One-Week Relaxed England Road Trip from Manchester to London

Photo of Manchester, New Hampshire, USA Skyline on the Merrimack River.
Perfect travel plans
Everything included
Fully customizable

Description

Summary

Duration
8 days & 7 nights
Available
Jan. - Dec.
Hotel
7 nights included
Car rental
8 days included
Flights
Optional
Travel app
All vouchers, itinerary, & map

Description

Sit back and enjoy a relaxed 8-day road trip in England with this laid-back self-drive vacation.

This self-drive package allows you to immerse in the local culture as you travel through the picture-perfect landscapes in England at a relaxed pace. Get a dose of comfort, fun, and recreation in Manchester and London. Make yourself at home at top-rated hotels and stay 3 nights in Manchester and 4 nights in London. Finally, taste the local food and enjoy a refreshing drink at the most popular restaurants and bars along your road trip route in England.

Experience an easy 8-day self-drive tour across England with this carefully arranged travel plan. We’ll help you from the beginning to the end of your vacation in England so you can leave with the best road trip memories.

Freedom of choice is key to a relaxing road trip in England. For your self-drive vacation, we’ll offer you a selection of the best rental vehicles with CDW insurance. Upon arrival in Manchester, you’ll collect your rental car of choice. From there, you’ll begin your 8-day journey across England and discover its unique culture, history, and diverse scenery.

You’ll choose among the best hotels and places to stay in England. Each stop offers top-notch comfort and unique charm, designed to help you unwind and enjoy your journey. Rest assured, we’ll always offer you accommodations that fit your budget and needs, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable travel experience throughout England.

We’ll introduce you to some of the best travel destinations in England. This relaxed road trip features the stunning British Museum in London. Another highlight of this self-drive tour is the captivating Tower Bridge.

Traveling leisurely through England means you could spend as much time as you want at the magnificent London Eye. With this travel plan, you could also soak in the atmosphere of the memorable Buckingham Palace. Get close to the spectacular Hyde Park and the wonderful Trafalgar Square. You’ll have plenty of time to take in each attraction's unique features, learn its unique history, and appreciate it to the fullest.

Between sightseeing, you can make the most of your downtime and join a popular tour in England. Tours offer a special way of discovering what else England has to offer.

This relaxed road trip also gives you plenty of time to stroll through England's shopping hotspots. Here you can visit shops, discover the locals’ way of life, or try various specialties. Check out all the souvenirs and gifts you can buy in the area and bring home a piece of the country that will remind you of your relaxing vacation in England.

By the end of your 8-day road trip through England, you’ll return home feeling refreshed and enriched by your experience. You’ll have many stories about your pleasant and relaxed road trip vacation in England and memories to cherish forever.

This self-drive vacation package includes everything you need for a stress-free, easy road trip through England. You’ll have a cozy place to stay for 7 nights, with a selection of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll also provide you with the best car rental you can use throughout the 8 days of your self-drive road trip in England. On top of all that, you also have the option to add flights to your travel plan and personalize each day of your itinerary by adding tours and tickets.

This self-drive package includes 24/7 travel support and a step-by-step guide. You can access the guide at any point of your journey through our mobile app, where you can also keep and organize your travel documents.

Spend an amazing 8-day vacation in England and get to know more about this fantastic destination. Choose your travel dates and plan a laid-back and relaxed road trip in England today!

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Included

Hotel, 7 nights
Rental car, 8 days
CDW Insurance
Step-by-step guide
Personal travel agent
24/7 travel support

Destinations

Aerial drone view of Manchester city in UK on a beautiful sunny day.Greater Manchester / 3 nights
London, England - Panoramic skyline view of Bank and Canary Wharf, central London's leading financial districts with famous skyscrapers at golden hour sunset with blue sky and clouds.London / 4 nights
Photo of Westminster palace (Houses of Parliament) and Big Ben, London, UK.Westminster

