One-Week England Road Trip from Exeter to Southampton, London, and Bristol

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 1 night 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 Northernhay Gardens or 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 Exeter. 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 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.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at The Last Drop, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? iFood Thai Taste offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Premier Inn Exeter (M5 J29) hotel. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Exeter.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Crocketts stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Pig & Pickle Micropub offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Henry's Bar is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

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

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 - Exeter. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Southampton. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Drop by the renowned Underground passages. This popular architectural structure has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 406 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Exeter Historic Guildhall. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 148 visitors, this museum deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

We also recommend a visit to Exeter Cathedral. This anglican or episcopal cathedral has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 4,954 reviews.

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

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

Dine in style at Lakaz Maman, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Soleto Bistro boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Ennio's. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Southampton.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like The Hobbit Pub, known for its lively atmosphere. Firehouse is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, The Guide Dog offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in England!

Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in England. Today you will explore Kensington, 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 London. You’ll stay here for 3 nights.

After soaking in Southampton’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Kensington. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 38 min. When you arrive in Kensington, it's time to take a break from the road.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Victoria and Albert Museum. This extraordinary museum has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 56,963 visitors. Each year, around 3,932,738 people visit this remarkable site to admire its features and learn more about it.

Next, make your way to Science Museum. This science museum welcomes around 2,989,000 visitors yearly and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 66,659 reviews.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in London.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Tate Modern. This art gallery is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 74,768 reviews.

Continue your journey at Tower Bridge. This bascule bridge is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 156,250 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 London. London 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.

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.

Experience a taste of Sketch, The Lecture Room and Library in London by booking a reservation in advance. Renowned for its 3-star Michelin distinction, Sketch, The Lecture Room and Library delights its guests with its exceptional variety of meals showcasing delicious modern french cuisine. For another culinary dining option, venture to Hélène Darroze at The Connaught, celebrated for its delectable modern menu. This acclaimed 3-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, ensuring an essential addition to your holiday itinerary. Seeking an alternative? Discover Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal, a top local restaurant known for its tantalizing modern french menu. With a 2-star Michelin recognition, it promises an exceptional dining experience not to be missed.

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

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

Day 4 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions London has to offer. Cherish the 2 nights you have left in London by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at British Museum. This national museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 151,665 visitors. Attracting more than 5,906,716 yearly visitors, it’s a top sight you don’t want to miss.

When you’re finished at British Museum, head to Madame Tussauds London. This one-of-a-kind wax museum is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 73,606 reviews.

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.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Estiatorio Milos, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try The Palomar? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Berners Tavern as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in London.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Artesian, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out American Bar, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Old Shades provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in England!

On day 5 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Westminster. You’ll stay in Westminster for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Trafalgar Square. This much-appreciated square is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars in 123,506 reviews.

Next up is National Gallery. This art museum has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 49,550 visitors. As one of the top places to visit in the city, National Gallery welcomes 6,011,007 visitors annually.

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 Westminster 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.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in London. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Burger & Lobster Leicester Square, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Wiltons Restaurant offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Rules. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in London.

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

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

On day 6 of your exciting self-drive vacation in England, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 4 destinations, Leavesden, Watford, Three Rivers, and Eton. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Bristol, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to London and set your GPS to Leavesden. 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 57 min. Upon reaching Leavesden, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter. This exhibition room is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Leavesden, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 84,358 visitors.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Leavesden, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Watford may take around 11 min. Upon your arrival in Watford, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Cassiobury Park. This park is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Watford, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 7,463 visitors.

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.

Enjoy an outstanding dining experience at COR, a Bib Gourmand restaurant offering an exceptional modern british menu. If you are in the mood for trying an alternative dining experience, consider visiting the nearby 1-star Michelin-awardee, Bulrush, known for its delicious modern british cuisine. Another highly-recommended restaurant in Bristol is Root, a renowned Bib Gourmand restaurant, known for its delicious vegetarian, and modern menu.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at The Boardroom, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Gin & Juice, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Watershed provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in England!

On day 7 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, and Salisbury. In the evening, you’ll end up in Exeter, where you will stay for 1 night.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Bath. This drive usually takes around 42 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

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.

We also recommend a visit to Pulteney Bridge. This road bridge has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 8,190 reviews.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Salisbury. This car ride takes around 56 min.

Kick off the day at Stonehenge, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This tourist attraction is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 53,470 reviews.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Exeter, 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 Exeter's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Mercure Exeter Southgate Hotel, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Nando's Exeter - Princess Hay offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Cosy Club. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Exeter.

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

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in England!

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.

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

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Belmont Park Exeter. This extraordinary park has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 630 visitors.

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

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Toby Carvery Exeter, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? The Old Firehouse offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Harry's Restaurant.

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!