6-Day England Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Leeds to York and surrounding area

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Explore the best of England on a 6-day road trip! Uncover hidden gems and experience the rich culture firsthand as you journey through Leeds, York, Rydal, Ambleside, Windermere, Chester, Castleton, and Edensor. 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 Leeds and 3 nights in York. 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 Leeds, 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. Chester Zoo and Lake District National Park are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery. Marvel at the remarkable National Railway Museum, learn more about the unique Chatsworth House, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of York Minster.

As you hit the open road and drive through Leeds, York, Rydal, Ambleside, Windermere, Chester, Castleton, and Edensor, 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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Driver’s age is 30 - 65
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Day 1

Day 1

  • Leeds - Arrival day
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  • Park Square
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Welcome to Leeds, the perfect starting point for your road trip in England! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 1 night immersing yourself in Leeds's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

Leeds 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 Park Square, or just 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 Leeds. 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. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Leeds, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at HOME, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? The Whitehall Restaurant & Bar offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Premier Inn Leeds City Centre (Leeds Arena) hotel. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Leeds.

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

Raise a toast to the start of your 6-day road trip in England!

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Day 2

Day 2

  • Leeds
  • York
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Drive 47 km, 1 hour 20 min

  • National Railway Museum York
  • York Minster
  • Shambles Market
  • Jorvik Viking Centre
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Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 2 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 York. You will spend 3 nights here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in Leeds today. One of the most interesting attractions included on the itinerary is National Railway Museum. This visually striking museum will help you start your sightseeing on top. Then, take a leisurely stroll to York Minster and learn what makes this stunning church unique.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the captivating Shambles Market. After exploring the market, head to Jorvik Viking Centre. This well-known museum is a highlight in Leeds.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in York. York 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 York. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Yakamoz, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try House Of The Trembling Madness? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Turtle Bay York as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in York.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, The Habit Cafe Bar offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Shambles Tavern is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Pivní York is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

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

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Day 3

Day 3

  • York
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Drive 405 km, 6 hours 15 min

  • Lake District National Park
  • Rydal Cave
  • Stock Ghyll Force
  • The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction
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Greet day 3 of your road trip in England with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You will return to York for your remaining 2 nights in the city later today, but first, it’s time for some exploring! On the agenda for this day, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in Rydal, Ambleside, and Windermere.

Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in York, featuring fun adventures, romantic experiences, and natural wonders. Start at Lake District National Park, an interesting national park in the village. Then, head to Rydal Cave and soak in the ambiance of this picturesque cave.

There are many interesting places to see in York, and when you are ready for more, go to Stock Ghyll Force. This is one of the village’s most beloved romantic spots of interest. After exploring the waterfall, visit the curiosity-inducing The World Of Beatrix Potter Attraction.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in York.

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 Fancy Hank's Bar & Kitchen, a highly-rated dining destination in York. If you're eager to try something different, consider Plonkers, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at The Ivy St Helen's Square York. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in York this evening.

Continue your lively evening at Dusk, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Fossgate Tap is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood.

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.

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Day 4

Day 4

  • York
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Drive 366 km, 4 hours 33 min

  • Chester Zoo
  • Chester City Walls
  • Eastgate and Eastgate Clock
  • Chester Cathedral
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Wake up to day 4 of your extraordinary road trip in England. With 1 night left in York, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in York today. One of the most captivating attractions included on the itinerary is Chester Zoo. This instagrammable zoo will help you start your sightseeing on top. Then, take a leisurely stroll to Chester City Walls and learn what makes this historic historical landmark unique.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the frequently visited Eastgate And Eastgate Clock. After exploring the monument, head to Chester Cathedral. This locally appreciated church is a highlight in York.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to York and your accommodation.

As you explore more of York, 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 a lovely dining experience at Little Italy, a popular restaurant in York. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of York at The Cut & Craft, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated Wildes. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in York tonight.

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

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Day 5

Day 5

  • York
  • Leeds
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Drive 242 km, 4 hours 11 min

  • Peak Cavern
  • Peveril Castle
  • Blue John Cavern
  • National Trust - Dark Peak
  • Chatsworth House
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On day 5 of your exciting self-drive vacation in England, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Castleton and Edensor. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Leeds, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Discover a day packed with fun adventures, natural wonders, and breathtaking views in York. Begin your sightseeing with Peak Cavern. This beloved cave is one of the top attractions in the village. Proceed to Peveril Castle, another must-visit attraction.

As you wander through the inviting streets of York, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to Blue John Cavern. This frequently visited cave is a traveler-favorite. Not far away, you’ll find National Trust - Dark Peak, another key site on your sightseeing itinerary. Chatsworth House is yet another highly recommended place to visit nearby, offering plenty to discover for curious travelers.

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

As you explore more of Leeds, 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 a delicious meal at Cosy Club, a top-rated dining destination in Leeds. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Clayton Hotel Leeds, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Riva Blu Italian Restaurant & Bar, Leeds. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Leeds this evening.

Keep the evening going at Power, Corruption & Lies, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Brudenell Social Club, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Whitelock's First City Luncheon Bar, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.

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

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Day 6

Day 6

  • Leeds - Departure day
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  • Tick Tock Unlock - Leeds Live Escape Rooms
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Day 6 of your road trip in England is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Leeds 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, begin at Tick Tock Unlock - Leeds Live Escape Rooms. This often recommended escape room is a popular place to see in the city.

Explore local shops for souvenirs to remember your trip or find unique gifts for loved ones. Discover boutiques offering an array of stylish fashion choices. For those seeking luxury items, check out the area’s high-end stores.

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

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Gaucho Leeds, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Bill's Leeds Restaurant? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu.

You’ll then say farewell to Leeds. 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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Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.
Personalize your itinerary
Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.
Secure your spot
Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.
Get instant confirmation
Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.
Personalize your itinerary
Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.

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Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

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