One-Week England Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Birmingham to Northleach, Oxford, Bath, and New Forest
Description
Included
Description
Experience the freedom of the open road in England as you embark on an unforgettable 8-day road trip! This experience caters to every traveler, featuring destinations like Birmingham, Stratford-on-Avon, Holwell, Bourton-on-the-Water, Northleach, Oxford, Bath, Salisbury, Stratford sub Castle, Winchester, Ashurst, New Forest, Portsmouth, and Wilmcote.
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 Birmingham, 1 night in Northleach, 1 night in Oxford, 2 nights in Bath, and 1 night in New Forest. 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 Birmingham, 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. Stonehenge and Roman Baths are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery. Marvel at the remarkable Shakespeare's Birthplace, learn more about the unique Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Salisbury Cathedral.
As you hit the open road and drive through Birmingham, Stratford-on-Avon, Holwell, Bourton-on-the-Water, Northleach, Oxford, Bath, Salisbury, Stratford sub Castle, Winchester, Ashurst, New Forest, Portsmouth, and Wilmcote, 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
- Birmingham - Arrival day
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- Jewellery Quarter
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Say hello to Birmingham! 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 city. You will stay in Birmingham for 1 night before you continue your adventure!
Birmingham 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 Jewellery Quarter, a must-see neighborhood, and 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 Birmingham. 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. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Birmingham, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Purecraft Bar & Kitchen, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Grand Central Kitchen? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Premier Inn Birmingham City Centre (Waterloo Street) hotel as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Birmingham.
Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Equator Bar Birmingham, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Bacchus Bar, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Be At One - Brindley Place Birmingham provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.
Raise a toast to the start of your 8-day road trip in England!
Day 2
- Birmingham
- Northleach
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Drive 147 km, 2 hours 28 min
- Shakespeare's Birthplace
- Cotswold Wildlife Park
- Bourton-on-the-water
- Cotswold Motoring Museum
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On day 2 of your exciting self-drive vacation in England, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, Stratford-on-Avon, Holwell, and Bourton-on-the-Water. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Northleach, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.
Immerse yourself in Birmingham’s rich culture with today's sightseeing itinerary. Start your journey at Shakespeare's Birthplace. This standout museum is sure to ignite your curiosity. Next, dive into the gorgeous features of Cotswold Wildlife Park, a must-visit zoo in the town.
In between sights, stop by local stores, picturesque photo spots, and small eateries. When you’re ready for your next attraction, proceed to Bourton-on-the-water, a curiosity-inducing point of interest. For a change of scene, check out Cotswold Motoring Museum, known for its visually striking features.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Northleach, 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 Northleach. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.
Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in England!
Day 3
- Northleach
- Oxford
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Drive 49 km, 1 hour 45 min
- Oxford University Museum of Natural History
- Oxford Botanic Garden
- Carfax Tower
- Christ Church
- Covered Market
- Christ Church Meadow
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Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in England. Today you will explore Oxford, 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 Oxford. You’ll stay here for 1 night.
Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several fun adventures, photo-friendly spots, and history-rich sites. Whether you decide to explore Northleach on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Oxford University Museum Of Natural History is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this history-steeped museum before continuing your journey. University Of Oxford Botanic Garden is your next stop. This often recommended botanical garden is one of the best-rated sights in Northleach.
Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Carfax Tower Tower Of The Church Of St Martin Carfax. This picture-perfect monument is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Christ Church and Covered Market. If time allows, end your day with Christ Church Meadow, a standout park that offers a memorable conclusion to your exploration.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Oxford. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.
As you explore more of Oxford, 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.
Have a fantastic dining experience at Polish Kitchen, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Old Parsonage Hotel offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, The Standard is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Oxford.
After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like The Mad Hatter, known for its lively atmosphere. The Three Goats Heads Pub is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, The White Horse offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.
Say good night to Oxford and look forward to another great day of your road trip in England!
Day 4
- Oxford
- Bath
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Drive 132 km, 2 hours 1 min
- Royal Victoria Park, Bath
- Royal Crescent
- Pulteney Bridge
- Bath Abbey
- Roman Baths
- Thermae Bath Spa
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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 Bath. In the evening, you’ll end up in Bath, where you will stay for 2 nights.
