One-Week Relaxed England Road Trip from Manchester to London

Your relaxed road trip through England starts when you reach the incredible city of Manchester, where you'll stay for 2 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Manchester and begin your adventure in England.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Cathedral Gardens, a remarkable park where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 4,053 reviews.

Make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Manchester. Make yourself at home and enjoy some downtime before heading out again.

When you're hungry and ready to take a break from your laid-back adventure, treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants in Manchester.

Esteemed as a much-enjoyed restaurant, it features an exceptional menu. Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Premier Inn Manchester Central hotel, a top-rated dining spot in Manchester. If you're in the mood for something new, try Fazenda Manchester, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Peaky Blinders Manchester. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Manchester.

Hang out and unwind at some of the top bars in Manchester.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Corbieres Bar is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Directors Box also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

Raise a toast as you look back into the highlights of today’s laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure in England. Enjoy your first taste of Manchester as you soak in the city’s unique vibe.

On day 2 of your relaxed road trip across England, you’ll explore the area around Dunham Town, where you’ll be staying for another 1 night. With so many fun and inspiring experiences to offer, a tour of Dunham Town will make you fall even more in love with the village and uniqueness of England.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Alexandra Park. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 4,080 reviews.

Continue your journey at Science and Industry Museum. This science museum is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 17,698 travelers from near and far. Approximately 830,000 people come to this place of interest every year to enjoy a unique experience in Manchester.

Manchester is also the home of Manchester Art Gallery. This art museum has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 9,279 visitors.

You can continue your self-guided sightseeing tour at Heaton Park. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 14,359 visitors, a visit to this top sight is time well spent.

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

Make National Trust - Dunham Massey your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this park an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 10,591 reviews.

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

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Manchester has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

Savor the flavors at MR THOMAS'S CHOP HOUSE, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Sam's Chop House beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Annies. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Manchester tonight.

Experience the amazing nightlife in Manchester and unwind at the coolest bars in the city.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Arcane, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of The Liquor Store, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Atlas Bar likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

Grab a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your relaxed road trip experience in England!

Day 3 of your relaxed road trip across England promises an exciting agenda full of discovery. You’ll start your day in the village of Castleton and drive in the direction of the village of Leavesden for some laid-back sightseeing. You’ll end your day in the city of London, where you’ll stay for 4 nights.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is National Trust - Dark Peak. This park is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars in 992 reviews.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Castleton 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 2 hours 59 min. Upon reaching Leavesden, 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 Peak Cavern. Previous visitors have rated this show cave an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 2,541 reviews.

Peak District National Park is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This park is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 32,930 reviews.

After soaking in Castleton’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Leavesden. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 2 hours 59 min. When you arrive in Leavesden, it's time to take a break from the road.

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

When you’re not exploring beautiful places, you’ll have a relaxed time at London. Here, you can choose from the best selection of hotels and places to stay as you get to know more about this spectacular city.

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, London has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at The American Bar, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Cahoots London offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Bill's Soho Restaurant. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in London.

If you’re not yet ready to call it a night, head back out to celebrate your vacation with a drink. This is a great time to slow down, look back at your day, and raise a toast to your wonderful holiday in England.

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

Free your mind of worries as you enjoy the taste of freedom on your laid-back, relaxed road trip adventure across England.

On day 4 of your leisurely self-drive tour across England, you’ll go deep into London, where you'll stay for 3 nights, and see some of the city’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in London, and meet locals along the way!

Exploring one unique site after another provides you the much-needed variety during your leisurely self-drive tour across England. But to satisfy your curiosity or need for adventure, we recommend you add excursions in today’s agenda. You have a great selection of popular activities to choose from in England.

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, London has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Estiatorio Milos, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? The Palomar offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Berners Tavern. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in London.

After dinner, it’s time to fall in love with the amazing nightlife in London and unwind at some of the best bars in the city.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Artesian. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, American Bar offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Old Shades, another top-rated bar in the area.

Raise your glass to celebrate another day of your laid-back and relaxed road trip experience in England!

Your laid-back and relaxed road trip in England continues on day 5, allowing you to create more unforgettable memories. Today’s travel plan offers you the chance to have a more in-depth understanding of England and its people by visiting the offerings and top attractions of Westminster and beyond. With 2 nights left in London, you’ll have enough time to eat and unwind at popular restaurants and bars in the city.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Kensington. This drive usually takes around 7 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Hyde Park. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 128,167 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 St James's Park. This park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 56,264 visitors.

When you’ve had your share of Westminster, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Kensington. Your travel time is around 7 min.

