One-Week England Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Exeter to Plymouth and Bath
Description
Included
Description
Explore the best of England on a 8-day road trip! Uncover hidden gems and experience the rich culture firsthand as you journey through Exeter, Torquay, Plymouth, Bath, Bourton-on-the-Water, Rendcomb, Bibury, Larkhill, and Salisbury. 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 3 nights in Exeter, 1 night in Plymouth, and 3 nights in Bath. 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 Exeter, 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 Cotswolds Aonb, learn more about the unique Dartmoor National Park, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Plymouth Hoe.
As you hit the open road and drive through Exeter, Torquay, Plymouth, Bath, Bourton-on-the-Water, Rendcomb, Bibury, Larkhill, and Salisbury, 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
See a summary of the itinerary that you can fully customize
Personalize your itinerary
Customize tours under each day and destination
Day 1
- Exeter - Arrival day
- More
- Belmont Park
- More
Welcome to Exeter, 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 Exeter's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.
Exeter 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 Belmont Park Exeter, 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 Exeter. 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 Exeter, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Enjoy a lovely dining experience at The Last Drop, a popular restaurant in Exeter. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Exeter at iFood Thai Taste, 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 Premier Inn Exeter (M5 J29) hotel. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Exeter tonight.
Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Crocketts, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Pig & Pickle Micropub provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, The Angel Bar offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.
Raise a toast to the start of your 8-day road trip in England!
Day 2
- Exeter
- More
Drive 83 km, 2 hours 17 min
- Underground passages
- Exeter Cathedral
- Bellever Forest
- Dartmoor National Park
- More
Greet day 2 of your road trip in England with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You will return to Exeter 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 Exeter and Bellever.
Get ready for a day filled with fun adventures, picturesque spots, and historic treasures in the charming city of Exeter. Your adventure starts at Underground Passages, a beloved local hot spot. Another notable attraction to explore is Exeter Cathedral. This intriguing church is known for its visually striking appeal.
After soaking in the highlights of these sights, take some time to wander Exeter's streets and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. When you're ready to continue your sightseeing adventure, head to Bellever Forest. This peaceful hiking area offers a fascinating experience that many visitors find memorable. Dartmoor National Park is also worth visiting.
When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Exeter.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Exeter. 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.
Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Mercure Exeter Southgate Hotel, a popular restaurant in Exeter. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Exeter at Nando's Exeter - Princess Hay, 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 Cosy Club. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Exeter tonight.
Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Henry's Bar, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Mill On The Exe is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Cuckoo Taproom And Bottleshop also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.
Head back to your accommodation in Exeter and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in England!
Day 3
- Exeter
- Plymouth
- More
Drive 101 km, 2 hours 10 min
- Bygones
- Babbacombe Cliff Railway
- Kents Cavern Prehistoric Caves
- Torre Abbey
- Central Park
- Freedom Fields Park
- More
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 Torquay and Plymouth. In the evening, you’ll end up in Plymouth, where you will stay for 1 night.
Exeter is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include a museum, a heritage railway, a cave system, a park and much more! Begin your sightseeing adventure at the often recommended Bygones and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Babbacombe Cliff Railway, a historic heritage railway that draws visitors from far and near.
Continue your journey to Kents Cavern Prehistoric Caves, one of the town’s most often recommended spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the often recommended Torre Abbey. When you're finished at the museum, Central Park awaits your visit. This park is a scenic highlight on today's itinerary. Last up is a park - the curiosity-inducing Freedom Fields Park.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Plymouth, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.
After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Plymouth's best restaurants.
Savor the flavors at The Blues Bar & Grill, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Meze Grill beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider The Barbican Kitchen. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Plymouth tonight.
Round off your dining experience by visiting The Jack Rabbit, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of The Gipsy Moth, a bar catering to every mood and preference. The Queens Arms likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night 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.
Day 4
- Plymouth
- Bath
- More
Drive 237 km, 3 hours 24 min
- Mayflower Steps Memorial
- Plymouth Naval Memorial
- Plymouth Hoe
- Smeaton's Tower
- West Hoe Park
- Royal William Yard
- More
On day 4 of your exciting self-drive vacation in England, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Plymouth. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Bath, where you’ll be staying for 3 nights.
Prepare for a day full of family-friendly attractions, scenic views, and photo-friendly spots. When you’re ready, kick off your sightseeing adventure at Mayflower Steps Memorial. This worthwhile historical landmark is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique vacation experience. Another sight you shouldn’t miss is Plymouth Naval Memorial, one of the city’s best highlights.
