9-Day England Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Leeds to York, Windermere, Liverpool, Chester, and Stratford-on-Avon
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Description
Explore the best of England on a 9-day road trip! Uncover hidden gems and experience the rich culture firsthand as you journey through Leeds, Horsforth, York, Near Sawrey, Windermere, Liverpool, Chester, Stratford-on-Avon, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Bibury. This road trip itinerary in England seamlessly combines exploration with relaxation.
This perfectly planned road trip itinerary in England takes you through some of the best places to see in the country. You will spend 3 nights in Leeds, 1 night in York, 1 night in Windermere, 1 night in Liverpool, 1 night in Chester, and 1 night in Stratford-on-Avon. 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 Leeds, 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. Royal Albert Dock Liverpool and Chester Zoo are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery. Marvel at the remarkable National Railway Museum, learn more about the unique York Minster, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Shakespeare's Birthplace.
As you hit the open road and drive through Leeds, Horsforth, York, Near Sawrey, Windermere, Liverpool, Chester, Stratford-on-Avon, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Bibury, 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!
Itinerary summary
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Day 1
- Leeds - Arrival day
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- Park Square
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Say hello to Leeds! Your exciting road trip through England is just about to start. Navigating the top places to see in the region is a breeze with a car. The rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for pickup upon your arrival in the city. You will stay in Leeds for 2 nights before you continue your adventure!
Leeds 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 Park Square, or just 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 Leeds. 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. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Leeds, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at HOME, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? The Whitehall Restaurant & Bar offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Premier Inn Leeds City Centre (Leeds Arena) hotel. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Leeds.
Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Pixel Bar Leeds. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Wax Bar, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, North Bar provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.
Raise a toast to the start of your 9-day road trip in England!
Day 2
- Leeds
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Drive 31 km, 1 hour 15 min
- Kirkstall Abbey
- Leeds City Museum
- Royal Armouries Leeds
- Roundhay Park
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On day 2 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Leeds, where you'll stay for 1 night more.
Get ready for an exciting day in Leeds. Today’s sightseeing agenda includes a monastery, a museum, and a park. Begin your adventure at Kirkstall Abbey. This is an intriguing monastery you should not miss. Another must-see is Leeds City Museum, an intriguing museum in Leeds.
When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Royal Armouries Museum. From there, take a leisurely stroll to Roundhay Park, another of the town’s interesting attractions.
When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Leeds.
As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Leeds. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.
Enjoy a delicious meal at Cosy Club, a highly-rated dining destination in Leeds. If you're eager to try something different, consider Clayton Hotel Leeds, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Riva Blu Italian Restaurant & Bar, Leeds. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Leeds this evening.
Round off your dining experience by visiting Power, Corruption & Lies, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Brudenell Social Club, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Whitelock's First City Luncheon Bar likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.
Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in England!
Day 3
- Leeds
- York
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Drive 47 km, 1 hour 20 min
- National Railway Museum York
- York Minster
- Shambles Market
- Jorvik Viking Centre
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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 York. In the evening, you’ll end up in York, where you will stay for 1 night.
Prepare for a day full of fun adventures, photo-friendly spots, and historic treasures. When you’re ready, kick off your sightseeing adventure at National Railway Museum. This well-known museum is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique vacation experience. Another sight you shouldn’t miss is York Minster, one of the city’s best highlights.
Next, check out Shambles Market, one of the most popular places to see in Leeds. This market is a favorite among locals and travelers alike. Enjoy some downtime and refreshments before continuing to your next stop, Jorvik Viking Centre. Wander around and soak in the historic atmosphere this museum offers.
At the end of the day, you will drive to York, 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 York. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.
Enjoy a delicious meal at Yakamoz, a top-rated dining destination in York. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider House Of The Trembling Madness, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Turtle Bay York. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in York this evening.
To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting The Habit Cafe Bar after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Shambles Tavern, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Pivní York also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.
Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in England!
Day 4
- York
- Bowness-on-Windermere
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Drive 250 km, 4 hours 8 min
- National Trust - Hill Top
- National Trust - Tarn Hows
- Windermere
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Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 4 of your road trip in England. Today, you will make 2 stops and experience some of the highlights of Near Sawrey and Windermere. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Windermere, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.
Today’s well-planned self-sightseeing route offers several fun adventures, scenic views, and photo-friendly spots. Whether you decide to explore York on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. National Trust - Hill Top is the first of them. Spend some time admiring this awe-inspiring museum before continuing your journey. National Trust - Tarn Hows is your next stop. This up-and-coming lake is one of the best-rated sights in York.
Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Windermere. This romantic lake is a sight to behold.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Windermere. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the town.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Windermere. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the town, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in England!
Day 5
- Bowness-on-Windermere
- Liverpool
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Drive 144 km, 2 hours 34 min
- Walker Art Gallery
- Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral
- The Beatles Story
- Royal Albert Dock Liverpool
- The Liverpool Waterfront
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Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 5 of your road trip in England. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Liverpool. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Liverpool. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.
