One-Week England Road Trip from Southampton to Bristol and London

Perfect travel plans
Everything included
Fully customizable

Description

Included

Flights
Bags included
Hotel
Select dates to customize hotels
Car rental
Customizable
Tours & tickets
Customizable
Travel plan
All inclusive app
Travel agent
24/7 fast service

Description

Escape the ordinary with this exciting 8-day road trip through England that promises to leave you speechless. With this exciting adventure, you will have the chance to explore the diverse landscapes and local cultures of Southampton, Bristol, Bath, Salisbury, London, Camden Town, Westminster, Kensington, Watford, Leavesden, Eton, and Cheapside. Pack your bags, hit the road, and prepare for an unforgettable journey where every moment becomes a lasting story.

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary in England takes you through some of the best places to see in the country. You will spend 2 nights in Southampton, 1 night in Bristol, and 4 nights in London. Anticipate well-spent days sightseeing, eating delicious food, and experiencing the highlights of each destination!

With this travel package, you can choose from an extensive selection of accommodations along your road trip route in England. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, including options for each budget. Whether you are in the mood for luxurious 5-star hotels or budget-friendly bed and breakfasts, we have got you covered.

Upon arriving in Southampton, the rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for collection. From there, the road trip can begin! Experience the ultimate freedom and uncover England on your own terms.

An expertly curated travel plan makes sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things to see and do on your road trip in England. London Eye and Buckingham Palace are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.

As you hit the open road and drive through Southampton, Bristol, Bath, Salisbury, London, Camden Town, Westminster, Kensington, Watford, Leavesden, Eton, and Cheapside, you will also enjoy plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of England. Whether you are exploring enchanting towns and villages, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there is always something new and exciting to experience in England.

Throughout your road trip in England, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in England.

This package offers an all-in-one solution for your trip planning - choose flights, a rental car, accommodation, attractions, and tours that suit your needs and desires. You can customize each day of your road trip itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking.

The best services in England fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your road trip in England today!

Read more

Personalize your itinerary

Customize tours under each day and destination

Day 1

Day 1 – Southampton - arrival day

  • Southampton - Arrival day
  • More

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.

As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Southampton. 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 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 highly-rated dining destination in Southampton. If you're eager to try something different, consider Soleto Bistro, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Ennio's. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Southampton this evening.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like The Hobbit Pub, known for its lively atmosphere. Firehouse is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, The Guide Dog offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

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

Read more
Day 2

Day 2 – Southampton and Bristol

  • Bristol
  • Southampton
  • More

Drive 171 km, 2 hours 33 min

  • Tudor House & Garden
  • SeaCity Museum
  • Southampton City Art Gallery
  • Southampton Common
  • More

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 Bristol. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Tudor House & Garden. This museum is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 1,012 reviews.

Next up, make your way to SeaCity Museum. This maritime museum has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,539 reviews.

When you’re ready for your next sight of the day, continue to Southampton City Art Gallery. This art museum has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 599 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Houdini's Escape Room Experience - Escape Room Southampton. This sightseeing destination is rated an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars by 717 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Southampton Common. This common land is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 5,033 visitors.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Bristol. Bristol 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 Bristol's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Have a memorable dining experience in Bristol by booking a table at COR, renowned as a Bib Gourmand restaurant presenting an exceptional modern british menu. For a different culinary experience, Bulrush shines as one of the top destinations known for its delicious modern british cuisine in Bristol. This 1-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from previous guests, making it a must-visit addition to your holiday experience. If you're looking for an alternative, Root is known as a top local spot for its delicious vegetarian and modern cuisine in Bristol. This Bib Gourmand awardee is a highly recommended choice for an unforgettable meal.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, The Boardroom stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Gin & Juice offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Watershed 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!

Read more
Day 3

Day 3 – Bristol, Bath, Salisbury, and London

  • London
  • Bath
  • Salisbury
  • More

Drive 215 km, 3 hours 47 min

  • Thermae Bath Spa
  • Theatre Royal, Bath
  • Roman Baths
  • Pulteney Bridge
  • Stonehenge
  • More

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 Bath and Salisbury. In the evening, you’ll end up in London, where you will stay for 4 nights.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Bristol, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Bath. This drive usually takes around 42 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Thermae Bath Spa. This spa is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 8,744 visitors.

When you’re finished at Thermae Bath Spa, head to Theatre Royal, Bath. This one-of-a-kind point of interest is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 2,153 reviews.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Roman Baths. This thermae is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 31,875 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, then consider a visit to Pulteney Bridge. This road bridge is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 7,931 visitors.

Salisbury’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Bath behind. This drive usually takes around 56 min. Salisbury welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Stonehenge. This much-appreciated tourist attraction is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars in 51,913 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 day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of London's best restaurants.

