One-Week England Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Leeds traveling south to York, Windermere, Liverpool, Chester, and Stratford-on-Avon
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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 Leeds, York, Keswick, Grasmere, Near Sawrey, Windermere, Liverpool, Chester, Stratford-on-Avon, Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Stow-on-the-Wold. 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 2 nights in Leeds, 1 night in York, 1 night in Windermere, 1 night in Liverpool, 1 night in Chester, and 1 night in Stratford-on-Avon. 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 Leeds, 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. Royal Albert Dock Liverpool and Chester Zoo are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery. Marvel at the remarkable National Railway Museum, learn more about the unique York Minster, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Shakespeare's Birthplace.
As you hit the open road and drive through Leeds, York, Keswick, Grasmere, Near Sawrey, Windermere, Liverpool, Chester, Stratford-on-Avon, Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Stow-on-the-Wold, 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
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Day 1
- Leeds - Arrival day
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- Park Square
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Say hello to Leeds! 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 Leeds for 1 night before you continue your adventure!
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 Park Square, or just 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 Leeds. 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. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Leeds, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Have a fantastic dining experience at HOME, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, The Whitehall Restaurant & Bar offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Premier Inn Leeds City Centre (Leeds Arena) hotel is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Leeds.
To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Pixel Bar Leeds after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Wax Bar, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, North Bar also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.
Raise a toast to the start of your 8-day road trip in England!
Day 2
- Leeds
- York
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Drive 47 km, 1 hour 20 min
- National Railway Museum York
- York Minster
- Shambles Market
- Jorvik Viking Centre
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Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 2 of your road trip in England. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of York. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in York, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.
Leeds is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include a museum, a church, and a market. Begin your sightseeing adventure at the popular National Railway Museum. Just a short distance away is York Minster, a symbolic church that draws visitors from far and near.
Continue your journey to Shambles Market, one of the city’s most interesting spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the well-known Jorvik Viking Centre.
At the end of the day, you will drive to York, 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 York's best restaurants.
Make sure to reserve a table at Yakamoz, an iconic dining spot in York. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of House Of The Trembling Madness, a popular restaurant in York. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Turtle Bay York, a hidden gem nestled in York. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.
To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting The Habit Cafe Bar after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Shambles Tavern, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Pivní York also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.
Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in England!
Day 3
- York
- Bowness-on-Windermere
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Drive 246 km, 4 hours 9 min
- Castlerigg stone circle
- National Trust - Allan Bank and Grasmere
- National Trust - Hill Top
- Windermere
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On day 3 of your exciting self-drive vacation in England, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 4 destinations, Keswick, Grasmere, Near Sawrey, and Windermere. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Windermere, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.
Today's adventure in York promises more breathtaking discoveries and enriching experiences! Begin at Castlerigg Stone Circle. This breathtaking archeological site is a highlight of any visit in the town. Next, head over to National Trust - Hill Top, one of the town’s most worthwhile attractions, known for its standout features.
If you’re looking for more, spend time soaking in the atmosphere of Windermere. This eye-catching lake is frequented by locals and tourists alike. To complete your memorable day, make sure to take a stroll around the area.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Windermere. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the town.
Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Windermere's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.
Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in England!
Day 4
- Bowness-on-Windermere
- Liverpool
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Drive 144 km, 2 hours 17 min
- Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral
- The Beatles Story
- Royal Albert Dock Liverpool
- Museum of Liverpool
- The Liverpool Waterfront
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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 1 vibrant destinations - Liverpool. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Liverpool. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.
Whether you prefer a leisurely exploration or a more fast-paced adventure, this itinerary in Windermere allows for both. Start by heading to Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral. This curiosity-inducing church provides an insightful glimpse into the city's identity. Next, discover The Beatles Story, a heritage-rich museum, promising a delightful encounter.
Continue your sightseeing with a visit to Royal Albert Dock Liverpool, a spectacular historical landmark. When you’re done, don’t forget to make a stop at the captivating Museum Of Liverpool. Round off your day at The Liverpool Waterfront, another gem in Windermere with history-steeped features to discover.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Liverpool. Liverpool offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.
After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Liverpool. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.
Enjoy a lovely dining experience at KURDINA RESTAURANT AND BAR, a popular restaurant in Liverpool. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Liverpool at Rudy's Pizza Napoletana - Castle Street, 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 The Quarter. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Liverpool tonight.
Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Brass Monkey stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Sanctuary Bar offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. The Underground Gin Society is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.
Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in England.
Day 5
- Liverpool
- Cheshire West and Chester
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Drive 45 km, 1 hour 13 min
- Chester Zoo
- Chester Cathedral
- Escapism Chester
- Chester City Walls
- Eastgate and Eastgate Clock
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On day 5 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 Chester. In the evening, you’ll end up in Chester, where you will stay for 1 night.
Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Liverpool, featuring fun adventures, breathtaking views, and photo-friendly spots. Start at Chester Zoo, a notable zoo in the city. Then, head to Chester Cathedral and soak in the ambiance of this stunning church.
There are many interesting places to see in Liverpool and when you are ready for more, go to Escapism Chester. This is one of the city’s most underrated spots. After exploring the escape room, visit the worthwhile Chester City Walls. Before wrapping up your self-guided sightseeing tour, head to the worthwhile Eastgate And Eastgate Clock, a worthwhile monument in the city.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Chester, 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 Chester. 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.
Have a fantastic dining experience at 1539 Restaurant and Bar, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, The Church Chester Bar & Restaurant offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, BarLounge - Chester is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Chester.
Keep the excitement of the evening going by visiting a bar or two. Prohibition is an excellent place to start. You could also check out Liquor And Co, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is Craft & Company. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.
Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in England!
Day 6
- Cheshire West and Chester
- Stratford-upon-Avon
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Drive 209 km, 3 hours 12 min
- Anne Hathaway's Cottage
- Holy Trinity Church
- Stratford Butterfly Farm
- Shakespeare's Birthplace
- Hall's Croft
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Dive into day 6 of your remarkable road trip in England. Today you will explore Stratford-on-Avon, 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 Stratford-on-Avon. You’ll stay here for 1 night.
Bring your curiosity for today’s adventure around Chester. Some of the town’s most loved attractions await. Anne Hathaway's Cottage is the perfect place to start. This historical landmark is one of the most beloved places to visit in Chester. Next, head to Holy Trinity Church, an underrated church, known for its picture-perfect features.
In between the sights, don’t hesitate to take small detours to explore local stores and eateries. When you’re ready to continue your adventure, head to Stratford Butterfly Farm. This mesmerizing butterfly garden offers a unique experience that is highly recommended. Meanwhile, Shakespeare's Birthplace adds its own distinct charm to your journey. Finish your day with a visit to Hall's Croft, a history-steeped museum in Chester.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Stratford-on-Avon. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the town.
As you explore more of Stratford-on-Avon, 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.
Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Garrick, a top-rated bar in the area.
Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in England!
Day 7
- Stratford-upon-Avon
- Leeds
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Drive 339 km, 4 hours 45 min
- National Trust - Bibury
- Bourton-on-the-water
- Birdland Park & Gardens
- The Model Village
- St Edward's Church
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Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 7 of your road trip in England. Today, you will make 3 stops and experience some of the highlights of Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Stow-on-the-Wold. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Leeds, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.
Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and scenic views. Whether you decide to explore Stratford-on-Avon on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. National Trust - Bibury is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this visually striking historical landmark before continuing your journey. Bourton-on-the-water is your next stop. This frequently visited sightseeing destination is one of the best-rated sights in Stratford-on-Avon.
Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Birdland Park And Gardens. This enchanting zoo is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit The Model Village and St Edward's Church.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Leeds. Leeds offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.
As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Leeds. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.
Savor the flavors at Cosy Club, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Clayton Hotel Leeds beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Riva Blu Italian Restaurant & Bar, Leeds. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Leeds tonight.
After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Power, Corruption & Lies, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Brudenell Social Club offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Whitelock's First City Luncheon Bar provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.
As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in England.
Day 8
- Leeds - Departure day
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- Thackray Museum of Medicine
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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.
If you're up for some more sightseeing, begin at Thackray Museum Of Medicine. This increasingly popular museum is a popular place to see in the city.
Make the most of your final day in England by visiting Leeds’s iconic markets and shopping establishments in the buzzing Trinity Leeds. 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 Leeds.
Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Gaucho Leeds, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Bill's Leeds Restaurant? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu.
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!
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