Today, you'll explore some of the most beautiful places in Windermere, including an art gallery, a church, a museum, a historical landmark, a public square and much more! Start your day with a visit to Walker Art Gallery. This frequently visited art gallery is a must-visit in the city. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, which may be one of the most picture-perfect places you will experience today.
One of the best things about exploring Windermere on a self-guided tour is that you set the pace. There’s plenty of time for detours and discovering hidden gems. When you’re ready for your next stop, make your way to The Beatles Story, a curiosity-inducing museum in the city. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for Royal Albert Dock Liverpool and The Liverpool Waterfront.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Liverpool. Liverpool offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.
After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Liverpool's best restaurants.
Enjoy a lovely dining experience at KURDINA RESTAURANT AND BAR, a popular restaurant in Liverpool. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Liverpool at Rudy's Pizza Napoletana - Castle Street, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated The Quarter. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Liverpool tonight.
Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Brass Monkey. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Sanctuary Bar, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, The Underground Gin Society 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.
Day 6
- Liverpool
- Cheshire West and Chester
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Drive 45 km, 1 hour 14 min
- Chester Zoo
- The Grosvenor Museum
- Chester Cathedral
- Chester City Walls
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Dive into day 6 of your remarkable road trip in England. Today you will explore Chester, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Chester. You’ll stay here for 1 night.
Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Liverpool, featuring family-friendly attractions, scenic views, and photo-friendly spots. Start at Chester Zoo, a locally renowned zoo in the city. Then, head to The Grosvenor Museum and soak in the ambiance of this photogenic museum.
There are many interesting places to see in Liverpool, and when you are ready for more, go to Chester Cathedral. This is one of the city’s most curiosity-inducing stunning spots of interest. After exploring the church, visit the worthwhile Chester City Walls.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Chester, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.
Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Chester's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.
Don’t miss out on dining at 1539 Restaurant and Bar, a top-rated dining destination in Chester. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider The Church Chester Bar & Restaurant, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at BarLounge - Chester. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Chester this evening.
After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Prohibition, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Liquor And Co. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Craft & Company, another top-rated place in the area.
Relax and reminisce about your day in England and look forward to more memorable moments to come!
Day 7
- Cheshire West and Chester
- Stratford-upon-Avon
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Drive 210 km, 3 hours 16 min
- Anne Hathaway's Cottage
- Holy Trinity Church
- Shakespeare's Funerary Monument
- Shakespeare's Birthplace
- Stratford Butterfly Farm
- Hall's Croft
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On day 7 of your exciting self-drive vacation in England, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Stratford-on-Avon. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Stratford-on-Avon, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.
Bring your curiosity for today’s adventure around Chester. Some of the town’s most loved attractions await! Anne Hathaway's Cottage is the perfect place to start. This historical landmark is one of the most up-and-coming places to visit in Chester. Next, head to Holy Trinity Church, a curiosity-inducing church, known for its stunning features.
In between the sights, don’t hesitate to take small detours to explore local stores and eateries. When you’re ready to continue your adventure, head to Shakespeare's Funerary Monument. This noteworthy monument is a highly recommended experience. Nearby, you'll also find Shakespeare's Birthplace and Stratford Butterfly Farm. Visit these for an interesting touch to your journey. Finish the day with a visit to Hall's Croft, a respected museum in Chester.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Stratford-on-Avon. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the town.
As you explore more of Stratford-on-Avon, 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.
Continue your lively evening at Garrick, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in.
Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in England!
Day 8
- Stratford-upon-Avon
- Leeds
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Drive 335 km, 4 hours 46 min
- The Dragonfly Maze
- Bourton-on-the-water
- Cotswold Motoring Museum
- National Trust - Bibury
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On day 8 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 Bourton-on-the-Water and Bibury. In the evening, you’ll end up in Leeds, where you will stay for 1 night.
Immerse yourself in Stratford-on-Avon’s rich culture with today's sightseeing itinerary. Start your journey at The Dragonfly Maze. This picture-perfect maze is sure to ignite your curiosity.
In between sights, stop by local stores, picturesque photo spots, and small eateries. When you’re ready for your next attraction, proceed to Cotswold Motoring Museum, an up-and-coming museum. For a change of scene, check out National Trust - Bibury, known for its romantic features.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Leeds. Leeds offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.
After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Leeds. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.
Enjoy a lovely meal at Gaucho Leeds, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Bill's Leeds Restaurant is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Aire Bar. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Leeds tonight.
After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Roland's Leeds, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, The Lost & Found Leeds Club offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Distrikt provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.
Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in England!
Day 9
- Leeds - Departure day
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- Tick Tock Unlock - Leeds Live Escape Rooms
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Day 9 of your road trip in England is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Leeds before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
Explore local shops for souvenirs to remember your trip or find unique gifts for loved ones. Discover boutiques offering an array of stylish fashion choices. For those seeking luxury items, check out the area’s high-end stores.
Before you conclude your road trip in England, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Leeds.
Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Premier Inn Leeds City (Elland Road) hotel, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Leeds Dock? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu.
You’ll then say farewell to Leeds. 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!
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