When you're ready to see some sights, Science Museum is a great place to start. This science museum is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 66,659 visitors. Science Museum attracts more than 2,989,000 visitors every year.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Victoria and Albert Museum. This museum has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 56,963 travelers. Every year, 3,932,738 travelers come to experience this site to make the most of their time in Kensington.

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

Exploring the food culture in London offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

Make sure to book a table at Burger & Lobster Leicester Square, a popular restaurant in London. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of London at Wiltons 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 Rules. As a dining spot that gains consistently high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to London tonight.

If you feel like it, head out to a bar to celebrate another fantastic day in London and take the pulse of the city’s nightlife. Enjoy the night without rushing to fully appreciate it.

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.

Savor the rest of the night and celebrate another incredible relaxed road trip adventure in the magical London!

Day 6 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in London, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in England are extraordinary.

Journey into the unknown at Trafalgar Square, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable square has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 123,506 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, National Gallery is a recommended place to visit. This art museum is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 49,550 reviews. Based on recent data, the attraction hosts 6,011,007 visitors per year.

Another must-see attraction in London is British Museum. This spectacular national museum gets over 5,906,716 visitors every year. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 151,665 travelers, this popular tourist destination in London offers an experience you will remember.

Madame Tussauds London is another popular stop on travelers' itineraries in London. This wax museum promises memorable moments of exploring. Other travelers have rated this attraction 4.4 out of 5 stars in 73,606 reviews.

Lastly, don't miss out on Regent's Park. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 44,964 local and international travelers, it's a popular place to visit.

Another way to make your easygoing and relaxed road trip in England more special is by joining unique tours and activities in England. London offers a wide selection of experiences for every traveler.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of England. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in London, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at The Royal Horseguards Hotel & One Whitehall Place, London, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Hawksmoor Seven Dials? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Simpson's in the Strand as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in London.

Before calling it a day, visit one of the best bars in London. There, you can look back on the highlights of today’s pleasant and invigorating travel experiences, have friendly conversations with locals, and unwind.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at The Old Bank of England, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, The Ship & Shovell provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks.

Soak in the unique atmosphere of London as you commemorate this day of your relaxed road trip through England with a toast. Cheers to a memorable leisurely self-drive holiday in England!

Day 7 of your relaxed road trip across the beautiful country of England will take you on a self-paced journey to more than one incredible place in one day. See some of the best attractions in England, taste the most delectable foods and exquisite drinks, and make incredible memories as you go!

When you’ve had your share of Eton, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Alrewas. Your travel time is around 2 hours 12 min.

When you're ready to see some sights, St George's Chapel, Windsor is a great place to start. This castle chapel is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 5,505 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Windsor Castle. This historic house museum has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 54,973 travelers.

After soaking in Eton’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Alrewas. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 2 hours 12 min. When you arrive in Alrewas, it's time to take a break from the road.

Make National Memorial Arboretum one of your first sightseeing stops in Alrewas. Rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 12,319 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

In the city of Manchester, you’ll find plenty of stay options that will accommodate your need for rest and relaxation after spending your day on the road. Our top recommendations perfectly complement your relaxed road trip vacation in England.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of England. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Manchester, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Make sure to reserve a table at Browns Manchester, an iconic dining spot in Manchester. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Bill's Spinningfields Restaurant, a popular restaurant in Manchester. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Teppanyaki Chinatown, a hidden gem nestled in Manchester. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

After dinner, you can choose between heading back to your hotel to recharge, taking a leisurely stroll, or going out to a bar for a relaxed drink in great company.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Port Street Beer House stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Bar Fringe offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Mary D's Beamish Bar is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

Savor the rest of the night and celebrate another incredible relaxed road trip adventure in the magical Manchester!

Day 8 of your relaxed road trip in England is your departure day. If you have a flight to catch, you’ll drop off your rental car well in advance before your departure. Choose a late flight to enjoy a stress-free last day in Manchester.

As your final day in England unfolds, enjoy a last-minute shopping spree in Manchester's best shopping area. Enjoy finding the perfect gift or keepsake to remind you of your wonderful trip to England.

If you'd rather pass the time visiting some attractions, this is your chance to go to places you may not have had the chance to explore yet.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Manchester is the remarkable Alan Turing Memorial. This point of interest and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1,462 visitors.

Unwind and look back at the past 8 days of your relaxed road trip over a bite to eat. This is your chance to enjoy one last traditional meal in Manchester or just grab something light to keep you going.

Have a fantastic dining experience at TNQ - The Northern Quarter Restaurant & Bar, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Vincenzo Trattoria offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Manchester and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 8-day relaxed road trip in England is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.