Map

Attractions

Photo of beautiful shot of London Eye and River Thames ,London, UK.London Eye
Photo of Buckingham Palace in London, United Kingdom.Buckingham Palace
The British MuseumBritish Museum
Tower BridgeTower Bridge
Photo of beautiful landscape around Hyde Park, London, United Kingdom.Hyde Park
Trafalgar SquareTrafalgar Square
Tower of London, London Borough of Tower Hamlets, London, Greater London, England, United KingdomTower of London
The Making of Harry Potter Warner Brothers Studio Tour London, Leavesden, UK: The main entrance signWarner Bros Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter
Photo of Borough Market, London, UK.Borough Market
Madame Tussauds LondonMadame Tussauds London
Photo of Science Museum, London, United Kingdom.Science Museum
St James's ParkSt James's Park
Photo of Victoria and Albert Museum, London, England.Victoria and Albert Museum
Big Ben
Photo of aerial view of Windsor Castle that was built in the 11th Century and is the residence of the British Royal Family, UK.Windsor Castle
Photo of Iconic London Tower Bridge on the Thames River, UK.London Bridge
The National Gallery, Westminster, London, Greater London, England, United KingdomNational Gallery
Photo of Peaceful scenery with fountain in regent's park of London, UK.Regent's Park
Photo of Kew Royal Botanic Gardens, Richmond, UK.Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Peak District National ParkPeak District National Park
Photo of Royal Albert Hall in London, England.Royal Albert Hall
Photo of Science and Industry Museum sign, Manchester, UK.Science and Industry Museum
Photo of aerial view of beautiful Heaton Park, Manchester ,UK.Heaton Park
National Trust - Dunham Massey, Dunham Massey, Trafford, Greater Manchester, North West England, England, United KingdomNational Trust - Dunham Massey
Photo of Manchester Art Gallery, UK.Manchester Art Gallery
Cathedral Gardens, Manchester, Greater Manchester, North West England, England, United KingdomCathedral Gardens
IFLY Manchester Indoor Skydiving
Photo of the entrance of Peak Cavern, also known as the Devil's Arse, in Castleton, Derbyshire, England, UK.Beautiful panoramic view of Chalupska Slat ,Borova Lada, National park Sumava, Czech Republic
Sackville Garden
National Trust - Dark Peak

Flights
Yes
No

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy

Travel details

Flights

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy
Travel dates

Include flights?

Yes
No

Travelers

Rooms

Flights

Car
Yes
No

Car

Small car

Small car

Category
small car
Transmission
People
Large bags
Medium car

Medium car

Category
Medium
Transmission
People
Large bags
Premium car

Premium car

Category
premium car
Transmission
People
Large bags

Hotels

Personalize your itinerary

Day 1 – Manchester - arrival day

Day 1

Day 1 – Manchester - arrival day

  • Greater Manchester - Arrival day
  • More
  • Cathedral Gardens
  • More

Your slow-paced and relaxed road trip through England begins when you reach Manchester, where you’ll stay for a total of 3 nights.

Manchester is an outstanding hub for culture, comfort, and exploration. The city offers travelers plenty of experiences to look forward to, including the magnificent Cathedral Gardens. Around 4,029 visitors have rated this fascinating park and travel destination an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Take your pick and make it your home during your leisurely tour of the city.

Exploring the food culture in Manchester 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.

An excellent example is Fazenda Manchester. This restaurant offers a menu of comforting meals and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,779 customers.

If you’re curious about what Manchester looks like at night, a trip to some of the best bars near your accommodation is what you need next. Experience the local nightlife at Hawksmoor Manchester, our top recommendation in the city. Customers have rated this bar an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 2,765 reviews.

Flight Club Manchester offers a variety of refreshing drinks and is one of the best places to relax in Manchester. This well-known city bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,658 customers.

Free your mind of worries and enjoy your first taste of relaxation in England! Expect more to come as you continue this laid-back and relaxed road trip in England!

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Experiences

Day 2 – Manchester

Day 2

Day 2 – Manchester

  • Greater Manchester
  • More

Drive 74 km, 2 hours 9 min

  • National Trust - Dunham Massey
  • IFLY Manchester Indoor Skydiving
  • Science and Industry Museum
  • Manchester Art Gallery
  • Heaton Park
  • More

On day 2 of your relaxed road trip across England, you'll explore the best attractions in Manchester at your own pace and immerse in the city's unique local culture. Today's laid-back tour features some of the best restaurants and bars in Manchester, where you can sample some delicious local food.

