One-Week England Road Trip from Leeds traveling south to Cambridge, Colchester, London, and Nottingham

Your road trip adventure in England begins as soon as you reach Leeds and pick up your car. You’ll stay in Leeds for 1 night and explore the best things to see and do, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.

Leeds 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 Tick Tock Unlock - Leeds Live Escape Rooms or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

Find your way to your hotel in Leeds. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in England. Settle in and make plans for the evening.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Leeds. 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.

Make sure to book a table at HOME, a popular restaurant in Leeds. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Leeds at Cosy Club, 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 Riva Blu Italian Restaurant & Bar, Leeds. As a dining spot that gains high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Leeds tonight.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Pixel Bar Leeds, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, North Bar provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Brudenell Social Club 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!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 2 of your road trip in England. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Wakefield, and Leeds. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Cambridge, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Leeds City Museum. This art collection is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 3,705 visitors.

When you’re finished at Leeds City Museum, head to Roundhay Park. This one-of-a-kind urban park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 13,737 reviews.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Royal Armouries Museum. This military museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 12,545 visitors.

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

Journey into the unknown at The Hepworth Wakefield, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable art museum has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 2,582 reviews.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Cambridge, 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 Cambridge. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Have a memorable dining experience in Cambridge by booking a table at Midsummer House, renowned as a 2-star Michelin restaurant presenting an exceptional creative menu. For a different culinary experience in Cambridge, Restaurant Twenty-Two shines as one of the top destinations, known for its delicious modern cuisine. This 1-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from previous guests, making it a must-visit addition to your holiday experience.

Keep the evening going at The Cambridge Tap, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to The Free Press, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Eagle, 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!

On day 3 of your exciting self-drive vacation in England, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, Watford, Leavesden, and Eton. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Colchester, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

After soaking in Cambridge’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Watford. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 18 min. When you arrive in Watford, it's time to take a break from the road.

Make Cassiobury Park one of your first sightseeing stops in Watford. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 7,463 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Leavesden. This car ride takes around 12 min.

Drop by the renowned Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making Of Harry Potter. This popular exhibition room has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 84,358 visitors.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Colchester, 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 Colchester's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Make sure to book a table at The Centurion, a popular restaurant in Colchester. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Colchester at Bill's Colchester Restaurant, 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 Turtle Bay Colchester. As a dining spot that gains high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Colchester tonight.

Continue your lively evening at The Castle Inn, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Queen St Brewhouse is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, The Foresters Arms Colchester ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

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

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 4 of your road trip in England. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 3 vibrant destinations - London, Kensington, and Westminster. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in London. You will spend 2 nights here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Colchester 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 1 hour 29 min. Upon reaching London, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Kick off the day at Tower Of London, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. Attracting approximately 2,741,126 visits every year, this attraction is a must-see. This castle is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 104,392 reviews.

Set your GPS to London and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 29 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. London beckons with new experiences!

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Tower Bridge, a remarkable bascule bridge where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 156,250 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 London. London 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 London's best restaurants.

Experience a symphony of flavors at Sketch, The Lecture Room and Library in London by securing 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 a palate-pleasing alternative, make sure to dine at Hélène Darroze at The Connaught, acclaimed for its delectable modern specialties. This local 3-star Michelin establishment consistently satisfies guests, ensuring an unforgettable holiday experience. Want to go on another culinary journey? Delight your senses at Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal, a top-rated restaurant known for its outstanding menu. Known as a top-rated 2-star Michelin establishment, it's a top choice for modern french cuisine in the city.

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.

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

On day 5 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 London, and Westminster. You still have 1 night left in London.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is British Museum. This national museum typically receives around 5,906,716 visitors every year and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 151,665 reviews.

Continue your journey at National Gallery. This art museum is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 49,550 travelers from near and far. Approximately 6,011,007 people come to this place of interest every year to enjoy a unique experience in London.

London is also the home of Trafalgar Square. This square has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 123,506 visitors.

After soaking in Westminster’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: London. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 19 min. When you arrive in London, it's time to take a break from the road.

When you're ready to see some sights, Buckingham Palace is a great place to start. This royal palace is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 168,513 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Hyde Park. This park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 128,167 travelers.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in London.

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.

Savor the flavors at Estiatorio Milos, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, The Palomar beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Berners Tavern. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in London tonight.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Artesian stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, American Bar offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Old Shades is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing 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 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 London. In the evening, you’ll end up in Nottingham, where you will stay for 1 night.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Big Ben. This cultural icon is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 65,522 reviews.

Continue your journey at Madame Tussauds London. This wax museum is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 73,606 travelers from near and far.

When you’ve had your share of London, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Nottingham. Your travel time is around 2 hours 31 min.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to London Eye. This ferris wheel is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 175,315 visitors.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Nottingham, 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 long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Nottingham. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey in Nottingham by reserving a table at Kushi-Ya. Renowned as a Bib Gourmand restaurant, it offers an exceptional japanese menu. For a different taste experience, head to alchemilla, 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 Ibérico World Tapas, a local favorite known for its delightful mediterranean, and asian influences cuisine in Nottingham. Nestled in the heart of the city, this Bib Gourmand awardee is an ideal choice for discerning mediterranean, and asian influences 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 Foremans Bar, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to The Bodega Nottingham. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Pepper Rocks, 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 Alrewas, Edensor, Castleton, and Yorkshire Bridge, 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 Leeds. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Nottingham, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Alrewas may take around 50 min. Upon your arrival in Alrewas, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to National Memorial Arboretum. This arboretum is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Alrewas, with an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 12,319 visitors.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Alrewas and set your GPS to Edensor. 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 1 hour 11 min. Upon reaching Edensor, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Chatsworth House. This english country house is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 20,516 reviews.

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

As you explore more of Leeds, 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.

Set out on a gastronomic journey in Leeds by reserving a table at Prashad. Renowned for its Bib Gourmand award, this restaurant presents an outstanding menu of indian vegetarian cuisine. Looking for something different? Bill's Leeds Restaurant offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Leeds.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at The Lost & Found Leeds Club, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Smokestack, a bar that offers unique local touches.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in England!

Day 8 of your road trip in England is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Leeds 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.

Drop by the renowned Park Square. This popular park has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,592 visitors.

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

You’ll then say farewell to Leeds. 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!