9-Day England Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Leeds to Windermere and Cotswold and surrounding area

On day 2 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Leeds, where you still have 1 night left. You'll spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city, including York.

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.

As you explore York’s charming streets, take in the lively atmosphere and get to know the character of the city.

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

Our first attraction recommendation in York is National Railway Museum, a locally renowned museum that draws attention for its historic features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Clifford's Tower, York, a breathtaking castle that stands out in the city.

Time flies when you're having fun! But don't forget to stop for a bit to eat and drink between your adventures. When you're rested and recharged, head to Shambles Market, a popular market that offers a unique experience. Be sure to also explore York Minster, a nearby church, highly recommended by other travelers. End your self-guided tour at York City Walls, a standout historical landmark and the perfect final attraction in York.

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

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.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Cosy Club, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Clayton Hotel Leeds? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Riva Blu Italian Restaurant & Bar, Leeds as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Leeds.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Power, Corruption & Lies, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Brudenell Social Club is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Whitelock's First City Luncheon Bar is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

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

On day 4 of your road trip, you'll get the chance to experience Keswick, Ambleside, and Near Sawrey. At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Windermere, where you still have 2 nights left to stay.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Keswick. This drive usually takes around 42 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Savor the day by heading to Keswick Museum, an increasingly popular museum that draws visitors from near and far.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Ambleside. This car ride takes around 28 min.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is The Bridge House. Spend some time admiring the breathtaking features of the historical landmark before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Stock Ghyll Force. This frequently visited waterfall is a traveler-favorite in the town.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Near Sawrey, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Ambleside to Near Sawrey may take around 22 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Near Sawrey, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the town's best attractions, visit National Trust - Hill Top, an increasingly popular museum that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

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

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 Windermere, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

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

On day 5 of your road trip in England, you’ll start and end your day in Windermere, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the town. Since you still have 1 night to spend in Windermere, there’s no need to rush. Experience Grasmere, Rydal, and Keswick to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Grasmere may take around 25 min. Upon your arrival in Grasmere, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

When you're ready for some sights, head to National Trust - Allan Bank And Grasmere, a worthwhile sightseeing destination in Grasmere.

Savor the day by heading to Lake District National Park, a popular national park that draws visitors from near and far.

When you’ve had your share of Rydal, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Keswick. Your travel time is around 23 min.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Rydal Cave, a beloved cave that everyone visiting Rydal should see.

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

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Windermere's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

As the sun sets, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in England.

Your itinerary for day 6 of your road trip in England includes 3 stops and features some of the highlights of Stratford-on-Avon, Evesham, and Bibury. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Cotswold, where you'll spend 2 nights.

Stratford-on-Avon’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Windermere behind. This drive usually takes around 52 min. Stratford-on-Avon welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Our first attraction recommendation in Stratford-on-Avon is Shakespeare's Birthplace, a well-known museum that draws attention for its photogenic features.

When you’ve had your share of Stratford-on-Avon, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Evesham. Your travel time is around 27 min.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Abbey Park. Spend some time admiring the eye-catching features of the park before you continue to your next stop.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Bibury may take around 54 min. Upon your arrival in Bibury, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the town's best attractions, visit National Trust - Bibury, a curiosity-inducing historical landmark that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Cotswold. Cotswold offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Cotswold. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

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

Greet day 7 of your road trip in England with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You have 1 night to stay in Cotswold, so get ready to make the most of your time in the region. On the agenda for this day, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in Bourton-on-the-Water, Northleach, and Hidcote Bartrim.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Bourton-on-the-Water. This car ride takes around 26 min.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Bourton-on-the-water. Then, head to Birdland Park And Gardens. This worthwhile zoo is a traveler-favorite in the village.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Northleach. This drive usually takes around 13 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Church Of St Peter And St Paul, Northleach, an often recommended church in Northleach. Explore its historic features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Hidcote Bartrim. This drive usually takes around 41 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

National Trust - Hidcote is an up-and-coming botanical garden we recommend visiting today. Discover its awe-inspiring features before continuing your self-guided tour.

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

Cotswold is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Cotswold.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences 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 1 place, which are Oxford. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Leeds, where will spend 1 night.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Cotswold and set your GPS to Oxford. 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 2 min. Upon reaching Oxford, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Oxford Castle is an intriguing castle we recommend visiting today. Discover its breathtaking features before continuing your self-guided tour to Carfax Tower Tower Of The Church Of St Martin Carfax, a historic monument that’s well-regarded in the area.

Next, stop by Covered Market, a heritage-rich market. While you’re nearby, don’t forget to visit Radcliffe Camera, a breathtaking and truly unique library. End your sightseeing at Oxford University Museum Of Natural History, an interesting museum that’s highly recommended by travelers passing through the city.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Leeds, 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 Leeds's best restaurants.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Gaucho Leeds, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Bill's Leeds Restaurant? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Aire Bar as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Leeds.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Roland's Leeds, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, The Lost & Found Leeds Club offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Leeds. Distrikt is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

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