The accommodation you’ll be staying at for another 2 nights will be conveniently located close to several attractions, like the famous National Trust - Dunham Massey. This incredible park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 10,384 travelers.

Make the most of your slow-paced travel adventure in England by seeing another popular site in Manchester, the wonderful iFLY Manchester Indoor Skydiving. This must-see tourist destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 10,384 travelers.

You can then move on to the incredible Science and Industry Museum. This science museum has received an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 17,320 visitors. Up to 830,000 people visit this popular attraction each year.

Another stop you might want to add to your self-drive itinerary is the remarkable Heaton Park. This english country house is sought after by many travelers from around the world. The popular attraction has received 4.6 out of 5 stars from 14,059 visitors.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 2 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in England. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Manchester itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city. Add a highly recommended tour to your vacation package now and make this refreshing new day of your self-drive through England extra special!

After a long day exploring the popular attractions in the city, it’s time to sample the different kinds of mouthwatering foods served at the best restaurants in Manchester. One of our top recommendations includes a selection of delicious meals on its menu, Browns Manchester. This place is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,970 customers.

You may also try the variety of dishes served at Rain Bar, which is an excellent choice if you want a nice place to eat near your accommodation. Rain Bar is rated 4.3 stars out of 5 by 1,928 customers.

After finishing your meal, it’s time to experience the amazing nightlife in Manchester and unwind at the coolest bars in the city. Drink the night away and celebrate this day of your relaxed road trip at the popular Port Street Beer House. This vibrant bar is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,146 customers.

If you want to try a different bar, check out the popular THE BRITONS PROTECTION. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,777 customers, this bar is a great place to try some excellent liquor.

Another recommendation you shouldn’t miss is Trof Northern Quarter. Drink up and relax in this amazing bar that serves different kinds of alcoholic beverages and cocktail drinks. Trof Northern Quarter has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,771 bar goers.

Enjoy the rest of day 2 of your relaxed road trip across England, and prepare for another day of unhurried adventure!

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Experiences

Day 3 – London

Day 3

Day 3 – London

  • London
  • More

Drive 329 km, 5 hours 11 min

  • National Trust - Dark Peak
  • Beautiful panoramic view of Chalupska Slat ,Borova Lada, National park Sumava, Czech Republic
  • Peak District National Park
  • Warner Bros Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter
  • More

On day 3 of your laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure, you’ll have the chance to visit two remarkable areas in England. Since this self-drive tour offers freedom and flexibility, you can decide how much time you want to spend in each place to enjoy the memorable travel destinations in England.

You’ll spend 4 nights in London.

This park and popular sightseeing spot has an average rating of 4.9 over 5 stars from 969 visitors.

Another top sight worth checking out is the amazing Peak Cavern. This show cave and go-to attraction has an average rating of 4.5 over 5 stars from 2,494 travelers.

If you’re looking for another unforgettable attraction to explore during your laid-back trip, the wonderful Peak District National Park is the perfect place for you. This park and travel location has received a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 32,768 reviewers.

Joining a tour will allow you to better understand the local culture in England, meet new people, and create memorable experiences, while you comfortably enjoy.

This is your opportunity to create more unforgettable memories in England and discover the wonderful Hertfordshire.

While in Hertfordshire, take a break at one of its best attractions, the great Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter. This exhibition room and popular site has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 82,133 reviews.

This travel spotis a go-to place in Hertfordshire.

As this day of your laid-back exploration of the best attractions in England comes to a close, continue your relaxed road trip adventure in London. Drive leisurely, enjoy the views, and listen to some good music. In London, you’ll choose from the best hotels and places to stay in the city and restore your energy.

After a long day of traveling and sightseeing, take it easy and have a wonderful dinner at one of the best restaurants in London. Check out Burger & Lobster Leicester Square, a top choice in England due to its excellent meals and service.

