One-Week England Road Trip from Birmingham to Oxford, and London

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 Queen Victoria 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 Birmingham. 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 Birmingham. 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.

Begin your culinary exploration in Birmingham by securing a reservation at Purnell's. This renowned restaurant holds 1 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of modern cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Opheem, celebrated for its delectable indian menu. This acclaimed 2-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday. Looking for a different experience? Discover Adam's, a top local spot known for its tantalizing modern menu. With a 1-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Equator Bar Birmingham, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Bacchus Bar. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Be At One - Brindley Place Birmingham, another top-rated place in the area.

Raise a toast to the start of your 8-day road trip in England!

Dive into day 2 of your remarkable road trip in England. Today you will explore Birmingham, Dudley, and Balsall Heath, 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.

When you're ready to see some sights, National Sea Life Centre is a great place to start. This zoo is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 13,174 visitors.

Dudley welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Black Country Living Museum, a remarkable living museum where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 11,702 reviews.

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

As a top-rated it is an ideal choice in the city. Enjoy a lovely meal at The Big Society, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Antep Kitchen is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at The Victoria. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Oxford tonight.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by going to a bar or two. The Mad Hatter is an excellent place to start. You could also check out The White Horse, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is The House. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

Say good night to Oxford and look forward to another great day of your road trip in England!

On day 3 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 Salisbury, Cheapside, and Eton. In the evening, you’ll end up in London, where you will stay for 4 nights.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Oxford, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Salisbury. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 15 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Take the opportunity to see Stonehenge. This attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 53,470 visitors.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Cheapside, 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 Salisbury to Cheapside may take around 1 hour 16 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Cheapside, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Windsor Great Park. Previous visitors have rated this park an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 4,367 reviews.

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.

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

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 enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Bar Américain, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to The Connaught Bar. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Bar Polski, another top-rated place in the area.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in England.

On day 4 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in London, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. On today's itinerary, you'll find attractions in Leavesden, Westminster, and Kensington. You still have 3 nights left in London.

Upon reaching Leavesden, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter. This extraordinary exhibition room has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 84,358 visitors.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Westminster, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Upon arrival in Westminster, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Hyde Park. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 128,167 reviews.

Continue your journey at Royal Albert Hall. This concert hall is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 39,115 travelers from near and far.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, London. This car ride takes around 13 min.

When you're ready to see some sights, Science Museum is a great place to start. This science museum is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 66,659 visitors. Science Museum attracts more than 2,989,000 visitors every year.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Victoria and Albert Museum. This museum has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 56,963 travelers. Every year, 3,932,738 travelers come to experience this site to make the most of their time in Kensington.

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

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.

Make sure to book a table at Estiatorio Milos, a popular restaurant in London. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of London at The Palomar, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Another top-rated restaurant to try is Berners Tavern. As a dining spot that gains consistently high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to London tonight.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Artesian. Alternatively, go to American Bar, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Old Shades provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

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

Day 5 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in London for 2 nights more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

There are plenty of experiences you can choose from in England that will add excitement to your vacation. When you’re keen to discover what else London has in store for you, use this day to go on a tour. Scroll down and select tours and activities to include on your itinerary for the day.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in London. 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 Burger & Lobster Leicester Square, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Wiltons Restaurant boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Rules. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in London.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by going to a bar or two. Scarfes Bar is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Heliot Cocktail Bar, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is BFI IMAX. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in England!

Day 6 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions London has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in London by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

When you're ready to see some sights, Regent's Park is a great place to start. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 44,964 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is British Museum. This national museum has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 151,665 travelers. Every year, 5,906,716 travelers come to experience this site to make the most of their time in London.

We also recommend a stop at Big Ben. The cultural icon has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 65,522 visitors.

Your discoveries in London do not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in London on this day of your trip. You can select your tours below.

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

Make sure to book a table at The Royal Horseguards Hotel & One Whitehall Place, London, a popular restaurant in London. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of London at Hawksmoor Seven Dials, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Another top-rated restaurant to try is Simpson's in the Strand. As a dining spot that gains consistently high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to London tonight.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting The Old Bank of England, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, The Ship & Shovell is another popular option for a drink or two.

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

On day 7 of your exciting self-drive vacation in England, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, London, and Westminster. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Birmingham, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Trafalgar Square, a remarkable square where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 123,506 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at National Gallery. This art museum has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 49,550 travelers. Given the site's popularity, it’s easy to understand why more than 6,011,007 people visit it every year.

Madame Tussauds London is another must-visit attraction. This renowned wax museum offers a memorable experience, well worth a stop on your self-guided sightseeing tour. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 73,606 travelers, it's one of the more popular places to see in the area.

Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Westminster.

Make St James's Park one of your first sightseeing stops in Westminster. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 56,264 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Buckingham Palace is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This royal palace is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 168,513 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Birmingham. Birmingham offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Check in at the hotel of your choice and 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 Birmingham's best restaurants.

Enjoy a delicious meal at La Galleria, a highly-rated dining destination in Birmingham. If you're eager to try something different, consider The Ivy Temple Row, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Malmaison Birmingham. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Birmingham this evening.

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

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.

Explore local shops for souvenirs to remember your trip or find unique gifts for loved ones.

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

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Purnells, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Dishoom Birmingham? It's another excellent option with a diverse 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!