5-Day England Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Penzance to Exeter and surrounding area
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Description
Explore the best of England on a 5-day road trip! Uncover hidden gems and experience the rich culture firsthand as you journey through Penzance, Tintagel, Tresillian, Porthcurno, Brixham, Paignton, Exeter, Salcombe Regis, and Tavistock. 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 3 nights in Penzance and 1 night in Exeter. 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 Penzance, 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. Tintagel Castle and Dartmoor National Park are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.
As you hit the open road and drive through Penzance, Tintagel, Tresillian, Porthcurno, Brixham, Paignton, Exeter, Salcombe Regis, and Tavistock, 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!
Itinerary summary
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Day 1 – Penzance - arrival day
- Penzance - Arrival day
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Say hello to Penzance! Your exciting road trip through England is just about to start. Navigating the top places to see in the region is a breeze with a car. The rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for pickup upon your arrival in the town. You will stay in Penzance for 2 nights before you continue your adventure!
Penzance 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 Jubilee Pool Penzance Pool & Cafe or taking a stroll in the town center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.
As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Penzance. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in England. We recommend staying at a hotel in a central location for easy access to the best attractions, restaurants, and bars in the town.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Penzance. 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.
Dine in style at Old Lifeboat House Bistro, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Smugglers Den boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out The Quirky Bird Cafe. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Penzance.
Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. One And All is an excellent place to start. You could also check out The Crown, offering a different kind of charm.
Raise a toast to the start of your 5-day road trip in England!
Day 2 – Penzance, Tintagel, Trebyan, Pengrugla, and Tresillian
- Penzance
- Tintagel
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Drive 231 km, 4 hours 26 min
- Tintagel Castle
- National Trust - Lanhydrock
- Lost Gardens of Heligan
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On day 2 of your road trip in England, you’ll start and end your day in Penzance, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the town. Since you will return to Penzance for 1 night more, there’s no need to rush. Experience Tintagel, Trebyan, Pengrugla, Tresillian, and Penzance to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!
When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Tintagel, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Trebyan. This drive usually takes around 45 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.
One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Tintagel Castle. Spend some time admiring the enchanting features of the castle before you continue to your next stop.
Set your GPS to Trebyan and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 45 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Trebyan beckons with new experiences!
Spend your afternoon discovering National Trust - Lanhydrock, a locally appreciated castle known for its breathtaking features.
As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Trebyan, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Pengrugla may take around 37 min. Upon your arrival in Pengrugla, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.
Make your way to Lost Gardens Of Heligan, a popular botanical garden that draws attention for its serene features.
When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Penzance.
After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Penzance's best restaurants.
Dine in style at The Navy Inn, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Bakehouse boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Hellys Deli Bar Cafe. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Penzance.
Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in England!
Day 3 – Penzance, Porthcurno, Brixham, Paignton, and Exeter
- Penzance
- Porthcurno
- Brixham
- Paignton
- Exeter
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Drive 258 km, 4 hours 22 min
- Minack Theatre
- Brixham Harbour
- Paignton Zoo
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Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 3 of your road trip in England. Today, you will make 3 stops and experience some of the highlights of Porthcurno, Brixham, and Paignton. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Exeter, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.
Immerse yourself in Porthcurno’s rich culture with today's sightseeing itinerary.
When you’ve had your share of Porthcurno, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Brixham. Your travel time is around 2 hours 53 min.
Make your way to Minack Theatre, an interesting performing arts theater that draws attention for its respected features.
As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Porthcurno, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Brixham may take around 2 hours 53 min. Upon your arrival in Brixham, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.
Berry Head National Nature Reserve is an underrated nature reserve we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its eye-catching features before continuing your self-guided tour to Brixham Harbour, an enchanting marina that’s well-regarded in the area.
Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Brixham and set your GPS to Paignton. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 18 min. Upon reaching Paignton, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.
Your self-guided tour starts at Paignton Zoo, a popular zoo that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Exeter. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.
As you explore more of Exeter, 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.
Don’t miss out on dining at The Last Drop, a top-rated dining destination in Exeter. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider iFood Thai Taste, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Premier Inn Exeter (M5 J29) hotel. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Exeter this evening.
After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Crocketts, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Pig & Pickle Micropub. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at The Angel Bar, another top-rated place in the area.
Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in England!
Day 4 – Exeter, Salcombe Regis, Tavistock, and Penzance
- Exeter
- Salcombe Regis
- Penzance
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Drive 254 km, 4 hours 14 min
- Exeter Cathedral
- The Donkey Sanctuary
- Dartmoor National Park
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On day 4 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 Exeter, Salcombe Regis, and Tavistock. In the evening, you’ll end up in Penzance, where you will stay for 1 night.
Today’s route brings an awe-inspiring, an eye-catching, a history-steeped, a sacred, and a culturally significant. The first attraction of today is Exeter Cathedral. This locally appreciated church is a breathtaking place to see in Exeter.
Salcombe Regis’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Exeter behind. This drive usually takes around 36 min. Salcombe Regis welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.
Make your way to The Donkey Sanctuary, an up-and-coming petting zoo that draws attention for its idyllic features.
Take your self-guided tour to Dartmoor National Park, a popular national park that everyone visiting Exeter should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Penzance, 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 Penzance. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.
Enjoy a delicious meal at The Shore Restaurant, a top-rated dining destination in Penzance. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Mermaid Alley, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at The Singing Rooster. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Penzance this evening.
Say good night to Penzance and look forward to another great day of your road trip in England!
Day 5 – Penzance and St Michael's Mount - departure day
- Penzance - Departure day
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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 Penzance 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 Penzance's best shopping area. Enjoy finding the perfect gift or keepsake to remind you of your wonderful trip to England.
Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in Penzance today.
Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings.
Before you conclude your road trip in England, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Penzance.
If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Blacks of Chapel Street, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu.
You’ll then say farewell to Penzance. 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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