Savor the flavors at Cahoots London, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Bill's Soho Restaurant beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Estiatorio Milos. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in London tonight.

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

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in England!

Read more
Day 4

Day 4 – London and Camden Town

  • London
  • Camden Town
  • More

Drive 13 km, 56 min

  • Tower of London
  • Tower Bridge
  • Borough Market
  • London Bridge
  • British Museum
  • More

Day 4 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in London for 3 nights more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

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.

Enjoy a delicious meal at The Palomar, a top-rated dining destination in London. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Berners Tavern, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Burger & Lobster Leicester Square. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in London this evening.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Artesian. Alternatively, go to American Bar, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Old Shades provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

Say good night to London and look forward to another great day of your road trip in England!

Read more
Day 5

Day 5 – London, Westminster, and Kensington

  • London
  • Westminster
  • Kensington
  • More

Drive 11 km, 1 hour 1 min

  • Hyde Park
  • Science Museum
  • Victoria and Albert Museum
  • Buckingham Palace
  • St James's Park
  • More

On day 5 of your road trip in England, you’ll start and end your day in Westminster, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you will return to London for 2 nights more, there’s no need to rush. Experience Westminster and Kensington to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Westminster, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Kensington may take around 7 min. Upon your arrival in Kensington, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Hyde Park. This extraordinary park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 126,766 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 164,776 visitors.

We also recommend a visit to St James's Park. This park is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 55,261 travelers.

Set your GPS to Kensington and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 7 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Kensington beckons with new experiences!

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Science Museum. This extraordinary science museum is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 65,368 visitors. Each year, around 2,989,000 people visit this site to learn more about it.

Next, make your way to Victoria and Albert Museum. This top attraction is a museum with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 55,517 visitors. Victoria and Albert Museum welcomes 3,932,738 yearly visitors.

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 Rules, 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 Hawksmoor Seven Dials, 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 Simpson's in the Strand, a hidden gem nestled in London. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

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

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.

Read more
Day 6

Day 6 – London

  • London
  • More

Drive 9 km, 1 hour 8 min

  • Madame Tussauds London
  • National Gallery
  • Trafalgar Square
  • Big Ben
  • lastminute.com London Eye
  • More

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 sightseeing of the day begins at Madame Tussauds London, a remarkable wax museum where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 71,843 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at National Gallery. This art museum has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 48,134 travelers. Given the site's popularity, it’s easy to understand why more than 6,011,007 people visit it every year.

Trafalgar Square is another must-visit attraction. This renowned square offers a memorable experience, well worth a stop on your self-guided sightseeing tour. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 121,847 travelers, it's one of the more popular places to see in the area.

Beyond the above-mentioned sites, you also have the opportunity to visit Big Ben. This well-loved cultural icon boasts a 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 61,373 reviews.

One of the most unique ways of discovering what else London has to offer is by going on a top-rated tour. Be sure to check out all the experiences London offers and add your favorites to your England travel package below.

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.

This renowned restaurant holds , and offers an exceptional menu of cuisine. Make sure to reserve a table at Smith & Wollensky, 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 Hawksmoor Air Street, 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 Premier Inn London County Hall hotel, a hidden gem nestled in London. 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 Ship & Shovell is an excellent place to start.

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

Read more
Day 7

Day 7 – London, Watford, Leavesden, Eton, Cheapside, and Southampton

  • Southampton
  • Watford
  • Leavesden
  • Eton
  • Cheapside
  • More

Drive 179 km, 3 hours 14 min

  • Cassiobury Park
  • Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter
  • Windsor Castle
  • Windsor Great Park
  • More

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

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Leavesden. This car ride takes around 12 min.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Cassiobury Park. This park is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Watford, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 7,300 visitors.

After soaking in Watford’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 12 min. When you arrive in Leavesden, it's time to take a break from the road.

Start 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 from 82,133 visitors.

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.

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

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.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Beards & Boards Craft Beer Bar after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to London Hotel for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Heartbreakers is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in England!

Read more
Day 8

Day 8 – Southampton - departure day

  • Southampton - Departure day
  • More
  • Bargate
  • More

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.

Make the most of your final day in England by visiting Southampton’s iconic markets and shopping establishments. Your stay’s proximity to the city’s retail haven invites an unhurried and unforgettable exploration of its variety of stores and establishments. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in England. Take home a piece of England with these souvenirs, keeping your adventures close.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Bargate. This city gate is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 631 reviews.

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

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!

Read more

Similar travel packages

Discover other popular vacations in the United Kingdom

Link to appstore phone
Install Europe’s biggest travel app

Download Europe’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place

Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Europe’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.