Next, check out Plymouth Hoe, one of the most often recommended places to see in Plymouth. This park is a favorite among locals and travelers alike. Enjoy some downtime and refreshments before continuing to your next stop, Smeaton's Tower. Wander around and soak in the culturally significant atmosphere this lighthouse offers. Then, head to West Hoe Park, a top-rated park that adds another dimension to your day. Finally, visit the curiosity-inducing Royal William Yard, the last of our attraction recommendations for today.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Bath. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.
As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Bath. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.
Enjoy a delicious meal at Ole Tapas, a top-rated dining destination in Bath. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider The Scallop Shell, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at The Cornish Bakery. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Bath this evening.
Unwind after your meal by stepping into The Hideout. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, The Canary Gin Bar offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook The Star Inn, another top-rated bar in the area.
As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in England.
Day 5
- Bath
- More
Drive 3 km, 42 min
- Pulteney Bridge
- Bath Abbey
- Roman Baths
- The Circus
- Royal Crescent
- Royal Victoria Park, Bath
- More
Day 5 of your road trip across England promises a magnificent time exploring Bath. You have 2 nights left in Bath. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.
Bath is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include a historical landmark, a church, an archeological site, a public square, a park and much more! Begin your sightseeing adventure at the frequently visited Pulteney Bridge and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Bath Abbey, a history-steeped church that draws visitors from far and near.
Continue your journey to Roman Baths, one of the city’s most well-known spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the intriguing The Circus. When you're finished at the public square, Royal Crescent awaits your visit. This historical landmark is a history-steeped highlight on today's itinerary. Last up is a park - the often recommended Royal Victoria Park, Bath.
Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. England is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.
After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Bath's best restaurants.
Enjoy a delicious meal at Jars Meze, a highly-rated dining destination in Bath. If you're eager to try something different, consider The Herd Steak Restaurant, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Joya Italian Steakhouse. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Bath this evening.
Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Saint James Wine Vaults, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, The Grapes provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Opium Bar offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.
Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in England!
Day 6
- Bath
- More
Drive 169 km, 3 hours 8 min
- Bourton-on-the-water
- The Model Village
- Cotswolds AONB
- National Trust - Bibury
- More
On day 6 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Bath, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. On today's itinerary, you'll find attractions in Bourton-on-the-Water, Rendcomb, and Bibury. You still have 1 night left in Bath.
Start your adventure at Bourton-on-the-water. This underrated point of interest is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to The Model Village located in Bath for another exciting encounter.
Next, immerse yourself in the setting of Cotswolds Aonb. Its idyllic features will captivate you. After the nature reserve, continue your tour of the village with a visit to National Trust - Bibury. Visitors usually appreciate the visually striking features of this historical landmark.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Bath and your accommodation.
As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Bath. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.
Make sure to reserve a table at Noya's Kitchen, an iconic dining spot in Bath. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Clayton's Kitchen, a popular restaurant in Bath. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Henry's Restaurant Bath, a hidden gem nestled in Bath. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.
After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at The Crystal Palace, Bath, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Be At One - Bath. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Circo Cellar Bar & Cocktail Lounge, another top-rated place in the area.
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 7
- Bath
- Exeter
- More
Drive 207 km, 3 hours 14 min
- National Trust - Stonehenge Landscape
- Stonehenge
- Lord's Walk
- More
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 - Larkhill and Salisbury. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Exeter. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.
Start your adventure at National Trust - Stonehenge Landscape. This locally appreciated archeological site is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Stonehenge located in Bath for another exciting encounter.
Next, immerse yourself in the setting of Lord's Walk.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Exeter. Exeter offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.
Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Exeter's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.
Enjoy a lovely meal at Toby Carvery Exeter, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, The Old Firehouse is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Harry's Restaurant. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Exeter tonight.
Cap off your dinner by heading to Boom Battle Bar Exeter, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Brewdog 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.
Relax and reminisce about your day in England and look forward to more memorable moments to come!
Day 8
- Exeter - Departure day
- More
- Northernhay Gardens
- More
Day 8 of your road trip in England is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Exeter 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 Northernhay Gardens. This worthwhile park is a popular place to see in the city.
Make the most of your final day in England by visiting Exeter’s iconic markets and shopping establishments. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in England.
Before you conclude your road trip in England, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Exeter.
You’ll then say farewell to Exeter. 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!
Similar travel packages
Discover other popular vacations in the United Kingdom
Download Europe’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place
Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Europe’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.