9-Day England Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Birmingham to Basingstoke, London, and Nottingham

On day 2 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Birmingham, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. On today's itinerary, you'll find attractions in Dudley, Walsall, and Sutton Coldfield. You still have 1 night left in Birmingham.

Bring your curiosity for today’s adventure around Dudley. Some of the town’s most loved attractions await.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Birmingham and set your GPS to Dudley. 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 32 min. Upon reaching Dudley, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Your self-guided tour starts at Dudley Zoo And Castle, an interesting zoo that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey. Next, head to Black Country Living Museum and admire its instagrammable features.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Walsall. This car ride takes around 24 min.

Spend your afternoon discovering Walsall Arboretum, a beloved park known for its majestic features.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Walsall, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Sutton Coldfield may take around 14 min. Upon your arrival in Sutton Coldfield, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Begin your journey at Sutton Park and explore the romantic features.

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

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Birmingham. 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.

Discover the culinary delights of Birmingham by securing a reservation at Purnell's. Esteemed for its 1-star Guide Michelin recognition, this restaurant offers a remarkable selection of modern cuisine. For an alternative dining experience, try Simpsons, renowned for its delicious modern dishes. This esteemed 1-star Michelin-recipient consistently impresses guests, making it a must-visit spot during your holiday. Craving more culinary excitement? Head to Opheem, a highly recommended local eatery celebrated for its mouthwatering indian menu. With its 2-star Michelin recognition, it offers an unforgettable dining adventure.

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

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 4 of your road trip in England. Today, you will make 4 stops and experience some of the highlights of Eton, Brentford, Kensington, and London. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in London, which will be your home away from home for 3 nights.

Eton’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Basingstoke behind. This drive usually takes around 46 min. Eton welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Windsor Castle is a top-rated castle we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its culturally significant features before continuing your self-guided tour.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Brentford, 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 Eton to Brentford may take around 30 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Brentford, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Spend your afternoon discovering Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, a notable botanical garden known for its eye-catching features.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Kensington, 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 Brentford to Kensington may take around 23 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Kensington, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Your self-guided tour starts at Science Museum, an extraordinary museum that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey. Next, head to Victoria And Albert Museum and admire its instagrammable features.

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. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Experience a taste of local culinary excellence while in London by securing a table at Sketch, The Lecture Room and Library. An esteemed 3-star Michelin restaurant, it features an exceptional modern french menu. For an alternative taste experience, visit Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, famous for its scrumptious french dishes. This 3-star Michelin venue consistently impresses guests, making it a standout addition to your holiday plans. Looking for another choice? Discover Hélène Darroze at The Connaught, a local favorite celebrated for its exquisite modern cuisine in London. Located in the heart of the city, this 3-star Michelin restaurant is an ideal pick for modern cuisine lovers seeking top-notch culinary experiences.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Bar Américain, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out The Connaught Bar, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Juno Rooms provides an excellent alternative for a fun 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.

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.

Today's adventure in London promises more breathtaking discoveries and enriching experiences! Begin at Hyde Park. This standout park is a highlight of any visit in the city. Then, enjoy St James's Park, another mesmerizing attraction that never fails to captivate visitors. Next, head over to Trafalgar Square, one of the city’s most timeless attractions, known for its historic features.

If you’re looking for more, spend time soaking in the atmosphere of National Gallery. This photogenic art gallery is frequented by locals and tourists alike. To complete your memorable day, make sure to visit British Museum, a wondrous museum, and take a stroll around the area.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. England is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.

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

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Hawksmoor Guildhall, 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.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Lyaness. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Bar Polski, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Buckingham Arms provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

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

On day 6 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore London. You’ll stay in London for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

Prepare for a day full of fun adventures, romantic experiences, and breathtaking views. When you’re ready, kick off your sightseeing adventure at London Eye. This iconic observation deck is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique vacation experience. Another sight you shouldn’t miss is Borough Market, one of the city’s most promising highlights.

Next, check out London Bridge, one of the most extraordinary places to see in London. This historical landmark is a favorite among locals and travelers alike. Enjoy some downtime and refreshments before continuing to your next stop, Tower Of London. Wander around and soak in the historic atmosphere this castle offers. Finally, take the path to the iconic Tower Bridge, the last of our attraction recommendations for today.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. England is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities 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.

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 Goodman City. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice 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 Merchant House London, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Artesian. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Jin Bo Law, another top-rated place in the area.

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

On day 7 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 London and Leavesden. In the evening, you’ll end up in Nottingham, where you will stay for 1 night.

Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in London today. One of the most notable attractions included on the itinerary is Westminster Abbey. This culturally significant church will help you start your sightseeing on top. Then, take a leisurely stroll to Big Ben and learn what makes this culturally significant monument unique.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the well-known Regent's Park. After exploring the park, head to Madame Tussauds London. This spectacular wax museum is a highlight in London.

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 Leavesden. Your travel time is around 42 min.

Head to Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making Of Harry Potter, an astonishing museum in Leavesden. Explore its eye-catching features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Nottingham. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Nottingham. 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.

Get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey in Nottingham by reserving a table at Kushi-Ya. Renowned as a Bib Gourmand restaurant, it offers an exceptional japanese menu. For a different taste experience, head to alchemilla, recognized for its delicious modern british dishes. This 1-star Michelin restaurant consistently impresses guests, ensuring a memorable addition to your holiday. Looking for another option? Make sure to visit Ibérico World Tapas, a local favorite known for its delightful mediterranean and asian influences cuisine in Nottingham. Nestled in the heart of the city, this Bib Gourmand awardee is an ideal choice for discerning mediterranean and asian influences foodies seeking culinary excellence.

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

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

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 8 of your road trip in England. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 3 vibrant destinations - Edensor, Alrewas, and Lichfield. 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.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Edensor and set your GPS to Alrewas. 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 1 hour 10 min. Upon reaching Alrewas, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Make your way to Chatsworth House, a popular palace that draws attention for its enchanting features.

Alrewas’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Edensor behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 10 min. Alrewas welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Make your way to National Memorial Arboretum, a notable war memorial that draws attention for its culturally significant features.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of your accommodation in Birmingham. Birmingham offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

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

Savor the flavors at La Galleria, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, The Ivy Temple Row beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Malmaison Birmingham. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Birmingham tonight.

Head back to your accommodation in Birmingham and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in England!