way to The Smiler. This steel roller coaster has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,390 reviews.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Manchester, 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 Manchester. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at MR THOMAS'S CHOP HOUSE, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Sam's Chop House offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Annies. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Manchester.

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

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

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.

As your final day in England unfolds, enjoy a last-minute shopping spree in Manchester's best shopping area. Enjoy finding the perfect gift or keepsake to remind you of your wonderful trip to England.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Alan Turing Memorial. This much-appreciated point of interest is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars in 1,462 reviews.

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

Enjoy a lovely meal at Browns Manchester, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Bill's Spinningfields Restaurant is another top choice with a popular 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!