One-Week England Road Trip from Southampton traveling east to Birmingham and London

Welcome to Southampton, the perfect starting point for your road trip in England! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 1 night immersing yourself in Southampton's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

Southampton 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 Red Funnel Ferries or 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 Southampton. 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 in Southampton. 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.

This local establishment consistently satisfies guests, ensuring an unforgettable holiday experience. Known as a top-rated , it's a top choice in the city. Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Lakaz Maman, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Soleto Bistro? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Ennio's as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Southampton.

Round off your dining experience by visiting The Hobbit Pub, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Firehouse, a bar catering to every mood and preference. The Guide Dog likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

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

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 2 of your road trip in England. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Southampton. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Birmingham. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Southampton, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Birmingham. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 30 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Kick off the day at SeaCity Museum, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This maritime museum is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 2,539 reviews.

Today is also your chance to visit Southampton City Art Gallery. Southampton City Art Gallery is an art museum with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 599 reviews.

Houdini's Escape Room Experience - Escape Room Southampton is another top attraction we highly recommend you visit today. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 717 visitors.

Beyond the attractions mentioned above, you also have the opportunity to visit Mayflower Park. This park is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,453 visitors.

Lastly, don’t miss out on Southampton Common, a famous common land in Southampton. This attraction is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,033 travelers.

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.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Birmingham. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

This popular -awarded venue consistently exceeds expectations, ensuring a memorable holiday experience. Have a fantastic dining experience at Purecraft Bar & Kitchen, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Grand Central Kitchen offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Restaurant Folium is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Birmingham.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Equator Bar Birmingham offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Bacchus Bar is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Be At One - Brindley Place Birmingham is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

Relax and reminisce about your day in England and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

On day 3 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 Stratford-on-Avon, Warwick, Woodstock, and Oxford. In the evening, you’ll end up in London, where you will stay for 4 nights.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Stratford-on-Avon, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Warwick to Stratford-on-Avon may take around 18 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Stratford-on-Avon, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Journey into the unknown at Shakespeare's Birthplace, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable birth house has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 16,156 reviews.

When you’ve had your share of Birmingham, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Warwick. Your travel time is around 45 min.

Make Warwick Castle your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this castle an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 21,167 reviews.

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

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in London.

Celebrated as a restaurant, it boasts an exceptional menu. This establishment consistently wows guests, making it a memorable stop during your holiday. Nestled in the city's heart, is a perfect choice for discerning cuisine enthusiasts seeking a new experience. Enjoy a sumptuous meal at Cahoots London, a highly-rated dining destination in London. If you're eager to try something different, consider Bill's Soho Restaurant, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Estiatorio Milos. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in London this evening.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Bar Américain stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, The Connaught Bar offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Bar Polski is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

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

On day 4 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 3 nights left in London.

Take the opportunity to see Madame Tussauds London. This attraction has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 71,843 visitors.

Big Ben is another sightseeing hotspot in the area. This cultural icon has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 61,373 travelers.

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 Westminster. Your travel time is around 14 min.

Journey into the unknown at London Eye, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable ferris wheel has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 171,401 reviews.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to London, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Westminster. This drive usually takes around 14 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Buckingham Palace. This royal palace is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 164,776 visitors.

When you’re finished at Buckingham Palace, head to St James's Park. This one-of-a-kind park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 55,261 reviews.

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

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

Renowned for its , this restaurant presents an outstanding menu of cuisine. This distinguished -recipient is a favorite among guests, making it a worthy addition to your holiday plans. With an acclaim, it promises a dining experience you won't want to miss. Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at The Palomar, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Berners Tavern offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Burger & Lobster Leicester Square. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in London.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Artesian, known for its lively atmosphere. American Bar is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Old Shades offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the 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 5 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Camden Town. You’ll stay in Camden Town for 2 nights and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Trafalgar Square. This square is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 121,847 visitors.

National Gallery is another popular attraction you could visit today. This art museum has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 48,134 visitors. National Gallery attracts up to 6,011,007 visitors every year.

To do something one-of-a-kind on this day of your trip, you can join a tour. You can discover all of the most fun and eye-opening experiences in your destination below and secure your spot here.

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.

This popular -awarded venue consistently exceeds expectations, ensuring a memorable holiday experience. Have a fantastic dining experience at Rules, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Hawksmoor Seven Dials offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Simpson's in the Strand is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in London.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Scarfes Bar after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to BFI IMAX for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, The Old Bank of England is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in England!

On day 6 of your road trip in England, you’ll start and end your day in London, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the neighborhood. Since you will return to London for 1 night more, there’s no need to rush. Experience London, Westminster, and Kensington to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. London, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Upon arrival in London, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Tower of London. This castle is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 101,481 visitors. Attracting more than 2,741,126 yearly visitors, it’s a top sight you don’t want to miss.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Westminster, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Kensington. This drive usually takes around 7 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Make Hyde Park your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this park an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 126,766 reviews.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Kensington. This car ride takes around 7 min.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Science Museum. This science museum gets 2,989,000 visitors each year and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 65,368 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Victoria and Albert Museum. This museum has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 55,517 reviews. Usually, around 3,932,738 people visit Victoria and Albert Museum every year.

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

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in London.

Make sure to book a table at Smith & Wollensky, a popular restaurant in London. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Experience a taste of London at Hawksmoor Air Street, 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 Premier Inn London County Hall hotel. As a dining spot that gains consistently high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to London tonight.

Continue your lively evening at The Ship & Shovell, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in.

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

On day 7 of your exciting self-drive vacation in England, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 4 destinations, Eton, Leavesden, Three Rivers, and Watford. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Southampton, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Eton. This drive usually takes around 29 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is St George's Chapel, Windsor. This castle chapel is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 5,434 reviews.

Continue your journey at Windsor Castle. This historic house museum is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 53,263 travelers from near and far.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Watford. This drive usually takes around 11 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Kick off the day at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This exhibition room is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 82,133 reviews.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Southampton, 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 explore more of Southampton, 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.

Make sure to book a table at The Bedford, a popular restaurant in Southampton. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Experience a taste of Southampton at Smugglers Bar & 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 Bill's Southampton Restaurant. As a dining spot that gains consistently high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Southampton tonight.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Beards & Boards Craft Beer Bar, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to London Hotel. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Heartbreakers, another top-rated place in the area.

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 Southampton before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

As your final day in England unfolds, don’t miss the chance for a last-minute shopping spree in Southampton’s shopping district. Your accommodation’s convenient location near the city’s shopping area offers the luxury of time, so you don’t have to limit yourself from leisurely strolling its streets amidst a collection of establishments.

Look for the perfect gift for your loved ones back home, or buy yourself a little keepsake to remind you of England. Keep the spirit of your trip to England alive with these special souvenirs.

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

This -awardee earns consistently high praises from previous guests, making it a must-visit addition to your holiday experience. This awardee is a highly recommended choice for an unforgettable meal.

You’ll then say farewell to Southampton. 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!