After dinner, many travelers enjoy hanging out and unwinding at some of the top bars in London. The popular Scarfes Bar has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 883 customers and is the perfect place to fully appreciate your unhurried and relaxed road trip vacation in England.

You could also relax with a drink at another popular bar like The Connaught Bar. This hang-out has an average rating of 4.7 from 654 individuals.

Celebrate another day of your relaxing road trip through England with a toast at a top-rated bar in London!

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Experiences

Day 4 – London

Day 4

Day 4 – London

  • London
  • More

Drive 9 km, 44 min

  • Trafalgar Square
  • National Gallery
  • British Museum
  • Madame Tussauds London
  • Regent's Park
  • More

On day 4 of your relaxed road trip across England, you’ll explore the area around London, where you’ll be staying for another 3 nights.

Around 121,847 visitors rated their experience at this well-known attraction an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 148,750 visitors, this amazing sightseeing spot attracts approximately 5,906,716 travelers every year.

This local attraction is an amazing wax museum that has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 71,843 visitors.

A stop at the outstanding Regent's Park will make your slow-paced and relaxed road trip in England more memorable. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 44,079 visitors, a stop at this local attraction during your leisurely self-drive through England is a chance to gain another experience worth sharing.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across England by joining a traveler-approved tour in London. Tours offer an opportunity to get to know more about London and the unique culture of the country.

There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in London that will make your self-drive tour in England more memorable.

After satisfying your wanderlust, you’ll head to your accommodation in the city of London for some rest and relaxation. Immerse yourself in the local food culture of England by eating at one of the best restaurants in London.

With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 4,178 customers, the dining experience Bill's Soho Restaurant offers is the perfect complement to your relaxed road trip in England.

The Red Lion, Parliament Street is another pleasant place to eat in London. This restaurant offers a menu of delectable dishes and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,534 customers.

If you’re looking for a restaurant that locals enjoy, check out Cahoots London and try their flavorful menu. This local favorite has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,678 customers.

When you’re in the mood for an after-dinner drink, visit one of the best bars in the city. At Burger & Lobster Leicester Square, you can relax or make friends with locals and fellow travelers. This bar in London is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 4,454 customers.

You can also unwind and enjoy a few drinks at Hawksmoor Air Street, another well-known bar in London. Customers have rated this city bar an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 3,216 reviews.

Another top-rated bar with a unique vibe is Hawksmoor Seven Dials. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,084 customers, Hawksmoor Seven Dials is one of the best places to end a laid-back tour of London.

Get cozy and have fun because this is what your relaxed road trip in England is all about!

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Experiences

Day 5 – London

Day 5

Day 5 – London

  • London
  • More

Drive 14 km, 58 min

  • London Eye
  • Borough Market
  • London Bridge
  • Tower of London
  • Tower Bridge
  • More

On day 5 of your relaxed road trip across England, you’ll explore the area around London, where you’ll be staying for another 2 nights.

Around 171,401 visitors rated their experience at this well-known attraction an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

This local attraction is an amazing road bridge that has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 49,698 visitors.

A stop at the outstanding Tower of London will make your slow-paced and relaxed road trip in England more memorable. This remarkable castle and travel destination inspires over 2,741,126 curious travelers each year. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 101,481 visitors, a stop at this local attraction during your leisurely self-drive through England is a chance to gain another experience worth sharing.

Tower Bridge is a well-loved bascule bridge by locals and tourists alike, and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 151,949 visitors.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across England by joining a traveler-approved tour in London. Tours offer an opportunity to get to know more about London and the unique culture of the country.

There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in London that will make your self-drive tour in England more memorable.

After satisfying your wanderlust, you’ll head to your accommodation in the city of London for some rest and relaxation. Immerse yourself in the local food culture of England by eating at one of the best restaurants in London.

With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,824 customers, the dining experience Rules offers is the perfect complement to your relaxed road trip in England.

When you’re in the mood for an after-dinner drink, visit one of the best bars in the city. At The Red Lion, Parliament Street, you can relax or make friends with locals and fellow travelers. This bar in London is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,534 customers.

You can also unwind and enjoy a few drinks at Cahoots London, another well-known bar in London. Customers have rated this city bar an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 2,678 reviews.

