9-Day England Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Manchester traveling north to Windermere and York

On day 2 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to discover what to see in Manchester. You’ll stay in Manchester for 1 night.

Whether you decide to explore Manchester on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Make sure to visit Castlefield, a popular neighborhood in Manchester. Spend some time wandering around the area and soak in its distinctive charm. You’ll also discover that several of the city’s must-see attractions are just around the corner.

Visiting Science And Industry Museum is always a good idea. This well-known museum is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike. Next, immerse yourself in the heritage-rich wonders of John Rylands Research Institute And Library, a must-see library in the city.

Consider stopping for a small bite to eat or a drink at a local eatery to keep your energy going. When you’re ready, continue your discovery with a visit to Manchester Art Gallery. This often recommended art gallery offers an enriching experience. For a change of pace, head to Heaton Park, where you can take in visually striking features.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in England. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

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

Have a fantastic dining experience at MR THOMAS'S CHOP HOUSE, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Sam's Chop House offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Annies is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Manchester.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Arcane. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, The Liquor Store offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Atlas Bar, another top-rated bar in the area.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in England!

Wake up to day 4 of your road trip in England. On this day, you’ll embark on an exciting expedition discovering the enchanting sights and activities of Buttermere, Keswick, and Grange. With 1 night to stay in Windermere, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the town’s surroundings!

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Buttermere. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 3 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Moss Force Waterfall. Spend some time admiring the eye-catching features of the waterfall before you continue to your next stop.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Keswick, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Buttermere to Keswick may take around 24 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Keswick, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Keswick Museum and explore the photogenic features. Next, make your way to Castlerigg Stone Circle, another highlight in Keswick.

Nearby, you will also find Ashness Bridge. This locally appreciated historical landmark is a top place to see in the area.

Set your GPS to Grange and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 9 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Grange beckons with new experiences!

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is National Trust - Bowder Stone. Spend some time admiring the instagrammable features of the rock formation before you continue to your next stop.

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

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Windermere. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in England!

Your itinerary for day 5 of your road trip in England includes 1 stop and features some of the highlights of York. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in York, where you'll spend 3 nights.

After soaking in Windermere’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: York. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 2 hours 21 min. When you arrive in York, it's time to take a break from the road.

When you're ready for some sights, head to National Railway Museum, a notable museum in York. Explore its eye-catching features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next attraction, York Museum Gardens. This underrated botanical garden is a top recommendation in the area.

When you’re ready to explore more, York City Walls is an excellent choice. Spend some time discovering what some claim to be the most stunning historical landmark in the region. Next, continue your sightseeing at the locally appreciated Rowntree Park and discover what makes this park unique.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in York. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the city.

York 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 York.

Make sure to reserve a table at Yakamoz, an iconic dining spot in York. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of House Of The Trembling Madness, a popular restaurant in York. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Turtle Bay York, a hidden gem nestled in York. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at The Habit Cafe Bar, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Shambles Tavern offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in York. Pivní York is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Day 6 offers an itinerary packed with the best things to see in Manchester. You’ll stay in York for 2 nights more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Let York Minster set the tone for the day. Spend some time admiring this breathtaking church before continuing your journey. Shambles Market is your next stop. This captivating market 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 Merchant Adventurers' Hall. This visually striking museum is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit Jorvik Viking Centre and York Dungeon. If time allows, end your day with Clifford's Tower, York, a breathtaking castle that offers a memorable conclusion to your exploration.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in England. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

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

Enjoy a lovely meal at Fancy Hank's Bar & Kitchen, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Plonkers is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at The Ivy St Helen's Square York. As an establishment that consistently gains high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in York tonight.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Dusk after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to Fossgate Tap for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting.

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

On day 7 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in York, where you have 1 night left to stay.

Kirkham is brimming with adventures.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Kirkham may take around 24 min. Upon your arrival in Kirkham, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Kirkham Priory, a curiosity-inducing monastery that everyone visiting Kirkham should see.

After soaking in Kirkham’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Malham. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 51 min. When you arrive in Malham, it's time to take a break from the road.

Our first attraction recommendation in Malham is Janet's Foss, an underrated waterfall that draws attention for its instagrammable features.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Malham, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Craven. This drive usually takes around 28 min.

Skipton Market is a worthwhile market we recommend visiting today. Discover its instagrammable features before continuing your self-guided tour to Skipton Castle, a history-steeped castle that’s well-regarded in the area.

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

York 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 York.

Don’t miss out on dining at Little Italy, a top-rated dining destination in York. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider The Cut & Craft, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Wildes. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in York this evening.

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

On day 8 of your road trip in England, your travel plans include 3 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Edensor, Bakewell, and Castleton are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Manchester, where you will stay for 1 night.

Edensor’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of York behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 43 min. Edensor welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Spend your afternoon discovering Chatsworth House, a locally renowned palace known for its visually striking features.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Edensor, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Bakewell. This drive usually takes around 10 min.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Bakewell Bridge. Spend some time admiring the romantic features of the historical landmark before you continue to your next stop.

Set your GPS to Castleton and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 29 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Castleton beckons with new experiences!

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Peak Cavern, a worthwhile cave that everyone visiting Castleton should see. Next, head to Peveril Castle. This romantic castle is one of the most underrated attractions in the region.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Manchester, 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 Manchester's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

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

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Port Street Beer House, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Bar Fringe offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Mary D's Beamish Bar. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in England!