One-Week England Road Trip from Southampton traveling north to Oxford and London

Your road trip adventure in England begins as soon as you reach Southampton and pick up your car. You’ll stay in Southampton for 2 nights and explore the best things to see and do, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.

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 Bargate or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

Find your way to your hotel in Southampton. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in England. Settle in and make plans for the evening.

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.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Lakaz Maman, a top-rated dining destination in Southampton. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Soleto Bistro, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Ennio's. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Southampton this evening.

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

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

Day 2 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Southampton for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Journey into the unknown at Tudor House & Garden, a unique attraction awaiting your visit. This remarkable museum has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,012 reviews.

When you’re ready to continue your sightseeing, St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Southampton is a recommended place to visit. This church is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 115 reviews.

Another must-see attraction in Southampton is Westgate Hall. Rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 191 travelers, this popular tourist destination in Southampton offers an experience you will remember.

To immerse yourself in more memorable moments in Southampton, check out the best-rated tours the region offers. You can discover and choose from all of the top-rated activities you can do on this day in Southampton below.

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.

Have a fantastic dining experience at The Bedford, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Smugglers Bar & Restaurant offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Bill's Southampton Restaurant is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Southampton.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Beards & Boards Craft Beer Bar. Alternatively, go to London Hotel, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Heartbreakers provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in England.

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

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Southampton, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Salisbury. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 1 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

When you're ready to see some sights, Stonehenge is a great place to start. This tourist attraction is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 51,913 visitors.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Salisbury, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Bath. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 2 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Thermae Bath Spa. Previous visitors have rated this spa an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in 8,744 reviews.

Roman Baths is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This thermae is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 31,875 reviews.

Another attraction you won't want to miss is Pulteney Bridge. This road bridge is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 7,931 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.

Make sure to book a table at The Big Society, a popular restaurant in Oxford. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Oxford at Antep Kitchen, 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 The Victoria. As a dining spot that gains consistently high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Oxford tonight.

Cap off your dinner by heading to The Mad Hatter, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. The White Horse is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, The House is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in England!

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 3 vibrant destinations - Windsor, Eton, and Leavesden. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in London. You will spend 3 nights here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Windsor’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Oxford behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 4 min. Windsor welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Take the opportunity to see Queen Victoria Statue. This attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 220 visitors.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Leavesden. This car ride takes around 35 min.

Make St George's Chapel, Windsor one of your first sightseeing stops in Eton. Rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 5,434 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Windsor Castle is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This historic house museum is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 53,263 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.

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

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

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.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in England!

Day 5 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 city.

Make Madame Tussauds London your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this wax museum an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 71,843 reviews.

Next up, make a stop at National Gallery. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 48,134 visitors, it's easy to understand why so many people visit this art museum every year. In fact, this attraction welcomes 6,011,007 annual visitors.

Trafalgar Square is another attraction you can visit on this day of your vacation. This square has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 121,847 visitors.

Immerse yourself in the local scene through top-rated tours and activities. You can choose from a wide variety of easy to challenging tours and easily add them to your travel package below.

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

As a top-rated it is an ideal choice in the city. Enjoy a lovely meal at The Palomar, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Berners Tavern is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Burger & Lobster Leicester Square. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in London tonight.

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.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in England!

Day 6 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions London has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in London by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.

Your discoveries in London do not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in London on this day of your trip. You can select your tours below.

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

Make sure to book a table at Rules, 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 Hawksmoor Seven Dials, 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 Simpson's in the Strand. As a dining spot that gains consistently high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to London tonight.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Scarfes Bar, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of BFI IMAX, a bar catering to every mood and preference. The Old Bank of England likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in England!

On day 7 of your exciting self-drive vacation in England, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, London, Westminster, and Kensington. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Southampton, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Make Big Ben your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this cultural icon an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 61,373 reviews.

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.

Make London Eye one of your first sightseeing stops in London. Rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 171,401 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

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

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

Dine in style at Anesti Limited T/A Sulas Greek Taverna, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Everest Cuisine boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out CRIB Shuffleboard Cocktail & Pizza Bar. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Southampton.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences 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.

On your last day in England, take time to indulge in shopping at Southampton’s popular marketplace. Thanks to your accommodation’s strategic location, the city’s bustling commercial district is only a stone’s throw away, giving you ample time to leisurely explore the area, filled with local shops.

Take time to find the perfect present, reminding you of the charms of England. Each store here is brimming with unique finds. These souvenirs will help you treasure your memories of England forever.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Red Funnel Ferries. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 8,788 reviews.

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

Have a fantastic dining experience at The Rockstone, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Piecaramba! offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu.

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!