Another top-rated bar with a unique vibe is The Ivy. Rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,597 customers, The Ivy is one of the best places to end a laid-back tour of London.

Get cozy and have fun because this is what your relaxed road trip in England is all about!

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Experiences

Day 6 – London

Day 6

Day 6 – London

  • London
  • More

Drive 12 km, 47 min

  • Hyde Park
  • Royal Albert Hall
  • Science Museum
  • Victoria and Albert Museum
  • Big Ben
  • More

On day 6 of your relaxed road trip across England, you’ll explore the area around London, where you’ll be staying for another 1 night.

Around 126,766 visitors rated their experience at this well-known attraction an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

This local attraction is an amazing science museum that has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 65,368 visitors. In a single year, the wonderful Science Museum welcomes more than 2,989,000 travelers, indicating that this attraction is one of the most popular places of interest in London.

A stop at the outstanding Big Ben will make your slow-paced and relaxed road trip in England more memorable. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 61,373 visitors, a stop at this local attraction during your leisurely self-drive through England is a chance to gain another experience worth sharing.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across England by joining a traveler-approved tour in London. Tours offer an opportunity to get to know more about London and the unique culture of the country.

There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in London that will make your self-drive tour in England more memorable.

After satisfying your wanderlust, you’ll head to your accommodation in the city of London for some rest and relaxation. Immerse yourself in the local food culture of England by eating at one of the best restaurants in London.

With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,817 customers, the dining experience Berners Tavern offers is the perfect complement to your relaxed road trip in England.

When you’re in the mood for an after-dinner drink, visit one of the best bars in the city. At The Old Bank of England, you can relax or make friends with locals and fellow travelers. This bar in London is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,562 customers.

Get cozy and have fun because this is what your relaxed road trip in England is all about!

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Experiences

Day 7 – London, Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, and Manchester

Day 7

Day 7 – London, Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, and Manchester

  • London
  • Westminster
  • Greater Manchester
  • More

Drive 354 km, 4 hours 38 min

  • St James's Park
  • Buckingham Palace
  • Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
  • Windsor Castle
  • More

Day 7 of your relaxed road trip across the beautiful country of England will take you on a self-paced journey to two incredible places 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!

The charming Manchester is where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

This famous park has an impressive 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 55,261 people.

The amazing Buckingham Palace is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 164,776 travelers.

You can also go sightseeing at the popular Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. This non-departmental public body that receives 4.7 visitors every year is a spectacular travel destination rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 45,021 travelers.

Give yourself the opportunity to see more of London than meets the eye by joining a top-rated tour.

In Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, you’ll find the magnificent Windsor Castle. This popular historic house museum has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 53,263 visitors.

After exploring all these beautiful places, drive leisurely to the beautiful city of Manchester for some much-needed rest and relaxation. Here you can choose from the best selection of hotels and places to stay as you get to know more about this spectacular city.

After a long day of driving and exploring some of the best places to visit in England, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Manchester.

We highly recommend going to Bill's Spinningfields Restaurant. This place is a popular restaurant with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,281 customers.

Another great restaurant option is Sam's Chop House. This food place is often recommended by travelers and has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,198 customers.

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

Check out Rain Bar for a great selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. This incredible bar is highly recommended and has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,928 customers.

Another amazing bar that serves many kinds of beverages and cocktails is Café Beermoth | Craft Beer Bar. This bar has a wonderful rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,517 customers.

You may also try Peaky Blinders Manchester, another top-rated bar in the city. About 1,781 bargoers have given this place a thumb up, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Let’s toast to day 7 of your laid-back self-drive in Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead! Celebrate this unique opportunity to enjoy a memorable road trip adventure across England!

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Experiences

Day 8 – Manchester - departure day

Day 8

Day 8 – Manchester - departure day

  • Greater Manchester - Departure day
  • More
  • Sackville Garden
  • More

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.

Depending on when you need to leave, you might be able to fit in some sightseeing or shopping. Embrace the beauty of Manchester once more and find some souvenirs to help you remember your time in the city. To end your relaxing road trip in England on top, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

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.

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.

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Experiences

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