Today's adventure in Oxford promises more breathtaking discoveries and enriching experiences! Begin at Royal Victoria Park, Bath. This romantic park is a highlight of any visit in the city. Then, enjoy Royal Crescent, another majestic attraction that never fails to captivate visitors. Next, head over to Pulteney Bridge, one of the city’s most worthwhile attractions, known for its culturally significant features.
If you’re looking for more, spend time soaking in the atmosphere of Bath Abbey. This inviting church is frequented by locals and tourists alike. To complete your memorable day, make sure to visit Roman Baths, an interesting archeological site, and take a stroll around the area.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Bath. Bath offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.
After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Bath's best restaurants.
Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Ole Tapas, a popular restaurant in Bath. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Bath at The Scallop Shell, 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 The Cornish Bakery. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Bath tonight.
Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting The Hideout, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, The Canary Gin Bar is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, The Star Inn also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.
Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in England!
Day 5
- Bath
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Drive 144 km, 2 hours 50 min
- Stonehenge
- Old Sarum
- Magna Carta Chapter House
- Salisbury Cathedral
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Greet day 5 of your road trip in England with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You will return to Bath for your remaining 1 night 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 Salisbury and Stratford sub Castle.
Discover a day packed with family-friendly attractions, scenic views, and photo-friendly spots in Bath. Begin your sightseeing with Stonehenge. This spectacular archeological site is one of the top attractions in the city. Proceed to Old Sarum, another must-visit attraction that enhances the city’s allure.
As you wander through the inviting streets of Bath, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to Magna Carta Chapter House. This up-and-coming historical landmark is a traveler-favorite. Not far away, you’ll find Salisbury Cathedral, another key site on your sightseeing itinerary.
When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Bath.
After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Bath. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.
Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Jars Meze, a popular restaurant in Bath. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Bath at The Herd Steak Restaurant, 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 Joya Italian Steakhouse. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Bath tonight.
Keep the evening going at Saint James Wine Vaults, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to The Grapes, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Opium Bar, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.
Relax and reminisce about your day in England and look forward to more memorable moments to come!
Day 6
- Bath
- New Forest
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Drive 150 km, 2 hours 36 min
- The Great Hall
- Buttercross Monument
- Winchester Cathedral
- National Trust - Winchester City Mill
- New Forest Wildlife Park
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Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 6 of your road trip in England. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Winchester and Ashurst. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in New Forest, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.
Today’s itinerary in Bath covers several incredible sights, including a historical landmark, a monument, a church, a museum, a wildlife reserve and much more! Start your adventure at The Great Hall. This frequently visited historical landmark is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike. Next, immerse yourself in the instagrammable wonders of Buttercross Monument, a must-see monument in the city.
Consider stopping for a small bite to eat or a drink at a local eatery to keep your energy going. When you’re ready, continue your discovery with a visit to Winchester Cathedral. This locally appreciated church offers an enriching experience. For a change of pace, head to Winchester City Mill, where you can take in photogenic features. Conclude your self-guided sightseeing tour with a visit to New Forest Wildlife Park and New Forest Wildlife Park. These sights offer a fulfilling end to a perfect day.
At the end of the day, you will drive to New Forest, 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 New Forest. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.
Relax and reminisce about your day in England and look forward to more memorable moments to come!
Day 7
- New Forest
- Birmingham
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Drive 327 km, 4 hours 12 min
- Spinnaker Tower
- Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
- Mary Arden's Farm
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Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 7 of your road trip in England. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - Portsmouth and Wilmcote. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Birmingham. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.
Whether you prefer a leisurely exploration or a more fast-paced adventure, this itinerary in New Forest allows for both. Start by heading to Spinnaker Tower. This worthwhile observation deck provides an insightful glimpse into the city's identity. Next, discover Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, a history-steeped museum, promising a delightful encounter.
Continue your sightseeing with a visit to Mary Arden's Farm, an underrated farm.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Birmingham. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.
Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Birmingham's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.
Enjoy a lovely meal at Holiday Inn Birmingham City Centre, an IHG Hotel, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Tiger Bites Pig is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Restaurant Folium. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Birmingham tonight.
Head back to your accommodation in Birmingham and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in England!
Day 8
- Birmingham - Departure day
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- National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham
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Day 8 of your road trip in England is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Birmingham 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 National Sea Life Centre. This captivating aquarium 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. 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 Birmingham.
If you're eager to try something different, consider The Ivy Temple Row, another top spot with a tantalizing menu.
You’ll then say farewell to Birmingham. 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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