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

On day 2 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 Exeter, and Salcombe Regis. In the evening, you’ll end up in Southampton, where you will stay for 1 night.

Take the opportunity to see Underground Passages. This attraction has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 406 visitors.

Exeter Cathedral is another sightseeing hotspot in the area. This anglican or episcopal cathedral has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 4,954 travelers.

Salcombe Regis’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Exeter behind. This drive usually takes around 36 min. Salcombe Regis welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Drop by the renowned The Donkey Sanctuary. This popular point of interest has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 6,887 visitors.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of your accommodation in Southampton. Southampton offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

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

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Lakaz Maman, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Soleto Bistro offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Ennio's. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Southampton.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting The Hobbit Pub, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Firehouse is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, The Guide Dog also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

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

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 3 of your road trip in England. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Leavesden, and London. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in London, which will be your home away from home for 3 nights.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Southampton, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Leavesden. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 35 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making Of Harry Potter. This much-appreciated exhibition room is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars in 84,358 reviews.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Leavesden and set your GPS to London. 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 41 min. Upon reaching London, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Make Regent's Park one of your first sightseeing stops in London. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 44,964 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Madame Tussauds London is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This wax museum is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 73,606 reviews.

Today is also the perfect opportunity to drop by National Gallery. This art museum has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 49,550 visitors. Up to 6,011,007 people travel to this site annually.

If you’re keen to explore more, head to Trafalgar Square. A trip to this popular square is also your opportunity to see if it lives up to the reputable 4.6 out of 5-star rating as given by 123,506 previous visitors.

At the end of the day, you will drive to London, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

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

Start your culinary exploration in London by securing a reservation at Sketch, The Lecture Room and Library. This renowned restaurant holds 3 Michelin star and offers an exceptional menu of modern french cuisine. For another dining delight, visit Hélène Darroze at The Connaught, celebrated for its delectable modern menu. This acclaimed 3-star Michelin-recipient consistently leaves guests satisfied, making it a must-visit during your holiday. Looking for a different experience? Discover Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal, a top local spot known for its tantalizing modern french menu. With a 2-star Michelin recognition, it guarantees an exceptional dining adventure.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Bar Américain. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, The Connaught Bar offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Bar Polski, 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.

At the end of the day, you'll drive back to London, where you'll stay for 2 nights more.

Drop by the renowned Big Ben. This popular cultural icon has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 65,522 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is British Museum. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 151,665 visitors, this national museum deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

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. Keep in mind that your travel time from London to Westminster may take around 15 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Westminster, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Hyde Park. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 128,167 visitors.

Westminster Abbey is another popular attraction you could visit today. This anglican or episcopal cathedral has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 41,615 visitors.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of London, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Westminster may take around 15 min. Upon your arrival in Westminster, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like London Eye. This extraordinary ferris wheel has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 175,315 visitors.

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 reserve a table at Estiatorio Milos, an iconic dining spot in London. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of The Palomar, a popular restaurant in London. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Berners Tavern, a hidden gem nestled in London. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Artesian, known for its inviting atmosphere. American Bar is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Old Shades provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

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

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

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your travel plan. England is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in London. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day'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 your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Scarfes Bar, known for its lively atmosphere. Heliot Cocktail Bar is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Bfi Imax offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in England.

On day 6 of your exciting self-drive vacation in England, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Westminster, and Kensington. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Bristol, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Westminster.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is St James's Park. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 56,264 reviews.

Continue your journey at Buckingham Palace. This royal palace is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 168,513 travelers from near and far.

Westminster is also the home of Royal Albert Hall. This concert hall has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 39,115 visitors.

When you’ve had your share of Kensington, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Bristol. Your travel time is around 2 hours 6 min.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Science Museum. This science museum is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Kensington, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 66,659 visitors. Around 2,989,000 people visit this attraction every year.

Victoria And Albert Museum is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 56,963 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction. It’s estimated that around 3,932,738 people visit this museum every year.

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

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Bristol. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey in Bristol by reserving a table at COR. Renowned as a Bib Gourmand restaurant, it offers an exceptional modern british menu. For a different taste experience, head to Bulrush, recognized for its delicious modern british dishes. This 1-star Michelin restaurant consistently impresses guests, ensuring a memorable addition to your holiday. Looking for another option? Make sure to visit Root, a local favorite known for its delightful vegetarian, and modern cuisine in Bristol. Nestled in the heart of the city, this Bib Gourmand awardee is an ideal choice for discerning vegetarian, and modern foodies seeking culinary excellence.

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

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

Dive into day 7 of your remarkable road trip in England. Today you will explore Bath, and Salisbury, 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 Exeter. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Bristol, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Bath may take around 42 min. Upon your arrival in Bath, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Thermae Bath Spa. This spa is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 8,979 visitors.

When you’re finished at Thermae Bath Spa, head to Roman Baths. This one-of-a-kind thermae is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 32,856 reviews.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Salisbury. This car ride takes around 1 hour 8 min.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Salisbury Cathedral. This anglican or episcopal cathedral is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 13,849 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Stonehenge. This tourist attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 53,470 reviews.

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

Enjoy a delicious meal at Mercure Exeter Southgate Hotel, a highly-rated dining destination in Exeter. If you're eager to try something different, consider Nando's Exeter - Princess Hay, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Cosy Club. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Exeter this evening.

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

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