5-Day England Road Trip from Southampton to Basingstoke and surrounding area

Welcome to Southampton, the perfect starting point for your road trip in England! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 2 nights immersing yourself in Southampton's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

Southampton 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 Red Funnel Ferries or taking a stroll in the city 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 Southampton. 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 city.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Southampton. 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.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Lakaz Maman, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Soleto Bistro offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Ennio's. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Southampton.

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

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

On day 2 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Southampton. You’ll stay in Southampton for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Southampton Common, a remarkable common land where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 5,033 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Houdini's Escape Room Experience - Escape Room Southampton. This sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 717 travelers.

Southampton City Art Gallery is another must-visit attraction. This renowned art museum offers a memorable experience, well worth a stop on your self-guided sightseeing tour. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 599 travelers, it's one of the more popular places to see in the area.

Beyond the above-mentioned sites, you also have the opportunity to visit SeaCity Museum. This well-loved maritime museum boasts a 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 2,539 reviews.

When there’s still energy left for exploring, Solent Sky awaits. If you’ve been interested in experiencing an aviation museum, this is a top pick rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,033 previous visitors.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your travel plan. England is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Southampton. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Savor the flavors at The Bedford, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Smugglers Bar & Restaurant beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Bill's Southampton Restaurant. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Southampton tonight.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Beards & Boards Craft Beer Bar after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to London Hotel, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Heartbreakers also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in England!

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

Salisbury’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Southampton behind. This drive usually takes around 41 min. Salisbury welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Journey into the unknown at Salisbury Cathedral, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable anglican or episcopal cathedral has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 13,491 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, Stonehenge is a recommended place to visit. This tourist attraction is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 51,913 reviews.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Stourton. This drive usually takes around 33 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Stourhead. This english garden is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 9,871 visitors.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Basingstoke, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the town.

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

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in England!

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 Winchester, Netley, Mottisfont, Beaulieu, and Lepe. In the evening, you’ll end up in Southampton, where you will stay for 1 night.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Winchester, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Basingstoke to Winchester may take around 33 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Winchester, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Take the opportunity to see Winchester Cathedral. This attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 8,901 visitors.

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

Take the opportunity to see Royal Victoria Country Park. This attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,363 visitors.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Southampton, 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 Southampton. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Anesti Limited T/A Sulas Greek Taverna, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Everest Cuisine offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, CRIB Shuffleboard Cocktail & Pizza Bar is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Southampton.

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

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

Maximize your last day in England and go on a shopping spree in Southampton’s shopping center. This bustling commercial district is conveniently located near your lodging, granting you leisure time to roam and explore its assortment of establishments.

If you love the adrenaline rush of hunting for the best offers and deals in England, you’re in for a treat. A variety of goods and gifts await your discovery. Bring a bit of England home with you through these charming souvenirs.

Drop by the renowned Houndwell Park. This popular park has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,062 visitors.

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

You’ll then say farewell to Southampton. 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!