6-Day England Road Trip from Exeter to Southampton, London, and Bristol

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 Exeter, Salcombe Regis, Northleigh, and Seaton. In the evening, you’ll end up in Southampton, where you will stay for 1 night.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Exeter Cathedral. This anglican or episcopal cathedral is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 4,954 reviews.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Salcombe Regis, 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 Exeter to Salcombe Regis may take around 36 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Salcombe Regis, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Take the opportunity to see The Donkey Sanctuary. This attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 6,887 visitors.

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 Southampton. Southampton 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 Southampton's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Lakaz Maman, a top-rated dining spot in Southampton. If you're in the mood for something new, try Soleto Bistro, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Ennio's. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Southampton.

Keep the evening going at The Hobbit Pub, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Firehouse, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is The Guide Dog, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

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.

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 3 of your road trip in England. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of London. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in London, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. London, 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 Southampton to London may take around 1 hour 59 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in London, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Make British Museum one of your first sightseeing stops in London. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 151,665 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area. This national museum attracts 5,906,716 visitors every year.

Trafalgar Square is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This square is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 123,506 reviews.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, London. This car ride takes around 1 hour 59 min.

When you're ready to see some sights, Tower Of London is a great place to start. This castle is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 104,392 visitors. Tower Of London attracts more than 2,741,126 visitors every year.

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

As you explore more of London, 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.

Enjoy an outstanding dining experience at Sketch, The Lecture Room and Library, a 3-star Michelin restaurant offering an exceptional modern french menu. If you are in the mood for trying an alternative dining experience, consider visiting the nearby 3-star Michelin-awardee, Hélène Darroze at The Connaught, known for its delicious modern cuisine. Another highly-recommended restaurant in London is Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal, a renowned restaurant with a 2-star Guide Michelin recognition, known for its delicious modern french menu.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Bar Américain, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, The Connaught Bar offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in London. Bar Polski is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in England!

Dive into day 4 of your remarkable road trip in England. Today you will explore Westminster, and London, 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 Bristol. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Westminster and set your GPS to Bristol. 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 2 hours 19 min. Upon reaching Bristol, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Kick off the day at St James's Park, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 56,264 reviews.

Today is also your chance to visit Buckingham Palace. Buckingham Palace is a royal palace with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 168,513 reviews.

Hyde Park is another top attraction we highly recommend you visit today. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 128,167 visitors.

Drop by the renowned Tate Modern. This popular art gallery has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 74,768 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Borough Market. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 99,307 visitors, this building deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

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

Discover the culinary delights of Bristol by securing a reservation at COR. Esteemed for its a Bib Gourmand award, this restaurant offers a remarkable selection of modern british cuisine. For an alternative dining experience, try Bulrush, renowned for its delicious modern british dishes. This esteemed 1-star Michelin-recipient consistently impresses guests, making it a must-visit spot during your holiday. Craving more culinary excitement? Head to Root, a highly recommended local eatery celebrated for its mouthwatering vegetarian, and modern menu. With its Bib Gourmand recognition, it offers an unforgettable dining adventure.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at The Boardroom, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Gin & Juice provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Watershed offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

Head back to your accommodation in Bristol and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in England!

On day 5 of your exciting self-drive vacation in England, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Bath, and Salisbury. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Exeter, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Bristol, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Bath may take around 42 min. Upon your arrival in Bath, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Drop by the renowned Thermae Bath Spa. This popular spa has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 8,979 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Roman Baths. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 32,856 visitors, this thermae deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Salisbury. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 8 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Salisbury Cathedral. This anglican or episcopal cathedral is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 13,849 reviews.

Continue your journey at Stonehenge. This tourist attraction is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 53,470 travelers from near and far.

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 Exeter. Exeter 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.

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

Enjoy a delicious meal at Mercure Exeter Southgate Hotel, a top-rated dining destination in Exeter. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Nando's Exeter - Princess Hay, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Cosy Club. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Exeter this evening.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Mill On The Exe, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Boom Battle Bar Exeter is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, The Lucombe Oak is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

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