One-Week England Road Trip from London to Oxford, Birmingham, and Sheffield

Welcome to London, the perfect starting point for your road trip in England! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 3 nights immersing yourself in London's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

London 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 Big Ben or 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 London. 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 in London. 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.

Get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey in London by reserving a table at Sketch, The Lecture Room and Library. Renowned as a 3-star Michelin restaurant, it offers an exceptional modern french menu. For a different taste experience, head to Hélène Darroze at The Connaught, recognized for its delicious modern dishes. This 3-star Michelin restaurant consistently impresses guests, ensuring a memorable addition to your holiday. Looking for another option? Make sure to visit Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal, a local favorite known for its delightful modern french cuisine in London. Nestled in the heart of the city, this restaurant with 2 Michelin star is an ideal choice for discerning modern french foodies seeking culinary excellence.

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

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

Day 2 of your road trip across England promises a magnificent time exploring London. You have 2 nights left in London. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the neighborhood.

If you have an appetite for more adventure, check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in London on this day of your trip. You'll find the most recommended ones below.

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.

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.

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

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

Greet day 3 of your road trip in England with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You will return to London 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 Westminster, Kensington, and London.

Kick off the day at British Museum, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. Attracting approximately 5,906,716 visits every year, this attraction is a must-see. This national museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 151,665 reviews.

Upon reaching Westminster, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

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

Next, make your way to Buckingham Palace. This top attraction is a royal palace with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 168,513 visitors.

We also recommend a visit to St James's Park. This park is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 56,264 travelers.

Set your GPS to Kensington and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 6 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Kensington beckons with new experiences!

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.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to London and your accommodation.

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

This renowned restaurant holds and offers an exceptional menu of cuisine. Make sure to reserve a table at Burger & Lobster Leicester Square, 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 Wiltons Restaurant, 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 Rules, a hidden gem nestled in London. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Continue your lively evening at Scarfes Bar, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Heliot Cocktail Bar is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, BFI IMAX ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

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

On day 4 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 Eton, and Salisbury. In the evening, you’ll end up in Oxford, where you will stay for 1 night.

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 Eton. Your travel time is around 49 min.

Make St George's Chapel, Windsor your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this castle chapel an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 5,505 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at Windsor Castle. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 54,973 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this historic house museum every year.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Eton and set your GPS to Salisbury. 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 31 min. Upon reaching Salisbury, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Salisbury Cathedral. Previous visitors have rated this anglican or episcopal cathedral an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 13,849 reviews.

Stonehenge is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. 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 Oxford, 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 Oxford. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

This renowned restaurant holds and offers an exceptional menu of cuisine. Make sure to reserve a table at The Big Society, an iconic dining spot in Oxford. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Antep Kitchen, a popular restaurant in Oxford. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of The Victoria, a hidden gem nestled in Oxford. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Keep the excitement of the evening going by going to a bar or two. The Mad Hatter is an excellent place to start. You could also check out The White Horse, offering a different kind of charm. A last recommendation for the day is The House. This bar promises an enjoyable experience with tasty drinks and a vibrant setting.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in England!

On day 5 of your exciting self-drive vacation in England, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, Oxford, Woodstock, and Warwick. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Birmingham, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Kick off the day at Covered Market, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This market hall is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 9,774 reviews.

Today is also your chance to visit Oxford University Museum of Natural History. Oxford University Museum of Natural History is a natural history museum with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 10,490 reviews.

After soaking in Oxford’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Woodstock. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 24 min. When you arrive in Woodstock, it's time to take a break from the road.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Blenheim Palace, a remarkable house museum where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 15,501 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Birmingham. Birmingham 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.

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

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at Purnell's, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an incredible modern menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Opheem is one of the best restaurants for indian cuisine in Birmingham. This 2-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at Adam's. As a top-rated establishment with 1 Michelin star, it is an ideal choice for modern cuisine in the city.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Equator Bar Birmingham. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Bacchus Bar offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Be At One - Brindley Place Birmingham, another top-rated bar in the area.

Head back to your accommodation in Birmingham and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in England!

Dive into day 6 of your remarkable road trip in England. Today you will explore Alrewas, Alton, and Castleton, 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 Sheffield. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Birmingham, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Alrewas. This drive usually takes around 41 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

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.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Alton. This drive usually takes around 54 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Alton Towers Resort. This amusement park is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 50,421 visitors.

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

Dine in style at Piccolo's, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, The Botanist Bar & Restaurant Sheffield boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Wildcard Bar and Grill. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Sheffield.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like The Bar Stewards, known for its lively atmosphere. The Three Tuns, S1 is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Sheffield Tap offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

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

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 Sheffield, Leavesden, and Watford. 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 1 night.

Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Winter Garden. This extraordinary park has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,523 visitors.

Next, make your way to The Moor Market Sheffield. This point of interest is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 7,090 reviews.

While in Sheffield, we also recommend a visit to Sheffield Botanical Gardens. This botanical garden has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 5,544 reviews.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Sheffield, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Leavesden may take around 2 hours 45 min. Upon your arrival in Leavesden, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter. This extraordinary exhibition room is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 84,358 visitors.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to London, 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 dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in London. 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.

Don’t miss out on dining at The Royal Horseguards Hotel & One Whitehall Place, London, a top-rated dining destination in London. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Hawksmoor Seven Dials, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Simpson's in the Strand. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in London this evening.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, The Old Bank of England offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, The Ship & Shovell is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting.

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

Make Trafalgar Square your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this square an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 123,506 reviews.

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

This renowned restaurant holds and offers an exceptional menu of cuisine.

You’ll then say farewell to London. 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!